Includes - domestic flights / transfers/ all park fees

Kenya’s Masai Mara offers simply fantastic wildlife, even when the great migration is not at its height the game viewing is just amazing. Lions are a big part of a safari to the Mara and the camps which we use are very well placed to access the territory of the Marsh pride who are so well known from the BBC ‘s Big Cat Diary.

Cheetah, Hyena, Giraffe, Elephant and great herds of Zebra and Wildebeest and so much more can be encountered on this fairly short safari. This trip can be combined with a trip to the Coast to make a perfect bush and beach holiday .

This safari starts on your arrival in Nairobi where you will be met and transferred to Wilson airfield for a flight directly to the Mara, with half a day of leaving London you will be landing right in the heart of the Mara where your guide will meet you in an open 4x4.The camps we like to use in this area are not too big and as well as accommodating clients in beautifully appointed en suite safari tents also have the feel of a private camp and because of its location in the bush have frequent visits from the myriad of wildlife that share the area. Rigid daily schedules are not on the agenda; there are no hard and fast rules at Kicheche camps so guests can decide on the duration and frequency of the drives. Picnic breakfasts, lunches and sundowner drinks are popular options to include on game drives.

Choose between:

 a)  Kicheche Bush Camp is a small, classic, intimate, luxury tented camp completely unfenced, accommodating a maximum of twelve guests.

b) Kicheche Mara Camp is a classic tented camp hidden in a grove of wild olive and croton trees in a prime wildlife area of the northern Mara plains. The camp is fully hosted and limited to twenty two guests.

Location 

a)  Kicheche Bush Camp is located in the Masai Mara within the Olare Orok Conservancy (created from Koiyaki Group Ranch lands) bordering the Reserve. The Olare Orok Conservancy, through its strict limit on bed numbers, offers an incomparable gameviewing experience without crowds. The camp is located in a prime wildlife area and game viewing starts right from the camp itself. The location is also ideal to experience the wildebeest migration. Access is from Ol Kiombo airstrip, 40 minutes game drive away.

b)  Kicheche Mara Camp is located on the Aitong Plains in the northern Koiyaki Lemek region of the famous Masai Mara. The camp is located in a prime wildlife area and game viewing starts right from the camp itself. Access is from Ngerende airstrip, 35 minutes game drive away.

Accommodation

a)  Six spacious, fully insect-proof custom designed tents, equipped with twin or double beds, linen, bedside tables, luggage racks and rugs. Bathrooms are en-suite and are equipped with a dresser, flushing toilet and a traditional safari bucket shower with a view. There are comfortable chairs on each verandah overlooking the plains. One tent can be converted into a triple on request. There is a spacious well-furnished lounge and dining tent, although we prefer to each alfresco if weather permits.

b)  The camp prides itself on offering a friendly and relaxing stay, with our hosts treating you as welcome guests, not mere travel statistics. To maintain this intimate and relaxed atmosphere there is a maximum of twenty two guests at any time. Each tent is comfortably furnished with an en-suite bathroom and flushing toilet, low wattage lighting is supplied 24 hours. The majority of the tents are in secluded positions overlooking the plains and nearby hills, while others are closer together for families or friends. Triple and Quad tents (1 double & 2 single beds) are also available. The spacious Nyati tent acts as the camp lounge with comfortable seating, a library, board games, cards and local crafts.

Cuisine

Cooks produce a variety of African and international dishes and special dietary requirements can be catered for. Fresh produce is flown in regularly and bread and pastries are baked daily. The small intimate camp lends itself to communal dining with your hosts, although private dining can be arranged.

Game Drives

Early morning and late afternoon are the most productive hours for game drives and safari customised 4WD vehicles give everyone a perfect view. Watching wildlife at close range, but without encroaching on their space, is endlessly fascinating and the guides' instincts and experience provide superb photo opportunities .

All vehicles are superbly designed for photographers; all have open-sides with open roofs. Cameras can be rested on the roof, with supplied beanbags, or on the armrests lower down, to which we can mount simple platforms for larger lenses. I you are a very keen photographer it is recommended that you take a vehicle on an exclusive use basis (£170 approx per day supplement).

Walking

A different perspective is gained through escorted walks on the savannah. Interpretive guides will point out the spoor of a leopard, the nest of a rare bird or signs of recent migration activity that would pass unnoticed by the eyes of strangers...

Village Visits

Guests can visit one of the local Maasai villages to see first hand their way of life. A village guide or your Kicheche guide will give you an interprative talk during your visit. There is sometimes dancing and traditional souvenirs are on sale. There is a charge of $15 per person.

School Visits

Kicheche's Community Project supports two local schools - Olkimitare Nursery School & Aitong Primary Academy, during term time it is possible to pay a visit to either school. Any educational gifts or donations that you can contribute are an enormous help to these struggling schools.

Hot Air Ballooning

This is a popular excursion in the Masai Mara. Balloons take off early each morning at sunrise and glide over the plains for approximately an hour before landing. Upon touchdown a champagne breakfast is set up before you. The excursion finishes with a game drive back to camp. Price is £250 per person and trips can be booked in advance or when in camp subject to availability.