Nestled in a wild olive grove
An elegant, unfussy, stylish bush camp, suiting those who prefer simplicity.
Location: Kicheche Mara Camp is located in the Mara North Conservancy, a private reserve bordering the Masai Mara National Reserve in southwest Kenya. This exclusive conservancy is known for its low vehicle density and exceptional wildlife, offering guests a truly authentic safari experience away from the crowds. The setting is classic Mara: open savannahs, acacia-dotted plains, and abundant game. It’s one of the best places in Kenya for big cat sightings and dramatic moments during the Great Migration - all experienced in peaceful, private surroundings.
Rooms: The camp features just eight spacious, canvas tents, ensuring a peaceful and intimate atmosphere. Each tent is elegantly furnished with large beds, solar lighting, and en-suite bathrooms with flushing toilets and hot bucket showers. The design is simple yet luxurious, with neutral tones and natural materials that complement the environment. Private verandas overlook the plains, providing the perfect spot to enjoy a morning coffee while listening to the bush come alive. It’s a comfortable, close-to-nature experience without excess - exactly how a classic safari should feel.
Amenities: Despite its wild setting, Kicheche Mara Camp offers everything you need to relax in style. The central mess tent hosts delicious communal meals, prepared using fresh, locally sourced ingredients - with a mix of African and international dishes. There’s also a cosy lounge area with a small library and bar, perfect for downtime between game drives. The service is personal, thoughtful, and unobtrusive, delivered by a warm and professional team. Limited Wi-Fi is available in the main areas, though many guests find the real connection is with the landscape around them.
Activities: Game drives in Mara North Conservancy are flexible and unhurried, with outstanding guiding and excellent chances to spot lions, cheetahs, elephants, and often leopards. With fewer vehicles than the national reserve, wildlife sightings here feel more exclusive and immersive. Guests can also enjoy guided walking safaris, birdwatching, night drives, and cultural visits to nearby Maasai communities. For photographers, Kicheche is a standout choice - the light, landscapes, and abundance of wildlife are hard to beat.
Sustainability: Kicheche Mara Camp is built around strong conservation and community values. As a founding member of Mara North Conservancy, the camp directly supports wildlife protection through lease payments that go to over 800 local Maasai landowners. Solar power, responsible waste management, and a no-plastic policy help minimise environmental impact. Through the Kicheche Community Trust, the camp also funds education, healthcare, and livelihood programmes. A stay here directly contributes to the long-term future of Kenya’s wildlife and the communities who live alongside it.
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Best places to stay in Masai Mara
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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.
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