Kichwa Tembo Tented Camp

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Kichwa Tembo Tented Camp

&Beyond Kichwa Tembo Tented Camp is one of Kenya’s classic luxury safari camps, located in the private Oloololo Game Ranch area at the foot of the Oloololo Escarpment, bordering the famous Maasai Mara ecosystem. It is operated by &Beyond and is known for combining a traditional canvas safari atmosphere with high-end service, excellent guiding, and a strong sense of place. 

Location & Setting

  • Region: Maasai Mara, Kenya

  • Position: Western edge of the Mara ecosystem, beneath the Oloololo Escarpment

  • Environment: Open savannah, riverine forest, and escarpment landscapes

  • Nearest airstrip: Kichwa Tembo Airstrip (scheduled safari flights commonly connect via Nairobi’s Wilson Airport)

  • Access by road: Approximately 5–6 hours from Nairobi depending on conditions

The camp’s location is particularly scenic because the escarpment rises dramatically behind the camp, while the Mara plains stretch outward in front. The area is famous for big skies, dramatic sunsets, and abundant wildlife. 

Camp History & Character

Kichwa Tembo is one of the original luxury tented camps in the Maasai Mara and has operated since the 1980s. It became associated with the golden era of East African safari and has hosted travellers seeking a classic “Out of Africa” experience. 

The atmosphere is:

  • Elegant but not overly formal

  • Romantic and wilderness-focused

  • Suitable for couples, families, and multigenerational trips

  • More of a classic safari camp than a modern lodge

The design uses canvas, wood, leather, natural fabrics, and Maasai-inspired décor to create a feeling of being immersed in the landscape. 

Accommodation

The camp has around 34 luxury canvas tents designed to blend safari romance with modern comfort. 

1. Superior Tents

Best for:

  • Couples

  • Honeymooners

  • Friends travelling together

Features typically include:

  • Large bedroom area

  • King or twin beds

  • En-suite bathroom

  • Hot shower

  • Private veranda/deck

  • Natural views

  • Safari-style interiors

Many tents overlook vegetation, plains, or the escarpment. 

2. Superior Family Tents

Designed for families:

  • Interconnected tent arrangement

  • Space for adults and children

  • More privacy than standard family rooms

 

Facilities

Despite being a tented camp, facilities are comparable to a luxury lodge.

Dining

Expect:

  • Breakfast, lunch, and dinner

  • Fresh local ingredients

  • African-inspired and international cuisine

  • Bush breakfasts

  • Private dining experiences

  • Sundowner drinks in scenic locations

Meals are usually part of the safari experience rather than simply restaurant-style dining.

Swimming Pool

The camp has a pool area overlooking the Mara landscape, offering a relaxing break between game drives.

Wellness

Some wellness treatments and spa-style services may be available depending on season and arrangements.

Other Amenities

  • Wi-Fi in selected areas

  • Laundry service

  • Safari shop

  • Lounge/bar area

  • Firepit evenings

 

Wildlife Experience

Kichwa Tembo is located in one of Africa’s most productive wildlife regions.

Common sightings include:

Big Five

 Lion
 Leopard
Elephant
 Buffalo
 Rhino (less common)

Other wildlife:

  • Cheetah

  • Hyena

  • Giraffe

  • Zebra

  • Wildebeest

  • Hippo

  • Crocodile

  • Antelope species

The Maasai Mara ecosystem supports more than 95 mammal species and hundreds of bird species. 

The Great Migration

Kichwa Tembo is well positioned for the annual wildebeest migration.

Peak migration period:

July – October

Highlights:

  • Huge wildebeest and zebra herds

  • Predator action

  • Possible river crossings (depending on location and timing)

  • Excellent photographic opportunities

However, migration sightings are naturally unpredictable. Wildlife movement depends on rainfall, river levels, and herd behaviour.

Safari Activities

Included or available experiences commonly include:

Game Drives

Usually the main activity:

  • Morning drives

  • Afternoon/evening drives

  • Expert guides

  • Wildlife tracking

  • Photography opportunities

Hot Air Balloon Safari

A popular optional activity:

  • Sunrise flight over the Mara

  • Champagne breakfast after landing

Maasai Cultural Experiences

Visitors may experience:

  • Village visits

  • Traditional ceremonies

  • Cultural discussions

Walking Experiences

Nature walks may be available in suitable areas with trained guides.

 

Guiding & Service

A major strength of Kichwa Tembo is its service culture.

Typical strengths:

  • Highly trained guides

  • Personalised attention

  • Strong wildlife knowledge

  • Excellent interpretation of animal behaviour

  • Warm camp staff

The camp focuses on creating a personalised safari rather than a large hotel-style experience. 

Food & Drinks

The camp generally operates on an all-inclusive style package.

Packages commonly include:

  • Accommodation

  • Meals

  • Selected drinks

  • Safari activities

  • Laundry

  • Transfers from the local airstrip

Premium wines, champagne, and certain extras may cost additional fees. 

Approximate Pricing

Luxury safari pricing changes significantly by season.

Indicative ranges:

  • Lower season: roughly US$800+ per person per night

  • Peak migration season: often US$1,200+ per person per night

Rates vary by room category, dates, and inclusions. 

Best Time to Visit

January – March

Advantages

  • Excellent weather

  • Predator sightings

  • Fewer visitors

April – June

Advantages

  • Green landscapes

  • Lower rates

  • Good photography

July – October

Advantages

  • Great Migration season

  • Best-known safari period

Disadvantages

  • Highest prices

  • More visitors

November – December

Advantages

  • Green season

  • Good value

  • Beautiful scenery

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