Kicheche Mara Camp is located on the Aitong Plains to the north of the Masai Mara National Reserve. Kicheche Mara is hidden in a grove of wild olive and croton trees, which provide extensive shade as well as a rich habitat for bird life. The majority of the tents are in secluded positions within the woodland with views overlooking the plains and nearby hills.
The Kicheche Mara team are relaxed and engaging, ensuring the camp has calm and slightly less formal feel than some camps. In addition there is flexible approach to activities which aims to avoid a regimented feel to game viewing, such as providing guests with the activities they want and at the time they wish. The guides are knowledgeable and have a good understanding of their clients needs, going that extra mile for a leopard sighting or that special sunset photograph.
Game viewing centres on the game rich plains surrounding the camp, which support a whole host of grazing animals including substantial herds of elephant, giraffe and assorted gazelles. Nearby woodlands also provide shelter for the resident Kicheche pride of lions as well as other big cats. The nearby rhino sanctuary provides a small group of white rhinos with a secure environment through 24-hour guards while also providing an opportunity to come face to face with these magnificent creatures.
Kicheche Mara Camp provides a variety of opportunities to view local animals while on foot, including a short morning stroll around the camp as well as a fly camp experience with a four hour walk there and back. Additionally, being outside of the National Reserve means guests can have greater access to the Maasai culture. They can experience an authentic Maasai village with a cultural adviser on hand to answer any questions and explain the inter-reliance of wildlife and communities.
In order to maintain an intimate atmosphere there is a maximum of 22 guests at any time. Each of the 11 tents are of a very comfortable nature with an en-suite bathroom and with 24 hour low wattage lighting. They are furnished in a rustic fashion and are decorated with Maasai artwork and plants. Outside hammocks and easy chairs make enjoying the views and wildlife that bit easier.
The spacious ‘Nyati’ lounge tent is well furnished with a number of relevant artefacts and comfortable seating. In addition a considerable library, board games, cards and local crafts are also available. The camp chef produces delicious meals with the menu featuring both African and international influences. In-camp meals are taken al-fresco with guests sitting at the communal table with their hosts and some of the guides.
Fair Trade / Responsible Tourism:
Over 50 percent of staff employed at Kicheche Mara live within walking distance of the camp. It is hoped that still more guides can be employed from the local community through the Koyiaki Guiding School. The school’s aim being to provide local Maasai with employment opportunities within the tourism industry. By the end of the 2006 around 50 students will have achieved the Kenya Professional Safari Guides Association Bronze Award. In addition Kicheche Mara supports Olkimitore Primary School along with the slightly larger Aitong Acadamy. Funds have helped to build a new toilet, fencing, desks and supply new books.
