If you’re like me and prefer an intimate, truly wild camping experience in the Mara Triangle, Dirisha Campsite is an absolute must! Tucked away along the northern stretch of the Mara River, Dirisha (meaning “window” in Swahili) gives you a front-row seat to some of the most breathtaking views of the Mara’s wildlife and landscapes. It’s not just a campsite—it’s a natural theatre where hippos, leopards, elephants, and a dazzling array of birdlife casually wander into your line of sight.
While Iseiya Public Campsite is great, Dirisha offers a more exclusive feel, and I find myself coming back to it time and time again. As one of the five private campsites in the Mara Triangle, it provides an unparalleled sense of seclusion and connection to the natural world. Plus, being right by the river means you’re constantly surrounded by the soothing sounds of nature and the occasional wildlife visitor.
Why I Love Dirisha Campsite
- Incredible Wildlife Encounters: The meanders of the Mara River give you perfect vantage points for spotting hippos, elephants, and even leopards without even leaving your tent. The birdlife is stunning, and the chance of seeing big game is incredibly high.
- Prime Location: Located between Oloololo Gate and Iseiya Station, it’s convenient for stocking up on essentials like water, firewood from Oloololo Gate, and even grabbing a cold beer from the nearby Mara Serena Lodge.
- Seclusion: With a maximum of 20 campers, Dirisha feels personal and private, unlike some of the more crowded public campsites. It’s perfect for those seeking a quiet retreat surrounded by nature.
Rules for Booking this Private Campsite
Before you go, make sure you’re familiar with the rules. Here’s what you need to know:
- Mandatory Ranger Hire: For security at night, it’s compulsory to hire two rangers at 2,500 KES per ranger per night. Don’t worry about transport and food for the rangers—Mara Conservancy will provide that.
- No Block Booking: Attempting to block-book (i.e., reserving under different names or leaving the site empty) will result in the cancellation of all reservations.
- Non-Refundable Booking Fees:
- For non-professional visitors, the booking fee is 15,000 KES (non-refundable, one campsite, one group, up to one week).
- Professional campers face a booking fee of 50,000 KES (non-refundable, one campsite, one group, for up to two weeks).
- Valid Booking: Your booking is valid for the duration you’re actually occupying the site, including the setup and breakdown time for your camp.
- Cancellation Policy: If you need to cancel, do it via email. Cancellations made within 6 months of the arrival date will incur a $1,000 USD cancellation fee.
Campsite Rates
For those looking to camp at Dirisha, here are the current rates:
- East Africa Resident: Adults – KSH 1,000, Children – KSH 200, Students – KSH 200
- East Africa Citizen: Adults – KSH 2,000, Children – KSH 1,000, Students – KSH 1,000
- Non-Residents: Adults – USD 40, Children – USD 20, Students – USD 20
Booking;
Going by MaraBookings.com booking calendar of Dirisha Campsite, the September is already fully booked and there are only 4 slots to book in the entire month of October. My recommendation is to book early to get a spot.
You can book on MaraBookings.com here.
Pros & Cons (Based on Reviews)
Pros:
- Prime Location: Guests rave about its ideal position along the Mara River, where wildlife sightings are frequent and exciting. It’s easy to spot hippos, elephants, and a variety of other animals without even leaving the campsite.
- Convenient Access: The campsite is conveniently located for getting water from the headquarters and firewood from Oloololo Gate, and you can even grab a cold beer from the nearby Serena Lodge.
- Privacy: With a limited capacity of just 20 campers and its private setup, Dirisha provides a peaceful, exclusive experience.
Cons:
- Occasional Noise: While the wildlife encounters are a pro for most, the proximity to animals like hippos and elephants may be unsettling for campers unaccustomed to nighttime animal sounds.
- Limited Facilities: As with many wilderness campsites, facilities are basic, so visitors need to be prepared for a more rugged camping experience.
Nearby Campsites
If you want to explore more, Ndovu Campsite is nearby, offering similar wildlife views and experiences. Olarro Campsite, located further south, provides an alternative if Dirisha is fully booked.
Final Thoughts
Dirisha Campsite is a hidden gem in the Mara Triangle that offers campers a one-of-a-kind, immersive experience with nature. Whether you’re here for wildlife, birdwatching, or just the serene environment, this campsite delivers on all fronts. With its perfect mix of accessibility, seclusion, and stunning wildlife, Dirisha is the ultimate spot for anyone looking to enjoy the magic of the Mara Triangle.
For a truly unforgettable experience, book your spot early—private campsites like Dirisha tend to fill up quickly!
