Kicheche Mara Camp

Kicheche Mara Camp is a classic unfenced, luxury bush camp in a gorgeous acacia valley of the Mara North Conservancy next to the famous Masai Mara National Reserve. It overlooks the Olare Orok stream. With only eight tents, its intimate and relaxed atmosphere makes for a most enjoyable safari in this prime wildlife area.

The camp is comfortable but traditional, with the hot water and comfy beds you expect but no extraneous frills to compete with the feeling of being under canvas. The emphasis is on excellent guiding and game viewing, first class hospitality and community awareness.

Accommodation

The Camp utilises alternative sources of energy like solar power - there is no mains power but each tent has its own 24 hour solar lighting system. The mod cons of urban living in concrete lodges are not their scene. Nor is noisy nightlife. Not that Kicheche Mara Camp is silent; the natural sounds of the bush are all part of the experience. Accommodation is in eight spacious tents; the en-suite private bathrooms have a central dressing area and separate compartments for the shower and toilet. Hot water for showers or washing is available at all times. There are canvas director's chairs on the veranda and hammocks slung between nearby trees to relax in. Triple tents and family tents sleeping four (with one double and two singles) are available. All tents overlook the Olare Orok stream and the western escarpment of the valley.

The main sitting area of the camp, the Nyati tent, has a stunning view down the valley, with comfy chairs, an informative library of reference books, board games and local artefacts for decoration, making this a delightful place to relax between game activities. Included in the rate is a daily laundry service. You can charge your camera and video batteries in the dining tent on the central system.

Activities

The Mara North Conservancy is a stunning private wilderness area of over 30,000ha, a vital part of the Masai Mara eco-system. Game drives take place in both the conservancy and the Masai Mara Reserve, famous for the wildebeest migration between July and November. Less famous, yet most impressive, is the Loita Hills migration where thousands of local wildebeest come into the Mara North conservancy from December to May.

Take part in game drives in open-topped 4WD Landcruiser vehicles, in the early mornings and late afternoons. A family of four will have a private vehicle. Enjoy bush breakfasts, picnic lunches and sundowners along with your game drives as you wish. There are no rigid agendas at Kicheche Mara Camp! Other activities include bush walks in the conservancy, visits to one of the local Maasai villages or hot air balloon rides over the Mara at sunrise (both at an extra cost) or fly-camping – see below.

Fly Camping from Kicheche Mara Camp

Also on offer is the choice of escorted walking safaris with an overnight stay in their fly-camp in the bush, available at a supplement. This is led by a senior guide and an armed ranger. This offers the ideal opportunity to see the Mara from a different perspective. The fly-camp itself is simple but comfortable, with 2 person dome tents equipped with camp beds, bedrolls, chairs and a washstand. Basic bathroom facilities are available (long drop toilet and bush shower) and if it's raining, you can use the lightweight mess shelter.