Hotel Review: Kichwa Tembo Tented Camp, Kenya

Welcome to Kichwa Tembo safari camp, a stunning property situated in the heart of the Masai Mara plains. With its breathtaking views, personalized service, and attention to detail, Kichwa Tembo offers a truly unforgettable luxury safari experience. From the expertly cooked meals served in the open-plan dining room to the locally sourced decor and accessories, every aspect of the property has been carefully curated to provide guests with an authentic and immersive experience. Keep reading to take a closer look at the food and drinks, the aesthetic and interiors, and the facilities and small touches that make Kichwa Tembo a must-visit destination for anyone looking to explore the wonders of the Masai Mara.

**Aesthetic + Interiors 4/5**

Kichwa Tembo is a beautiful property overlooking Masai Mara plains, designed by the renowned South African-based design studio Fox Browne Creative. The color palette of the property is inspired by the savannah and blends seamlessly with the natural surroundings. The design concept is simple and timeless. All accessories, textures, and decor are locally sourced and made in Kenya, providing work to the local communities and adding an authentic feel to the property.
The guest areas feature massive windows that invite the Mara inside, and the split-level spaces help guests relax and unwind. The property is open and spacious, with walkways, open dining spaces, and a bar that all open up to the natural wildlife that surrounds it, giving guests a feeling of oneness with the Masai Mara.
The central building includes open dining rooms, an interactive kitchen, a bar, and a lounge, while the tents are dotted around the bushland along windy paths. The dishes served at the property include ingredients from the new organic garden, which sits right next to the reception and grows black cocktail tomatoes, chilies, kale, and other produce. A kitchen garden is always a personal favorite of mine!

The property features 12 Classic tents, 20 Superior tents, and 8 Superior View tents, all laid out on immaculate grounds, with leisurely groups of warthogs feeding right outside the tent doors. The tents are spacious, light, and comfortable, with a flexible design that allows for full movement around the bed. One of our favorite features in the Superior Tent that we stayed in was the shower that offered uninterrupted views over the Masai Mara.

The tents have plenty of space to hang clothes, an open bathroom with double sinks, and a large king-size bed that faces the Mara, making it an incredible place to wake up to the sunrise. While the entire property is beautiful, the highlight is the rim-flow swimming pool, literally on the edge of the Mara, boasting one of the world’s most extraordinary views.

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**Food + Drinks 4/5**

At Kichwa Tembo safari camp, guests can enjoy unforgettable meals with stunning views of Masai Mara from the hotel's open-plan dining room. With a semi-open kitchen, you have the opportunity to watch as your food is expertly cooked right before your eyes, adding to the magic of the whole experience. Guests are treated to a unique combination of buffet and made-to-order dishes, blending self-service and waiter service to create a one-of-a-kind dining experience. Whether you're in the mood for a hearty breakfast, lunch, or dinner, the restaurant has something to satisfy every craving.
Starting your day with a delicious breakfast is an absolute must at Kichwa Tembo's restaurant. The breakfast menu boasts a wide selection of fresh juices, kombucha, and ginger shots, as well as an array of fresh fruits and classic English breakfast options. The skilled chefs are always on hand to cook eggs to your liking, ensuring a personalized touch to your meal. With a variety of meats and continental options available, you can indulge in a vast array of dishes from around the world before embarking on your safari adventure.

If you are planning to head out for a game drive, the camp offers a few options for providing you with lunch on the go. However, most game drives get guests back to the camp just in time for a shower so you can enjoy lunch at the restaurant. When it comes to lunch and dinner, the restaurant focuses on different countries' cuisines every day, allowing you to try various foods from around the world. With the menu ever-changing, you will never get bored during your stay. I was a little apprehensive of only one food option, but the selection, freshness, and quality of cooking was always been exceptional at the camp. Our favourite meals were the Mexican night and the surf and turf lunch.

During your stay, you will have access to beers, wine, and locally branded spirits without any extra cost. However, if you prefer premium options, you can opt for them as well. So, sit back, relax, and enjoy the delicious food while immersing yourself in the camp's surroundings.

**Facilities + Small Touches 4.5/5**

This was our first safari experience, and we were blown away by the personal touches and attention to detail. Upon arrival, we were introduced to our game driver, who looked after us during our stay. At the lodge, we were assigned a waiter for all our meals and a housekeeper, who got to know us and our preferences very well.
One of the things we appreciated was the hot water bottles placed in our beds every evening. My partner, Dale, prefers his water bottle without the cover, and our housekeeper noticed this and removed the cover every other night. It was a small but thoughtful gesture that showed the level of attention to detail.
We also loved the wake-up drinks delivery service, where we could order tea, coffee or hot chocolate during dinner for the following morning. The drinks would then be delivered to us through a small hatch with a friendly knock on the door to wake us up for our morning game drive.
The highlight of the property was the stunning cascading infinity pool overlooking the Masai Mara. Fresh towels and a full pool bar service were available, making it the perfect spot to relax before our evening game drive. Although there was a massage tent available, we were so busy exploring that we didn't have time to use it.

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Service + Atmosphere 5/5

Kichwa Tembo is a spacious safari camp that offers a perfect blend of relaxation and adventure. Every morning, as you get ready to explore, a sense of excitement fills the air and casts a warm glow over the Mara. The camp is run smoothly, and all the staff members are attentive and friendly, without being too pushy. Exploring the Mara every day will create memories that will last a lifetime.

**The Area + Activities 5/5**

Kicha Tembo is located near the Saparingo River, on the border of the Maasai Mara National Park, which is world-renowned for its incredible opportunities to see the Big Five, including lion prides, leopards, and elephant herds. The camp offers morning and evening game drives that are included in the cost of your stay, allowing you to get up close to the wildlife and track nocturnal animals in the dark. Our driver, Luke, was very knowledgeable and made spotting animals a breeze. The staff and guides at the camp are all local, which means they possess unique knowledge and a passion for the area.
During migration season, which is from July to October, vast herds of wildebeest stretch as far as the eye can see, and the diverse ecosystems support a variety of birdlife. In addition to the excellent year-round concentration of wildlife, access to the concession allows for bush walks, night drives, and bush dining under a starry sky.
You can also visit the Maasai tribe to discover what it's like to live in their community and experience their unique way of life. The tribe will guide you through their village, sharing their history and how modern-day changes have impacted their traditions. This experience is perfect to add after your afternoon game drive and is truly one-of-a-kind.

For a unique experience, you can take a hot air balloon safari, which offers a bird's-eye view of the Maasai Mara. As you take to the dawn skies and float soundlessly over the boundless plains, you will be filled with awe and wonder. The flight lasts about an hour and is followed by champagne and a full English bush breakfast.

As this was our first safari experience, we were amazed by the game drives and felt content with not needing to add any additional experiences. However, we were lucky enough to meet some incredible couples also on their honeymoon and decided to indulge in private sundowners and a BBQ within the stunning landscape. We gathered around a campsite, sipping on wine, chatting and watching the sun slowly set behind the clouds. This experience was truly unforgettable and made our trip to Kicha Tembo even more magical.