&Beyond Kichwa Tembo Tented Camp

Kichwa Tembo Tented Camp sits on a private concession bordering the Masai Mara National Reserve, at the foot of the Oloololo Escarpment where the Saparingo River runs through riverine forest and open plains. The name means "head of the elephant" in Kiswahili. This is where &Beyond's story in Kenya began, and the camp retains a lived-in feel: many of the team come from nearby Maasai communities, and the camp operates on land leased from Maasai landlords. Its position on the western side of the reserve, close to the Mara River, puts it in a strong spot for watching Great Migration river crossings between July and October.

Tents are set among manicured lawns where warthogs wander, and public spaces mix Maasai-inspired design with modern comforts. A swimming pool looks out over the plains from beneath the trees. The split-level dining area is built around an interactive kitchen and a working shamba, the camp's organic garden, where guests can pick ingredients destined for that day's menu. The Tusker Bar, named for the Kenyan beer, is used for high tea before afternoon game drives, Maasai performances before dinner, and fireside drinks afterwards. A Safari Shop sells locally crafted decor, Kenana knitwear and beaded Maasai jewellery, including pieces by Saparingo.

Families are catered for with interleading tents, childminders and the WILDchild programme, which includes Maasai bow and arrow, traditional fire-making, beading with Maasai women, guided forest walks and games of soccer with the camp team. Game drives run twice daily and are included; hot air balloon flights, night drives, Maasai village visits, Wild Impact community visits and in-tent wellness treatments using Healing Earth products are available at an additional cost. Guests are given SWAROVSKI OPTIK binoculars to use for the length of their stay. The camp can also host small conferences and events, with indoor and outdoor spaces, Wi-Fi, a projector and an interactive TV room. Access is by scheduled or charter flight from Nairobi's Wilson Airport, just under an hour to the camp's own airstrip, followed by a short game drive in.