On the western border of the iconic Masai Mara, in the game-rich Mara Triangle, Kichwa Tembo sits on a private concession leased from Maasai landlords. This is the most productive part of the Mara ecosystem, a land of sweeping plains and ridiculously good views.
Tucked halfway down from where Out of Africa was filmed, the views are—well, frankly, outrageous—we’re pretty sure your friends don’t have this view from their apartment (or a resident warthog).
With views for days from the (fun to say) Oloololo escarpment, Kichwa Tembo Tented Camp is surrounded by wildlife, from the Great Migration wildebeest herds to the big cats following them.
40 tented suites are on raised wooden platforms with beds overlooking the plains. There is a tent to suit every pocket, from intimate to family size, from classic to superior view (I’ll say). You’ve got a private veranda for afternoon G&Ts or a leisurely coffee – watch the warthogs having a munch around the Camp and keep a pair of binos to hand in case of an emergency rare bird alert.
Being in a private concession, you’re not bound by the same rules as the national reserve – you can hop out of the vehicle for a walk in the bush (when your guide says so, that is) and take after-dark drives to spot nocturnal creatures. And, of course, there are fewer other folks around, so less jostling around wildlife sightings.
The infinity pool on the edge of the plains is a marvellous place to spend an afternoon, before checking into the massage tent for a treatment. If you’re a curious foodie, you can sidle over to the open kitchen and see what’s cooking – the chefs use produce from the Camp’s own veggie garden, so it’s as fresh as your new safari ‘fit.
If you’re travelling over migration season, grab a packed lunch and spend a whole day out of Camp. Watch the wildebeest herds nervously gather on the riverbank – hopefully, if they’re daring enough, before taking the plunge.
