Reviews of Kicheche Valley
Wildlife sightings and reviews
65 independent comments and wildlife information from our travellers who have visited Kicheche Valley and kindly agreed to share their thoughts. They do not necessarily represent the views of Expert Africa
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"Kicheche Valley review"
I was lucky to get to celebrate my birthday at Valley Camp. The camp staff - Joyce, Jocelyn and others - honored me with a native dance and a birthday cake. Joyce gave such a sweet welcome and celebration speech. Minnie made each guest feel special and shared a little bit about each one of us. The staff is wonderful. Minnie works very hard to make sure that every detail is flawless. Joyce just exudes joy. Her smile is contagious. She and Jocelyn were very attentive and so gracious. One day we returned from the afternoon drive to find that Nelson had carved sticks for us to use to roast marshmallows over the fire (a much-loved camping tradition in the U.S.A.). Elijah always made sure we were comfortable and that services were to our liking. The chefs made masterful meals and take such pride in what they prepare. An absolutely fantastic experience.
Our guide was Mica and he was amazing. He has extensive guiding experience and great instincts. We spent a day in the Reserve to see the crossing. What a different experience than the conservancies! We're really glad that we were able to see the crossing while we were there. The first group of more than 2,000 wildebeests and zebra crossed while about 300 cars jockeyed for position. Mica kept us safe through that wild ride and didn't risk our lives for the best viewing spot. The cars actually ended up separating the herd and a smaller group retreated to wait for another opportunity. We explored a bit more of the river after that large crossing and thought we'd be headed back to camp but Mica knew that it was a matter of time before the rest of the herd made the crossing. Within about 10 minutes of that herd crossing, Mica took us back to the original spot and got us in an amazing front-row spot. It was a really special experience to be there for the crossing.
Mica took great care to get us in great animal viewing positions for photographs, too, even for birds. He really watched and listened to our surroundings to give us unique experiences. On our last morning, we were trying to find a leopard and he noticed a bunch of birds were warning of a predator in a small tree. He maneuvered around and watched and waited until he saw the reason for the ruckus - a pearl-spotted owlet. Mica made sure that our experience wasn't just about the large animals - we saw such a variety of birds, both in the Reserve and Naboisha, as well as mongoose. We learned about the different animals and their behavior.
Kicheche Valley Camp is a must-visit. It was simply perfect." See all these reviews: 12n in Kenya; 4n in Rwanda
"Kicheche Valley - it couldn't be better !!!"
They offer also two games 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. You can also ask for an additional night drive for spotting nocturnal animals (8:00 p.m. - 9:30 p.m. / 10:00 p.m.). And for keen photographers you can inquire about a special safari vehicle for photographers with fantastic opportunities for different perspectives - if not already used by other guests!
Our guide Johnson was fantastic with an incredible understanding of the animals and their behavior. Thanks to him and his many years of experience in this conservancy, we had incredible sightings and experiences every day. And he was always in a good mood and with a smile on his face - the best guide we could have wished for." See all these reviews: 7n in Kenya
"Kicheche Valley with NJ Wight review"
One of the special things about this camp was the chance to go on a night drive. With a spotter armed with a red light, Johnson took us on a drive around the conservancy, pointing out the nocturnal activity of the animals. We were able to watch a bush baby going from tree to tree - it even looked right at us, showing its cute big eyes and round ears. We also saw black backed jackals, spotted hyenas heading out for the night, bat-eared foxes, white tailed mongoose, bush hares, spring hares, and one lonely lion.
I'm going to sound like a broken record here, but our guides Mika and Johnson were key to making this safari the amazing experience that it was. As with our other guides, both men have a depth of knowledge about the conservancy and its place in the ecosystem. They also were able to share information on individual leopards as well as lions - cubs' approximate ages, the relationships between lionesses, the changing hierarchy of the prides were we're watching. They got us into prime photography position (even though NJ was the only pro). They never left until they were sure we were ready. And it seemed that of the three camps, this one had the most challenging terrain or the trucks. Mika and Johnson navigated their way through all kinds of driving conditions without a problem. One memory that stands out for me is the time we spent watching a pride of around 14 lions (3 lionesses and the rest sub-adults) as the walked through the waving golden grass. Johnson kept patiently getting us into position to watch them as they made their way across the hills. Besides the skill and knowledge they showed, Both Johnson and Mika shared a joy in their work and a great sense of humor (a critical skill when part of your job is finding appropriate places for your guests to 'pick the flowers')." See all these reviews: 13n in Kenya
"Kicheche Valley review"
My tent was fantastic - the best of the trip - with hard floors, a nice open view, and even a (temperamental but great when it came on) ceiling fan. The shower was also especially hot and nice.
The meal/lounge space at Valley Camp was especially nice, and as a solo woman traveler, it was great to meet several female staff members. Having said that, all of the staff and guides were excellent." See all these reviews: 12n in Kenya
"Kicheche Valley review"
"Kicheche Valley review"
"Kicheche Valley review"
The tents were very luxurious, comfortable beds, good bathroom facilities and wonderful views across the valley with plenty of activity to be seen.
The food was excellent and the camp staff were all helpful and friendly. We were treated to a Masai dance one evening which was wonderful.
The game drives were excellent and our guide, Johnson, was good company, extremely well informed and keen to share his knowledge, both of birds as well as the game. There were limited numbers of other vehicles in the conservancy so the game viewing experience was sensitive and often solitary." See all these reviews: 8n in Kenya
"Kicheche Valley review"
Twala was my guide here and while I thought I knew all I needed to know about safari, he taught me so much more. His patience and resourcefulness is top notch. He knows the resident wildlife here extremely well so can find cats based on what he knows about them from seeing them every day. He worked hard to find leopard for the couple I shared a vehicle with, but there are so many lions in Naboisho right now, that both leopard and cheetah are somewhat harder to find than in conservancies with fewer lions. I would definitely love to game drive with Twala again. We were on so many sightings just on our own, quietly enjoying the scene as it unfolded in front of us. It was heavenly! And my photos speak for his skill at lining up wildlife, light and action. Definitely a winner!
Minnie the camp manager is a gem. I don't think I've ever met a sweeter person and I truly believe she cares for each and every guest. She anticipates every need before I even know I need it! She must inspire her team well because every one of them was smiling, greeting me by name and eager to look after me from the minute I arrived.
The tent is very similar to the other Kicheche tent I was in. Well appointed, in room wifi and power for charging batteries, comfortable bed, a very welcome floor fan (it is hot here in February!), toiletries (shampoo/conditioner, lotion, laundry powder), in room water cooler, boots and umbrellas for rainy days. I loved the view over the valley here and enjoyed time in the common area as much as my own tent. It's really an amazing location.
I can't thank the team at Kicheche Valley enough for a perfect ending to my safari. I look forward to returning to Kicheche Valley!!" See all these reviews: 12n in Kenya
"Kicheche Valley review"
Valley camp is within the Conservancy and is unfenced so chance to see wildlife at close quarters!
Food exceeded expectations. All staff were very friendly and helpful.
By chance, we also met the manager of the Naboisho Conservancy and a co-owner of Kicheche and it was interesting to talk to them.
A special mention to Bernard, our expert guide." See all these reviews: 13n in Kenya
"Kicheche Valley review"
Mini and all her staff were fab nothing was too much trouble and our guide Bernard was amazing very patient knowledgeable and happy to answer all questions. We always seemed to arrive first at amazing viewings.
I would highly recommend this lodge" See all these reviews: 7n in Zanzibar; 6n in Kenya
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