Kicheche Mara Camp

The Olare Motorogi Conservancy is a core component of the greater Masai Mara ecosystem, defined by its strict vehicle limits and a high density of predator populations.

Kicheche Mara Camp occupies a sheltered glade within a riverine forest bordering the Olare Orok stream, a location that provides excellent shade and consistent, localised wildlife sightings.

Kicheche Mara Camp's Location in Olare Motorogi Conservancy

Kicheche Mara Camp's primary logistical advantage is its position inside the 35,000-acre Olare Motorogi Conservancy. This placement grants guests exclusive access to a region shared by only a handful of other properties, resulting in a significantly lower vehicle density compared to the main Masai Mara National Reserve.

Access is typically via the Ol Kiombo airstrip, a 40-minute game drive from the camp. These transfers are conducted in the camp's own open-sided safari vehicles, providing a game-viewing opportunity from the moment of arrival.

The terrain immediately surrounding the camp comprises dense forest which quickly opens onto classic acacia-studded savannah, offering diverse habitats for wildlife.

Tented Accommodation and Camp Layout at Kicheche Mara

Kicheche Mara Camp maintains a classic safari character with an understated design that prioritises the natural environment. Unpaved earth pathways connect the communal areas to the guest tents, which are positioned far apart to ensure privacy.

The entire property remains unfenced, allowing animals to move freely through the grounds as they have for millennia. Masai askaris (guards) provide escorts for all guests after dark as a mandatory safety measure.

Classic Safari Guest Tents

The camp comprises eight standard guest tents. Each unit is a heavy-duty canvas structure built on a solid stone base with a small private veranda. The interiors are spacious and feature either twin or king-sized beds, a writing desk, and a luggage rack.

The en-suite bathroom area, partitioned by a canvas wall, is equipped with a flushing toilet, twin washbasins, and a traditional safari-style bucket shower. Camp staff provide hot water for the shower upon request.

• En-suite bathroom with a flushing toilet and bucket shower
• 24-hour solar-powered electricity for lighting and charging devices
• In-tent Wi-Fi connectivity
• Private furnished veranda
• Complimentary laundry service

Family and Group Tent Configurations

In addition to the standard units, Kicheche Mara features a larger family tent. This accommodation consists of two separate bedrooms, each with its own en-suite bathroom, linked by a shared central lounge area.

A quad tent is also available, which can accommodate four guests in a single, larger unit, making it suitable for families or small groups travelling together.

Safari Programme and Expert Guiding at Kicheche Mara

The safari experience forms the core of a stay at Kicheche Mara, distinguished by its highly-regarded guiding team known for exceptional tracking skills and ecological knowledge. Safari vehicles are custom-fitted, open-sided Toyota Land Cruisers, configured with three rows of tiered seats to guarantee every guest an unobstructed view.

Operating within a private conservancy allows for a more flexible and comprehensive range of activities than is possible inside the main national reserve.

Exclusive Game Drives and Great Migration Viewing

Game drives are the principal activity, conducted in the early morning and late afternoon to coincide with peak animal activity. The conservancy's management plan permits off-road driving for significant sightings, a crucial advantage for wildlife photography.

Kicheche Mara is well-positioned for the Great Migration from July to October. While the famous Mara River crossings require a full-day excursion into the National Reserve, significant numbers of wildebeest and zebra move through the conservancy itself during this period.

Guided Bush Walks and Nocturnal Safaris

Conservancy regulations permit both guided walking safaris and night drives, offering a more varied safari programme. Walks are led by an armed guide and focus on the smaller ecosystems, animal tracks, and botany of the region.

Night drives commence after sundown and provide an opportunity to locate nocturnal species such as genet, civet, and potentially predators like leopards on the hunt.

Camp Operations and Family Safety Policies

The camp operates entirely on a solar power system that provides 24-hour electricity to all tents for lighting and charging small electronic devices. Wi-Fi is available in both the guest tents and the central lounge area and is generally reliable.

In response to guest queries regarding safety in an unfenced environment, particularly for families, Kicheche enforces a strict policy that children must be supervised at all times. Children under the age of 12 are not permitted on walking safaris, and Masai askaris maintain a constant, visible presence around the camp perimeter.

Kicheche Mara Camp at a Glance

Who Should Stay at Kicheche Mara Camp?

Kicheche Mara Camp is an outstanding choice for the dedicated safari enthusiast and the serious wildlife photographer. Its prime location within the exclusive Olare Motorogi Conservancy guarantees a high-quality, low-vehicle-density viewing experience.

The permissions for off-road driving, night drives, and walking safaris, combined with the high calibre of the Kicheche guiding team, create a technically superior safari programme. While family units are available, the camp's unfenced environment makes it most appropriate for families with older, safari-aware children rather than very young ones.