🌍 Introduction
Perched at the edge of the Great Rift Valley’s Oloololo Escarpment, where forested hills meet endless plains, &Beyond Kichwa Tembo Tented Camp blends iconic safari tradition with modern comfort. Overlooking the northern Masai Mara plains and along the route of the Great Migration, the camp is known for its spectacular views, exceptional wildlife, and warm Kenyan hospitality.
Whether you’re a first-timer seeking an unforgettable safari or a returning traveler looking for luxury with a soul, Kichwa Tembo offers an immersive experience rooted in elegance, wildlife, and authenticity.
📍 Location & Access
- Where: Situated within a private concession bordering the Masai Mara National Reserve, near the Oloololo Escarpment. This location offers a quieter, less crowded safari experience while still providing direct access to the Mara’s main game-viewing areas.
- By Air: Accessible via daily scheduled flights from Nairobi’s Wilson Airport to the camp’s own Kichwa Tembo airstrip. The flight takes about 1 hour, and it’s followed by a scenic 30-minute drive to camp.
- By Road: A 5.5 to 6.5-hour drive from Nairobi. While longer, it’s a rewarding overland route through the Great Rift Valley and into the savannah.
🏕️ Accommodation Options
Kichwa Tembo features 40 safari tents, each designed to maximize comfort while blending seamlessly into the surrounding landscape.
🛏️ Tent Categories
- Superior Tents (26)
Spacious and tastefully furnished with earthy tones and modern safari elegance. Located in forested areas with shaded privacy. - Superior View Tents (8)
Elevated for uninterrupted views of the Mara plains—perfect for sunrise watchers and wildlife photographers. - Family Suites (3)
Interconnected tents ideal for families or groups of four. Include additional sitting space and shared outdoor deck.
In-Tent Amenities:
- Four-poster beds with mosquito netting
- En-suite bathrooms with hot showers and flush toilets
- Private verandas with safari loungers
- Solar-powered lighting and USB charging ports
- Writing desk, wardrobe, and locally inspired décor
💵 Rates (2025 Estimates)
| Tent Type | Low Season (Apr–Jun) | Mid Season (Jan–Mar, Nov) | High Season (Jul–Oct, Dec) |
|---|---|---|---|
| Superior Tent | $785 per adult/night | $895 per adult/night | $1,140 per adult/night |
| Superior View Tent | $840 per adult/night | $975 per adult/night | $1,210 per adult/night |
| Family Suite (4 pax) | $2,750 per suite/night | $2,980 per suite/night | $3,600 per suite/night |
Rates are per night on full board and exclude conservancy or park fees.
✅ What’s Included
- Accommodation in your selected luxury tent
- All meals: breakfast, lunch, dinner
- Beverages including soft drinks, house wines, local beers and spirits
- Twice-daily game drives in open 4×4 safari vehicles
- Guided nature walks (within the camp’s private concession)
- Return airstrip transfers from Kichwa Tembo airstrip
- Complimentary laundry service
- Emergency medical evacuation cover
❌ What’s Not Included
- Masai Mara National Reserve park fees
- Premium imported beverages and champagne
- Balloon safaris and special experiences
- Spa and massage treatments
- Gratuities, travel insurance, and personal expenses
🍽️ Dining & Culinary Experience
Dining at Kichwa Tembo is both gourmet and grounding. Meals are served in a stylish open-plan dining area, with outdoor seating for starlit dinners and views over the sweeping plains.
Highlights:
- Interactive open kitchen: Watch chefs prepare fresh, seasonal dishes in real time
- Farm-to-fork menus: Organic produce sourced from the camp’s vegetable garden
- Private bush breakfasts or dinners can be arranged on request
- Special diet accommodations available: vegetarian, gluten-free, halal, and others with advance notice
“We were blown away by the food—fresh, flavorful, and full of variety. The bush dinner under lanterns was a highlight of our entire trip.” – Guest from Spain
🌿 Facilities & Amenities
- Infinity-Edge Pool: One of the most scenic pools in the Mara, overlooking migration routes
- Massage Tent: Offers wellness treatments in a tranquil setting
- Safari Boutique: Features artisan souvenirs, safari gear, and local artwork
- Wi-Fi: Available in public areas; good enough for basic communication
- Organic Garden: Supplies ingredients to the kitchen and is open to guest tours
🚙 Safari Activities
- Morning & Evening Game Drives: Explore Mara’s vast grasslands with skilled guides
- Walking Safaris: Offered within the private concession, guided by armed rangers
- Hot Air Balloon Safaris: Soar above the savannah at dawn (additional cost)
- Night Game Drives: See the elusive nocturnal species, exclusive to the private area
- Sundowners & Bush Meals: Enjoy drinks or dinner with a view of the sunset and wilderness
- Cultural Visits: Meet local Maasai communities and explore their way of life
🧒 Family-Friendly Offerings
- Family tents with interconnecting rooms
- Dedicated child-friendly nature activities
- Early meal options and custom menus for young guests
- Babysitting services available on request
- Private vehicles can be arranged for family groups
💬 Guest Reviews – What Visitors Loved and Noted
✅ Pros (What Guests Rave About)
- “Staff remembered our names, preferences, and made us feel like royalty.”
- “Absolutely serene location, with wildlife right outside our tent.”
- “The views from the Superior View Tents are unforgettable—elephants and giraffes all day long.”
- “The guides were passionate, deeply knowledgeable, and great with kids.”
- “Superb service, gourmet food, and a stunning infinity pool!”
❌ Cons (What Some Guests Mentioned)
- “Wi-Fi is only in the lounge and not super strong.”
- “High-end pricing, though every dollar felt worth it.”
- “A bit of a drive from Nairobi, but flying in is easy and totally recommended.”
📅 Best Time to Visit
- July to October: Peak migration season; best for big cats and dramatic crossings
- December to March: Great predator sightings, birdlife, and warm weather
- April–May: Green season – fewer crowds, lower prices, lush landscapes
🕒 Check-in / Check-out
- Check-in: 12:00 PM
- Check-out: 10:00 AM
- Early check-in/late check-out available with prior arrangement
🌟 Why Choose &Beyond Kichwa Tembo Camp?
✔️ Scenic and exclusive location on the Oloololo Escarpment
✔️ Access to both the private concession and Masai Mara Reserve
✔️ Warm, intuitive service with a personal touch
✔️ Perfect for families, couples, and photographers
✔️ Exceptional guiding and immersive safari activities
✔️ Incredible views, dramatic sunsets, and Big Five sightings from camp