Rating: Mid-range
AndBeyond Kichwa Tembo is located in the north-western corner of the Masai Mara, the richest game park in Kenya. Each of Kichwa Tembo's 40 spacious, en suite tents is completely private, tucked away in its own little piece of wild Africa. They have decks with views over the grasslands or forest and en suite bathrooms with shower, hand basin and flush toilet. The camp is set just below the spot where 'Out of Africa' was filmed.
The airy main restaurant is set on a split level deck covered with Maasai thatch grass and is shaded by tall fig and ebony trees. Dinner is often served alfresco, weather-permitting. Private meals are also arranged on request. The courtyard is candlelit in the evening, offering a relaxing area in addition to the bar/lounge which itself has picture windows with views over the surrounding bush. The camp's swimming pool overlooks the plains of the Mara. At night, Askaris (Maasai warrior security guards) accompany guests to and from their tents.
The camp offers morning and afternoon game drives. As the camp is in a private concession night drives are also possible, as are guided bush walks which afford you a different perspective and enable you to get closer to nature. You can visit a Maasai village and watch traditional Maasai dancing. Spectacular hot air balloon rides can be arranged for a bird's eye view of the Masai Mara. Children are welcome at Kichwa Tembo and the WILDChild programme offers fun and informative activities for youngsters.
Open: Kichwa Tembo is open all year.
Location: Kichwa Tembo is in the private concession of the same name, in the western Masai Mara Game Reserve. Ther Kichwa Tembo private airstrip is about a half an hour drive from the camp. The flying time from Wilson airport in Nairobi is around an hour.
Rooms: Accommodation is in luxurious safari tents with private verandas. There are 40 tents in total which include 12 classic safari tents, 20 superior and 8 superior view tents, the last including 3 family tents. All are spacious, have a safe, Wi-Fi access, hairdryer and en-suite bathroom with a shower, hand basin and a separate flush toilet. Classic and superior tents have views of grassland or forest, while the superior view tents look out onto the Masai Mara. The maximum guest number is 80.
Activities: While here 2 daily game drives are included in your stay. Other activities at additional charge: night drives, guided bush walks, Maasai village visits, talks and dances by local Maasai tribes people and hot air balloon flights. The camp staff can arrange private bush breakfasts and dinner.
Facilities: The main guest areas are arranged on different levels and include a 2-storey lounge and bar, safari shop and indoor and outdoor dining areas. The camp has an outdoor swimming pool and several hammocks where you can relax between activities. There is a massage tent. The camp offers a laundry service, to be paid for locally.
Dining: Meals are taken at individual tables. Private bush meals and candle-lit dinners can be arranged.
Children: Children of all ages are welcome. There are 3 family suites, that can accommodate up to 2 adults and 1 child under 16. The WILDChild programme of activities can be organised at additional cost. Babysitting can be arranged. Children aged 5 and under are not permitted on regular game drives and those aged between 6 and 11 are permitted on game drives at the discretion of the manager. The camp is fenced.
Health: This is a low risk malaria area.
Communication: There is Wi-Fi internet access in guest tents and the main camp area.
Notes: Kichwa Tembo is an AndBeyond property