Reviews of Kicheche Bush Camp
Wildlife sightings and reviews
101 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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"Perfect location with delightful staff"
This camp exceeded my expectations in every way. The animal viewing was beyond my imagination. Not only were there several early morning sightings of hyena's feeding , but also large lion prides feeding. and crossing the plains on their way back home.
Spent most of one day following the famous 5 cheetah boys. Just amazing! Lots of animals to see and not crowded, at all. Be sure to visit the Maa Trust which supports the local community with various projects including beautiful beadwork by local women." See all these reviews: 7n in Kenya; 3n in Tanzania
"Wow"
Didn't love the trip to the Massai Village - I think learning about historical and present day Massai people is a good thing, but i didn't think this visit was a good way to do it. Maybe a talk by a Massai cultural professor at our camp might have been a way.
Really enjoyed our camp managers." See all these reviews: 7n in Kenya; 3n in Tanzania
"Superb camp with uniquely genuine hosts"
The guests come from a wide range of backgrounds - some seasoned safari goers, others first timers in Africa, some retirees, others honeymooners, some professional photographers, others armed with nothing more than a cellphone - but all are made to feel equally important and at home in camp. It takes real skill to welcome guests day after day with equal enthusiasm, and to facilitate the interaction of such a diverse group of guests so that strangers at camp feel like members of the same family - but Darren and Emma were masters of this art, and it created a wonderful atmosphere in the camp.
Tents were really spacious, comfortable and beautifully appointed, and the shower was, hands down, the best safari shower we've ever experienced. In fact, I would almost go as far as to say it was the best shower we have ever experienced, safari or not! Do not be put off by bucket showers - the only difference between these and normal showers is that you have to order them rather than water always being there, and the water lasts only six minutes at a time. But on the plus side you always have good water pressure and the water is always piping hot. The shower has to be believed to be seen - a sunken panelled wooden affair that feels more like a spa than a safari tent, and is about ten times the size of any of the other safari showers we have experienced.
Food was also exceptional, the highlight being the selection of cheeses, Kenyan made, but rivaling anything we've had from France.
And if in the oasis we ever needed reminding how close we were to the real bush we only needed to look in the tree outside the tent, where the remains of a gazelle's leg was still hanging, having been stashed there by a leopard resident in the area the previous week!
Vehicles are extremely well equipped, open top and sides, but still with some shade from the strong daytime sun, and complete with multiple power outlets and USB sockets - uniquely designed with the needs of the photographer in mind. Guiding was top notch, and management were briefed in advance of our previous safari experiences and interests and so were able to tailor our experience appropriately. We had reserved a private vehicle, but we noted that among those that did not, every effort was made to pair up groups with similar interests and experience levels, so that everyone was able to get the most out of their stay.
The only minor 'downside' was that the camp do not offer night drives, and we were always back in camp shortly after sunset. The reason given was wanting to limit disruption to wildlife and to their nocturnal hunting activities - this is admirable, but we noted that other camps in the conservancy do still offer limited night drives, and so one would question how much impact this restraint really has. We are not talking about full on night drives here, but wonder whether the camp might consider offering slightly extended evening game drives, perhaps staying out for an hour or so after sundown, enjoying a slow return to camp with a red-lamp to spot nocturnal species without disturbing predators. We were, however, able to take a night drive at their sister camp Kicheche Valley in Naboisho conservancy, and so this was no problem for us in the end." See all these reviews: 8n in Kenya
"Excellent friendly staff, great guide."
Camp setting was not as dramatic as Rekero but staff were amazingly friendly and helpful throughout.
We had another excellent guide (Nelson) who consistently placed us in perfect positions to view and photograph wildlife. He had an excellent understanding of what was needed to get a good photograph as an amazing ability to find wildlife.
Tent accommodation was excellent" See all these reviews: 9n in Kenya
"Kicheche Bush Camp review"
Best photographs of the holiday were taken here on both vehicle and foot safaris.
Attention to detail by the staff was fantastic." See all these reviews: 9n in Kenya
"Special experience at Kicheche Bush Camp"
Our tent was attractive and comfortable, with plenty of space even though we had a third cot added for our travel companion. The weather was cool during the evenings, so we all loved that hot water bottles were tucked into our beds.
The variety and number of animals that we were able to see at close range was amazing! Our guide, Micah, was very knowledgeable, patient, and good humored. He seemed to find something new and interesting for us to see with each drive." See all these reviews: 7n in Kenya
"Kicheche Bush Camp review"
The managers, Derren and Emma were wonderful and went out of their way to be helpful and welcoming. Derren was kind enough to arrange for me to have a morning's horseback ride at a nearby facility and took time to drive me there and drive me back to camp at noon. It was a wonderful morning and brought back memories of my many horseback safaris in Botswana.
Again, the guides were superb and knowledgeable." See all these reviews: 11n in Kenya
"Great time at Kicheche Bush Camp"
It was good to meet Darren and Emma this year. Very hospitable and well organised. Wildlife brilliant as before and Fig continues to star.
Well done Patrick for spotting an Aardwolf running at speed in the dusk and getting us in position for a couple of good photos.
Good company, good food, good camp - everything perfect." See all these reviews: 12n in Kenya
"Kicheche Bush Camp review"
The guides are phenomenal and never disappoint.
Darren and Emma, the camp managers, are fantastic and one of the many pleasures of returning to Kicheche Bush Camp is to meet up with them again." See all these reviews: 13n in Kenya
"Kicheche Bush Camp review"
The staff here was just as friendly and service-oriented as at the other Kicheche properties, and managers Darren and Emma helped keep the vibe fun and relaxed, while attending to every detail behind the scenes.
Unlike at Laikipia and Mara, Bush was booked solid throughout our stay. The camp's convenient proximity to the main Reserve may be one reason it is so popular. We did drive down to the Reserve on a couple of occasions for specifically-desired sightings, but the difference in vehicle traffic between that in the Reserve and that in the Conservancy was palpable. I was always more than happy to stay in the Conservancy.
We did have to share a vehicle here, but Kicheche places a maximum of only 4 people in a vehicle, and Darren made a concerted effort to pair up guests with similar interests and priorities. The customized vehicles were open air (with a canvas roll top cover in case of inclement weather or impending sunstroke), outfitted with well-placed supports and beanbags to help with photography, which was important to us.
Our guide, Patrick, did an excellent job of positioning the vehicle to make the most of our sightings. I obtained photos that I would not have been able to achieve — and in some cases; that I would not have even thought of — because of his expertise. As with our other Kicheche guides, Patrick was affable and diligent in trying to get us the best sightings possible. Because of his efforts, we were able to witness an extraordinary lionness kill that was probably the pinnacle of an already fantastic safari.
This last safari to Kenya really was a game-changer for us in many ways, and the Kicheche ethos played a big part in that." See all these reviews: 14n in Kenya
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