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Hot water. That’s the literal translation of the name “Maji Moto” in the Maasai language (which is called Maa). This small town near-ish to the famous Maasai Mara ecosystem is renowned for its volcanic springs. While there are a handful of places to stay within the community because of its location within the beautiful Loita Hills, none are as impressive, affordable, and well-connected as Maji Moto Eco Camp.
As a self-driver, I wasn’t exactly looking for semi-luxurious tented camps or anything beyond scenic public campsites *coming soon* during my time in Kenya. But Maji Moto offered a chance to get to know some local Maasai in a way that wasn’t super touristy and contrived. It ended up being a welcome stopover before 12-days of rough camping and my favorite place we stayed on this trip.
Not only did we enjoy the property with its panoramic views, giraffe visitors, and numerous species of birds, but we got to attend a Maasai wedding and learn a lot about the culture thanks to our guide. Truthfully, I cannot recommend this place highly enough. Even if all you need is a little break before heading back to Nairobi (or want to start your trip on a good note like us).
Here’s everything you need to know about Maji Moto Eco Camp before you book.
Where is Maji Moto Eco Camp?
Located on the fringes of the Loita Hills ecosystem, just outside the town of Maji Moto, the eco camp sits atop the hillside overlooking the landscape. It’s about a 3-hour drive from Nairobi and a 1-hour drive from the Sekanani Gate of the Maasai Mara Reserve. The closest large town is Narok.
How to Reach Maji Moto Eco Camp
You’ll be able to find the camp clearly labeled on Google Maps, Maps.me, and iOverlander. All of which you can use to navigate if you’re driving yourself.
The clearest directions are to drive from Nairobi to Narok on the main highway. From there, you’ll drive on the C12 to Ewaso Ngiro and continue driving the very potholed paved road to the town of Bakitabu. From there, it’s a welcome left turn onto dirt until you see the sign directing you to “Maji Moto Eco Camp.” Just drive on the rough road up the hill for about 1 kilometer, and you’ll arrive in the parking lot.
For this portion of the road (the last kilometer), you will need a 4×4 vehicle with high clearance to get over the rocks and unkempt roadway. The rest of the drive is a piece of cake.
How Does This Fit Into Your Kenya Itinerary
Not many travelers are aiming to spend time at Loita Hills. Technically, it is within the Maasai Mara ecosystem; it’s just not the predator-packed park like the Mara Triangle or Mara Reserve.
If you want to add Maji Moto to your Kenya Itinerary (*coming soon*), I highly recommend it be either your first stop from Nairobi (before going to the Mara) or after the Mara before returning to Nairobi or continuing onward. Either way, it works best when you plan already to visit the Mara.
What It’s Like to Stay at Maji Moto Eco Camp
We stayed for two nights at Maji Moto Eco Camp. I wish that we had three nights to spare.
The hotel’s main hang-out area is an open space, nestled into the hillside overlooking Loita Hills. You can spot wildlife like giraffes straight from the camp here. You’ll spend most of your time with your assigned Maasai guide, who will take you to various places around the community (usually on foot) and all the included activities that come with your stay.
Ben was our guide, and not only was he friendly, funny, and (obviously) knowledgeable about Maasai traditions, he was able to explain them (and the whys) in a way that was easy to understand. At the end of our stay, he took us to a Maasai wedding with him and was so welcoming throughout.
When you’re at camp, you’ll most likely be eating (delicious included meals), sitting by the nightly campfire, or just otherwise relaxing in one of the many carefully curated seating areas overlooking the landscape.
It can be really challenging in Kenya to balance “authentic Maasai camp” with not being pressured to purchase goods. Usually, when you roll up to an area populated with Maasai, the carpets roll out and all of a sudden the pressure to buy is on. But Maji Moto Eco Camp is the perfect balance of chill and getting to interact with and learn from REAL Maasai.
It won’t feel staged, corny, or forced, and you won’t be pressured to buy anything during your time with them.
As for showers and bathrooms (the biggest question people have): Maji Moto has both. They rely on water from the hot springs and are typically very warm to room temperature. We showered in the middle of the day, and it was usually perfect. The whole place works to be as eco-friendly and sustainable as possible, so electricity is limited. The showers and toilets don’t rely on them. But don’t worry, you can charge all your items (camera, phones) up at the main area off the solar grid.
Activities You Can Do at Maji Moto (and Three You Absolutely Must Do)
Here’s a quick look at all the things there are to do at Maji Moto Eco Camp. “Not included” simply means you’ll have to pay for this separately, and it’s not included in the room rate.
- Nature Walk (included)
- Maji Moto Hot Springs Visit (included)
- Sundowners at the property (included, except for alcohol)
- Sleeping under the stars (not included)
- School Visit (included)
- Women’s Camp Visit (included)
- Maasai Mara Safari (Full-Day, not included)
- 1-3 Day Walking Safari with the Maasai (not included)
- Fire-making demonstration (included)
- Beading demonstration (included)
In my opinion, there are three activities that you must take advantage of during your stay that really shaped my time at Maji Moto.
The Nature Walk
For 2-3 hours, you’ll walk through the bush with your Maasai Guide and into the Loita Hills Maasai Conservancy. Here, you have the opportunity to see Giraffe, Zebra, and even Elephant while you’re on foot. Not guaranteed, of course. But we did see a massive group of giraffes (called a tower) on our walk. The terrain is not challenging, but you’ll want good walking shoes/hiking boots and a hat/suncream as it’s exposed.
Even more than the animals, you’ll see lots of plant life essential to the Maasai way of life and learn about the many uses. By the time you’re done, you’ll be able to survive in the bush yourself.
Sundowners at the Camp
The view from Maji Moto Eco-Camp is absolutely unrivaled. Sunset is particularly spectacular. You absolutely must make sure that you spend at least one night afternoon just lounging on the rocks of Maji Moto Eco-Camp with a cold beer in hand.
Visit the Women’s Village
The Maasai have very interesting cultural traditions regarding marriage and women.
When the Maasai men come of age, they do warrior tasks with a group of men in their community who are all around the same age. These men they consider their brothers. It’s this group that will become the most important people in a Maasai man’s life. A typical Maasai man will marry a few women. As many as he can afford to. Each woman will be given her own home in order to raise her children in. All the wives will live close together in one enclosed compound, however.
You can visit the “widow’s compound” near Maji Moto and see what life is like for these women and even go inside one of their homes. The husbands of these women have passed, and now the group of men that we’re in his age group, “brothers,” are responsible for taking care of the wives.
It’s such an interesting look at Maasai culture, and it also gives you the opportunity to buy beads from these women who now live in a very patriarchal society without a husband.
5 Reasons We Recommend Everyone Stay At Maji Moto
Just to be abundantly clear, these are the reasons that Maji Moto stood out to us. We’ve traveled extensively (independently) in East Africa, and this is actually our second month-long self-drive safari in Kenya. Here’s why you should choose Maji Moto for your next Kenya Trip, self-drive or otherwise.
1. Maji Moto Works With the Local Maasai Community
The money you spend on your stay directly benefits the Maasai community here. As you’ll notice, the entire staff is Maasai (and paid fairly). Tourism at the camp helps fund and support local Maasai primary schools for the community’s children and offers support for widows. Profits and visitor contributions help run special sewing projects, craft sales, and food/livestock support for local Maasai women.
It can be a challenge to find a nice place to stay that is respectful of the Maasai people, a hotel that doesn’t just co-opt the culture and decorate as though they are Maasai-owned. Maji Moto Eco Camp is semi-luxurious, comfortable, AND supports the Maasai.
2. The Price Is Super Affordable For What You Get
$150 per person per night. All meals are included, as well as the “included” activities.
If you’re traveling solo, it’s $225. $125 gets you a third bed/person in your tented room.
The prices essentially work out to $225 for one, $300 for a couple. Kids under 12 are cheaper at $90 a head. For the cultural experience, nature walks, and stunning property, this is a steal in Kenya.
3. There Are No Additional Conservancy Fees to Pay
Unlike most other parks and wildlife areas in Kenya, Maji Moto Eco Camp has a free-to-access area included with your stay. This means booking independently is simple and that there are no hidden fees for travelers who want to explore the surrounding area.
4. The Stunning Views of Loita Hills
I’ve mentioned this a few times throughout this blog post, but the views from Maji Moto are one of the property’s highlights. It’s simply stunning. I’ll let this photo do all the talking.
5. In Addition to Maasai Culture, You Also Get Wildlife
While I would say that the main reason to choose Maji Moto Eco Camp is because of the Maasai cultural activities and access you get, there’s also wildlife here. Giraffe, Elephant, Hyena, zebra, etc. You’re very likely to see some of these during your nature walks and/or just the viewing areas at camp.
Book Your Stay at Maji Moto
There are a number of options if you prefer booking sites to booking directly. Occasionally, thanks to “Genius status” and other loyalty memberships, you’ll snag a deal.
Maji Moto is a hidden gem within Kenya. Few places offer such genuine Maasai interaction, scenic views, wildlife spotting, and a luxurious stay at a tented camp property at this price point. The high price of tented camps across the country often leaves self-drivers stuck at basic campsites rather than getting the full Kenya safari experience. Maji Moto makes it much more accessible. For self-drivers, budget safari operators, independent travelers popping over from Nairobi, or really…whatever kind of traveler you are. Maji Moto Eco Camp is a must-visit during your time in Kenya.
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