45
savannah meet. Some are set on stilts among the trees – perfect for bird lovers such as myself – but as it’s our first time in the Masai Mara we opted for a tent overlooking the plains. We’re not disappointed, as even the shower and loo have views! It’s also very elegantly decorated, with local materials and Maasai touches.
Once we’re both ready, we return to the restaurant for sundowners on the deck, sharing stories of our game drive with the other guests. The split-level dining area has been designed around the lodge’s own organic vegetable garden, mirroring the food on our plates, and the oversized windows make dinner itself a safari experience. After being escorted back to our tent under the starry night, we find a personalised note on our pillow and hot-water bottles warming our bed. It’s these kinds of thoughtful touches that make Kichwa Tembo Tented Camp unique.
What sets it apart
One of the larger and more established tented camps in the Masai Mara, it has all the modern conveniences of a larger hotel – namely the interactive kitchen, sociable bar, in-room Wi-Fi and large gift store – but the guest areas have been cleverly split in order to create a very intimate environment. I loved the resident warthogs, who happily romp around the lawns, and that bushbuck joined me at the infinity pool.
I also liked that Kichwa Tembo has close ties with the local community, evident in frequent visits by local Maasai dance troupes, and that our stay helped support initiatives such as beekeeping projects, school building, conservation lessons and an HIV/AIDS awareness programme.
OPPOSITE: Kichwa Tembo is very
family friendly.
ABOVE ROTATING: There's plenty to see on game drives in the Masai Mara. You can dine under the African stars at Kichwa Tembo. You'll be woken with fresh Kenyan coffee at Kichwa Tembo.