Rating: Deluxe
This camp started as the owners' home in 2006. It's about 90 minutes from the original camp, on the banks of the Njageteck River in the private Mara North Conservancy. There are natural springs nearby which ensure a good supply of wildlife including a resident pride of lions. With seven tents this is a small camp with a laid-back atmosphere.
The tents are classic safari style, large with canvas walls and mesh windows, set on platforms accessed by a small flight of steps. The fronts can be opened, leading out to the veranda and allowing you to enjoy views of the bush in quiet seclusion. There are comfy chairs, lots of storage space and you have a bathrobe to snuggle into. Each tent has a dressing area, which can take up to two extra beds if needed, and a bathroom with hot and cold running water and a supply of toiletries, plus a separate shower open to the sky. Inside, rugs, throws and patterned textiles add splashes of colour. There is one larger tent with 2 en-suite bedrooms and a shared sitting room, which can sleep from four to eight people, making it ideal for families.
The communal tent has a large dining table where sociable breakfasts and lunches are served, as well as a collection of plush sofas and chairs, ideal for lazing between game drives and sipping a chilled beer or glass of wine. There's even wifi so you can communicate with family and friends back at home. The camp's shop sells a range of locally produced items that make good gifts and souvenirs. Sundowner drinks are taken around the camp fire and dinner is often enjoyed by lamplight under the starry skies, with the dining tent providing shade during the day.
During your stay at Richards River Camp you can take day and night game drives to see the Big 5, and go on nature and bird watching walks. The guides, like the staff at Richards River Camp, come mainly from the local Maasai population and know the area well and are pleased to share it with guests. Other options include village visits and horse riding (at additional charge). If you want to splash out you can add a hot air balloon ride followed by a champagne breakfast to provide you with some very special memories.