AndBeyond Kichwa Tembo Tented Camp Masai Mara
Imagine a place where the vibrant pulse of the Maasai Mara is your daily rhythm, and authentic African adventure blends seamlessly with understated, contemporary luxury. Welcome to AndBeyond Kichwa Tembo Tented Camp, an iconic safari haven perched gracefully along the Saparingo River, where riverine forest meets the sweeping plains on the very edge of the Oloololo Escarpment. This isn’t just a destination; it’s an intimate immersion into the heart of Kenya’s most celebrated wilderness, promising a connection to the wild that few Masai Mara places to stay can rival.
A Coveted Location with Unrivalled Access
The magic of Kichwa Tembo Tented Camp lies in its extraordinary setting within a private concession, bordering the game-rich western edge of the Maasai Mara National Reserve. This privileged location grants you not only direct access to the abundant iconic wildlife that calls the Mara home – from the “Big Five” to over 450 bird species – but also offers the exclusive opportunity for exhilarating bush walks and thrilling night drives, activities not typically permitted within the main reserve. During the monumental Great Migration (historically July to October), &Beyond Kichwa Tembo becomes your front-row seat as millions of wildebeest and zebra embark on their epic journey, a truly electrifying spectacle that unfolds almost at your doorstep. This unparalleled positioning ensures that every moment at Kichwa Tembo Camp Kenya is imbued with the raw, untamed spirit of Africa.
Among the Best Masai Mara Camps
Step into your private sanctuary at Kichwa Tembo Tented Camp Kenya, where the concept of a safari tent is elevated to an art form. The camp features 40 generously sized tented suites, including the newly refurbished, elegant Superior Tents and Superior View Tents, alongside the charming Classic Tents. Each suite is designed to forge a deep connection with the surrounding wilderness: your comfortable, oversized bed faces vast savannah plains or is nestled amidst luxuriant riverine forest, ensuring you awaken to the sounds and sights of the natural world.
The interiors of the Superior and Superior View Tents soothe with pale, muted wood accents, authentic African artifacts, and stylish, contemporary design, while the Classic Tents offer a more traditional safari ambiance. Every tent boasts a private verandah with comfortable safari-style seating, and the Superior range includes a built-in daybed and a spacious en-suite bathroom with dual vanity, flush toilet, and a large shower. For the ultimate view, guests rave about the Superior View Tents, where you can literally gaze over the Maasai Mara while showering, an exhilarating and unique touch. Family suites, with connecting pathways and separate entries, offer ideal arrangements for those traveling with children.
Farm-to-Safari Dining & Soulful Rejuvenation
At &Beyond Kichwa Tembo, your culinary journey is as captivating as your safari. The camp prides itself on wholesome, organic menus that celebrate the seasonal bounty from its thriving shamba (vegetable garden). Meals are a joyous affair, enjoyed in an open and airy restaurant-style dining room, often with an interactive kitchen that allows guests to witness their delicious dishes being prepared. From hearty breakfasts – perhaps a ranger’s omelette cooked on a game drive – to delightful bush lunches and lantern-lit dinners, every meal is fresh, flavorful, and infused with the spirit of the Mara. The Tusker Bar provides a convivial spot for afternoon tea or evening sundowners, perfect for swapping safari tales with fellow travelers and your expert Maasai guides.
For moments of ultimate relaxation, the holistic healing massage tent offers rejuvenating treatments, or you can simply unwind by the spectacular rim-flow swimming pool, literally on the edge of the Mara, boasting one of the world’s most extraordinary views.
Activities to do at AndBeyond Kichwa Tembo Tented Camp Masai Mara
Your adventure at Andbeyond Kichwa Tembo Tented Camp is rich with possibilities, blending thrilling wildlife encounters with enriching cultural immersions:
- Daily Game Drives: Expert guides, including renowned female Maasai safari driver-guides, lead you on twice-daily excursions into the game-rich Mara Triangle, tracking the “Big Five” and myriad other species. Off-road driving is permitted in the private concession, enhancing your game viewing.
- Guided Bush Walks: Gain a deeper appreciation for the smaller wonders of the bush, learning tracking skills and identifying flora and fauna on foot.
- Maasai Cultural Visits: Experience the rich heritage of the Maasai people through respectful visits to a traditional village, where you can learn about daily rituals, spear throwing, fire making, and even enjoy a friendly game of soccer.
- Hot-Air Balloon Safaris: Elevate your safari with a breathtaking hot-air balloon flight over the vast plains at dawn, followed by a champagne breakfast in the bush,an iconic, unforgettable experience.
- Sundowners & Bush Dining: Toast the African sunset with cocktails in the bush, followed by a starlit dinner, immersing you completely in the wilderness.
- Night Safaris: Explore the mysterious behaviors of nocturnal animals as they emerge after dark in the private concession.
- ‘Wildchild at Kichwa Tembo’ Program: A specially designed program for families, offering guided nature walks, beadwork, and other engaging activities that connect children with the wilderness.
How to get to AndBeyond Kichwa Tembo Tented Camp in Masai mara?
Accessing &beyond Kichwa Tembo is seamless, with two scheduled daily flights from Nairobi’s Wilson Airport to the camp’s private airstrip, followed by a scenic 30-minute game drive to the camp itself. Rates for Kichwa Tembo Camp typically begin from US$785 per person sharing for a Superior Tent, with Superior View Tents available from US$840. The camp offers fantastic special offers, including a 50% discount for brides on honeymoons (minimum two-night stay) and a “Flights for Free” offer for four-night stays during select periods, making this luxurious experience even more accessible.
Guests consistently laud &Beyond Kichwa Tembo Tented Camp in Tripadvisor comments, with many highlighting the “beautiful room and fantastic view,” delicious multi-course meals, and the “warmth” and “attention” of the staff. Its commitment to sustainability (with a solar water system and on-site water bottling saving 56,000 plastic bottles annually) further enhances its appeal.
Embark on Your Masai Mara Tour Safari with Twinkle Star Tours
Ready to discover the unparalleled magic of Andbeyond Kichwa Tembo tented camp and the Maasai Mara? Let Twinkle Star Tours, your dedicated Masai Mara safari tour company, craft your perfect journey. We meticulously design bespoke Masai Mara safari packages that seamlessly integrate your stay at this extraordinary camp, ensuring every detail is taken care of. Your unforgettable African holiday vacation awaits.
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ) for &Beyond Kichwa Tembo Tented Camp Masai Mara
Q: Where is &Beyond Kichwa Tembo Tented Camp located?
The camp is strategically located in a private concession at the base of the Oloololo Escarpment, bordering the Maasai Mara National Reserve. Its position along the Saparingo River places it directly in the path of the annual Great Migration, offering some of the most spectacular wildlife viewing opportunities in Kenya.
Q: What is the advantage of being in a private concession?
Being in a private concession offers significant advantages, including more exclusive and intimate safari experiences. Guests at Kichwa Tembo can enjoy activities not permitted in the main reserve, such as thrilling night game drives to spot nocturnal animals and immersive guided bush walks, all with fewer vehicles and crowds.
Q: What type of accommodation is available?
The camp features 40 luxurious tented suites. These range from recently refurbished Superior and Superior View Tents with expansive glass fronts facing the Mara, to charmingly classic safari tents. Family suites with connecting walkways are also available, ensuring comfort and convenience for all types of travelers.
Q: Is the camp suitable for families with children?
Absolutely. &Beyond Kichwa Tembo is very family-friendly and offers a dedicated “WILDchild” program. This includes engaging, age-appropriate activities like guided nature walks, learning bush skills, and participating in Maasai traditions, making it an educational and fun experience for younger guests.
Q: What are the dining options at the camp?
Dining is a highlight, with a focus on fresh, organic ingredients sourced from the camp’s own shamba (vegetable garden). Meals are often interactive and can be enjoyed in various locations, including the open-plan dining area, al fresco under the stars, or as a special bush breakfast during a game drive.
Q: How do I get to &Beyond Kichwa Tembo?
Access is seamless. The most common way is a scenic one-hour flight from Nairobi’s Wilson Airport to the camp’s private airstrip. From there, it’s a short, 30-minute game drive to the camp itself, allowing your safari to begin the moment you land.
Q: What unique activities are offered besides game drives?
Beyond the twice-daily game drives, the camp offers a rich spectrum of experiences. These include iconic hot-air balloon safaris at dawn, respectful cultural visits to a local Maasai village, guided night safaris, bush walks, and holistic wellness treatments at the massage sala.
Q: Is there Wi-Fi at the camp?
Yes, Wi-Fi is available in the guest tents and some of the central areas, allowing you to stay connected. However, the connection is via satellite and can be less reliable than in urban areas, which encourages guests to immerse themselves in the natural surroundings.
