With only six tents, all of the same standard, Kicheche ensures that guests can familiarise themselves with their surroundings and fellow guests. Elephant and giraffe graze on the acacia trees that populate the conservancy, and wildlife has been known to come close to camp grounds, allowing guests to have close observations. The camp is popular among birders given the number of rare species that flock there. Big cats are also known to roam the valley, with the camp manager reporting that two prides of lion have been engaged in a long standing turf-war near the spring. An advantage to staying here is that you're able to watch the wildlife interact freely without interruption due to the strict control guest numbers in this conservation area.
who's been there
Start planning your tailor-made trip by calling one of our Kenya specialists on 01993 838 510
Rooms
There are six spacious guest tents in total, all of which sit on elevated platforms. Tents either have twin or double beds and are well furnished with desks, sofas and luggage racks. Bathrooms are en suite and feature flushing toilets as well as hot water at all times. Electricity and plug sockets are available for use in the tents and can be used at any time throughout the day.
Location
Kicheche Valley Camp is located on the eastern side of the Naboisho Conservancy, right next to the Moliband Stream in a hidden valley peppered with Acacia trees. The property is in the locality of the Enniskeria River with its impressive granite outcrops and pools, which attract the local wildlife, and close to the expansive plains to the north, featuring large numbers of game.
Food and Drink
Kicheche grows many of its own herbs and vegetables which are used in the meals served to guests. You'll typically be sent on game drives with a 'bush breakfast' or packed lunch, while the lunches and dinners served at the camp are typically three courses, eaten communally. Most guests stay on a full board basis and all drinks are included with the exception of premium wines and spirits.
Families
There are no activities explicitly for children, however the staff at the camp would go out of their way to make families feel welcome.
Facilities and Activities
Laundry is included for guests, though undergarments will not be washed by staff on religious grounds. There's a safe in the main office and MasterCard, Visa and American Express are accepted with a 5% surcharge. Wi-Fi is not available in the tents, but is available in the main office upon request.
Accessibility
Unfortunately, the camp isn’t able to accommodate disabled guests as easily as other safari camps due to the landscape of the grounds.
Environmental and Social Responsibility
Kicheche is committed to sustainability - the camp is powered entirely by solar energy and it even uses flooring made from recycled milk bottles. In addition, Eco Tourism Kenya has certified the camp as silver eco-rated.
Our opinion
Kicheche Valley Camp offers excellent accommodation for guests looking for a genuine safari experience where animals roam freely and the surroundings are left undisturbed. Just ten minutes from the Kicheche airstrip, it’s both convenient and authentic for travellers.
Masai Mara National Reserve itinerary suggestions
Nearby accommodation
Places & hotels on the map
Alternative places to stay nearby
Where possible, we like to offer a range of accommodation for each stop of your trip, chosen by our specialists as some of their favourite places to stay. To help you make the right choice, we give each property a rating based on its facilities and service, but we also look for hotels with distinct character or a location that can’t be bettered.
Angama Mara
Set in a truly stunning position on the edge of the Great Rift Valley overlooking the Masai Mara, Angama Mara is an exclusive, owner-run safari lodge offering a luxurious base from which to explore this incredible reserve and its variety of game.
Asilia Naboisho Camp
This small, authentic camp has an exclusive feel, being one of very few camps set within the private Mara Naboisho Conservancy. Here you can enjoy fantastic game viewing, and the family safari programme means children and adults alike can explore the area’s rich wildlife and culture.
Bateleur Camp
Bateleur Camp is located just outside the Olololo gate to the park, in a Masai concession area. The plains in front of camp are often frequented by warthog and zebra and wildebeest are never far away.
Bogani Cottages & Tented Camp
Bogani offers a completely different experience to all of Kenya's safari camps and it provides a genuine opportunity to get involved in the great work undertaken by Free the Children. The comfortable accommodation provides a great base to explore the local area and contribute to making a real difference to local people.
Elephant Pepper Camp
Elephant Pepper is a lovely little bush camp set just outside the northern boarder of the Masai Mara Game Reserve. During the day they offer game drives and walks with excellent local guides.
Governors' Camp
Governors' Camp was the first tented camp to be established in the Masai Mara National Reserve. A new chef-training programme has brought the level of the food here to excellent standards, so you can be sure to enjoy some great food after a long day on safari.
Il Moran
Il Moran is one of the Mara's most luxurious camps, situated above the Mara River. Sitting in camp you might hear hippo grunting, the bark of baboons, or the calls of hyena and lion.
Karen Blixen Camp
Set along the banks of the Mara River in a community-owned conservancy, Karen Blixen Camp is an eco-minded property offering 22 spacious tents and a variety of activities.
Karen Blixen Camp
Karen Blixen Camp is located is a pretty valley outside the main Mara Reserve and overlooking the Mara River. Activities include day and night game drives.
Kicheche Bush Camp
A small, intimate tented camp with a focus on environmental sustainability, Kicheche Bush Camp's tents are spread over a kilometre of land. The eco-friendly camp is unfenced, runs completely on solar power and is located amongst some of the most diverse wildlife in the bush.
Kicheche Mara Camp
Hidden in a picturesque valley within the Mara North Conservancy, Kicheche Mara Camp offers a classic bush camp experience in a prime game viewing location. While authentically simple, the camp’s welcoming hosts and low guest capacity give it an air of exclusivity.
Little Governors' Camp
Little Governors' has a superb position above a small swamp where, during the day, you often see animals coming to graze and drink. Overall it is one of our favourite camps in the Mara.
Mara Intrepids
Mara Intrepids is a medium size camp has thirty tents situated along the banks of the Talek River. This is a great camp for families.
Naibor Camp
Naibor is a spacious and stylish safari camp, located on the banks of the Talek River in the Masai Mara Reserve. The food and service is superb, as is the guiding. We warmly recommend it.
Offbeat Mara Camp
Offbeat Mara Camp is a luxury tented camp situated on the Olare Orok water system, on Koyiaki Group Ranch, north of the Masai Mara Game Reserve. The camp is owner-run and very friendly.
Ol Seki Hemingways Camp
Situated high on a ridge in the Masai Mara’s Naboisho Conservancy, this luxurious camp provides a peaceful retreat while still being in the heart of the action when it comes to wildlife viewing.
Porini Lion Camp
Porini Lion Camp is located in the Olare Orok Conservancy, which borders the Masai Mara Game Reserve. Service is personal, the food is good and you will be well taken care of.
Rekero Tented Camp
Rekero Tented Camp is located inside the Masai Mara Game Reserve, very close to the confluence of the Mara and Talek rivers. It is a firm favourite with repeat visitors to Kenya.
Saruni Mara
Saruni Mara is a luxurious tented lodge set in the Koyiaki Group Ranch, adjacent to the Masai Mara. Activities include guided bush walks, game drives, while fly camping is also possible.
Serian Camp
Serian is an exclusive wilderness camp set alongside a secluded valley flanking the Mara River in the Mara North Conservancy. Each of the eight tents is fitted with large double beds flanked by twin bedside tables and a writing desk.
Experiences while staying here
The following activities are designed to give you the most authentic experiences of the area where you’re staying. We work with local guides, who use their knowledge and often a resident’s eye to show you the main sights and more out-of-the-way attractions. Our specialists can also suggest outdoor pursuits and activities, such as cooking classes, that will introduce you to the traditions of the area’s inhabitants.
Experience Life in a Rural Maasai Village
ME to WE provides you with the opportunity to experience life with locals in rural Kenya, working on sustainable projects that benefit these communities in the longer term.
Hot Air Balloon Flight
Watch out for the giraffe hiding in the trees, antelope on the plains and roosting birds. As the sun comes up the views are superb - one of the most beautiful sights in Africa.