Kichwa Tembo Tented Camp – Iconic Safari on the Edge of the Masai Mara
As dawn breaks over the sweeping plains of the Masai Mara, the first rays of sunlight illuminate herds of wildebeest and elephants grazing against a backdrop of acacia-dotted hills. Perched on the edge of the Oloololo Escarpment, Kichwa Tembo Tented Camp offers a front-row seat to one of Africa’s most breathtaking landscapes. Here, safari is not just about game drives—it’s about waking up to the sights and sounds of the wild, with the Mara stretching endlessly before you.
Classic Safari Camp with Timeless Style
Accommodation
Part of the renowned &Beyond portfolio, Kichwa Tembo is celebrated as one of the most iconic tented camps in Kenya. Designed to blend seamlessly with its surroundings, the camp combines contemporary safari style with warm Kenyan hospitality. It offers 40 canvas tents set beneath the shade of fig and acacia trees, with sweeping views of the Mara plains. Guests can choose from Superior Tents, Superior View Tents, or spacious Superior Family Tents, each featuring en-suite bathrooms, comfortable furnishings, and private verandas overlooking the wilderness.
The Perfect Location in the Masai Mara
Situated in a private concession on the western border of the Masai Mara National Reserve, Kichwa Tembo is perfectly positioned for both seclusion and easy access to the park’s abundant wildlife. The camp sits directly on the path of the Great Wildebeest Migration (July–October), offering guests a chance to witness one of the most dramatic natural spectacles on Earth—thundering river crossings and vast herds that stretch to the horizon.
Wildlife & Safari Experiences
Activities & Experiences
Staying at Kichwa Tembo means immersing yourself in the full richness of the Mara ecosystem:
- Game Drives – Twice-daily drives led by expert guides, with opportunities to see the Big Five, cheetahs, giraffes, hyenas, and more.
- Bush Walks – Explore the savannah on foot and learn about smaller species, plants, and Maasai culture.
- Hot Air Balloon Safaris – Drift silently above the plains at sunrise before a champagne breakfast in the bush.
- Sundowners & Bush Dining – Unforgettable evenings with cocktails at scenic lookouts or meals under the stars.
Why Choose Kichwa Tembo Tented Camp?
Amenities
- Unrivalled Setting – On the Oloololo Escarpment, with sweeping views over the Mara plains.
- Migration Front Row – Positioned along the path of the Great Wildebeest Migration.
- Flexible Accommodation – 40 tents, including family-friendly options, ideal for couples, groups, or multi-generational safaris.
- Expert Guiding – Renowned &Beyond guides ensure world-class wildlife experiences.
- Iconic Camp Reputation – A classic Masai Mara safari choice, blending heritage, comfort, and adventure.
✨ Whether it’s your first safari or a return to the Mara, Kichwa Tembo Camp offers an authentic yet stylish base for exploring one of Africa’s greatest wildlife destinations.
Special Offer Stay 4 Pay 3
Stay longer for less, and make the most of this offer at &Beyond Kichwa Tembo Tented Camp.
How much is the Cost of Staying at Kichwa Tembo?
&Beyond Kichwa Tembo Tented Camp Rates
| All Inclusive Rates are per person per night sharing. Family tent rates are per tent per night. | ||||
| Superior View Tents* | Superior Tents* | Superior Family Tent | ||
| High | 1,410 | 1,205 | 4,220 | |
| Mid | 840 | 785 | 2,750 | |
| Full Board Rates are per person per night sharing. Family tent rates are per tent per night. | ||||
| High | 1,315 | 1,110 | 3,885 | |
| Mid | 745 | 690 | 2,415 | |
All Superior Tents have views, however the “Superior View Tents” are located on the edge of the Masai Mara with wide unrestricted views.
Seasons:
- High: 1 Jul – 31 Oct; 21 Dec ’24 – 5 Jan’26
- Mid: 11 Jan – 30 Jun; 1 Nov – 20 Dec; 6 -10 Jan ’25
Included/Excluded
All Inclusive Rate: Kichwa Tembo Tented Camp (Superior, Superior View, Superior Family Tents)
Rate Includes: Accommodation, three meals daily, soft drinks, house wines, local brand spirit and beers, teas and coffees, refreshments on game drives, two safari activities per day, laundry, emergency medical evacuation insurance and transfers to and from the lodge airstrip. SWAROVSKI OPTIK binoculars (one pair per room to use throughout stay), Guides’ Journal with illustrated wildlife and vegetation checklist, and an area map with illustrated Star Birds checklist.
Rate Excludes: Telephone calls, Safari Shop purchases, gratuities, all items of a personal nature, champagne, cognac, fine wines, premium brand spirits, cigars and park fees.
Full Board Rates Kichwa Tembo Tented Camp (Superior, Superior View, Superior Family Tents)
Rate Includes: Accommodation, three meals daily, soft drinks, house wines, local brand spirit and beers, teas and coffees, laundry and emergency medical evacuation insurance. SWAROVSKI OPTIK binoculars (one pair per room to use throughout stay), Guides’ Journal with illustrated wildlife and vegetation checklist, and an area map with illustrated Star Birds checklist.
Rate Excludes: Telephone calls, Safari shop purchases, gratuities, all items of a personal nature, champagne, cognacs, fine wines, premium brand spirits and cigars, park fees, safari activities, transfers to and from the lodge.
Nearby Luxury Safari camps includes-Governors’ Il Moran,Little Governors’ Camp,Mara Serena Safari Lodge
&Beyond Kichwa Tembo Tented Camp 2026 Rates
| Season | Dates | Superior View Tent | Superior Tent | Family Tent (Per Tent) |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| High Season | 01 Jul – 31 Oct ; 21 Dec 2025 – 05 Jan 2026 | US$ 1,410 | US$ 1,205 | US$ 4,220 |
| Mid Season | 11 Jan – 30 Jun ; 01 Nov – 20 Dec ; 06 – 10 Jan 2026 | US$ 840 | US$ 785 | US$ 2,750 |
Rate Inclusions:
Accommodation, three meals daily, soft drinks, local brand spirits and beers, house wines, teas and coffees, safari activities, laundry, emergency medical evacuation, and airstrip transfers.
Rate Exclusions:
Masai Mara park fees, telephone calls, Safari Shop purchases, gratuities, cigars, and all items of a personal nature.
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🌍 Nearby Camps & Lodges in the Masai Mara
- Angama Mara – A luxurious lodge perched high on the Oloololo Escarpment, famous for panoramic views and romantic settings (featured in Out of Africa).
- Mara Serena Safari Lodge – A classic lodge within the Mara Triangle, offering sweeping views of the Mara River and excellent access to migration crossings.
- Sanctuary Olonana – A contemporary luxury lodge on a private stretch of the Mara River, blending sustainability with five-star comfort.
- Bateleur Camp – &Beyond’s sister property to Kichwa Tembo, with a more intimate, high-end atmosphere and classic 1920s safari styling.
- Mahali Mzuri – Sir Richard Branson’s award-winning safari camp in the Olare Motorogi Conservancy, combining cutting-edge design with superb game viewing.
- Mara Bushtops – A high-luxury safari lodge with private hot tubs overlooking the plains, perfect for travelers seeking indulgence alongside adventure.
🌍 Suggested Safari Combinations with Kichwa Tembo Camp
A stay at Kichwa Tembo Tented Camp is magical on its own, but many guests choose to extend their journey by pairing the Masai Mara with other iconic safari destinations or even a beach escape.
1. Laikipia Wilderness Camp (Northern Kenya)
Combine the game-rich plains of the Masai Mara with the rugged adventure of Laikipia. Track wild dogs, spot elephants against rocky escarpments, and even glimpse the legendary black leopard. This pairing offers a balance of classic savannah safaris and off-the-beaten-path experiences.
2. Lewa Conservancy (Lewa Safari Camp or Kifaru House)
After the Mara’s wide-open plains, head to Lewa Conservancy, a UNESCO World Heritage Site famous for rhino conservation and exclusive game drives. Guests enjoy a quieter safari, cultural visits, and breathtaking Mount Kenya views.
3. Amboseli National Park (Tortilis Camp)
For those seeking dramatic scenery, add a stop in Amboseli, where elephants roam beneath the snow-capped peak of Kilimanjaro. It’s a photographer’s dream and a gentle contrast to the Mara’s rolling savannah.
4. Samburu (Saruni Samburu or Elephant Bedroom Camp)
Pairing Kichwa Tembo with Samburu offers diversity in both landscapes and wildlife. Here, you’ll encounter the Samburu Special Five—reticulated giraffe, Grevy’s zebra, gerenuk, Somali ostrich, and beisa oryx.
5. Kenyan Coast or Zanzibar Beach Retreat
Round off your safari with white sands and turquoise waters. Options include:
- Diani Beach – barefoot luxury with boutique resorts and water sports.
- Zanzibar – spice island charm, historic Stone Town, and luxury beach villas.
✨ Why combine?
Blending the Masai Mara with another destination gives travelers a richer, more varied safari—from predator action in the Mara to conservation-driven safaris in Laikipia, cultural immersion in Samburu, or pure relaxation at the coast.
See some Safari Itineraries
✨ 9-Day Kenya Safari Itinerary: Laikipia, Masai Mara & Beach Escape
Day 1–3: Laikipia Wilderness Camp – Untamed Adventure
Your safari begins in the rugged heart of Laikipia Plateau, a land of rocky escarpments, rivers, and wildlife found nowhere else in Kenya. Stay at the intimate Laikipia Wilderness Camp, where wild dog tracking, walking safaris, and fly-camping under the stars create a truly adventurous start. Expect elephants, Grevy’s zebra, and perhaps even the legendary black leopard.
Highlights:
- Walking safaris & wild dog tracking
- Fly-camping & stargazing
- River swims and off-road game drives
Day 4–6: Kichwa Tembo Tented Camp, Masai Mara – The Great Migration
Fly into the Masai Mara, Kenya’s most famous safari destination. Your base is Kichwa Tembo Camp, perched on the Oloololo Escarpment with sweeping views of the savannah. Here, you’ll enjoy day and night game drives, bush sundowners, and—if traveling between July and October—front-row seats to the Great Wildebeest Migration.
Highlights:
- Classic tented luxury with modern comforts
- Daily game drives in the Mara Triangle
- Prime location for the Great Migration
Day 7–9: Diani Beach – Ocean & Relaxation
After days of adventure, unwind on the white sands of Diani Beach, fringed by swaying palms and turquoise seas. Stay at a boutique beachfront resort where relaxation meets barefoot luxury. Snorkel in coral reefs, try kite surfing, or simply sip cocktails at sunset.
Highlights:
- Indian Ocean beach escape
- Snorkeling, diving & water sports
- Ideal for couples and families alike
✦ Safari Extensions
- Amboseli for elephants with Kilimanjaro views
- Samburu for the Samburu Special Five
- Zanzibar for spice island charm and historic Stone Town
💡 Why This Itinerary Works
This 9-day journey blends adventure (Laikipia), wildlife spectacle (Masai Mara), and relaxation (Diani Beach). It’s perfectly paced and offers the best of Kenya in one seamless safari.