Kichwa Tembo is a large and well –maintained tented camp just outside the national reserve to the northwest. Popular with its predominantly American clientele for its setting and high standards, Kichwa Tembo has an aura of permanence and quality. Although guests sleep in tents, the camp has the trappings and comforts of a first-class permanent lodge. There are notice boards in the lobby, a large gift shop, laundry service and carefully tended and fenced grounds. Most of the camp faces broad, park like lawns with dramatic cactus gardens. Beyond, there are wide open vistas of the Mara Savannah.

One of Mara’s largest tented camps with 45 well-appointed tents, Kichwa Tembo has also six rondavels to cater to those who prefer to sleep behind walls. The tents are set fairly close together, but they all have private views from their verandas. Many face the long sweeping Mara view while others look over more secluded forested areas alive with birds and monkeys.

The tents are spacious with many screened “windows” and a large bathroom with stone floor. Kichwa Tembo means elephants head in Swahili, and the elephant theme is reflected in the rugs and bedspreads.

You approach the camp on a shaded dirt road through a dense stretch of indigenous forest, home to an interesting variety of monkeys. The circular lobby with its high thatched roof and red polished floor is cool and dark, a marked contrast with the view which greets you out the other side-golden space stretching forever.

The long dining room and circular lounge have wide openings between stone pillars and also face this marvelous vista. Afternoon tea and sandwiches are served in the lounge with its heavy wooden chairs, low tables, and yellow lights in hanging baskets. The roof is lovely-thatch lined with pale golden papyrus which contrasts with dramatic black supporting beams.

There is a secluded swimming pool, its unusual shape edged by big boulders and gardens of cacti and palms. On the lawns surrounding the pool are chairs and comfortable lounges. It is quite luxurious to swim in the heat of the day, then lie in comfort with a cool drink and watch for wild animals which might be only a stone’s throw away.

Most guests fly to the Kichwa Tembo airstrip just five minutes from the camp. There are package rates which include game drives, (the camp operates 26 land cruisers). You can go on a nature walk or visit a Masai manyatta. Picnic lunches are available, and there are binoculars for hire. Masai dancers perform most evenings, and it is possible to organize bush breakfasts or banquets-even a “black-tie” dinner which is served under the stars with crystal glasses etc. (P.S you don’t really need a tie)