Reviews of Kicheche Bush Camp
Wildlife sightings and reviews
98 independent comments and wildlife information from our travellers who have visited Kicheche Bush Camp and kindly agreed to share their thoughts. They do not necessarily represent the views of Expert Africa
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"Kicheche Bush Camp review"
My final stay with long term camp hosts Darren and Emma before their departure on a new venture and I wish them all the best for the future. Charles is a great driver/guide who found fantastic wildlife and photographic opportunities.
Catering and camp staff generally superb as always." See all these reviews: 10n in Kenya
"Kicheche Bush Camp review"
The food was good, homely fare with some choice at lunch and more of a set (and posher) menu at dinner. Meals were usually eaten at one big table - outside at lunch, inside at dinner although you can opt to eat separately if you prefer.
The room was very comfortable with great wi-fi and lots of sockets to charge camera batteries, iPads etc. There are also newly installed 'proper' showers, rather than the bucket shower I was expecting (and secretly looking forward to).
I saw amazing wildlife - including cheetah, lion and leopard - far more often and in greater quantities than I'd imagined possible.
My only criticism would be that things sometimes felt a bit too organised. Safaris are tiring and a bombardment on the senses. I had one day when four things happened all at once - a drive to the other side of the conservancy for my PCR test, a sighting of two adolescent cheetah cubs being taught how to hunt, i.e: teasing a week-old impala fawn that was bleating for its mother, elephants outside my tent so I couldn't go to bed and then very heavy overnight rain. All good safari experiences. No complaints there, but when my tea arrived at 5 am next day, I decided I wouldn't go on that morning's drive but would try to catch up on sleep. At 7 I felt much better. It was light by then but still raining, so I used the thoughtful wellies and umbrella from my tent, ignored the distant lion roars and squelched my way to the mess tent to find some tea.
I didn't know there was never anyone there until 8 am. The place was deserted and I felt a bit abandoned and frankly, scared. I returned to my tent and blew the 'emergency' whistle. Nothing. I waited fifteen minutes and squelched back to the mess tent, then wandered down the path that I thought led to the staff tents. Blew the whistle again and the manager screeched to a halt beside me in his Jeep, clearly concerned that something dreadful had happened.
I did get breakfast but was told 'no one has ever missed a drive' (which I now know to be untrue), then left to my own devices until lunch at 1 pm. No suggestion that I might like to go for a walk with one of the staff (although I did do exactly that when a buffalo and her calf shot across the main pathway and William, who was serving breakfast, said it was being chased by a lion and he'd seen the start of the chase whilst having his tea. Lions won't come into camp in daylight, even for a buffalo calf, so William then took me fifty meters and still well within the camp boundary to point out where the lion had been).
I've written about this incident with the encouragement of Richard Trillo and because I hope Kicheche will put a contingency in place for any future guests who might decide to catch up on sleep. All that was needed was for someone to acknowledge me, stick a note through the door of my tent to say they hoped I was feeling better, and mention that the mess tent wouldn't be open until 8, after which I'd be welcomed for tea/breakfast.
Other than that one small incident, I loved my time at Kicheche Bush Camp and would definitely return were I not so intent on first visiting their Laikipia and Mara camps." See all these reviews: 7n in Kenya; 2n in Zanzibar
As a result of this scenario, the Kicheche camps changed their policies to ensure that a member of staff would always be available in the mess/lounge tent if any guests remained in camp. They also said that, in future, the instructions to use the radio walkie-talkies in the guest tents only in the hours of darkness would be revised so that a guest in this traveller's situation would always have support if necessary, and could radio to ask to be escorted to the mess/lounge tent when animals were unexpectedly close to camp.
"Kicheche Bush Camp review"
In our experience, this camp has drawn a high percentage of experienced safari enthusiasts, due, in no small part, to the efforts of its well-regarded longtime managers, Darren and Emma, who, sadly, are leaving to pursue another opportunity. We were grateful to see them once more before they embark on their new adventure. The fact that we ran into other repeat visitors (now friends) that we knew from our previous stays here should illustrate the loyal following that this camp has engendered over the years.
The guides here have all been with this property for multiple years, as well, and they are experts in their field. Our guide, Nelson, was very dedicated and extremely personable." See all these reviews: 17n in Kenya
"Kicheche Bush Camp review"
The tents are large and comfortable with charging facilities and solar-heated warm water showers. The staff are attentive and efficient, and the food is very good.
If wildlife viewing is your number one priority, this is definitely the camp to go to." See all these reviews: 15n in Kenya
"Kicheche Bush Camp review"
"Kicheche Bush Camp review"
I do miss the old classic breakfasts Kicheche used to serve.
Things are a little more "fancy" now. :-)" See all these reviews: 12n in Kenya
"Kicheche Bush Camp review"
Pragmatic and reassuring Covid protocols." See all these reviews: 11n in Kenya
"Kicheche Bush Camp review"
Our game drives out of Kicheche were the best we had, and a large part of that was due to the incredibly knowledgeable guides we had. While at Kicheche, we did a bush walk and "camped out" one night. It was FUN! Mika took us on our bush walk and was with us for our full day game drive the next day. He was phenomonal as a guide! The man is so deeply knowledgeable about the land and the animals and people living on it. Since our visit to Kicheche was our first stop on our safari (and our first safari) we didn't realize what a blessing Mika was right away - but he ended up being our favorite guide of our entire trip.
My husband and I still talk about the things we learned from him. Mika is silver qualified, and if you have the chance to be guided by him - enjoy it! Because we took our safari during 2021 (Covid travel) we were fortunate enough to have our guides all to ourself while at Kicheche. The Masaii Mara is one of the most beautiful places you'll ever visit, and it was filled with all the animals you expect to see. If you're looking for lions, there are A LOT of them here!
Another cool thing to note - Kicheche regularly hosts photographers. As a result, their guides are known for being able to help set up shots correctly with proper lighting etc. Many of the guides are also into photography on their own time as well. If you're really interested in the photography aspect of safari, this is a great camp to be at." See all these reviews: 7n in Tanzania; 5n in Zanzibar; 5n in Kenya
"Kicheche Bush Camp review"
"Simply wonderful "
Travel in the time of Covid is possible - with a little more planning and paperwork but rich rewards are waiting.
If you are considering a trip to Kenya don’t miss this gem." See all these reviews: 9n in Kenya
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