A large but surprisingly intimate camp
Abundant wildlife viewing combined with luxurious tented accommodation
Location: Kichwa Tembo Tented Camp sits on a private concession on the edge of the iconic Masai Mara National Reserve, in one of Kenya’s most wildlife-rich and scenic regions. Positioned beneath the Oloololo Escarpment and overlooking the vast Mara plains, the camp has front-row seats to the Great Migration and year-round wildlife action. The landscape here is classic East Africa - wide open savannah, grazing antelope, and acacia-dotted horizons - with the added benefit of exclusivity thanks to its private location.
Rooms: The camp features 40 elegant safari tents in three categories: Standard, Superior, and Superior View. While larger than most traditional bush camps, Kichwa Tembo still manages to feel personal and well-spaced. Each tent is stylishly decorated in a contemporary African design, with comfortable beds, en-suite bathrooms, and shaded verandas looking out over the Mara plains. The Superior View tents are especially impressive, offering uninterrupted panoramas of the savannah and incredible sunrise views. The design balances comfort, simplicity, and a strong sense of place.
Amenities: Kichwa Tembo offers a premium safari experience with the high standard of service you’d expect from andBeyond. The main areas include a large open-air lounge, a stylish dining space, a beautifully landscaped pool with views across the plains, and a well-stocked safari shop. Meals are generous and beautifully presented, with private dining available on request. Thoughtful details like bush breakfasts, sundowner spots, and exceptional staff hospitality add to the overall experience - polished without ever feeling stuffy.
Activities: Guests can enjoy twice-daily game drives led by experienced andBeyond guides, with excellent sightings of the Big Five, big cats, and seasonal herds during the migration. Nature walks with Maasai guides, bush dining, and photographic safaris are also available, along with optional hot air balloon flights over the Mara at sunrise. Cultural visits to nearby Maasai communities offer a respectful and enriching glimpse into Kenya’s traditional life, and the sheer scale and drama of the Masai Mara never fails to impress.
Sustainability: Kichwa Tembo is part of andBeyond’s broader commitment to sustainable tourism across Africa. The camp runs on solar power, employs water and waste management systems, and supports wildlife conservation in the Masai Mara through its partnership with the Mara Conservancy. Local employment, guide training programmes, and support for community education and healthcare initiatives are also central to its mission. A stay here doesn’t just deliver unforgettable safari moments - it actively contributes to Kenya’s conservation future and the well-being of its local communities.
Let me help you create your perfect Kenya holiday
Best places to stay in Masai Mara
Masai Mara Trip Inspiration
When to go to Kenya
Find out the best time to visit Kenya with our month by month guide.
- Best
- Good
- Mixed
- Jan
- Feb
- Mar
- Apr
- May
- Jun
- Jul
- Aug
- Sep
- Oct
- Nov
- Dec
January
January is a great time for wildlife viewing. The landscapes are lush and green after the 'short rains' and newborn animals can been seen. It is hot, but brief afternoon or evening showers cool things down, without compromising your safari. Over on the coast the sea is clear, making it ideal for diving and snorkelling, and the days are warm and bright.
February
February is an ideal time to visit Kenya, and great for game viewing. The landscapes are green and thriving thanks to the short rains, and newborn animals will be hopping around the plains. There maybe a few afternoon showers which are welcome in the heat, and don't impact on wildlife viewing. Water clarify is excellent at the moment, which is good news for watersports enthusiasts. And if you want to spot a whale shark, now is the time to try.
March
Still a good option for wildlife viewing and diving, although with the 'long rains' just around the corner, expect wetter and hotter weather.
April
April brings the start of the 'long rains' which means game reserves and national parks become muddy and harder to drive around. Over on the coast it's hot and wet, so it isn't the best time of year to travel. Some camps and lodges close during this period.
May
The 'long rains' continue into May, making park tracks difficult to navigate in the mud, and the coast very warm and wet. There will be less accommodation choice at this time as several lodges and camps during this period.
June
June is a beautiful time of year to visit Kenya, with the rains receding to just light showers, and the long dry season not far ahead. The high grasses can sometimes make it more of a challenge to spot game, but the landscapes are lush and some animals may begin arriving early for the migration. At altitude nights can be cool, but elsewhere the temperature is pleasant.
July
July marks the beginning of the great migration into the Masai Mara, and with warm and generally dry weather, this is a great time of year to visit. Days are sunny, skies are blue and there isn't too much dust around, so it's a great time for photography.
August
The migration is now in full swing in the Masai Mara, with lots of river crossing action, so if you want to see those massive herds of wildebeest and zebra, now is the time to come. Game viewing in general is excellent and it's one of the most popular times of year to visit, so some of the main parks do become crowded. Temperatures are warm and dry.
September
Game viewing continues to be excellent, and the weather is generally dry so this is another ideal month to visit Kenya's parks. The bush is less dense and as animals gather around waterholes and rivers it makes wildlife spotting much easier.
October
October is a great time if you want to avoid the crowds and don't mind the temperature slowly starting to rise. There may be a few short showers, but game viewing remains excellent with the end of the migration, and it's a good time to holiday anywhere in Kenya.
November
November heralds the start of the 'short rains' and with hotter temperatures some camps are closed. The Mara however is still open, and despite sometimes stormy skies, game viewing is still good. Fewer crowds and lower prices make this an attractive month to visit. Over on the coast water clarify is good for snorkelling and diving.
December
The 'short rains' are bringing the landscapes back to life, and as the plains start to become green again, wildlife viewing remains good, and it's a great time for birding. Some camps are closed (mainly in the north of Kenya) but many others remain open. The showers tend to fall in the afternoons and don't impact greatly on a safari. Take advantage of reduced visitor numbers and lower prices.
Speak to a Kenya expert today
and start planning your tailor-made holiday
Alistair
Ottilie
Tamara
Plan with an expert
Have a look at our original experiences and then contact us with your questions, or call 0203 111 1315
A tailor-made itinerary just for you
Our experts will send you a detailed holiday itinerary specified to your desires. It's our service promise to you.
Value guarantee
Tailor-made doesn't mean expensive! Ask about our price promise and book with financial security.