Unforgettable Safari Adventure: Review of &Beyond's Kichwa Tembo Tented Camp in Masai Mara
Updated: May 25
Embarking on our first safari, we somehow struck gold with the perfect blend of luxury and adventure at &Beyond's Kichwa Tembo Tented Camp in the iconic Masai Mara on our first try. We’re thrilled to share our unforgettable experience at this property, and to help guide you to make the same impeccable choice.
Arrival and First Impressions
Our safari adventure began with a short, incredibly scenic flight from Nairobi. Landing on the dirt runway, we were warmly greeted by our guide, who was waiting in a safari vehicle ready to whisk us away. To our delight, he had already set up a welcoming table with tea, coffee, beers, snacks, and cookies right there at the airport—a warm introduction to the renowned hospitality of Kichwa Tembo.
The drive to the camp was meant to be short and straightforward, but for us, it was anything but. It was a mesmerizing kaleidoscope of wildlife sightings. From graceful giraffes and majestic elephants to elegant zebras, swift gazelles, and even a playful hyena family—we were left in awe by the diversity of wildlife we encountered. If this was just the ride in, we couldn't wait to see what a full day’s safari would bring!
Authentic African Safari Feel
One of our top priorities when choosing a lodge was staying in a tent for that authentic African safari experience. In this regard, Kichwa Tembo Tented Camp exceeded our expectations. We opted for the Classic tent, which was spacious with high ceilings and featured a luxurious four-poster bed. Upon arrival, sparkling wine awaited us on ice, accompanied by reusable water bottles, binoculars, and journals for documenting our wildlife sightings.
The front porch with a cozy seating area provided a perfect spot to relax and observe the surrounding bush. We had many memorable monkey encounters here, especially during the afternoons—a delightful bonus to our safari experience. We also had the opportunity to see the Superior View tents and trust us, the panoramic views of the entire Masai Mara plain from their porches are well worth the upgrade. With 12 Classic tents, 20 Superior tents, and eight Superior View tents, Kichwa Tembo Tented Camp offers a variety of accommodations to suit every traveler's needs and preferences. So whether you opt for the Classic tent or splurge on the Superior View tent, you’re guaranteed a luxurious and authentic safari experience.
The bathroom area was spacious, with the toilet and shower tucked away in their private rooms. There were mirrors above the two sinks on the back wall fixed in place, but the canvas behind them could be zipped away to reveal only a transparent mesh, allowing us to enjoy the view of the surrounding forest as we got ready for each day. It was a unique and immersive experience to have the occasional monkey watching us brush our teeth from only a few feet away. The canvas on the top of the tent could also be unzipped to reveal the canopy above. This transparent mesh roof became our natural alarm clock, as playful monkeys would jump around and wrestle on our roof, waking us up around 5 am every day. Were we tired? Yes. Were we complaining about our front-row seats to the monkey circus? Absolutely not!
Another perk that came with our room that is incredibly useful on a safari is a free daily laundry service. There is nothing like coming home to your freshly pressed clean clothes laid out on your bed for you.
Camp Facilities
Though our tent was the furthest from the main camp (the superior views are much closer), making for a long walk back and forth, the main area was well worth the journey. It is divided into two sections—the bar and lounge area, with a firepit out front, and the dining pavilion with an expansive outdoor patio. With woven pendant lamps hung from tree branches and resident warthogs roaming the premises—the main camp provided a cozy and communal atmosphere. There is also a main pool at the edge of the property with lounging chairs around it. Here you can cool off while gazing at the herds roaming in the distance.
The majority of our staff at the camp were Masai, and the cultural immersion opportunities were plentiful. Singing and jumping displays around the evening fire and local crafts brought in for purchase were some of the highlights.
Is It Safe to Camp in Masai Mara?
Absolutely, staying at a reputable camp like Kichwa Tembo ensures a safe and secure environment for your safari adventure. The camp is well-equipped with security measures and experienced guides to ensure your safety throughout your stay.
How Many Days Do You Need in Masai Mara?
We recommend spending at least 3 to 4 days in the Masai Mara to fully immerse yourself in the incredible wildlife and landscapes. As you are here to view wildlife, there is no way to predict their behaviours each day. Maybe you will see everything you are hoping for on day one, and maybe you will see nothing until day three (just like we did on a tiger safari in Ranthambore which you can read about HERE). It is also important to note that the early wake-up for safari drives each morning can get tiring if you choose to stay for an extended period of time. You can spend a week or more here if you wish, however, you may want to take a couple of mornings off from the game drives to catch some shut-eye.
Masai Mara vs Serengeti: Which is Better?
Both the Masai Mara and Serengeti offer incredible safari experiences, but the Masai Mara is renowned for its dense wildlife population and more concentrated viewings year round, but especially during the Great Migration. We were told this may be because it is a much smaller area than the Serengeti (although the two are connected), and yet both have roughly the same amount of food available for the animals. Also, the Masai Mara has less dense bush than places like Kruger in South Africa, so it is easier to spot the animals and they are also less likely to be spooked by a jeep driving around the corner. If you’re looking for a safari destination with unparalleled wildlife sightings, the Masai Mara is the place to be.
Game Drives
The game drives were another crucial factor in choosing a camp for us. We wanted frequent game drives included, and we wanted to enjoy them in a comfortable vehicle. The &Beyond safari vehicles are custom-made for a premium viewing experience. There are six seats in three rows, with each one elevated above the one in front, so that everyone has an unobstructed view. There is a storage console between each pair of seats for your Swarovski binoculars and Tusker beer, a canopy above, and roll-down sides to protect you from the sun. The guide always had a cooler of drinks stocked for us, and the kitchen staff sent us off every morning with a thermos of our custom coffee order to complement that.
These vehicles are designed with your comfort and enjoyment in mind, unlike some of the others we saw driving around. There were jeeps without a roof where the guests were exposed to the sun all day, and other vans where the roof simply lifted a couple of feet, and we saw people struggling to find a spot to poke their heads out. With two (or occasionally one extra-long one) included game drives per day, you will be thankful you have a luxury vehicle to enjoy every second of your wildlife viewing experience.
The sightings themselves were also amazing; the Masai Mara is particularly good for animal sightings. We saw everything from lions, hippos, rhinos, cheetahs, leopards, and hyenas, to baboons. We watched tiny lion cubs feast on zebra until their full little bellies touched the ground. One day our guide spotted a water buffalo in distress out in the distance and quickly drove us over. We arrived just in time to watch a baby calf be born and even stuck around to watch it take its first steps.
Delicious Dining Experience
The food at Kichwa Tembo was incredible. Every morning at your pre-determined time, a staff member would bring a tray of your requested coffee or tea to your room to enjoy while you prepared for your very early morning drives. A proper breakfast was then served in the main dining area, with of course, more coffee and a thermos full of to-go coffee for your drive as well.
Lunch and dinner were served buffet style with huge salad bars and several options for mains. The camp has a large vegetable garden where much of the produce is grown onsite, so everything tasted fresh and delicious. There was one day we had a make-your-own burrito bar with so many topping options and sauces, I still dream about that heavenly concoction. It was a fun atmosphere that felt as though everyone was together at summer camp dining in the mess hall, swapping stories about their exciting days.
Camaraderie and Shared Adventures
This kinship was probably aided by the fact that we shared our drives with two other couples. We were all six paired up from day 1, and over the four-night stay we grew quite close and enjoyed sharing in the adventures in the moment, and swapping photos of it afterward. Although I’m sure if you were paired with less than agreeable jeep-mates you might feel differently.
There are certainly more luxurious properties in the area you could stay at, however, with the increase in exclusivity, you lose some of the joyful social aspect. One of these more luxurious properties is actually located right next door at the &Beyond Bateleur Camp.
The rooms here are incredible with copper bathtubs for in-room soaking, beautiful cushioned lounging areas on the patios, and an incredible in-room mini-bar. However, as nice as the high-end dining and luxurious rooms seemed, on our short tour there we missed the lively atmosphere of the Kichwa Tembo camp with buffet meals and Tusker beers, which made it feel as though you were on more of a safari.
Private Conservancy vs. National Reserve
Kichwa Tembo is on a private conservancy, and there were a lot of rules and restrictions in place to keep the drives and sightings peaceful and orderly. One day, our guide made special accommodations for us to try and see cheetahs an hour and a half away in the National Reserve. While we did find the cheetahs, we also witnessed the stark difference as cars would swarm the animals and hog the best view, rather than taking turns at the front. It felt chaotic and made us very happy we went with &Beyond.
In fact, to give us a break from the frenzy, our guide drove our jeep over to a secluded area and proceeded to set up a stove and cook breakfast right there in the middle of the Masai Mara. That meal was just one of many examples of how the staff at &Beyond really did go above… and beyond… to make our stay special.
Final Thoughts
&Beyond Kichwa Tembo is the perfect blend: fun and adventure where you want it, and luxury everywhere else. We would highly recommend booking a stay here for an unforgettable safari experience.
So, is a Masai Mara safari worth it? Absolutely! And if you are ready to embark on your own unforgettable safari adventure, we hope we have helped you make the perfect choice, just like we did!
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