Who would love it
This is an ideal safari for travellers who want a real sense of wilderness without giving up comfort. It suits people doing safari for the first time, as well as those who’ve been before and are now looking for space, privacy and fewer vehicles. Perfect for couples, families with older children, and anyone drawn to classic safari style, big landscapes and quietly exceptional wildlife encounters.
Overview of the Camp
A luxury safari had been on our wishlist for a long time, but choosing where to stay felt daunting given the number of options. After plenty of research, we settled on Ol Seki in Kenya, part of the Hemingways Collection. It turned out to be one of the most memorable trips we’ve ever taken as a family!
Ol Seki is located in the remote Koiyaki area of the Maasai Mara, within a private conservancy bordering the national park. The setting immediately sets it apart. During our game drives we sometimes saw only one other vehicle, which made wildlife encounters feel genuinely special. Game viewing within the conservancy is excellent, with animals moving freely across the plains.
The style of the camp has a classic safari look — canvas, wood, natural textures and wide open views — combined with modern comforts that make it easy to relax after long days out in the bush.
Number and type of rooms
There are just 10 spacious walk-in canvas tents at Ol Seki, which keeps the atmosphere intimate and low-key. Tents are spaced well apart for privacy and designed to blend into the landscape rather than dominate it. Categories include standard safari tents, family tents with separate sleeping areas, and a larger private tented villa for those wanting extra space. All tents have proper beds, en-suite bathrooms and generous private terraces with panoramic views across the Maasai Mara — perfect for early morning wildlife spotting or watching the light change in the evening.
Images: https://www.hemingways-collection.com/ol-seki-mara/
Do
Ol Seki sits within wide-open savannah in a private conservancy. Rolling plains stretch in every direction. The feeling of being immersed in the landscape is constant.
We were woken up early with hot chocolate for our early morning game drive. We saw most of the “big 5” during our game drives, only missing the elusive leopard! We were back for a sumptuous breakfast and then had time to relax and chill out before a second, late afternoon game drive. We also did one night safari which was exciting.
We also did a day trip into the Maasai Mara National Park itself. After a long wait we were lucky enough to witness the dramatic Great Migration river crossing. This migration involved vast herds of wildebeest, zebra and gazelles migrate from the southern Serengeti in Tanzania to Kenya’s Maasai Mara in a search for fresh grasses. The animals wait, seemingly trying to summon courage to make the risky crossing, with crocodiles nearby waiting for anyone who falls or struggles to cross! Then, suddenly one brand leader makes the plunge, prompting a stampede of hundreds of followers.
Dine & drink
Dining at Ol Seki is relaxed and communal, usually taking place in the open-sided dining tent or outside under the sky. The setting is simple and unfussy, with lantern light, long tables and views stretching out across the plains. Food is generous and well prepared, blending international comfort dishes with local influences. Days start with early breakfasts before game drives, lunches are lighter and flexible, and dinners are sociable affairs where stories from the day naturally spill into the evening.
Drinks are served in the central lounge tent or around the fire pit once the sun goes down. The space has a warm, lived-in feel, with rugs, comfortable chairs and uninterrupted views of the surrounding wilderness. Sundowners are a highlight here — a simple drink, a vast horizon and the sounds of the bush slowly taking over as night falls.
Spa & pool
Since we visited, the camp has added an infinity pool looking out over the valley, plus a spa and a lounge tent complete with comfy sofas and a selection of books. So, some extra luxury to enjoy when you are back from your game drives!
Price
Safari’s don’t come cheap! Stays at Ol Seki typically start from around €1,500–€1,800 per person per night based on published 2026 prices, usually including accommodation, meals, drinks, guiding and game drives. Pricey but good value for the level of access, privacy and wildlife experience on offer.
*Prices accurate when we last checked, but do confirm directly with the hotel when booking
