Kicheche Mara Camp is a classic tented camp hidden in a beautiful valley in a prime wildlife area of the Mara North Conservancy.
Game viewing starts right from the camp itself. Early morning and late afternoon are the most productive hours for game drives and the customised 4WD vehicles give everyone a perfect view. Watching wildlife at close range, but without encroaching on their space, is endlessly fascinating and ther guides' instincts and experience provide superb photo opportunities of wild animals.
Guests can also visit one of the local Masai villages to see first hand their way of life, or visit one of the local primary schools during term times.
The cooks produce delicious and healthy meals, and the menu features both African and international dishes. Weather permitting, all meals are taken al-fresco whenever possible. Guests may sit at the communal table with their hosts, or are welcome to dine alone.
The main camp lounge has a stunning view down the valley and offers comfortable seating, a library, board games, cards and local crafts.
Each of the 8 luxury en-suite tents is comfortably furnished and low wattage lighting is supplied 24 hours. The tents are laid out alongside a seasonal stream from where you can observe the resident birdlife and plains game beyond. In addition, the family suite has 2 separate bedrooms (double and twin/triple) with en-suite bathrooms. The bedrooms are connected by a lounge furnished with a sofa and small table enabling private dining.
General Information For Guests
The fully insect-proof Selous style tents are equipped with cedar beds, linen, bedside tables, luggage racks and rugs. Bathrooms are en-suite and are equipped with a dresser, shower and flushing toilet and running water. There are canvas directors and deck chairs on the verandas.
Main guest areas include a spacious lounge tent and dining tent. There is also a souvenir shop with a selection of clothing, maps and miscellaneous items.
The camp accepts credit card payments (AMEX, Visa and Mastercard) or cash (Euro, USD, GBP and Kenya Shilling). There is a safety deposit box at the main reception area where all valuables can be kept.
Mineral wateris provided in each tent every day.
A laundry service is included in your rate but please note that the 'bush laundry' cannot cope with delicate items of clothing.
There is a variable mobile signal at camp however usage is restricted in the camp public areas and while out on game drives.
Safety is of paramount importance and therefore askaris (night-watchmen) patrol the camp at regular intervals after dark. Guests are advised to remain in their tent after dark, and will be escorted between their tent and the lounge/dining areas by a staff member. Each tent is equipped with a whistle to call for assistance in case of emergency. Each vehicle is equipped with a radio for communications with camp.
There is no mains power however the camp does supply 24 hour low wattage power for lighting through an inverter system. Camera and video batteries can also be charged on this system. The inverter system is backed up with a generator.
The camp is a 20 minute drive from the airstrip.
Guests are woken with tea, coffee or hot chocolate and biscuits brought to their tent. An early morning game drive sets off at sunrise and returns to the camp late morning. Breakfast is a leisurely affair taken outside in the morning sunlight. Lunch is also served al-fresco in the shade of an olive tree. During the heat of the day, relax and appreciate the silence, punctuated only by birdcalls. Alternatively, utilise the reference library in the lounge tent, which has an excellent selection of books. An afternoon game drive departs around 16:00 after tea and returns after sundowners. Freshen up before joining other guests around the campfire for a pre-dinner drink. Dinner is served by candlelight al-fresco or in the dining tent. Take a nightcap by the fire before retiring. Rigid daily schedules are not on our agenda, there are no hard and fast rules at Kicheche so guests can decide on the duration and frequency of their drives. Picnic breakfasts, lunches and sundowner drinks are popular options to include on game drives.
Game viewing drives are conducted by open-sided and open-roofed customised 4WD Land Cruiser vehicles. Game drives are shared with other guests though exclusive use of a vehicle is available at an extra charge. The vehicles are superbly designed for photographers and all the fleet is open-sided with open roofs. Cameras can be rested on the roof, with supplied beanbags, or on the armrests lower down.
A different perspective is gained through escorted walks on the savannah with a guide. Walks are included in your tariff.
Guests can visit one of the local Maasai villages to see first hand their way of life. A village guide or your Kicheche guide will give you an interpretive talk during your visit. There is sometimes dancing and traditional souvenirs are on sale. There is a charge of USD 30 per person (subject to change).
The Mara North Conservancy is a beautiful private wilderness area of more than 30,000 hectares. It is a vital part of the Masai Mara ecosystem as it forms the north-western zone, bordering the Masai Mara National Reserve. Professional wildlife and tourism management ensures guests truly exclusive and private safari experience with a very low vehicle density. The conservancy is a partnership between member camps and over 800 Maasai landowners. Their aim is to create a best practise, world class conservancy with long term commitments to the environment, wildlife and local communities.
