Reviews of Kicheche Mara
Wildlife sightings and reviews
95 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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"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
"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
"Kicheche Mara review"
Everybody was so warm and welcoming upon arrival and throughout the stay.
The food and beverage offerings were excellent - certainly better than one typically associates with 'camp food'.
The tents were very inviting and comfortable - all with a view of the plain below the camp.
The game drives were well executed - morning and afternoon.
(I do have to say that Jimmy's driving was a bit unnerving at times. I nicknamed him - depending upon the situation, it was "Lead Foot Jimmy" (due to excessive speed) or "No Roads Jimmy", which was often times combined with the lead foot. He is incredibly knowledgeable and friendly; I really enjoyed his fun personality, but was a bit nervous at times due to his aggressive driving.)
Breakfast on the plains - WOW! Watching the different animals in the distance, while being pampered by the guides setting up breakfast and making coffee. Such an indulgence!
Then again, during the Sundowner experience. Kenyan sunsets, cocktails, snacks - what could be better?!
Cocktails by the fire upon return in the evening, to talk about what an amazing day it had been - or to quietly reflect on the amazing day on The Mara with the abundant animal sightings.
All the guides were kind, welcoming and knowledgeable. So knowledgeable - and clearly love what they do, which equates to a better experience for their passengers." See all these reviews: 11n in Kenya
"Kicheche Mara review"
Guide was excellent, very knowledgable and attentive to our safari focus. Also gave lots of advice on photography.
Tent was a lovely size - really spacious and with lots of windows and great views.
Food was wonderful." See all these reviews: 9n in Kenya
"Kicheche Mara review"
"Great time at Kicheche Mara"
The service was very friendly and helpful and the meals were excellent.
Two games were offered per day: in the morning from 6:00 a.m. to around 11:00 a.m. (longer if required) and in the afternoon from 4:00 p.m. to around 7:00 p.m./7:30 p.m.
Our guide Paul was very nice and experienced, but unfortunately he had only been in the conservancy for a day, so he couldn't be very familiar with the paths, fauna, territories, favorite places of animals, etc. That was the only thing that wasn't perfectly organized, but we still had interesting sightings and a good time with Paul and his assistant Dixon." See all these reviews: 7n in Kenya
"Kicheche Mara with NJ Wight review"
Something that made our time at Kicheche Mara extra special was a complete surprise. NJ had let them know that we were celebrating our 39th anniversary, so they arranged a private dinner for us. When we returned from the evening game drive, we were escorted to our tent. There we found the patio to our tent had been transformed. There were luminarias going up the steps and along the edge of the patio, a candlelit table with tablecloth, flowers, and a chilled bottle of sparkling wine. Our waitress served a superb meal (the butternut squash ravioli was amazing!). We sipped our sparkling wine while looking out at the fireflies, hearing the bell frogs and the quiet munching and rustlings of the elephants as they ate their dinner. Magic indeed.
But despite the amazingly high quality of every aspect of the camp, the heart and soul of this experience came from our guides. Saruni and David have a passion for the Mara that comes through in everything they do. Their knowledge of the wildlife, the land, and the people truly enriched our safari experience. Somehow they managed to keep up their energy, enthusiasm, and sense of humor for every ride. I was sorry to say goodbye to these two men." See all these reviews: 13n in Kenya
"Kicheche Mara review"
I was sick for the first full day of my stay, which could have made for a terrible experience. The lovely location and staff meant that the stay was still a pleasure, and once I was able to venture out, the animals in the area were outstanding.
In addition to the animals listed in the wildlife survey, I saw lots of jackals, funny vervet monkeys, and excellent birds including a lilac-breasted roller." See all these reviews: 12n in Kenya
"Kicheche Mara review"
"Kicheche Mara review"
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