Kitich Camp

Location: Kitich Camp is tucked away in the remote Mathews Range in northern Kenya, within the lush and little-visited Namunyak Wildlife Conservancy. This ancient forested landscape feels worlds away from the open savannahs of the Mara - think green valleys, crystal-clear mountain streams, and soaring cycads beneath towering peaks. It’s wild, off-the-beaten-track Kenya at its most magical, offering an experience that’s more about slow safari, nature immersion, and cultural connection than chasing big game.

Rooms: The camp has just six rustic yet charming canvas tents, all set under a thick canopy of indigenous forest. Each tent is comfortably furnished with double or twin beds, solar lighting, and en-suite bathrooms with traditional safari-style bucket showers and flush loos. Wooden decks look out over the forest, often with sightings of elephant, bushbuck, or monkeys passing quietly below. It’s all incredibly peaceful, with the sounds of birdsong and the trickling river adding to the deep sense of seclusion.

Amenities: Kitich Camp offers a warm, homely atmosphere with a focus on simplicity and authentic hospitality. The central lounge and dining area is cosy and candlelit, with log fires and armchairs where guests can relax, chat, or enjoy a drink before dinner. Meals are freshly prepared and often served al fresco under the stars or by the riverbank, depending on the weather. There’s no Wi-Fi and very limited signal, which is all part of the charm - it’s a digital detox designed to help you fully tune in to the rhythms of the wild.

Activities: This is not a traditional vehicle-based safari - instead, it’s all about guided walking safaris, forest bathing, swimming in rock pools, and quietly observing nature at close quarters. Expert Samburu guides share their incredible knowledge of the forest’s flora and fauna, from butterflies and birds to elephants and leopard tracks. There’s also the chance to visit nearby Samburu communities, offering a meaningful insight into a way of life that has remained largely unchanged for generations. The pace is gentle, but the experience is deeply enriching.

Sustainability: Kitich Camp is a model of low-impact, community-based tourism. It's entirely solar-powered, uses eco-friendly waste systems, and sources ingredients locally whenever possible. More importantly, the camp is operated in partnership with the local community through the Namunyak Wildlife Conservancy, which ensures that a significant portion of revenue supports conservation efforts and provides livelihoods for the Samburu people. A stay here directly contributes to protecting this rare forest ecosystem and supporting one of Kenya’s most successful community conservation models.