Kitich Camp is in a 180,000 acre section of Northern Kenya’s remote Mathews Ranges. It is a unique camp run by an Italian man named Guilio Bertolli who has made this region, and Kitich, his life’s passion.
The concept of Kitich Camp is one of enjoying nature simply, without impacting on the environment. It is a forested landscape, with huge figs and the oldest cycads in the world. Within this forest, wildlife such as vervet monkeys, warthogs, dik-dik, hyena, waterbuck, duiker, lions, leopards, and buffalo make their home. Kitich also offers superb birdwatching.
However it is really the elephants which are the star attraction most of the year, as Guilio leads his enthralled guests through the forest to get a very close look at these magnificent animals. There are 30 miles of trails through the forest around Ktich Camp, taking in peaks and valleys, rivers and waterfalls – and even a good swimming spot. It is truly beautiful.
The accommodation at Kitich camp is in large semi-permanent tents, with an open bathroom (bucket shower, long drop loo and wash basin) right behind the tent. The tents are very comfortable, with good beds, small cupboard and table, and a verandah. The main living area is one very large room used for dining, sitting, and houses the bar. The food is as good as it should be with an Italian food-lover overseeing it! A delicious mix of Italian and Middle Eastern, with barbeques too. There is electricity only morning and evening, and rooms are lit with oil lamps. Kitich Camp takes a maximum of eight guests, as Guilio wants the experience to be a personal one.
Fair Trade / Responsible Tourism
Guilio has set up the Englai Conservation Group through which the camp supports the local community through bed night fees and landing fees at the airstrip. The fund has financed a number of projects such as medical expenses for the poorest, refurbishing a primary school and paying a teacher’s salary.