&BEYOND KICHWA TEMBO TENTED CAMP – MASAI MARA

Set in the &Beyond Kichwa Tembo concession, Kichwa Tented Camp is a recently refurbished tented camp offering twelve classic tents, twenty superior tents and eight superior view tents which are all set on a private concession bordering the Masai Mara.

All the tents look out onto the open grasslands or the shady forest surrounding the Sabaringo River and the superior view tents enjoy exceptionally beautiful, uninterrupted views of the Masai Mara. Leisurely groups of warthog feed right outside the tent doors and the variety of birdlife in the cool forest area is stunning.

Massive windows in the spacious guest areas invite the Mara inside and incorporate split-level spaces where you can relax and unwind. Pick and choose delicious ingredients from the organic garden and enjoy the interactive kitchen.

Treat yourself to holistic healing in the massage tent, indulge in a rejuvenating treatment or browse the Safari Shop offering the finest Kenyan handicrafts. The rim-flow swimming pool – literally on the edge of the Mara – is set among the trees and surrounded by lush lawns and a spectacular view.

LOCATION

&Beyond Kichwa Tembo Tented Camp is located in the private Kitchwa Tembo Concession bordering the Masai Mara in Kenya.

Access is via scheduled flights twice daily on light aircraft from Nairobi’s Wilson Airport to Kichwa Tembo’s private airstrip which takes approximately one hour depending on which aircraft. On arrival you are met and transferred to camp which is around 10 minutes by game drive.

CAMP

There are 12 classic tents positioned to offer mottled shade from the camp’s surrounding forest and are perfect for biding enthusiasts. The classic tents have limited views of the Sabaringo River and are set away from the main guest areas with a good deal of privacy.

Additionally, the camp has 20 recently rebuilt superior tents which are separated into eight superior view tents and 20 superior tents. The larger and more spacious superior tents feature Maasai-inspired interiors that showcase a simple and contemporary use of local materials. Oversized beds are positioned to make the most of the views, while stained cypress wood furniture combine with tribal decorative elements. The tents have beautifully roomy ensuite bathrooms and private verandas with comfortable day beds.

The superior tents offer either slightly interrupted views of the Masai Mara, glimpses of the Masai Mara through the shade of the forest or picturesque views of a nearby escarpment and the superior view tents offer uninterrupted views of the Masai Mara.

The camp has 3 family tents that have two interconnected tents with an ensuite bathroom and a private veranda. These tents can accommodate two adults and two children (three at special request).

The main areas are beautifully furnished and include a comfortable lounge, the Tusker Bar, a massage tent, a safari shop and an interactive kitchen The spacious interactive kitchen allows guests to see their meals being prepared, quite literally, from the lodge vegetable garden (shamba) to table.

ACTIVITIES AND WILDLIFE

The Masai Mara reserve is home to an excellent year-round concentration of game including more than two million wildebeest, zebras and other antelopes that make up the Migration.

The reserve is a photographer’s and naturalist’s paradise with elephant, buffalo, giraffe, lion and cheetah alongside the migratory wildebeest and zebra. Leopards are frequently encountered, and the endangered black rhino can be found in the dense thickets. Large rafts of hippo and enormous crocodiles are found in the Mara River. The reserve is home to over 450 bird species.

Game Drives and WILDChild programme are included in the price – all other activities are charged extra:

Game Drives – set out in an open 4×4 safari vehicle in the company of your guide in search of the incredible wildlife in the Masai Mara. They will also tell you about the vegetation of the region and will explain the behaviour of the animals and in some cases your guide will be able to identify individual animals and let you know about their history and habits.

Night Game Drives – as the sun sinks over the vast horizon the African bush comes to life with predators and other nocturnal wildlife, and you have the opportunity to observe species not normally encountered during the day.

Bush Breakfast – enjoy a delicious breakfast in the bush either on the banks of the Mara River or on the Oloololo Escarpment. Sip champagne whilst enjoying the spectacular views of the plains below.

Bush Dinner – a delicious meal is served in a memorable setting under the stars followed by fireside entertainment by the camp’s Sukuti band. Private dinners can be arranged on request within the camp.

Sundowner Cocktails – enjoy sundowner cocktails at a stunning location on the famous Oloololo Escarpment and watch as the sun sinks over the entire Masai Mara.

Guided Walks – make the most the incredible scenery and wildlife by enjoying a guided walk. There are three walking routes to choose from each exploring different areas and lasting approximately two hours.

WILDchild programme – &Beyond’s WILDchild programme is designed especially for children and filled with fun, interactive activities and opportunities to learn and discover new experiences and cultures.

Morning Balloon Safari – experience beautiful views of the morning’s sunrise and look down on the diverse habitats of the Masai Mara Reserve, the Mara River, swamps, forests, wildlife and plains and then enjoy a delicious champagne breakfast served in upon landing.

Maasai Village Visit – you will be guided through the village by an English-speaking Maasai who lives in the village. He will introduce you to the way of Maasai living and afterwards have the opportunity to browse through the Maasai Craft Centre and purchase souvenirs which are made in the village — all proceeds are given back to the community.

Maasai Dance – tall Maasai warriors in traditional dress form a guard of honour as you arrive and listen to the Masai song and watch the rhythm of traditional dances.

Wedding, blessings and engagements – celebrate your special day in the Masai Mara!

Healing Earth Massages – &Beyond has partnered with Healing Earth, a leading natural, eco-friendly and holistic spa and skincare company to produce a truly African spa experience.

GIVING BACK

&Beyond Kichwa Tembo Camp has received a gold eco-rating status from Eco-Tourism Kenya and the camp collaborates closely with the Africa Foundation on community development programmes.

Community Leaders Education Fund: 11 tertiary level students supported through bursaries in the Masai Mara and creating conservation awareness through education where over 203 children and adults partake annually.

98% of the employees at the lodge are Kenyan and 50% are from local communities. 64% of goods are procured from communities around the Masai Mara.

By bottling water on site and using glass bottles, &Beyond Bateleur and Kichwa Tembo camps save approximately 56 000 bottles from going into land fill sites annually. All plastic, glass, and materials such as old engine oil are sent away for re-use and recycling. Energy use is tracked and reported on a monthly basis including the use of wood, petrol, diesel, electricity, gas, paraffin and charcoal.

The camps are part of the Lionscape Coalition which supports lion conservation efforts through the Lion Recovery Fund.

&BEYOND KICHWA TEMBO CAMP IS OPEN ALL YEAR ROUND

THE CAMP WELCOMES FAMILIES WITH CHILDREN OF ALL AGES

CHILDREN FIVE AND YOUNGER CANNOT PARTICIPATE IN REGULAR GAMES DRIVES WHILST CHILDREN AGED BETWEEN SIX AND ELEVEN CAN PARTICIPATE AT THE CAMP MANAGER’S DISCRETION.

THERE ARE THREE FAMILY TENTS CONSISTING OF TWO INTERCONNECTING TENTS BOTH WITH ENSUITE BATHROOMS AND A PRIVATE VERANDA IDEAL FOR FAMILIES OF 4 OR 5