What makes Kichwa Tembo a much loved African safari camp

Blessed with an astounding year-round concentration of animals and site of the Great Wildebeest Migration, Kenya’s Masai Mara National Reserve provides an unsurpassed wildlife experience. Covering an area of 1 510 km. (583 square miles), the Masai Mara is a land of breath-taking vistas, abundant wildlife and endless landscapes.

With abundant elephant, buffalo, giraffe, lion and cheetah alongside the migratory wildebeest and zebra, the reserve is a photographer’s and naturalist’s paradise. Leopard are frequently encountered, endangered black rhino find shelter in dense thickets and rafts of hippo and enormous crocodiles are found in the Mara River. The reserve is also home to over 450 bird species.

Kichwa Tembo Tented Camp and Bateleur Camp are situated in the Kichwa Tembo private concession, which neighbours the Masai Mara. Meaning ‘head of the elephant’ in KiSwahili, Kichwa Tembo consists of private land leased from Maasai landlords and is situated in the remote western Mara. In addition to its the excellent year-round concentration of wildlife, Kichwa Tembo lies directly in the path of Africa’s spectacular Great Migration.

Well, this is the official explanation of the lodge itself, but what exactly makes it much loved by African safari guests? In the first place it is all true what they say. What they don’t mention is the incredible view from the camp’s pool area over the Great Plains. You can swim in the pool, watching herds of zebra and elephants passing by. And not to forget the resident warthog family. They roam in the camp and can be found sleeping in the main area expecting everyone to respect their space, what everyone does. It looks so cute. Another feature is the escarpment right behind the camp, that can be explored during bush walks. Also a great experience are bush walks to the river or a hot air balloon flight over the Masai Mara with the launch site right next door.

It is the mixture of untamed nature, great location, excellent wildlife sightings, comfort and adventure what makes Kichwa Tembo so lovable. It is definitely worth visiting, especially now with the Great Migration getting into full swing in the Masai Mara.

Happy Great Migration travelling!


Ute Sonnenberg for Roho Ya Chui, Travel Africa