Kicheche Mara Camp: An In-Depth Guide to an Eco-Conscious Safari in the Mara North Conservancy
Beyond Kenya Safaris proudly presents one of the most iconic safari experiences in East Africa—Kicheche Mara Camp.
Tucked away in a secluded acacia valley within the Mara North Conservancy, the camp embodies sustainable, low-impact tourism. Kicheche Mara Camp embodies sustainable, respectful travel.It is a place where the rhythms of the African wilderness set the pace. Conservation is not just a buzzword but a lived philosophy.
For travellers seeking an authentic, unhurried, and environmentally conscious safari, this classic tented camp offers an experience that is both intimate and profoundly connected to the land and its people.
The Setting: Mara North Conservancy
The Camp & Setting
Unlike the busy main reserve, Mara North Conservancy is a model of community-led conservation. Spanning over 30,000 acres, the land is leased from Maasai landowners, providing them with a sustainable income that incentivises wildlife protection over other land uses.
With strict limits on vehicle numbers and camp densities, the conservancy offers an exclusive wilderness experience.
This results in exceptional game viewing all year round, characterized by high predator densities and diverse herbivore populations, often with few other vehicles in sight
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Accommodation: Classic Safari Comfort
The camp is designed to blend seamlessly with its natural surroundings. With only ten spacious tents, Kicheche Mara ensures a relaxed, intimate atmosphere where guests are treated as welcome visitors rather than tourists
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Tent Features
- En-suite Bathrooms: Featuring running hot and cold water, flushing toilets, and classic safari showers
- Private Verandas: Offering uninterrupted views over the Olare Orok stream and the valley’s western escarpment, ideal for birdwatching and spotting plains game passing by
- Family Suite: A perfect addition for families, the family suite comprises two separate bedrooms (double and twin/triple) with ensuite bathrooms, connected by a lounge for private dining
- Quad Tents: Available for group travel, offering flexibility for safaris with older children or small parties
Communal Areas
The main lounge tent features comfortable seating, a library, and board games, offering a stunning view down the valley. Meals are taken in the dining tent or al fresco under a large Euclea tree, allowing guests to dine under the vast African sky
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Safari Experiences and Activities
Mara North Conservancy
Kicheche Mara Camp excels in providing a varied and flexible safari program. Game drives in customized 4×4 safari vehicles are unhurried, allowing guests to linger with lions, track leopards, or simply absorb the landscape.
- Game Drives: Experience the thrill of spotting the Big Five, cheetahs, and the immense herds of wildebeest, zebra, and giraffe. The conservancy is also home to over 300 bird species
- From July to October, witness the Great Migration as it passes through the conservancy’s grasslands
- Guided Bush Walks: Step out of the vehicle for an intimate exploration of the savannah. Accompanied by expert guides, discover the smaller wonders of the bush—animal tracks, insects, and the intricate details of the ecosystem
- Fly Camping: For the more adventurous, Kicheche offers walking safaris with overnight stays at a mobile Fly Camp. This deep wilderness immersion allows you to sleep under the stars, completely removed from modern distractions
- Community & Conservation Visits: Gain insight into the Kicheche Community Trust, supporting local education, healthcare, and micro-enterprises. Guests can also visit the Mara Elephant Project to see conservation efforts in action
Conservation Ethos
Kicheche Mara Camp is a leader in responsible tourism. It holds a Gold Level Eco-rating Certificate from Ecotourism Kenya
. The camp operates on solar power, minimizes plastic waste by providing refillable water bottles, and invests heavily in the local community.
As a proud member of The Long Run, Kicheche champions the “4Cs”—Conservation, Community, Culture, and Commerce—ensuring that the safari experience benefits both the environment and the people who call it home
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Plan Your Journey with Beyond Kenya Safaris
Kicheche Mara Camp offers a quintessential safari experience. For those looking to extend their adventure, the camp combines perfectly with its sister properties to offer a diverse Kenyan itinerary.
Key Rates (Non-Resident, USD Per Person Per Night – Indicative)
| Season Type | Dates | Per Person Sharing | Family Suite |
|---|---|---|---|
| Peak | 01 Jul – 31 Oct & 20 Dec – 02 Jan | $870 | $3,480 |
| Mid | 03 Jan – 28 Feb | $695 | $2,780 |
| Green | 01 Mar – 15 Apr, 15 May – 30 Jun, 01 Nov – 21 Dec | $575 | $2,380 |
Please note: A conservancy fee and additional rates for walking safaris apply. The camp is closed between 15 April and 15 May
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Sister Camps: Extending Your Safari
To explore the diversity of Kenya’s landscapes, consider combining Kicheche Mara with its sister camps. Each offers a unique flavor of the bush, and Beyond Kenya Safaris can tailor a seamless multi-destination safari for you.
- Kicheche Bush Camp:Located in the Olare Motorogi Conservancy, adjacent to the Maasai Mara Reserve, this intimate camp has just six tents. It offers a more secluded, classic bush experience with one of the highest densities of big cats in Africa. It is perfect for the photographer or purist seeking exclusivity
- Kicheche Valley Camp:Nestled in the Naboisho Conservancy, this camp is renowned for its spectacular setting on a hillside overlooking a natural spring. With six elevated tents and a focus on luxury, guests can enjoy spa treatments, night game drives, and incredible wildlife viewing in a 50,000-acre wilderness known for massive lion prides
- Kicheche Laikipia Camp:-For a complete contrast, combine your Mara stay with a visit to Kicheche Laikipia in the Ol Pejeta Conservancy. This camp offers a unique opportunity to engage with conservation at its most critical, including visiting the last two northern white rhinos on the planet
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| Feature | Kicheche Mara | Kicheche Bush Camp | Kicheche Valley |
|---|---|---|---|
| Location | Mara North Conservancy | Olare Motorogi Conservancy | Naboisho Conservancy |
| Number of Tents | 10 | 6 | 6 |
| Vibe | Classic, intimate, family-friendly | Remote, exclusive, authentic | Luxurious, romantic, scenic |
| Activities | Game drives, walks, fly-camping | Game drives, walks, community | Game drives, walks, night drives, spa |
| Best For | Families & migration viewing | Photographers & purists | Honeymooners & luxury seekers |
Frequently Asked Questions
When is the best time to visit Kicheche Mara?
The camp is excellent year-round. The Great Migration typically occurs from July to October. For calving season and lower crowds, visit January to February
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Is Kicheche Mara Camp safe for children?
Yes, the camp is family-friendly. It offers family suites, quad tents, and specific child rates. However, children under 3 are not recommended as the camp is unfenced and wildlife roams freely
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How do I get to Kicheche Mara Camp?
Take a 45-minute scheduled flight from Nairobi’s Wilson Airport to Mara North Airstrip. This is followed by a 20-minute game drive transfer to the camp
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Does the camp have Wi-Fi?
Yes, complimentary Wi-Fi is available in the main lounge, though it can be unstable due to the remote location. Charging facilities are available in the tents
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What is the dress code for the camp?
Casual, comfortable clothing is recommended. Neutral colors are advised for game drives. Evenings can be cool, so a warm jacket is essential, especially during the morning game drives
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Book Your Kicheche Mara Safari Today
With Beyond Kenya Safaris, your journey to Kicheche Mara Camp is crafted with care and expertise. Whether you are planning a family holiday, a romantic honeymoon, or a photographic expedition, our team is here to curate an unforgettable adventure.
Contact us today at +254 785 639 497 or email sales@beyondkenyasafaris.com to start planning your dream safari.
Beyond Kenya Safaris – Your gateway to authentic, sustainable, and extraordinary African experiences.
When to Visit
| Season | Experience |
|---|---|
| Jan – Feb | Lush landscapes, wildebeest calving, fewer crowds |
| Jun – Aug | Migration herds and intense predator action |
| Sep – Oct | Peak Great Migration and river crossings |
| Nov – Dec | Early rains, excellent birdlife, strong predator sightings |
| Apr – May | Camp closed during long rains |
Wildlife viewing is excellent year-round thanks to the conservancy’s high density of predators and plains game.
Why Choose Kicheche Mara Camp?
- Exclusive Location – Mara North Conservancy offers world-class sightings without the crowds.
- Sustainable Ethos – Eco-Gold rated and winner of Eco-Warrior awards.
- Personalized Experience – Small size, attentive staff, and flexible safaris.
- Ideal Combinations – Perfect starting point for a Mara + Laikipia safari circuit.
Plan Your Safari
A typical safari package might include:
- 3 Nights at Kicheche Mara Camp – immersive game drives and guided walks.
- 3 Nights at Kicheche Laikipia Camp – rhino encounters and conservation focus.
- Optional extensions to Kicheche Bush or Kicheche Valley for a full Mara Conservancy circuit.
Our team will customize your safari to suit your preferences—whether it’s a romantic escape, a family adventure, or a photographic expedition.
Book Your Stay at Kicheche Mara Camp
Step into a story written by Africa itself. Contact us to begin planning your stay at Kicheche Mara Camp, or design a tailored Mara + Laikipia safari with Beyond Kenya Safaris.
Kicheche Mara North Camp Rates
Per Person per night
| Peak Season: 01 July – 31 Oct 25 20 Dec 25 – 02 Jan 26 | US$860 | |||
| Single Supplement * | US$245 | |||
| Conservancy Fees | US$187 | |||
| Mid Season : 03 Jan – 28 Feb 25 | US$650 | |||
| Single Supplement * | US$155 | |||
| Conservancy Fees | US$187 | |||
| Regular Season: 01 Mar – 15 Apr 25 23 May – 30 Jun 25 01 Nov – 19 Dec 25 | US$570 | |||
| Single Supplement * | US$140 | |||
| Conservancy Fees | US$187 | |||
| KMC & KBC close 06 April. KLC & KVC close 15th April. All camps reopen 23 May 2025, (dates are subject to change) | ||||
| *Single supplement valid for 2 singles. Double the single supplement will be charged for the 3rd single onwards | ||||
FAMILY SUITES (comes with exclusive use of vehicle)
Two separate bedrooms (double & twin/triple) each with ensuite bathrooms. The bedrooms are connected by a lounge furnished with a sofa and a small table enabling private dining on request. (Max capacity 5 pax)
| Per night rate | Peak | Mid | Regular |
| Kicheche Mara North | US$3660 | US$2920 | US$2500 |
Above rates include:
Airstrip transfers; full board accommodation with meals, alcoholic and non-alcoholic beverages (except for premium brands ), picnics, shared game-viewing drives, laundry, night drives (Laikipia & Valley only), escorted bush walks (all camps ), Community Discovery trip (Kicheche Mara only), canoeing and mountain biking (Kicheche Laikipia only) and a $5 per night Community Trust contribution.
Add Conservancy fees as applicable.
Excluded Activities
See page 6
*All Excluded Activities rates are subject to changes.
Special Offers 2026
- CONSERVANCY SAFARI – a combination of Laikipia + Mara or Valley Camp 6 for 5 OFFER valid throughout 2025. The Free night is at Laikipia Camp.
- Kicheche Valley HONEYMOON OFFER – brides 50% off valid 2025 (Jul-Sep 25% off) and a half-hour free massage. (Travel within 12 months of wedding)
- LONG STAY DISCOUNT 10% rate reduction – for 6 nights or more.
NOTE: Special Offers are not combinable & Conservancy fees are payable for any free nights.
Walking Wilderness
A wonderful 5-night package in the Maasai Mara, run on an exclusive basis, offering two nights at Kicheche Valley Naboisho, a walk across the Naboisho Conservancy to our mobile Wild Camping for one night, and a morning walk through Olare Motorogi Conservancy into Kicheche Bush Olare for two nights. A guest tent will be reserved in the event of bad weather causing the mobile camp to be canceled
| Walking Wilderness Rates per person sharing, Min 2 pax. INCLUSIVE of conservancy fees. | PEAK | MID | REGULAR |
| Charge | US$5825 | US$5050 | US$4675 |
CONSERVANCY FEES:Our conservancy charges cover the community leases and management of our Conservancies.
Mara National Reserve: Our camps are in exceptional wildlife areas with low density tourism numbers and there is no need to visit the Mara National Reserve to view cheetahs, leopards, elephants etc. Should guests wish to make a visit to the Reserve there will be an additional charge (currently US$100 per person Jan – June and US$ 200 July – Dec). A sole-
use vehicle charge is also applicable outside of the peak migration period July-October.
LAIKIPIA CONSERVANCY FEES: Our fees cover Conservancy entrance fees and the Concession charge for our camp
EXCLUSIVE USE OF VEHICLE
| PEAK | MID & REGULAR | |
| Charge | US$400 | US$350 |
- Departures after midday will be charged an extra day, however, this will be in lieu of the late departure fee.
- Bookings of 4-6 guests will be guaranteed exclusive use at no surcharge.
- Bookings of 4 guests requiring the 6 seater will be charged a supplement of half the exclusive use cost.
- Bookings must be for consecutive days.
- Families with children under 7 are required to take a vehicle on exclusive use.
Photography vehicle
| PEAK | MID & REGULAR | |
| Charge | US$550 | US$500 |
Providing an extra advantage with one side dropping down. To be booked on exclusive use. Departures after midday will be charged an extra day, however this will be in lieu of the late departure fee. Available at our Mara camps only. Suitable for 2 pax.
- Minimum stay – two nights, Mara camps only.
- Single supplement is valid for a maximum of 2 tents. Bookings of 3 or more singles will be required to pay double the single supplement for the 3rd single onward.
- Tour Leader / Driver Guide – US$100 per night accommodation plus Conservancy fees (Mara; Non-Resident US$130 per night/ Resident/Citizen US$25, Laikipia; Non-resident US$187, Resident Ksh 3,500, Citizen Ksh 2,000 per night). Tour leader rate is applicable for a tour leader tent and reserved for a leader / guide accompanying a group of paying guests.
- Wild camping – fly camp from any of our camps. Per night supplement: US$200 pp (min 2 pax).
- Airstrip Transfers – are included to and from our designated airstrips only as per below;
Kicheche Mara North: Mara North airstrip / Kicheche Bush Camp: Olare airstrip / Kicheche Valley Naboisho: Ol Seki airstrip / Kicheche Laikipia: Kamok airstrip – Ol Pejeta*
* Please specify Kamok when making airline reservations. If scheduled services are not operating into Kamok Airstrip Ol Pejeta, we will pick up from Nanyuki airstrip.
Extra charges will apply for arrivals and departures from alternative airstrips, please check applicable airstrips if flying from Masai Mara direct to Mombasa or Malindi on Mombasa Air.
- Late Departures – guests departing after midday are required to vacate their tent by 10 a.m. and a supplement of US$150pp in peak season, and US$100pp in mid and regular seasons will be payable
- Packed lunches on departure – available on request @ US$30 per person.
- Non – package rates – available at Kicheche Laikipia subject to conditions, please contact us for details.
- Exclusive use of camp – please contact us for details and price.
- Traditional Marriage Blessing Package – available at the Mara camps, please contact us for details and prices.
- Inter-camp Transfers – are complimentary between our Mara camps. Transfers to other camps are chargeable as per the transfer chart.