Accommodation
Six spacious, fully insect-proof custom designed tents, equipped with twin or double beds, linen, bedside tables, luggage racks and rugs. Bathrooms are en-suite and are equipped with a dresser, flushing toilet and a traditional safari bucket shower with a view. There are comfortable chairs on each verandah overlooking the plains. One tent can be converted into a triple on request. There is a spacious well furnished lounge and dining tent, although we prefer to each alfresco if weather permits.
Location
Kicheche Bush Camp is located in the Masai Mara within the Olare Orok Conservancy (created from Koiyaki Group Ranch lands) bordering the Reserve. The Olare Orok Conservancy, through it’s strict limit on bed numbers, offers an incomparable gameviewing experience without crowds. The camp is located in a prime wildlife area and game viewing starts right from the camp itself. The location is also ideal to experience the wildebeest migration. Access is from Ol Kiombo airstrip, 40 minutes game drive away.
Cuisine
Kicheche cooks produce a variety of African and international dishes and special dietary requirements can be catered for. Fresh produce is flown in regularly and bread and pastries are baked daily. The small intimate camp lends itself to communal dining with your hosts, although private dining can be arranged.
Game Drives
Early morning and late afternoon are the most productive hours for game drives and our safari customised 4WD vehicles give everyone a perfect view. Watching wildlife at close range, but without encroaching on their space, is endlessly fascinating and our guides’ instincts and experience provide superb photo opportunities of wild animals.
Our vehicles are superbly designed for photographers, all our fleet is open-sided with open roofs. Cameras can be rested on the roof, with supplied beanbags, or on the armrests lower down, to which we can mount simple platforms for larger lenses. For complete flexibility it is recommended that you take a vehicle on an exclusive use basis ($265 per day supplement).
Walking
A different perspective is gained through escorted walks on the savannah. Our interpretive guides will point out the spoor of a leopard, the nest of a rare bird or signs of recent migration activity that would pass unnoticed by the eyes of strangers…
Fly Camp
Kicheche Bush Camp now offers escorted walking safaris with overnight stays in a fly-camp in the bush. These excursions are led by one of Kicheche’s senior guides and an armed ranger. It is an outstanding opportunity to see the Mara from a completely different perspective and also offers some welcome exercise whilst on safari. You will explore the smaller aspects of savannah life – birds, grasses, and insects – and may even be lucky enough to encounter some larger game en-route.
Daily Schedules
Rigid daily schedules are not on our agenda, there are no hard and fast rules at Kicheche so guests can decide on the duration and frequency of their drives. Picnic breakfasts, lunches and sundowner drinks are popular options to include on game drives.
Village Visits
Guests can visit one of the local Maasai villages to see first hand their way of life. A village guide or your Kicheche guide will give you an interprative talk during your visit. There is sometimes dancing and traditional souvenirs are on sale. There is a charge of $15 per person.
School Visits
Kicheche’s Community Project supports two local schools – Olkimitare Nursery School & Aitong Primary Academy, during term time it is possible to pay a visit to either school. Any educational gifts or donations that you can contribute are an enormous help to these struggling schools.
Hot Air Ballooning
This is a popular excursion in the Masai Mara. Balloons take off early each morning at sunrise and glide over the plains for approximately an hour before landing. Upon touchdown a champagne breakfast is set up before you. The excursion finishes with a game drive back to camp. Price is US$450 per person and trips can be booked through your tour operator.
