If what you’re looking for in a Kenya safari is authenticity, exclusivity and an unpretentious yet comfortable safari accommodation, Porini Cheetah Camp is definitely your cup of tea. It is one of the smaller safari camps in the region and is located in the unspoilt Ol Kinyei Conservancy, a prime big cat viewing location. This camp is all about wildlife viewing and therefore it operates early morning, afternoon and evening game drives within the private conservancy. Its location near a permanent water source makes the area surrounding the camp very appealing to big cats such as the cheetah. The camp goes to great lengths to minimise its eco-footprint. All energy generated within the camp is sourced through solar panels. Porini Cheetah Camp is open all year round. Sometime during the months July through November, guests can expect the Great Wildebeest migration to pass through the area. This in addition to the already abundant wildlife roaming the area, such as serval, topis, giraffes, lions, waterbucks and especially cheetahs.
Porini Cheetah Camp has a very unpretentious and uncomplicated vibe to it. Its authentic safari atmosphere is complemented by a variety of modern conveniences. Guests can expect a very warm Kenyan welcome from the camp's extremely hospitable Maasai staff. They will do all they can to make sure each guest’s stay exceeds expectations. The camp professional guides are highly trained and skilled and will ensure that if there are animals in the area, you're able to spot them. Porini Cheetah Camp has six spacious safari tents, each well-spaced from the other and positioned beneath flat-topped acacia trees to guarantee privacy and comfort. This adds to the overall feeling of being all alone in the wild and gives a blissful sense of peace and tranquillity.
Dining and lounge tents are located in the main common area and each of these is open sided in order to allow a cooling breeze to pass through. Just in front of these tents, tables, chairs and umbrellas to shade them are set up beneath the trees. During the length of your stay, all of your meals and most drinks (such as bottled water, coffee and tea, soft drinks, house wines, local beers and G&T's) are included in the price of your stay. Most meals will be served either in the main dining tent or outdoors if the weather permits. In the evenings you'll dine by candlelight and in the light of the camp's open-air fireplace. The camp's chefs prepare creative delicious dishes using fresh, local ingredients – including piping hot, freshly baked bread. If you would prefer to enjoy vegetarian meals, just let us know when booking your trip and the camp's chef will accommodate this. In addition to having your meals and drinks on the premises you can also choose to enjoy them in the wild, for instance during a bush breakfast. The neighbouring White Rock is a stunning setting for a sundowner featuring tasty appetisers and your favourite cocktail or fine wine. The view from the top of the rock is breathtaking.
Each spacious classic safari-style tent at Porini Cheetah Camp has an en-suite bathroom complete with hot- and cold running water, a hot-bucket shower, a flushing toilet and a sink. The tents have a very clean and airy look to them. The use of soothing neutral tones and the appealing blend of canvas and timber give the tents a homey feel. Each tent is tastefully furnished with local materials, comfortable pillows in colourful fabrics, a comfortable double bed made up with cosy blankets, bedside tables with LED lamps, a torch, a writing desk with lamp, chairs and a wardrobe for storing clothes, a luggage rack, plug-in points for charging cameras and laptops and beautifully woven colourful rugs on the floors. If necessary, a bed can be added to accommodate a child or extra adult. The large private patios at the front of the tents look out upon the forest surrounding the camp and each have chairs, a table and a fan. Occasionally when staring out into the distance you’ll catch a glimpse of zebras or wildebeest grazing in the area. In case the evenings get a little chilly, you’ll also find a hot water bottle on your bed waiting for you to use.
Activities at Porini Cheetah Camp
Porini Cheetah Camp offers daytime game drives, night time game drives and walking safaris led by professional Maasai guides and trackers and operated in 4x4 safari vehicles. The game drives take place with the Ol Kinyei Conservancy and the neighbouring Naibosho Conservancy. If you wish you can even spend a day in the actual Masai Mara National Reserve with your guide and enjoy a picnic lunch there (these are available for guests spending three or more nights at the camp). For a closer look at your natural surroundings, the camp's Maasai guides will take you on a bush walk or walking safari through the Ol Kinyei. Another lovely treat to experience during your stay is the 'sundowner'. During a sundowner you'll get a selection of tasty appetisers and your favourite cocktail or a glass of fine wine. During your sundowner you'll watch the sunset from the comfort of one of the safari camp's comfy chairs or in another scenic viewing point (such as up on White Rock). For an extra special safari experience, take to the skies for a thrilling hot-air balloon ride (surcharge applies). There’s no better way to witness a fiery African sunrise at dawn.
Tripadvisor comments Porini Cheetah Camp
This camp not only is eco-friendly and in perfect harmony with nature, but it also allows to experience amazing safaris with excellent guides. The entire staff made us feel at home and more than welcome. I would recommend the Cheetah Camp to anyone wishing to see amazing wildlife (cheetahs, lions, elephants, hyppos etc) and meet beautiful people.
Francesca I from Rome, Italy
We loved the care and hospitality for the duration of our visit. Nicely appointed tents, quality food and service, with unbeatable access to the conservancy land and animals. A once in a lifetime chance to see an abundance of animals up close, all while contributing to their sustainability.
165eddiek from Seattle, WA