Narok's best kept secret

By Harold Ayodo

A king-size special honeymoon bed in a secluded tent attracts newly weds to the Jonas Kristopher (JK) Camp in Narok.

The honeymooner’s tent that sits next to the Muliban stream has peace and comfort despite its simplicity.

The bed adorned with a bedcover made of traditional red and black Maasai material is by all means welcoming. However, honeymooners can request the revered bed be spread in other colours tthat will set the mood.

Honeymooners enjoy the serenity of the bush environment with the stream flowing less than 50 metres away.

Assorted species of birds chirp continuously atop indigenous trees that surround the tent that is secluded from the 11 others that form the camp.

To boot the privacy, there is no television or mobile telephone coverage unless you climb a watchtower next to the campfire site — about 100 metres away.

Our trip to the Muliban Conservancy where the JK Camp sits revealed a possible pocket friendly honeymoon destination.

Access

A flight to the Olkiombo airstrip in the Masai Mara from the Wilson Airport costs Sh11,000 per person. From the airstrip Land Cruiser from the JK Camp picks one up.

A 30-minute drive will get you to the tented camp and this trip could double-up as a game drive depending on the time.

Alternatively, newly weds can get to the camp by road from Nairobi where they divert to Masai Mara at Narok and enter the park via the Talek gate.

Hiring the special double bed may be difficult between May and September as tourists troop the Masai Mara for the wildbeast migration.

JK Camp manager, Philip Leuka, points out that the objective of the camp, which was set up four years ago, was to guarantee newly weds natural privacy in a special tent.

"The tent is usually out of bounds to everyone when occupied to let the couple enjoy their privacy," Leuka says.

The tent draws honeymooners from as far as Scandinavian countries, the UK and the US ,despite its simplicity.

"We charge Sh10,000 per day. The charges are full board – inclusive of breakfast, lunch and dinner," Lueka says.

Meals

Traditional African dishes are a hit here but the management is flexible to prepare other foods on request. There are also foreign guests who request traditional Masai meals — mainly milk and meat.

Meals are served in a restaurant, which is also a tent that looks like a house with modern architectural designs from the inside.

Song and dance around a campfire before and after dinner keep guests entertained.

Assorted drinks are available with beer going for Sh200, soda for Sh70, assorted wine at Sh200 per glass or between Sh1,500 to Sh2,000 per bottle.