Overview

andBeyond Kichwa Tembo Tented Camp is a luxury tented safari camp located in Maasai Mara National Reserve, Kenya. Part of the andBeyond collection, known for conservation-focused luxury properties across Africa, Kichwa Tembo (meaning "Big Head" in Swahili) operates as an all-inclusive property where meals, beverages, and most activities are included in the nightly rate. The camp offers promotional packages including a "Stay 4, Pay 3" arrangement for extended bookings. Known for: positioning within prime Big Five territory, direct access to the Mara River migration crossing points, and personalized game drive experiences. Best for: families seeking all-inclusive safari packages, photography enthusiasts targeting the Great Migration, and travelers prioritizing conservation-minded operators.

Accommodation & Rooms

The camp features canvas suites designed with comfort and sustainability in mind. Superior View Tents are the primary accommodation type, each measuring approximately 45-50 square meters with canvas construction on wooden platforms. Rooms feature hardwood floors, king or twin bed configurations, and private verandas positioned to maximize wildlife viewing opportunities. En-suite bathrooms include indoor showers, outdoor bucket showers for an authentic safari experience, and eco-friendly toiletries. All suites include mosquito nets, individual safes, tea/coffee stations, and battery charging facilities. The tents maintain natural ventilation while providing protection from the elements, with canvas walls offering wildlife soundscape immersion while ensuring guest safety and privacy.

Dining & Cuisine

Dining at andBeyond Kichwa Tembo is included in all room rates, featuring a main dining area with indoor and outdoor seating overlooking the savannah. Cuisine emphasizes locally-sourced ingredients prepared by professional chefs, with menus rotating to highlight Kenyan specialties and international favorites. The camp accommodates dietary restrictions with advance notice, including vegetarian, vegan, and allergy-specific meal preparations. A full bar service includes premium spirits, wine selections, and non-alcoholic beverages. Bush dining experiences—meals served in the field during game drives—are offered as special experiences, allowing guests to dine with panoramic savannah views. The firepit area hosts evening gatherings where guests share wildlife sightings and experiences over drinks and appetizers.

Wildlife & Activities

The camp's location within Maasai Mara National Reserve ensures consistent wildlife encounters. Guests regularly observe all Big Five species (lion, leopard, elephant, buffalo, rhino), alongside plains game including wildebeest, zebra, giraffe, and gazelle species. Birdwatching opportunities are exceptional, with over 450 bird species recorded in the reserve. Primary activities include twice-daily game drives (early morning and afternoon/evening, typically 3-4 hours each) in open-sided safari vehicles with professional guides trained in animal behavior and ecology. Guided bush walks, led by Maasai warriors, provide intimate ground-level perspectives on flora, wildlife signs, and ecosystem dynamics. Night drives offer opportunities to observe nocturnal species including hyena, aardvark, and serval cats. The camp offers birding-specific game drives during peak migration seasons and photography-focused excursions for guests with advanced camera equipment. Cultural visits to nearby Maasai communities are available, providing insights into traditional pastoral practices and conservation efforts.

Location & How to Get There

andBeyond Kichwa Tembo Tented Camp is located within Maasai Mara National Reserve, positioned approximately 10 minutes by vehicle from the main reserve entrance. The camp is situated in the northern section of the reserve, providing access to prime wildlife viewing areas and the Mara River crossing points during the Great Migration (July-November). Coordinates: approximately -1.35°S, 34.75°E. International visitors typically arrive via Jomo Kenyatta International Airport in Nairobi (250km away, approximately 4-5 hour drive). The recommended route involves a 45-minute charter flight from Wilson Airport in Nairobi to the Maasai Mara airstrip, followed by a 20-30 minute road transfer to camp. Ground transfer by private vehicle from Nairobi takes 5-6 hours via the Nairobi-Nakuru-Narok highway. The camp arranges all transfers and can coordinate flights through partner operators. Road transfer from Nairobi costs approximately $250-400 per vehicle depending on group size; charter flights range from $350-450 per person depending on aircraft availability and fuel costs.

Best Time to Visit

The optimal safari season at andBeyond Kichwa Tembo aligns with wildlife concentration periods. The dry season (June-October) offers the best game viewing as animals concentrate around water sources; July-October coincides with the Great Migration river crossings, when millions of wildebeest and zebras traverse the Mara River, creating dramatic wildlife spectacles. The secondary dry season (January-February) provides excellent visibility and lower accommodation rates. Short rains (November-December) and long rains (March-May) are considered low season with reduced guest numbers, lower rates, and lush landscapes but increased difficulty in game viewing due to vegetation and muddy roads. Weather patterns: temperatures average 20-25°C during dry seasons, rising to 28-30°C in peak heat periods. The Great Migration timing varies yearly (typically July-October), and booking 6-12 months in advance is recommended for these peak months.

Conservation & Community

andBeyond Kichwa Tembo operates under the andBeyond conservation philosophy, which emphasizes wildlife protection, ecosystem restoration, and community partnership. The property contributes to habitat protection within and adjacent to the Maasai Mara National Reserve, supporting anti-poaching initiatives and wildlife research. The camp employs local staff and engages Maasai guides and warriors, providing employment and cultural exchange opportunities. Educational partnerships with local schools support conservation awareness among youth. Sustainability practices include solar power systems reducing reliance on diesel generators, water conservation measures including rainwater harvesting, and waste management programs minimizing landfill impact. The camp maintains certification standards for responsible tourism and participates in conservation organizations' monitoring programs. Guest activities include optional community visits that directly benefit local Maasai communities through tourism revenue, supporting traditional pastoral practices while generating alternative income streams to reduce pressure on wildlife habitats.

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