Roca River Camp

Hotel review

Arriving at Roca River camp is like stepping into the iconic, classic safari camp of your dreams. Nestled amongst native trees right on the banks of the great Mara river, the stylish tents offer every comfort within, whilst blending harmoniously into their surroundings, immersing you in the sounds, smells and vibrancy of the wilderness. Our safari began on the short drive from the local airstrip, itself an easy hop from Wilson Nairobi airport, when we came across two very well-sated, round-bellied, and relaxed lions snoozing beneath an isolated acacia tree.

Minutes later we drove into camp; five welcoming open-sided mess tents, filled with inviting sofas and antique tables and chairs, the locations for afternoon teas, evening drinks, candlelit dinners or simply lounging with a book or binoculars. Beyond the communal mess tents — and massage and gym tents — facing either bush, plains or river, are the tented rooms: seven doubles, two incredibly well thought out "family and friends" tents and the honeymoon suite. Every care and attention to detail had been given to our family tent: two enormous rooms with huge, comfy, double beds, each with its own separate shower, flushing toilet and sink area, separated by a living area with sofas, tables and a view to die for.

Meals are a highlight, with carefully planned menus, well-sourced ingredients and skilfully prepared and presented dishes; full marks to the chef! Breakfast was a vast, delicious spread overlooking the river. Lunch might be delicious quiches, salads, soups or cheeses, rounded off with a homemade ice, whilst dinner was an elegant candlelit affair. Meals can be enjoyed privately or communally. We certainly loved the company of our fellow guests and our wonderful hosts, Ross and Caro, whose deep roots in Kenya’s safari and conservation heritage and passion for their home, the wildlife that surrounds it and the people in it, guests and staff alike, shone through in every detail. 

Of course, the real star of the show has to be the Masai Mara itself, and it does not disappoint. Expertly guided by Milton, we enjoyed bush breakfasts, picnic lunches and game viewings beyond our expectations in the Masai Mara reserve and Mara Triangle, just across the river. The sheer scale of the wildebeest numbers is a sight to behold, watching three unlucky lions be outwitted by a feisty Pumbaa was mesmerising, whilst coming across a lion moments after a kill as we drove out on our last morning was the icing on the cake. But for me, the highlights were back at camp, watching a herd of elephants amble across the grassland in front of me while sipping a sundowner at the fire pit or being lulled to sleep by the methodical munching of the hippos outside our tent. This idyllic corner of the Mara is not to be missed!

Alison Morrison