Kicheche Mara North: Exclusivity of the Conservancy Model
Kicheche Mara Camp prioritizes the quality of the encounter over the quantity of guests. By choosing to stay here, you are directly contributing to a conservation model that protects one of the most vital ecosystems on the planet while empowering the local communities that call it home.
Quick Facts: Kicheche Mara Camp at a Glance
Category | Details |
Location | Oloololo Escarpment, overlooking the Mara Triangle, Kenya |
Accommodation | 30 Luxury Tented Suites (divided into two separate camps) |
Sustainability | Operates the Angama Foundation; supports Mara Conservancy and Big Life Foundation |
Primary Wildlife | The Big Five (Lion, Leopard, Elephant, Buffalo, Black Rhino) |
Unique Feature | Filming location for the classic movie Out of Africa |
Activities | Hot air ballooning, game drives, walking safaris, beading studio, and "Out of Africa" picnics |
Accommodation: Living with the Wild
The camp consists of just ten spacious safari tents, maintaining an intimate and personal atmosphere. Each tent is beautifully furnished with ensuite bathrooms, flushing toilets, and hot showers. Because the camp is unfenced, guests are truly at one with nature; it is not uncommon to hear the nightly grunts of hippos or the distant roar of a lion from your bed. For those seeking even more adventure, the camp offers “Fly Camping,” where you spend a night under a simple canvas shelter deep in the bush.
Sustainability: A Mission-Driven Stay
Sustainability is not just a buzzword at Kicheche Mara North; it is a core operational principle. As a proud member of The Long Run, the camp adheres to the “4Cs”—Conservation, Community, Culture, and Commerce.
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Renewable Energy: The camp is 100% solar-powered.
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Water Conservation: Guests receive reusable metal bottles to eliminate single-use plastics.
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Community Trust: A portion of every guest’s stay supports the Kicheche Community Trust, which funds local education, healthcare, and women’s empowerment projects.
Primary Wildlife: A Predator’s Paradise
The Mara North Conservancy is world-renowned for its high concentration of big cats. Kicheche Mara North provides a front-row seat to the lives of lions, leopards, and cheetahs. During the months of July through October, the camp is also a prime location for witnessing the Great Wildebeest Migration. However, even outside of migration season, the resident wildlife—including large herds of elephants, buffalo, and a vibrant array of birdlife—ensures that every game drive is productive.
Unique Feature: The Conservancy Advantage
The most significant “hidden gem” of Kicheche Mara North is the exclusivity of the conservancy model. While the National Reserve can become crowded with vehicles, the conservancy limits vehicle numbers at sightings. This allows for a more respectful and unhurried observation of animal behavior. Furthermore, the conservancy allows for night game drives and off-road driving (within strict guidelines), both of which are prohibited in the main reserve.
Activities: Beyond the 4×4
While game drives are the hallmark of any safari, Kicheche Mara North offers a diverse range of ways to engage with the landscape:
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Guided Bush Walks: Led by expert Maasai guides and an armed ranger, these walks focus on the “Little Five,” tracks, and traditional plant uses.
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Photography Safaris: The guides are specifically trained to assist photographers in getting the perfect angle and lighting.
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Community Discovery: Visit local schools or markets to understand the symbiotic relationship between the Maasai people and the wildlife.
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Kids in the Wild: Specialized activities like fire-making and archery ensure that younger travelers are just as engaged as the adults.
