Kichwa Tembo Camp, like its sister Bateleur Camp, lies in the western Mara in a private concession that has been leased from its Maasai landlords. Fewer visitors come to this region, although the landscape is filled with wild animals all year, so you're assured more private viewings. The camp lies directly in the path of the annual Great Migration and, in season, you're likely to get the best sightings of the stampeding animals crossing the Mara River, the stuff of documentaries worldwide.
/35.0128773,-1.2495489,6/600x400?access_token=pk.eyJ1IjoidGltYnVrdHV0cmF2ZWwiLCJhIjoiY2poMGw1eHpkMmRkbDJ6bW8xYWZ5OGpjYyJ9.PYvAO7lUJ40SOpGvwmQLqw&attribution=false&logo=false)
There's no denying that both the communal areas and accommodation at Kichwa Tembo are first-rate. The main area, with its soaring thatched roof, has cosy armchairs, an intimate bar and delicious Pan-African dishes served in the main dining area (after watching them whipped up in the interactive kitchen) or alfresco. Outside, the deck is a good place to relax between activities so that you don't miss any action, or the warthogs that nibble at the grass around the camp. There's a stunning rim-flow pool, a 'massage' tent, and a evening playbill of leaping Maasai men and traditional dances.
There are 40 canvas tents, all with gleaming wooden floors, wide beds, plush seating, ample storage and an en-suite bathroom with twin basins and a shower, and a private deck. This camp is the perfect place for a family safari with three spacious family tents. Fall asleep to the sounds of the bush (so far removed from hooting city traffic, though occasionally just as alarming!) and open your tent in the morning to see wildlife strolling across the grassland.
Enjoy day drive to follow in the footprints of the Great Migration and hushed night game drives to spot the nocturnal rabble, or a guided walking safari where you'll see the Masai Mara in the purest form. For the shutterbugs, there are photographic safaris too! Enjoy a morning of birding with a specialist, heart-soaring hot air ballooning, visiting a local village and finish your day with candlelit dining in the bush. A word of praise for the guides at these camps – they are excellent, knowledgeable, willing to accommodate your wishes and generous.
Can we say everything? The team treats you like family, the guides are sensational and the Masai Mara plains unfold in front of you from every corner of the camp.
There are some fabulous activities for younger travellers including learning to make a fire, beading bracelets, and forest walks within the camp.
The vehicles are completely open so don't forget to pack layers for the chilly early morning and evening drives. Also, some tents are quite a walk from the main lodge - but you'll likely see wildlife along the way.
A pioneer in sustainable tourism since 1991, &Beyond aims to expand its impact by 2030. Through partnerships and doubling investment, they have set a target of conserving 40 million acres of key biospheres while offering exclusive travel experiences. By doubling revenue and tripling profit, they seek to leave a positive footprint in Africa, Asia, and South America, empowering communities and preserving wildlife.
Start with a recommended trip or create one from scratch
13 nights from $11.3K per person
10 nights from $7.6K per person
10 nights from $12.4K per person
13 nights from $9.2K per person
9 nights from $10K per person
9 nights from $10.2K per person
A safari classic filled with the Big Five, wildlife-dotted landscapes and vibrant Maasai warriors.
