Kicheche Mara Camp

There is wildlife all around – so you might hear lions roar while you’re sipping soup. The Big Five are here.

From July to October, millions of wildebeest, zebra and antelope move through the Mara in search of grass. Sometimes the migration passes right by the camp. Game drives leave at dawn and after afternoon tea, and guided bush walks on request (all included in the price). You will see other vehicles; there are 11 camps in this conservancy.

There are some special activities on offer: fly camping – with an armed ranger and Maasai guide in a remote area of the conservancy – offers the chance to really experience the bush (and if timed right, the migration) on your own.

Two balloon companies also offer flights over the concessions – and the camp organises breakfast in the bush straight after.

Guiding is done by local Masai guides who are always willing and keen. They know the area, animals and plants well.

The conservancy is owned by the Maasai, and camp owners pay to put the camp there, so local communities benefit from your tourism with jobs, schools and health clinics.

The camp arranges trips to the local Masai village (at additional charge), accompanied by a villager and a guide, to witness village life: cattle herding, visiting the small school, and sometimes dancing.

They welcome children. The Kicheche Kids Club awards the Kicheche Kids Club Certificate of Completion to those young members who participate in all our activities. All activities are under the supervision of a dedicated child-minder and are open to children between 6 and 14 years. Activities include:

• Identification of animal footprints, bones, plants and leaves
• Catch and release of butterflies and insects
• Starting a fire without matches
• Making of bows and arrows and spear launching (Mara only)

However, adults must be aware that the camp is not fenced and no additional facilities are available to occupy them outside of normal excursions and activities. No baby equipment is provided. Bookings with children under 7 are required to pay for the exclusive use of the vehicle on game drives.

The camp is about 20 minutes’ drive from the Mara North airstrip – with flights from Nairobi (one hour), Mombasa, Naivasha, Samburu or Nanyuki.