Kitich Forest Camp

With a maximum of just 12 guests here at any time, meals are taken together overlooking a lush river glade. The Italy-inspired food is superb, the bread is freshly baked and the organic vegetables are produced on site. The camp was completely refurbished in 2009, and state-of-the-art solar power has been installed. There's also a comfortable seating area. The Mathews range falls within the community-owned Namunyak Wildlife Conservancy Trust, which receives an income from the lodge to fund community development.

New and refreshed camp with brand new tents! There are only six tents – three with double beds and three with twins, so the lodge is peaceful and private. Each tent overlooks the lush gorge of the Ngeng River and consists of a main bedroom and an en-suite bathroom with traditional safari “butler” shower and composting toilets. The decor is tranquil and comforting, with warm blankets to protect you against chilly evenings.

This is not game-driving country, so Kitich stands alone. By day, guests explore forest trails and mountain streams on foot with Samburu guides who know this area intimately and will edify you with their descriptions of the hardwood trees, cycads, orchids, birds and butterflies. Enjoy a swim in a clear mountain pool. At night, watch elephant, buffalo, bushbuck and occasionally leopard drink from the floodlit river.