Elewana Elephant Pepper Camp: A Guide to This Classic Tented Camp in Mara North Conservancy
Picture a small camp hidden in a grove of fig and elephant pepper trees, canvas tents looking out over rolling grasslands, and elephants or lions strolling past while you sip coffee on your veranda. That is Elephant Pepper Camp, a vintage style tented retreat in the private Mara North Conservancy. With only a handful of tents, excellent guiding, and a reputation for outstanding food, it offers a refined, uncrowded Mara experience. Here is everything you need to know before you book.
Where Is Elephant Pepper Camp?
Elephant Pepper Camp sits in the Mara North Conservancy, a private wildlife area on the northern edge of the Masai Mara National Reserve. The camp is tucked beneath a dense grove of fig and elephant pepper trees on the edge of the woodland, with wide views over the open plains.
Getting there:
- Mara North Airstrip: about 30 minutes’ drive, with the transfer doubling as a game drive
- Musiara Airstrip: about an hour’s drive
- Nairobi: roughly 250 kilometers away, with most guests choosing to fly
The Name
The camp takes its name from the elephant pepper trees that grow all around it. Their peppery bark and leaves give the trees their name, and together with the surrounding fig trees they create a shady, green setting that keeps the camp cool and private.
The Mara North Conservancy Advantage
Elephant Pepper Camp is run by Elewana Collection, a respected East African safari group, and is one of a limited number of camps in the Mara North Conservancy.
Why it matters:
- Fewer vehicles: The conservancy limits the number of guests at any one time, so sightings are far less crowded than in busier parts of the reserve.
- More activities: Night drives, guided walks, and off road driving to get closer to sightings are allowed, unlike in the main reserve.
- Community benefit: Local Maasai landowners lease their land to the conservancy, so your stay directly supports the families who live alongside the wildlife.
Guests often say the lack of crowds is one of the biggest highlights of staying here.
Tents and Accommodation
Elephant Pepper Camp is small and intimate, with just 10 luxury tents:
- Eight standard luxury tents: four with double beds and four with twin beds, ideal for couples and friends
- Two larger tents: suitable for honeymooners or families, with extra space and privacy
The tents are spacious and bright, with large bathroom areas, and are spaced out beneath the trees to give each guest a sense of seclusion. The décor draws inspiration from the vintage safaris of old, blending classic style with modern comfort.
Tent features include:
- Comfortable beds with quality linen
- En suite bathroom
- In room safe
- Private veranda overlooking the bush or plains
Wildlife often wanders close to camp, and guests describe watching lions or elephants pass by from their tents.
Dining and Drinks
Elephant Pepper Camp is well known for its food. The kitchen is known for Italian influenced cuisine, alongside international and local dishes, and breakfasts are cooked to order.
Meals can be enjoyed in several settings:
- In the dining tent
- Al fresco under the trees
- As a barbecue by the campfire
- As a bush breakfast out on the plains
The lounge tent, bar, and campfire are perfect places to swap stories after a game drive.
Main Areas
- Lounge tent
- Dining tent
- Bar
- Al fresco seating areas
- Campfire
- WiFi
Activities
Game drives: Morning and afternoon drives take place within the Mara North Conservancy, known for excellent sightings of lions, leopards, cheetahs, elephants, buffaloes, giraffes, and plains game.
Night drives: Available in the conservancy, offering the chance to see nocturnal animals such as hyenas, bush babies, and hunting predators.
Guided walks: Explore the bush on foot with experienced walking guides and local Maasai, gaining a whole new perspective on the ecosystem.
The Great Migration: From around July to October, the herds arrive in the Mara, and the conservancy offers excellent viewing.
Hot air balloon safaris: Float over the plains at sunrise, followed by a champagne breakfast.
Cultural visits: Visit local Maasai communities to learn about their traditions and way of life.
Children’s activities: Special activities are available for younger guests.
Families at Elephant Pepper Camp
Children of all ages are welcome. The two larger tents are well suited to families, and the camp offers children’s activities to keep younger travelers engaged.
New: Little Elephant Pepper Camp
In 2026, Elewana added a new sister camp. Little Elephant Pepper Camp opened on May 1, 2026, and offers a more intimate version of the Elephant Pepper experience in the same conservancy. It overlooks a natural mineral lick fed by a seasonal stream, where wildlife comes and goes throughout the day.
The camp has just three spacious safari suites and one two bedroom family suite, along with a dedicated spa treatment room and a small shop featuring locally made crafts. It is ideal for travelers wanting even more privacy, or for families and small groups who might book the whole camp.
Park and Conservancy Fees
Conservancy fees for Mara North are generally included in the camp’s rates. If you choose to take a game drive into the Masai Mara National Reserve, reserve fees apply for that day. For 2026, non-resident adults pay USD 100 per day from January to June and USD 200 per day from July to December, while children aged 9 to 17 pay USD 50 per day.
When you book with Unmatched Expeditions, all conservancy and park fees are included in your package.
How to Get There
By air: Fly from Nairobi’s Wilson Airport to Mara North Airstrip, followed by a 30 minute transfer to camp.
By road: The drive from Nairobi takes around five to six hours or more, passing through the Great Rift Valley and Narok town. Most guests choose to fly.
Who Is Elephant Pepper Camp Best For?
Elephant Pepper Camp is a great fit for:
- Travelers seeking an uncrowded safari in a private conservancy
- Honeymooners and couples who love classic safari style
- Families, with children of all ages welcome and larger family tents
- Foodies, thanks to the camp’s reputation for excellent cuisine
- First time safari goers wanting a comfortable, intimate introduction
- Migration travelers looking for great viewing without the crowds
Book Your Stay with Unmatched Expeditions
Unmatched Expeditions can include Elephant Pepper Camp or Little Elephant Pepper Camp in a luxury fly in Masai Mara safari, a honeymoon itinerary, a family adventure, or a longer Kenya trip combining the Mara with Amboseli, Laikipia, Samburu, or the coast. We handle flights, conservancy fees, accommodation, and activities. Contact our team for a tailored itinerary and current rates.
Frequently Asked Questions
Where is Elephant Pepper Camp?
In the private Mara North Conservancy on the northern edge of the Masai Mara.
Who runs Elephant Pepper Camp?
Elewana Collection, an East African safari group.
How many tents does Elephant Pepper Camp have?
10 tents: eight standard luxury tents and two larger tents for honeymooners or families.
What is the nearest airstrip?
Mara North Airstrip, about 30 minutes’ drive away.
Can children stay at Elephant Pepper Camp?
Yes. Children of all ages are welcome.
Can you do night drives and walks?
Yes. Both are available in the Mara North Conservancy.
What is Little Elephant Pepper Camp?
A new sister camp that opened on May 1, 2026, with three safari suites and a two bedroom family suite overlooking a mineral lick.
Are conservancy fees included?
Conservancy fees are generally included in camp rates. Reserve fees apply if you visit the national reserve.