Where to stay on a safari in Kenya Maasai Mara. You can download my complete list of SAFARI CHECKLIST for FREE
Where to stay on a safari in Kenya is a common question I get from people who are looking to go on a Maasai Mara Safari Adventure. Here, I share with you my experience at andBeyond Kichwa Tembo Maasai Mara Tented Camp.
Thank you to the whole team at andBeyond Kichwa Tembo Maasai Mara Tented Camp for making our stay and experience outstanding and memorable. I recognize all the people who made our stay special. I want to especially appreciate the people below for making us feel comfortable, welcomed and for making sure we had everything we needed.
Bronwyn, a travel specialist at andBeyond Kichwa Tembo Maasai Mara Tented Camp was our contact person who helped us make reservations and was incredible at answering our questions and making sure we were all set.
- Bronwyn
- Jeremy (tour guide)
- Joel
- Caroline
- Edmund (chief)
Here is my experience of two days at andBeyond Kichwa Tembo Maasai Mara Tented Camp on our two week vacation travel in Kenya, Africa 2019.
We arrived at the andBeyond Kichwa Tembo Masai Mara Tented Camp two hours later than planned. We missed our flight from Naivasha airstrip and you can read all about our experience about that in a later post.
Feeling hungry and exhausted from the bumpy flight from Naivasha to Maasai Mara we arrived at the airstrip around 1pm where Jeremy, our tour guide was waiting for us since 11 o’clock that morning.
He introduced himself as our tour guide for the next two days while we were staying at andBeyond Kichwa Tembo Masai Mara Tented Camp. There were two cars waiting for us, one that carried our luggage and the other for us, the guests. He offered us drinks and we said “yes” to beer, soda, and gin and tonic.
We enjoyed the view of the Maasai Mara landscape with a cold drink in hand as we took a short drive to the tent camp. The tent camp is located 30 minutes from the airstrip and upon arrival, we were greeted with a surprising and the best reception I’ve ever received. All the staff and I mean ALL the staff came out and sang a welcoming song to us. What a great way for one to feel welcomed and special. This was one of the many highlights of our Kenya trip. This is definitely one of the best places to stay on a safari in Kenya
We were ushered in, setting our belonging aside and welcomed to a delicious lunch. The first thing that got my eye as I entered, was the interior décor that spoke of an authentic safari environment and wilderness experience.
The table was all set and we choose a spot for our group of six. Joel and Caroline introduced themselves and offered us something to drink. I was craving champagne to celebrate our arrival at this beautiful destination and unique lifetime safari experience, but I choose to go with the cocktail of the day instead and it was refreshing.
The salad was the best I’ve had in years. I came to learn that all vegetables and herbs are plucked straight from the lodge’s organic vegetable garden. Loved the open interactive kitchen setting where you got to meet and chat with the chefs.
After a filling meal, we were escorted to our rooms and arranged to meet with Jeremy at the sitting area at 4:30 pm to learn more about andBeyond Kichwa Tembo Masai Mara Tented Camp then go on our first game drive.
We stayed at the Superior Tent with ensuite bathroom with shower and secluded private verandas and oh my… this was outstanding. A classy way to unwind after a safari.
Our accommodation reservation included:
- Kichwa Airstrip transfer to and from andBeyond Kichwa Tembo Maasai Mara Tented Camp.
- All meals, soft drinks, house wines, local brand spirit and beers.
- Two daily scheduled game drives.
- Laundry.
One of the stickers on the car proclaimed it was “licensed to thrill” and they do a great job to ensure a luxurious display of African wildlife with an intimate wildlife encounter.
We met with Jeremy later and set out around 5 pm on our first game drive safari. The first animals we saw were the warthogs getting it on. Jeremy told us that warthogs have a short term memory, of about 48 second. We say monkeys, zebra, lions, elephants and had a breathtaking sunset view of the Maasai Mara.
Came back to the resort and enjoyed talking to Jeremy as we got to know each other little more. Jeremy said his goodbye and we proceeded to indulge in a lovely dinner meal.
Our wakeup call at 5:30 am was with coffee and snacks delivered to our room. Watched the sunrise from the verandas, then met with the group and Jeremy and went on a morning safari.
We had breakfast at the bush. How cool is that, it can’t get any wilder than this.
We made our way back to the tent camp for lunch. Joel and the whole team had organized a wonderful surprise for our friends that were celebrating their anniversary. The whole staff came out singing and presented a cake which was delish.
After a tasty lunch, we spent some time relaxing by the pool area. The swimming pool is set among the trees and surrounded by lush lawns with spectacular views. Later we went on our last evening game drive and enjoyed drinks and snacks by the Mara river. Got back to our tent camp, this was our last evening with Jeremy and he joined us for dinner. We had a wonderful time talking and unwinding under a star-strewn sky.
Last day at the Maasai Mara we had breakfast then went on an early morning safari drive were we spot two Rhinos from a far. Then came back to our tent camp and it was time to say our goodbyes. We were driven to Kichwa Airstrip. Jeremy served us our last drinks at the airstrip as we waited for our flight. I don’t know about you, but this was my first time drinking right at an open airstrip.
Jeremy waited for us to fly off and waved goodbye. It was sad leaving this beautiful magical place and saying goodbye to Jeremy and Joel. The team at Kichwa Tembo provided the highest standard of professional guiding that this luxurious setting could offer.
Conclusion? Where to stay on a safari in Kenya? Highly recommend andBeyond Kichwa Tembo Maasai Mara Tented Camp. Click here to read my post on what to wear on a safari in Kenya
Have you stayed at any of the andbeyond properties around the world? If so, how was your experience?
Full disclosure: This post was NOT sponsored neither have I received any financial compensation in any way.
Next adventure, Maji Boutique hotel in Diani Beach Mombasa Kenya
What was jeremy’s last name?
Good question. I cannot recall.