andBeyond Kichwa Tembo
- Escape to Africa Editorial Team
- Mar 3
- 2 min read
Where Luxury Meets the Wild: An Unforgettable Stay
As the golden African sun rises over the vast Masai Mara plains, I stand mesmerised on my private veranda at andBeyond Kichwa Tembo Tented Camp. The name, meaning "head of the elephant" in Kiswahili, perfectly captures the essence of this extraordinary sanctuary where wilderness and luxury intertwine beneath the shadow of the Oloololo Escarpment.
Nestled along the Sabaringo River in a private concession bordering the renowned Masai Mara National Reserve, Kichwa Tembo offers an intimate connection with nature without compromising on comfort. My superior view tent, one of just eight with uninterrupted views of the savannah, serves as a front-row seat to nature's greatest show. The canvas walls whisper with the morning breeze, while the elegant Maasai-inspired interiors remind me that this is no ordinary camping experience.
Each morning begins with a symphony of birdsong and the distant roars of lions as I sip freshly brewed Kenyan coffee on my veranda. The camp's commitment to sustainable luxury is evident in every detail – from the solar-heated water to the absence of plastic bottles, replaced by their own water bottling plant that saves over 56,000 plastic bottles annually.
The heart of Kichwa Tembo beats strongest during the twice-daily game drives. Our expert guide navigates the iconic Mara Triangle, sharing stories of the land as we encounter elephants moving silently through the acacia woodland, lions lounging in the golden grass, and if we're lucky, the elusive leopard in its arboreal kingdom. During the Great Migration, the camp's prime location offers an unprecedented view of nature's most spectacular wildlife show, as millions of wildebeest and zebra brave the crocodile-infested Mara River.
As dusk approaches, we return to camp where the day's adventures are shared over sundowners at the rim-flow swimming pool, offering panoramic views of the Mara plains. Dinner is an event in itself – served in the open-air restaurant where the interactive kitchen adds theater to the exceptional cuisine. The chef's creations showcase organic produce from the camp's garden, blending local flavours with international flair.
But it's not just the wildlife and luxury that make Kichwa Tembo special – it's the deep connection to the Maasai culture that sets it apart. Through visits to local villages and evening performances in the boma, guests gain authentic insights into the rich traditions of these proud people. The camp's partnership with local Maasai landlords ensures that tourism directly benefits the community, creating a model of sustainable conservation.
As night falls, I retire to my tent, where the sounds of the African bush create nature's lullaby. The gentle rustle of canvas, the distant call of a hyena, and the occasional grunt of a hippo remind me that I'm sleeping in one of the world's most remarkable wildlife sanctuaries. Here at Kichwa Tembo, every moment is an invitation to experience Africa at its most authentic and luxurious – a place where wilderness and comfort, adventure and relaxation, tradition and modernity coexist in perfect harmony.
Tomorrow will bring new adventures, but for now, I drift off to sleep, grateful for this extraordinary corner of the Masai Mara where luxury meets the wild in the most spectacular way.
