Elewana Elephant Pepper Camp

We've never had a better vacation. Elephant Pepper met our every need and we were able to see all kinds of animals close up including elephants, giraffes, zebras, even lions. The tents are exactly as pictured and allowed for complete relaxation between our treks onto the savannah -- perfect temperature, soft breezes. The food was amazing and the all-Masai staff members were just incredible. We highly recommend.

Everything about elephant pepper was spectacular. I loved the tents and the space between the tents made it private. We were in tent 9. The hammocks were a nice addition and the beds super comfortable. . Also the open field in front of the tents where we could see the animals was great. Morning bonfire was perfect before setting off on safari. The bush breakfasts were so delicious and the sundowners were perfectly set and wonderful. Lunch and dinner back at the camp were on par with a Michelin rated restaurant. We had the best staff, Simon was amazing and Peter the chef was excellent. Simon was truly kind and wanted our stay to be the best. He definitely went out of his way to make our stay even more special. The manager Moses was also super friendly and accommodating. He always had the best smile and greeting and positive attitude. Everyone was great and made our stay just spectacular. Also loved the fact that the camp was right in the park and we didn’t have far to go to see the animals. Then there was the guides, Sammy and Charles. I couldn’t believe how immaculate they kept the vehicles especially since it was muddy! Their driving skills were outstanding. Their tracking skills were 2nd to none! We saw so much!! Couldn’t believe how many different things we saw and experienced. They both deserve to be gold rated guides. They were so knowledgeable and always had our safety first and made sure we had the best time. We learned so much about Kenya its people and animals. I would highly recommend staying there you won’t regret it. and if you do ask for Simon, Sammy and Charles. We stayed at 3 Elewana camps and this is the only one where the entire staff came out to tell us goodbye.

We have just left Elephent Pepper Camp after the most amazing 4 nights ever. Everything about this trip was magical and that's all thanks to the camp. Guide - We had James as our guide for our stay and he was brilliant. He has been a guide at elephant pepper camp for 17 years! So he basically knows the mara like the back of his hand. If you wanted to see something he found it, if you wanted to get somewhere he got you there. He was so friendly, knowledgeable and funny and took such good care of us. 11/10. Camp Staff - The team in the camp were incredible. Moses the manager checked in with us regularly around meal times and always was so warm and interesting. He would take care of everything for you before you even asked or knew you needed it. We had Simon serving us our food and drinks every day and he couldn't be more polite and attentive and always seemed so happy to be there! Everyone else around the camp were just great the whole time. 11/10. Food - The meals prepared by John-Marc were amazing every single time. It truly felt like michelin star food and service. The chef would come through to speak to us each time to ask how the meals were going. It really amazed us how the quality could be so high in such a remote location. 11/10. Camp - The camp itself was beautifully laid out with great views or the surrounding area. Well sheltered amongst the elephant pepper trees. The furniture in the common area and bar were always spotless and clean. Very stylish with everything you might need nearby. The "tent" we stayed in was mind blowing. I say tent like that as I'd never expected to stay in a tent that had a lovely big double bed, reliable hot showers with good pressure, two separate sinks with running water and WIFI! Everything was great. 11/10. I've only commented on the basic things here but what really made Elephant Pepper Camp special was all the small things that were done so well. I can't begin to write about them all but I wouldn't want to ruin the magic too much either of getting to live it yourself either. The place was a dream come true.

Where to start, it was all so good!? We saw our first lions eating a hippo on the way to the camp after our pickup by Ringa from the airstrip. A fantastic start! As the camp knew of Kath's mobility problems, we were placed in a tent closest to the communal area. Nothing was too much trouble for the staff to help Kath with steps etc. - the phrase of the stay was "pole, pole". (slowly, slowly). Steps were also provided to help her get into the jeep. We would advise anyone with mobility problems to go on safari, as long as you make everyone aware prior to arrival. Don't be put off. Can you believe we had 8 game drives in 3 days and saw many animals? Highlights: 4 prides of lions, some with cubs and/or with kills; leopards and one climbing a tree; cheetah; hyena den, with pups; bush breakfasts × 2 watching hippos and crocs; birth of a baby giraffe; bush walk; numerous zebra, antelope, elephants with young; sundowners and camp fires; Masai demos; superb food (but too much, at times!); making friends with other guests. Our driver, Perez, was excellent and very knowledgeable. He seemed to anticipate where the animals would be and we got to see some amazing sights. Staff to single out, as well as Perez - Dickson (tent steward), Andrew, Amos ( waiter), Moses (manager), JohnMark (chef) and his team ... in fact, everyone was so friendly and helpful. We cannot recommend Elewanna Elephant Pepper Camp highly enough. Just go there!! Graham & Kath Pickwell

This trip had been planned and booked since 2019, interrupted by both two years of COVID and a move from the U.S. to Australia in 2022. When we were finally on our way, I wondered if all the years of planning and waiting were going to be worth it. In fact, it was even better. I could not have dreamed of the perfection of the stay in this eco-conscious conservation camp. From the staff to the amenities, to food to our accommodations, it was all perfect. We were treated like valued guests at every moment, and because we were there during a less populated shoulder season we ended up with a private driver for every game drive. With very few people staying at the camp at all, we received even more individual attention. As with all the other Elewana camps, our tent was secluded down a path with very comfortable King bed, ensuite shower with plenty of hot water and toilet. We were situated overlooking a broad swath of savannah where we could see elephants and primates. Solar panels provided electricity and USB port charging stations. Hot water bottles in the bed were such a comfy touch. Unlike other camps, there is no permanent structure, since this is leased land on a conservancy that does not allow building. All structures, including main dining area, lounge and reception are constructed of canvas, but the comfort level remained high. There was no fencing on this property and elephants roamed freely in front of us at times, at a distance, or even fed up close to our tent at night. But rather than scary, it was a thrilling opportunity to be even closer to wild nature. At night or at dusk when we went up for drinks and dinner, we were accompanied by a guard. They still took security very seriously in case of a rogue animal incursion. I couldn't fault any aspect of this dream stay, a different and more intimate one than other Elewana properties, but every bit as memorable, and was sorry to leave.

Don’t hesitate to stay at Elephant Pepper Camp - it’s magical! The camp is run by Moses who is fantastic, kind, and caring. The food is some of the best we had during our trip - Jean Marc is a local Masai chef, locally trained and extremely talented. Bernadette, Amos, Robert, and Rongo were all part of an incredible team that made our stay memorable. The tents are beautifully designed, comfortable, tidy, private and luxurious. The camp is nestled in the trees which provide shade and the tents look out onto a beautiful plain where animals come and go. Robert, our butler was so kind and taught us many words in Swahili as well as fielding our questions about growing up and living in the Masai Mara region. Monkeys may pop onto your porch and peer into your tent in the morning and you might hear hippos grazing outside your tent at night! We felt fully immersed in nature, but totally safe with camp security monitoring the property at all hours and escorting us at night. We loved the fire in the morning with coffee, tea and biscuits around the fire before the sunrise. We also loved a surprise sundowner with archery and fire starting and meeting other camp guests. Our guide Rinka brought the perfect combination of expert local knowledge, kindness, warmth and humor. We saw incredible wildlife diversity up close and personal with Rinka! The cutest baby elephants, a leopard calling for her cub, lazy cheetahs, and mating lions just to name a few highlights. Plenty of giraffe, topi, eland, warthogs, zebra, antelope and bird diversity too! Masai Mara is breathtakingly beautiful. I’ll never forget the newborn giraffe and momma we saw on the way to the airstrip! And when one of us got sick during our stay (not from the camp!), Moses arranged a doctor to visit and provide medication. Special meals were provided and the level of care was very sincere, thorough and helpful. We learned about the many ways that the camp supports the surrounding communities - prioritizing and deciding how funds are spent are collaboratively made, putting the communities needs first. We will never forget the wonderful time we had at Elephant Pepper Camp and would not hesitate to return!

If you’re looking for a truly personalized luxury Safari experience, don’t hesitate to stay here. We stayed at two other camps, but the density and quick and easy access of wildlife and the “Big Five” were incredible here. Our driver’s first question was, “What do you want to see?” We said “cats” and in matter of a few hours we saw lions, cheetahs, and leopards (all had cubs BTW), in addition to the usual suspects, zebras, giraffes, and of course, elephants, many of which were in proximity of our tent and huge back yard, which overlooked the vast plains. We heard their trumpets at night. If you happen to get Leperes as your driver, you’ve won the safari lottery. Off-roading is permitted, which other camps do not do! This guy finds a way to get safely front and center of the animal while respecting their territory and politely allowing access to other safari drivers and patrons who eventually show. You will not experience a parking lot of other safari cars as we witnessed in other camps. The “tents” are classically beautiful, incredibly private, clean, sanitary, comfortable, spacious, and the hot water bottles at turn down service are a plus. The FOOD WAS AMAZING and plentiful! No traveler tummy for us! Cocktail hour and tea by the campfire were fabulous. Moses, the GM, couldn’t have been more hospitable. He was intent on making sure everything exceeded our expectations. Folks here at home are amazed by our “National Geographic” photos, all taken with an iphone, but looking as if we had a bazooka camera which isn’t necessary here. EPC is quiet, beautiful, and romantic for couples. Families were present but we didn’t experience the cacophony of children and preferential treatment of families with children which we experienced at another camp. We sat privately most nights but also had the choice to sit with others we met in camp. No negatives to report. The shower water is clearly treated with a purification system including a water softener, so if you wash your hair and don’t like the result, just rinse with the bottled water they amply provide. As far as the cost/benefit ratio goes, we believe we got more than our money’s worth. Love Elewana camps much more than other camps we visited. If you can afford it, take the small planes when transferring to the Maasai Mara rather than taking the bumpy roads.

The tents are well placed with interior touch of class.Overlooking the plains of the Mara and the view is just splendid.The staff very friendly and food well prepared.The game drives are ok with open jeep and they provide warm covers . They usually prefer flying clients and byroad arrivals not very welcome. In case you have a guide with you from your destination he will not be allowed to stay there. It's pricey though.....