A Photographer’s Perspective on Mattikoko
At Mattikoko Safari Camp, we are incredibly fortunate to welcome guests who don’t just visit the Maasai Mara, but truly experience it – through their senses, their curiosity, and often through their cameras. Photographers in particular bring a unique energy to camp, spending long hours with wildlife, light, and landscapes, and returning with stories that go far beyond the images themselves.
In March 2020, shortly after Mattikoko opened, we were honoured to host Martin van Herwaarden as one of our very first guests. Martin kindly shared his reflections on his stay with us, capturing not only the wildlife and photography opportunities, but also the atmosphere, people, and spirit of Mattikoko. Below, we share his experience in his own words.
Images by Martin van Herwaarden
The Wildlife Photographer’s Paradise
“The Maasai Mara is known as ‘the wildlife photographer’s paradise’ and I can tell you, it is. As an additional present you will also get scenery landscapes, mostly with animals within, and breath-taking sunrises or sundowners.
I was so honoured to come as one of the first guests to the new Mattikoko Safari Camp in March 2020, created and built by Moses (Titimet) Nampaso and his team. I knew Moses already from earlier visits to the Mara and experienced his magnificent guiding and his unbelievable eyesight. Now having his own camp was a dream come true for him and writing this, I’m still in my dream of being there.”
A Prime Location in the Bush
“Mattikoko Safari Camp is in the middle of the Lemek Conservancy, situated in the bush on a hill surrounded by the plains where all animals are around. Joining your early morning coffee or tea on the terrace of the mess tent you will see the elephants, giraffes and all kind of other game passing by under a beautiful sunrise over the Kileleoni hills.
After this magnificent start to the morning, Moses will take you on your game drive and as soon as the jeep comes out of the bush you are on the plains, surrounded by the animals. Moses will tell you all about the mammals you’ll see, how and what they are feeding on, particular behaviours, mating rituals etc. Besides the mammals you will also see a great variation in birdlife and when it comes to birdlife, Moses is a very knowledgeable guide. If you are a photographer or at least want to make beautiful pictures of your Maasai Mara adventure, Moses has a solid base of experience of how to position the jeep for the best perspective and light, resulting in photographs to put onto your wall at home.”
Choosing Authenticity Over Luxury
“I’ve stayed at some very luxurious accommodation in several African countries but these are mostly a bit fake when it comes to the real wildlife experience. When you love nature and wildlife and you want the ultimate experience not only seeing it but also feeling and hearing nature and the wildlife around you, Mattikoko is the place to go!
The tents are basic but have all comforts by having your own bathroom with toilet and hot shower. By the way, the team have come up with a very inventive and creative way of pumping up the water from a source and heating it up for the shower.”
The Warmth of the Maasai Team
“The team of Mattikoko are all Maasai people, or at least have been growing up as Maasai. Being with these lovely people is a great bonus to learn about their background, culture and their values in life. The team is continuously taking care of you and preparing and serving good and healthy food all day. After a delicious dinner, they will safely guide you to your tent and you fall a sleep hearing the hyenas calling out to each other and in the distance, you might hear the roar of the lions. Magnificent to be part of this heavenly place on earth all day long.
So if you’re looking for the ultimate wildlife experience I recommend visiting Mattikoko and find out what the Maasai family feeling is and which names are within Mattikoko. For me it was a lifetime experience, bringing friendship for life.”
