Reviews of Kicheche Mara
Wildlife sightings and reviews
94 independent comments and wildlife information from our travellers who have visited Kicheche Mara and kindly agreed to share their thoughts. They do not necessarily represent the views of Expert Africa
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"Kicheche Mara review"
Everything - the tents, lodge, guides, meals, and staff were exceptional." See all these reviews: 13n in Kenya
"Kicheche Mara review"
"Kicheche Mara review"
Beautiful faciities; the service was awesome, the food delicious!" See all these reviews: 13n in Kenya
"Kicheche Mara review"
"Kicheche Mara review"
Feels slightly less accessible that others because tracks are much more rough and we had unusually heavy rains. We actually had to switch airstrip to leave but Andrew, manager, took care of it all.
Lots of big cats to see but make sure to head to Mara river for Hippos, birds and different landscape." See all these reviews: 7n in Kenya
"Kicheche Mara review"
Very nice first impressions - a lovely oasis in the bush.
Well spaced tents with ample privacy.
All in all a first class camp - the food was really good as was the guiding." See all these reviews: 20n in Kenya
"Kicheche Mara review"
We were greeted by Anne, our house manager, Charles (our server in the dining area), Frank (bartender) McKenna and so many friendly outgoing faces and voices that were a part of the Mara welcome crew. Charles almost immediately started teaching us both swahili and Masai ways to say common phrases and told us some more local culture and history of what he was clearly proud of with the Masai tribe. We had continued amazing food, drink, desserts, snacks everything this time from a couple of female chefs that were constantly checking in to make sure what they were providing met our satisfaction. There was never a doubt as our expanded waistlines can attest to.
Our tent was Kanga and we appreciated being one of the closer tents to the main area of Kicheche Mara. The velvet monkies immediately showed interest in our tent so we learned the importance of keeping things zipped up and tight as they showed themselves to be very curious and mischievous. That was a special part of staying at Mara, with no fences you could hear the animals and see the animals that enjoyed being within a safe and respectful distance to your tent. A few cute bush bucks stayed close by and grazed behind our tent on the fresh green grass. Similar to KL we were greeted with cards, flowers and beautiful facilities at our tent. We were always comfortable and took advantage this time of the fans, water bottles at night and laundry service which was so helpful to keep things fresh and clean after our rides and adventures.
Paul had a truly special gift of being able to communicate and understand the thoughts, movements and reactions for all creatures great and small. We trusted him from the beginning and were thrilled at how we literally felt like observers in their day to day life not bothering them but rather there to appreciate them. We had so many special encounters with so many animal families, babies and even solo wanderers. He was determined for us to see everything including the leopard but despite valient efforts the leopard will be something we return to try and see.
He took us to a special Thursday market day and again made us feel so at ease and privileged to get to meet and understand the people he had grown up with and still clearly stayed close with in the Masai tribe. We learned so much in a such a short amount of time and we were constantly asking questions and probing Paul for even more info and he was always so gracious to share it all. He had such a joy every day whether it be early in the morning or later in the evening after a long day. We always felt like he truly wanted this to be the most amazing adventure for us. It absolutely was!
Every staff person we interacted with made it their goal each day to talk to us about what we'd seen, how we were doing or share some special tidbit of information that just added to our great adventure. These Kicheche camps truly set themselves apart from any place in the world we've ever been in terms of hospitality, quality of stay (soup to nuts) and leaving us wanting more and more." See all these reviews: 7n in Kenya
"Kicheche Mara review"
We arrived 6 and a half hours later than scheduled, as the flight was unable to land in Laikipia to pick us up, due to the weather. Consequently, we were exhausted when we stepped off of our game drive transfer. Andrew, the camp manager and Lucy, the head of housekeeping anticipated this. We were taken straight to our room to have a hot shower, rather than a welcome drink and going through the health and safety form etc. This was completed later at dinner, which was served on a table for two, very fast, so that we could get an early night. We were shocked when we got back to the tent to see that my rather slap dash unpacking had been redone and every item of clothing folded neatly. This continued for our entire stay. Anything that we left even remotely untidy or out of place would be moved on our return. This is only place we have ever stayed that provided such a service. It was a lovely surprise and made packing a cinch.
The following morning we were back to the usual safari routine. Johnson, our guide, was younger and less experienced than the others. Although we specified an interest in birds, he did not seem to share this. His lack of photographic experience was also stark when compared to our other two guides. However, we quickly noted this and directed his vehicle placement for photography or asked him to stop for unusual birds where necessary, so it all worked out ok. He was however, very good at noticing where the action was and got us to kills (really attempted hunts) amongst the first vehicles on several occasions.
Food and drink was again excellent. For meals we were grouped with a photographic safari tour, run by the co-owner, Paul Goldstein. I don't know if this was because we were from the UK or into photography, but it worked out well, once the ice was broken. Mealtimes were certainly memorable. It was very interesting seeing his shots from sightings that we had also been at, to compare with ours. Having not met him before, it was an experience as he is a larger than life character. We got to see a very shy male leopard and despite arriving as the last vehicle, managed to get the best position twice as we followed it, with shots comparable to his!" See all these reviews: 12n in Kenya
"Kicheche Mara review"
The staff and the accommodations were superb.
The drives were absolutely amazing with lots to see and take in, and the drivers were very informative and friendly. I felt very safe at all times.
I would highly recommend to anyone wanting to go on safari." See all these reviews: 11n in Kenya
"Home on the Mara"
From the moment our guide, Saruni, picked us up from the airstrip, our greeting and reception when we arrived, the comfort of the “tents”, the thoughtfulness in remembering and catering to each guest’s needs, the laundry service, the wake up coffee, tea and cookies, the amazing and delicious meals, it was all perfect. The staff, Maurice, Fred, Priscilla, and Charles, to name a few, go out of their way to ensure the guests’ comfort on all levels (food, accommodations, activities).
I made the mistake of not indicating a food preference on my Expert Africa form and Priscilla noted this to herself. For the following meals she prepared for me a separate dish accommodating this. Sam made sure we got to our tent safely every night and to the truck every morning; and also went out of his way to assist my traveling companion when she hurt her leg. Everyone we met made a point of talking with us, getting to know us, and making us feel like family.
I am in awe of the amount of knowledge our guides, Jimmy, Saruni, and George have to share with us. Prior to the trip I had no true understanding of what a silver rating implied. It becomes overwhelmingly clear once we were in the trucks with them. Every animal, every plant, every bird and their song. Everything about their behavior. The connection with some of the animals, knowing their history and behavior." See all these reviews: 11n in Kenya
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