The Masai Mara National Reserve is a vast ecosystem of open grasslands, acacia woodlands, and riverine forests celebrated for its immense wildlife concentrations. &Beyond Kichwa Tembo Tented Camp is built along the forested edge of the Oloololo Escarpment, giving it a commanding, panoramic perspective over the Mara plains.
Location and Game Viewing Access for Kichwa Tembo Camp
&Beyond Kichwa Tembo Tented Camp sits within a private concession bordering the Masai Mara National Reserve, a location that provides direct access to prime game viewing areas inside the Mara Triangle. The Mara Triangle is managed by the non-profit Mara Conservancy, known for its effective anti-poaching patrols and well-maintained road network. Logistics are streamlined by the camp's own Kichwa Tembo Airstrip, located minutes from the entrance. This proximity minimises transfer times after the typical one-hour flight from Nairobi's Wilson Airport.
The camp’s location is strategic for witnessing the Great Migration. Key Mara River crossing points are typically a 45 to 60-minute game drive away, depending on track conditions and wildlife sightings. This proximity allows for full-day excursions to observe river crossings without an excessively long transit.
Camp Layout and Unfenced Design at Kichwa Tembo
The central lodge is an open-plan structure of local stone, wood, and canvas that integrates with the riverine forest. This hub features layered decks and seating areas oriented towards the expansive view. An infinity-edge swimming pool sits at the front of the camp, its ledge appearing to drop into the savannah. It offers an exceptional vantage point for observing plains game from the water.
Kichwa Tembo is a fully unfenced property, a design choice that facilitates an authentic wilderness experience. Wildlife, particularly herbivores and smaller predators, can move freely through the grounds. Guest safety is ensured by clear protocols and the constant presence of Maasai askaris who escort guests after dark. This carefully managed environment is a core part of the camp's identity.
Canvas Tents and Family Suites at Kichwa Tembo
The camp features approximately 40 tented suites built on permanent stone plinths with polished wooden floors. Accommodation is generously spaced along stone pathways to ensure privacy. The clean scent of treated canvas is a defining characteristic of the rooms, each featuring a private en-suite bathroom with a shower and flushing toilet, along with a shaded verandah.
Superior View and Classic Forest Tents
The camp offers several tent categories. Superior View Tents occupy the most premium locations along the escarpment edge, offering uninterrupted views across the Mara plains from the bed and verandah. Classic Tents are set slightly further back within the forest, providing a more intimate, woodland atmosphere.
Interconnected Family Tents for Privacy and Security
Purpose-built family suites accommodate larger groups. These units consist of two full tents joined by a lockable internal passageway and a shared verandah. The configuration provides privacy for parents while keeping children in a secure, adjacent room, eliminating the need to go outside to move between rooms.
- En-suite bathroom with a hot-water shower
- Private verandah with safari chairs
- In-room safe and universal charging points
- Complimentary filtered drinking water
Game Drives and Safari Activities from Kichwa Tembo
Twice-daily game drives in open-sided 4x4 safari vehicles form the core activity. The camp's local Maasai guides possess an intimate knowledge of the concession and the Mara Triangle, consistently locating key species and interpreting animal behaviour. Direct access from the camp gate into the reserve means game viewing begins immediately upon departure.
The camp offers supplementary experiences beyond vehicle safaris. Guided walks along the escarpment offer a different perspective on the ecosystem, focusing on flora, insects, and animal tracks. The evening sundowner is a standard ritual, where guides serve drinks and canapés at a scenic viewpoint as the sun sets.
The &Beyond 'WILDchild' programme provides structured, educational activities for younger guests. The programme includes tracking, fire-making with Maasai guides, and collecting natural specimens, directly addressing the needs of families travelling with children.
Power and Connectivity at Kichwa Tembo
The camp’s infrastructure is robust and self-sufficient. A large solar farm provides 24-hour electricity to all tents and public areas, supported by a diesel generator backup. This system ensures continuous power for lighting, ceiling fans, and charging devices. WiFi is available in guest tents and the main lodge, though its speed can be variable due to the remote location.
| Attribute | Specification |
|---|---|
| Camp Type | Permanent Tented Camp |
| Perimeter | Unfenced |
| Power Supply | 24-hour Solar with Generator |
| Connectivity | WiFi in Tents & Public Areas |
Why Kichwa Tembo Excels for First-Time Safari and Family Groups
Kichwa Tembo Tented Camp is ideally suited to first-time safari-goers and families. It provides a high-comfort, logistically simple, and activity-rich Mara experience. The camp's blend of classic safari style with modern amenities removes many of the rustic challenges found at more basic camps.
The interconnected family tents, dedicated WILDchild programme, and large swimming pool make the camp a functionally superior choice for travellers with children over six. The unfenced grounds require diligent parental supervision, but the constant presence of Maasai escorts ensures a well-managed and secure environment.
