Hidden among the trees in a lush green acacia valley in the Mara North Conservancy lies Kicheche Mara Camp. This conservancy is known for being flush with wildlife and beautiful scenery. The camp is spread out along the seasonal Olare Orok stream and therefore a prime spot for spotting birds and game trekking across the plains. It's also the perfect home base for game drives, bush walks and other safari activities. If you’re lucky you could start spotting wild game the moment you step out of your safari tent each morning.
The camp has a very unassuming and authentic feel to it. It is low-key, no fuss and rustic and yet it offers excellent service, high quality comfort and expert Masai guides and trackers. Staying at a safari camp in the Mara North Conservancy comes with several benefits not available to those staying within the actual national reserve. For instance, guests are able to enjoy the surroundings without having to encounter a throng of other safari travellers. Only a limited number of guests are allowed to stay within the conservancy at any given time. Another benefit is the ability to embark on night-time game drives and bush walks. Neither activity is allowed with the borders of the actual national reserve. If you wish you'll still have the option to spend a day on safari within the actual national reserve.
Having only eight safari tents gives the camp a very intimate and cosy feel. The camp's staff are very friendly and aim to make each guest's stay memorable. The main common area lies at the highest point of a peak and looks down into a valley. Guests can sit back and have a chat at the camp lounge or read a book in the camp’s library. Meals are served in the dining tent or beneath the Euclea trees overlooking the valley. All meals are prepared with care using fresh ingredients and attention to detail. The camp staff takes great pride in making each meal a treat.
Each of the camp's safari tents is nicely furnished and comfortable without being overly fancy. The tents have en-suite bathrooms complete with flushing toilets, hot- and cold running water and very pleasant safari low-lighting. For those travelling as a family and needing a little extra space the camp offers triple and quad tents. These tents have two separate bedrooms and en-suite bathrooms. A lounge with sofa and small table connects the two bedrooms.
Activities at Kicheche Mara Camp
Kicheche Mara Camp guests have quite a bit of flexibility in planning their game drives during their stay. Early morning and late afternoon game drives offer the best opportunity to spot wildlife, however guests can choose to schedule game drives at other moments as well. In an effort to make the game drives even more memorable, bush breakfasts, picnic lunches and sundowners can be prepared to enjoy in scenic locations en-route. The game drives are operated in customised 4x4 safari vehicles. An added perk of staying within the conservancy is the ability to set out upon guided bush walks. Fly camping (a night out in the wild under a canvas accompanied by a guide), village walks and hot-air balloon safaris are also available at a surcharge.
Tripadvisor comments Kicheche Mara Camp
The camp is set in a superb location which is beautifully "serene". Incredibly comfortable accommodation and the service is second to none. The food is delicious and wonderfully presented. Very difficult to resist. Well done to Carys Ashley, the camp manager who was there for our stay. Our guide George was amazing, excellent anticipation on both the Cheetah kill and the lion kill that we were very fortunate to witness. And of course Charles, always present, self- effacing but attentive to a tee.
soashley from Shimoni, Kenya
There are no words to explain how good this place is. The location is already spectacular but is enhanced by the standard of the accommodation, food and the wonderful staff. At all times we were made to feel safe and at ease. Our guide was lovely and extremely knowledgeable.
fostercraddock from Henlow, UK
Could not ask for more. We have been on safari before but this was a whlle different level. We were lucky to have the vehicle to ourselves for all 3 days so never felt under pressure to move on or hurry up. Our driver Soit was lovely and found us some great sights that we would never have spotted. First to a kill as 2 cheetah brought down a wildebeest, a pride of lion dragging a recent capture, lion cub feeding on recent kills and a leopard looking for lunch for her cub. The tent was stunning and the location amazing. Being led to our tent at night was exciting as we searched the shadows for evening visitors. The food was always amazing, every member of staff cheerful and welcoming. Other than improving the weather i wouldn't change a thing!
Steve D
