Kichwa Tembo Tented Camp in the Masai Mara
Known as Kenya’s best loved safari camp, Kichwa Tembo Tented Camp offers a quintessential game viewing experience, with sweeping vistas of the Masai Mara or the Sabaringo River.
Located where the riverine forest meets the sweeping plains in the path of the awe-inspiring Great Migration, the camp provides an authentic dose of African wildlife, delivered with legendary Kenyan hospitality.
Enhancing its signature elements of romance and nostalgia, the camp has been redesigned to better showcase its panoramic Masai Mara views. With timeless interiors that are simple yet contemporary and stylish, the new Kichwa Tembo enhances guests’ sense of privacy and enjoyment.
Laid out along the Sabaringo River on the edge of the Oloololo escarpment, &Beyond Kichwa Tembo Masai Mara Tented Camp looks out onto the plains of the Masai Mara. Set on a private concession leased from Masai landlords in the north of the Mara, the camp offers total seclusion and abundant wildlife.
Simple yet contemporary, the Maasai-inspired suites are elegant and timeless, firmly entrenching &Beyond Kichwa Tembo as the unrivalled luxury tented camp of its size in the greater Mara. As guests arrive at &Beyond Kichwa Tembo, they are instantly welcomed by the commanding view. The spacious guest areas incorporate split-level spaces where guests can relax and unwind. The different layers can accommodate high guest volumes in peak season, yet still provide a sense of intimacy during quieter times. The large windows invite the Mara inside, making it feel like part of the guest area.
Guests can escape to the massage room to indulge in a relaxing treatment or browse the redesigned Safari Shop, which offers the finest Kenyan handicrafts.The rim-flow swimming pool, literally on the edge of the Mara, boasts one of the world’s most extraordinary views.
12 Classic tents, 20 Superior tents and eight Superior View tents, are laid out in immaculate grounds, with leisurely groups of warthog feeding right outside the tent doors.
Accommodation Classic Tents
Comfortable interiors and a lovely ensuite bathroom offer a traditional tented safari experience, while secluded private verandas offer a shady spot to while the afternoon away.
Accommodation Superior Tents
Oversized beds are perfectly positioned to make the most of the views, while stained cypress wood furniture combine with tribal decorative elements. Indulge in beautifully roomy ensuite bathrooms and private verandas with comfortable day beds.
Recently rebuilt, the superior tents are separated into eight superior view tents and just 20 superior tents. The superior view tents offer premium panoramic views of the Masai Mara, whilst the remaining 20 superior tents offer either slightly interrupted views of the Masai Mara, glimpses of the Masai Mara through the shade of the forest (excellent for bird lovers) or picturesque scenes of a nearby escarpment.
Wildlife at Kichwa Tembo Camp
The Masai Mara National Reserve is home to a vast number of resident wildlife, as well as home to the annual Great Migration. The migratory wildebeest, zebra, kongoni and topi join abundant elephant, hippo, buffalo, giraffe, lion and cheetah. Leopard and serval are frequently encountered, while endangered black rhino can be found in the dense bush thickets. The Mara River is also famed for its enormous crocodiles, which lay in wait for the wildebeest and zebra during the migration, when more than two million wildebeest and zebra move in search of prime grazing land.
The small and compact Thomson’s gazelle follow the herds in their quest for life-giving water and grazing. Lion, and hyena, as well as the more elusive cheetah and leopard, mingle with the migrating masses, while vulture and jackal await the scraps of the more powerful predators.
The Mara is famous for its magnificent, black-maned lion and guests stand a good chance of viewing these powerful animals. Up to six species of vulture are found in the Mara and one or more of them may often be seen on the sidelines of a lion kill.
The rare black rhino are most frequently encountered in the Ngama Hills in the eastern Mara. The Mara hosts a large elephant population, which has had a significant impact on the reserve. The Mara River is famous for its enormous crocodiles, with massive hippo frequently spotted in the water during the day or feeding out on the plains at night. The dense riverine forest around the &Beyond Kichwa Tembo camps is home to two unusual monkey species – the blue monkey and the redtail monkey, with their striking facial patterns.
Activities at Kichwa Tembo Tented Camp
BUSH BREAKFAST
Enjoy a delicious breakfast in the bush, either on the banks of the Mara River or on the Oloololo Escarpment. Sip champagne (served on request) whilst enjoying the spectacular panoramic views of the plains below. Minimum 6 guests.
Available at an additional cost
BUSH DINNER
A delicious Pan African meal is served in a memorable setting under the stars, followed by fireside entertainment by our very own Sukuti band. Minimum 6 guests. Private dinners can be arranged on request for 2 or more guests within the camp grounds.
Available at an additional cost
KICHWA NATURE TRAIL
Take a leisurely walk in the camp surrounds with a trained ranger. This trail winds through riverine forest, and follows the perimeter of Sabaringo Creek – fantastic bird life.
Available at an additional cost
MAASAI DANCE
Tall Maasai warriors in traditional dress form a guard of honour as guests arrive. Deep, haunting voices burst into song and soon the ground reverberates to the rhythm of their athletic traditional dances as the Maasai leap higher and higher, seeking to outperform each other.
Available at an additional cost
MAASAI VILLAGE VISIT
Guests will be guided through the village by an English-speaking Maasai, who lives in the village. He will introduce you to the authentic, daily hustle and bustle of Maasai living. Guests will also have the opportunity to browse through the Maasai Craft Centre and purchase artefacts and souvenirs, which are made in the village — all proceeds are given back to the community.
Available at an additional cost
MARA HIPPO TRAIL
This walking trail offers an exciting opportunity to explore the wilderness on foot, through the plains, riverine forest, savannah grasslands and bush land surrounding Kichwa Tembo and on to the Mara River.
Available at an additional cost
MORNING BALLOON SAFARI
Be a part of the Masai Mara by air. Enjoy breathtakingly beautiful views of the morning’s sunrise. Marvel at the diverse habitats of the Masai Mara Reserve, the great Mara River, swamps, forests, wildlife and the African Savanna. Enjoy a delicious champagne breakfast served in the open plains of the Masai Mara upon landing.
Available at an additional cost
NIGHT GAME DRIVE
The &Beyond Kichwa Tembo concession is the only place where guests can experience night game drives in the Masai Mara. As the sun sinks over the vast horizon, the African bush comes to life with predators and other nocturnal creatures. Guests may have the opportunity to observe fascinating species not normally encountered in daylight. Minimum 4 guests.
Available at an additional cost
OLOOLOLO ESCARPMENT TRAIL
The Oloololo Escarpment trail leads from the camp to the top of the escarpment, from where you view the Mara reserve, the Mara river and riverine forest. Rising up to 500 metres above the plains, on a clear day the spectacular view can cover the entire reserve.
Available at an additional cost
PHOTOGRAPHIC SAFARIS
Photographic enthusiasts can now embark on half or full-day safaris in a uniquely customised photographic vehicle, through the breathtaking landscapes of the Masai Mara or the Serengeti, at a selection of &Beyond lodges. The renowned CNP vehicles offer unobstructed views, 360° degree swivel chairs, a personal bar and air conditioning – ensuring a truly memorable photographic experience. Guests can choose to enjoy their safari in the company of a specialist photographic guide or in the company of an &Beyond safari guide. The vehicle can also be booked per seat or in its entirety, with a minimum of 2 guests for this adventure. This seasonal activity is offered at an additional cost and is subject to availability.
SUNDOWNER COCKTAILS
Enjoy sundowner cocktails at a breathtaking location on the famous Oloololo Escarpment. Watch as the sun sinks over a spectacular classical safari landscape from a vantage point that commands views over the entire Masai Mara.
Available at an additional cost