Kicheche Bush Olare
Kicheche Bush Olare is designed for the purist—those who seek to disconnect from the modern world and reconnect with the rhythms of the African savannah. Unlike the larger resorts often found in the main reserve, Kicheche Bush Olare prioritizes a low-impact, high-engagement philosophy that has made it a favorite among professional photographers and wildlife enthusiasts globally.
Planning a journey to this remote corner of Kenya requires an understanding of what makes the “Kicheche Way” so distinct. From its award-winning guides to its commitment to the local Maasai community, every element of the stay is curated to provide a profound sense of place.
Quick Facts: Kicheche Bush Olare at a Glance
Category | Details |
Location | Olare Motorogi Conservancy, Maasai Mara, Kenya |
Accommodation | 6 Stylish Custom-Designed Tents |
Sustainability | Gold-rated by Eco-Tourism Kenya |
Primary Wildlife | Large Lion Prides, Cheetahs, Leopards, Great Migration |
Unique Feature | Photography-first philosophy and custom vehicles |
Activities | Bush walks, Photography workshops, Fly camping |
Intimate Accommodation: Living Under Canvas
At Kicheche Bush Olare, luxury is defined by space, privacy, and authenticity rather than gold-plated faucets. The camp consists of only six spacious tents, ensuring a maximum of twelve guests at any given time. This small scale allows the staff to personalize every aspect of the experience, from your favorite sundowner drink to your specific dietary preferences.
Each tent at Kicheche Bush Olare is fully insect-proof and features a comfortable veranda with views over the plains. The interiors are elegantly furnished with locally sourced materials, featuring ensuite bathrooms with flushing toilets and traditional bucket showers—a nod to the classic “safari of old” while maintaining modern hygiene standards. The sound of hyenas “whooping” in the distance or a lion’s roar vibrating through the canvas at night is an integral part of the Kicheche Bush Olare experience.
Unwavering Commitment to Sustainability
Sustainability is the backbone of Kicheche Bush Olare. As a Gold-rated member of Eco-Tourism Kenya, the camp operates with a “touch the earth lightly” mandate. The camp is seasonal, meaning it can be completely dismantled to allow the land to recover, leaving no permanent footprint.
Energy at Kicheche Bush Olare is primarily solar, and the camp has pioneered a rigorous “no single-use plastic” policy. Furthermore, the Olare Motorogi Conservancy model itself is a world leader in community-based conservation. The land is leased from hundreds of Maasai landowners, providing them with a guaranteed income while ensuring the wildlife has a safe corridor to thrive outside the national reserve.
Primary Wildlife: Predators of the Mara
If you are coming to Africa to see big cats, Kicheche Bush Olare is your sanctuary. The Olare Motorogi Conservancy boasts one of the highest concentrations of lions in Africa. The famous Moniko Pride often roams the vicinity of the camp, providing incredible opportunities for behavioral observation.
Beyond the lions, Kicheche Bush Olare is a stronghold for cheetahs, who favor the open plains for their high-speed hunts. Leopards are frequently spotted in the wooded valleys along the Ntiakitiak River. During the months of July through October, the camp also sits in a strategic position to witness the Great Migration, as hundreds of thousands of wildebeest and zebras filter through the conservancy.
The Unique Feature: A Photographer’s Paradise
What truly sets Kicheche Bush Olare apart is its dedication to photography. The camp’s vehicles are specifically modified for photographers, featuring low-angle mounts and removed sides to allow for unobstructed views. Many of the guides at Kicheche Bush Olare are themselves accomplished photographers who understand how to position the vehicle for the best light and “the shot.”
The camp also hosts specialized photography weeks led by world-renowned professionals. Whether you are using a smartphone or a 600mm lens, the team at Kicheche Bush Olare ensures you leave with images that do justice to the majesty of the Mara.
Activities: Immersive Wilderness Encounters
While the game drives are exceptional, Kicheche Bush Olare encourages guests to step out of the vehicle and experience the bush on foot.
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Guided Bush Walks: Led by a professional armed guide and a Maasai tracker, these walks focus on the “little things”—tracking prints, medicinal plants, and birdlife—that are often missed from a car.
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Cultural Visits: Guests can visit local Maasai villages (manyattas) that are partners with the conservancy. Unlike touristy “cultural stops,” these are authentic insights into the modern lives of the people who call this land home.
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Fly Camping: For the adventurous, Kicheche Bush Olare offers the option to spend a night in a remote lightweight camp, sleeping under a mosquito net canopy with only the stars above.
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Community Projects: The camp supports local schools and clinics, and guests are welcome to learn more about these initiatives during their stay.
