Kicheche Bush Camp is situated in the Acacia Valley in the Mara North. Because the camps are owned in partnership with Paul Goldstein, both amateur and professional photographers enjoy staying at the camp. The tents give guests an authentic taste of life in the bush without compromising on comfort, allowing you to immerse yourself in the wonderful surroundings. Kicheche Bush Camp aims to make as little impact as possible in order to allow wildlife to roam naturally, and gives guests the opportunity to see them in their natural state. As the camp manager once said, 'If Kicheche Mara was to up and leave, no one would be able to tell that a camp was ever there'.
who's been there
Start planning your tailor-made trip by calling one of our Kenya specialists at 1-855-838-0510
Rooms
All the tents are named after animals and offer double, twin or triple bed options for maximum flexibility. Whilst tents look directly into brush, have no power outlets (there are charging stations in the main tent) or Wi-Fi, they are spacious and fully insect-proof, with en suite bathrooms, a flushing toilet, running cold water and hot safari showers, with solar power provided 24 hours a day. Each tent also has comfortable chairs on its own veranda, perfect to relax in as you admire the great views over the plains.
Location
The bush camp is located on the Olare Motorogi Conservancy bordering the Masai Mara. The conservancy upholds a strict policy on the number of guests in the reserve at one time, which makes for wonderful game viewing without the crowds.
Food and Drink
Guests typically stay at the camp on a full board basis. Breakfast is usually packed for morning game drives, lunch is typically served in a buffet style, while dinner is a set menu. All drinks are included except premium wines and spirits. While room service is available, it needs to be requested in advance. Dining takes place communally in the main tent.
Families
Given that the camp is unfenced and the close proximity to wild animals, this camp would not be suitable for children under the age of eight. Families with children under the age of seven will need to book their own private vehicle for game drives.
Honeymooners
Kicheche has a 50% discount for brides.
Facilities and Activities
The camp has a furnished lounge and dining tent where guests can eat, drink and socialize. A laundry service 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.
Accessibility
The camp isn’t able to accommodate disabled guests as easily as other safari camps given the landscape of the grounds.
Environmental and Social Responsibility
The camp strives to have as little impact as possible on the natural environment, using low impact tents, reusable drinking bottles and solar energy only. It also grows organic vegetables for guests to enjoy, avoiding the use of chemicals, and has been certified by Eco Tourism Kenya as 'silver eco-rated'.
Our opinion
Kicheche Bush Camp is a terrific camp for those looking to go on safari while leaving little ecological footprint. The wildlife diversity the Mara North has to offer, combined with the sustainability of the camp, allows guests to enjoy their stay and experience the bush in its most natural state.
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 favorite 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 program 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 program 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
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 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.
Kicheche Naboisho Valley Camp
A small, very comfortable tented camp, Kicheche Valley Camp serves as a good mid-level option for guests looking to experience the Mara in an authentic environment. You may even be lucky enough to see some incredible wildlife from the camp as animals venture close to the grounds.
Kilima Camp
Kilma is perched high on the Siria escarpment overlooking the Masai Mara. Where possible the camp tries to run along eco-friendly lines, operating on solar lighting and solar generated electricity.
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 favorite camps in the Mara.
Little Naibor
As an exclusive use camp, it has a wonderful location and you will absolute spoilt by the brilliant staff. Should you want a completely private experience, it is highly recommended.
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
Ol Seki is a tented camp located at the end of the Naboisho Conservancy. Part of the small Hemingways hotel group, it incorporates comfort with the charm of the African bush. Guests who enjoy scenic sunrises and sunsets will cherish their experience at Ol Seki.
Olare Mara Kempinski
Hidden in a grove of riverine woodland on the banks of the Ntiakitiak River, the Olare Mara Kempinski tented camp has an atmosphere which blends rustic African ambience and the elegance of the Kempinski legacy.
Olonana Safari Camp
Olonana is situated on the banks of the Mara River, in the Greater Mara Conservation Area. It is out of the really busy area of the Mara but within very easy reach of the rich game areas.
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 favorite 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.
Charity volunteering
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.