ELEWANA LITTLE ELEPHANT PEPPER CAMP – MARA NORTH CONSERVANCY – MASAI MARA

Overlooking a natural mineral lick fed by a seasonal stream and sister camp to Elephant Pepper Camp, this small and intimate camp perfect for small groups, and families looking for a private retreat with fabulous wildlife right on the doorstep.   The camp is positioned to quietly observe wildlife movement throughout the day, offering a sense of immersion without intrusion.  Its location within Mara North Conservancy allows you to enjoy activities available within a private conservancy – including guided walks, night drives and off-road wildlife viewing, creating a more varied and immersive safari experience.

The conservancy is owned jointly by local Maasai landowners and tourism partners, creating one of Kenya’s leading examples of conservation through sustainable tourism.  Unlike the busier areas of the National Reserve, Mara North strictly limits visitor numbers and the number of safari vehicles operating within the conservancy. This allows wildlife encounters to be enjoyed in relative peace while helping to protect the landscape and its wildlife.

LOCATION – MARA NORTH CONSERVANCY – MASAI MARA

Little Elephant Pepper Camp is situated within the 74,000-acre Mara North Conservancy on the north-western boundary of the Maasai Mara National Reserve.  Access is via scheduled flights from Nairobi’s Wilson Airport, which operate daily to Mara North Airstrip, followed by a road transfer of approximately 30 minutes to camp.

THE CAMP

Little Elephant Pepper Camp occupies a wonderful position overlooking a natural mineral lick which attracts a variety of wildlife throughout the year. The surrounding landscape combines open grasslands, riverine woodland and gently rolling hills, supporting a rich diversity of mammals and birds.

With just three spacious safari suites and one generous two-bedroom family suite, this little camp ensures privacy and space.  Interiors draw inspiration from traditional safari craftsmanship: campaign-style furniture, warm woods, brass detailing, soft linens, and an earthy palette which sits comfortably within the landscape. Each tent has a private plunge pool – great to cool down in during the warmer months.

Large mesh windows and roll-up canvas panels allow cooling breezes to circulate while offering wonderful views across the surrounding bush. Every tent includes an en-suite bathroom with flushing toilet, double washbasins and traditional safari bucket shower.

Private verandas have outdoor seating, where you can relax between activities while watching wildlife passing through camp. It is not unusual to see elephants browsing nearby, giraffe wandering between the trees or antelope grazing within sight of the tents.

The central mess tent is beautifully furnished with comfortable lounge seating, a well-stocked bar and a dining area where meals are served communally with other guests, or privately. Freshly prepared cuisine combines international dishes with local influences, accompanied by carefully selected wines and attentive service.

Drinks can be enjoyed around the blazing campfire where you can meet other guests and share the day’s sightings beneath starry African skies.

WILDLIFE AND ACTIVITIES

Little Elephant Pepper Camp enjoys access to both Mara North Conservancy and the Maasai Mara National Reserve, giving you the opportunity to experience one of Africa’s richest wildlife ecosystems with relatively few other vehicles.

The conservancy supports healthy populations of lion, leopard, cheetah, elephant, buffalo and spotted hyaena, together with an impressive range of plains game including zebra, wildebeest, impala, topi, Coke’s hartebeest, eland and giraffe. The nearby Mara River attracts hippo and Nile crocodile, while the surrounding grasslands provide ideal hunting grounds for Africa’s large predators.

The conservancy is also home to more than 450 recorded bird species, making it particularly rewarding for birdwatchers. Raptors, hornbills, rollers, bee-eaters and numerous migratory species can all be seen depending on the season.

Little Elephant Pepper Camp offers a wide range of safari activities designed to showcase the diversity of Mara North Conservancy:

Twice-daily game drives are led by highly experienced guides who possess an exceptional understanding of animal behaviour, ecology and local conservation. Early morning drives provide excellent opportunities to observe predators before the heat of the day, while afternoon and evening drives frequently continue into sunset as wildlife becomes increasingly active.

Night drives – one of the major advantages of staying within Mara North Conservancy is the opportunity to enjoy night drives. Using specialist spotlights, guides search for nocturnal species including aardwolf, civet, genet, porcupine, bush babies and hunting predators that are rarely encountered during daylight hours.

Guided walking safaris – are great to explore the landscape at a slower pace, learning about animal tracks, medicinal plants, insects and birdlife while gaining a deeper appreciation of the ecosystem beyond the larger mammals. Walking safaris are accompanied by experienced guides and armed rangers to ensure both safety and enjoyment.

Bush breakfasts and sundowner drinks – fantastic safari traditions which are offered in carefully selected scenic locations. Watching the sun set across the Mara plains while enjoying a gin and tonic is a special treat indeed.

Cultural visits – provide opportunities to learn about Masai traditions, customs and pastoral life through respectful interaction with neighbouring communities. These visits are conducted in partnership with local residents, helping visitors better understand the close relationship between conservation and community livelihoods.

Children – the camp’s experienced guides love organising fun walks and traditional inspired activities for kids within the camp. Little ones will learn how to make a fire, throw a rungu, fire a bow and arrow and track wildlife. As a memento of their adventure, children can take home their very own cast from the tracks they’ve discovered.

Conservation and Community

Little Elephant Pepper Camp operates within one of Africa’s most successful community conservation initiatives. Mara North Conservancy demonstrates how responsible tourism can generate meaningful income for local Maasai landowners while protecting wildlife habitat across a vast landscape.  Tourism revenues encourage landowners to maintain traditional grazing areas rather than converting land to agriculture or development, preserving vital migration routes for wildlife while supporting local livelihoods.

Elewana Collection works closely with the conservancy and neighbouring communities through employment, education and skills development initiatives. Local staff form an integral part of the camp, bringing knowledge, warmth and authentic Kenyan hospitality to the guest experience.

The conservancy also invests significantly in wildlife monitoring, anti-poaching operations and habitat management, ensuring that future generations can continue to benefit from one of Africa’s most important ecosystems.

Guests staying at Little Elephant Pepper Camp therefore contribute directly towards conservation and community development through their visit.

LITTLE ELEPHANT PEPPER CAMP IS OPEN YEAR ROUND

FAMILIES WITH CHILDREN OF ALL AGES ARE WELCOME AT LITTLE ELEPHANT PEPPER CAMP WHICH HAS A LARGE FAMILY TENT