Kicheche Conservaney Safari

Laikipia & Masai Mara - 7 Days / 6 nights

Introduction 

This classic ‘Conservancy Safari’ visits two diverse eco-systems in the hands of expert guides and your home will be two luxurious bush camps.  The Conservancy, now 90,000 acres, offers a blissfully uncrowded environment to enjoy quality game viewing. The Conservancy is home to Kenya’s largest population of Black Rhino, large numbers of elephant, cheetah, lion, leopard and plentiful plains game. Ol Pejeta lies on the equator 30 minutes drive from Nanyuki airstrip and has wonderful views of Mt Kenya. The safari then flies down the Rift Valley and into the Masai Mara to Kicheche Bush Camp in the Olare Orok Conservancy. There will be game drives in custom built vehicles and also the exciting opportunity to do walking safaris. The safari ends with a flight to Nairobi in the morning or afternoon of the last day.

Day 1. You will be met at Nairobi JKIA airport or your Nairobi hotel and transferred to Wilson airport for a morning flight to Nanyuki airstrip. Upon arrival you will be transferred to the camp in Ol Pejeta Conservancy, journey time is approximately one hour. Lunch at camp then relax until afternoon tea is served. Venture out onto the rolling plains on a game drive to enjoy the wonderful array of game on offer. Game driving in the Ol Pejeta Conservancy is a rare pleasure with few vehicles permitted access. This evening enjoy a sundowner drink followed by a spotlight drive back to camp. Take a hot shower before joining other guests for a drink around the campfire or in the cosy lounge tent. Dine with your hosts either under the stars or in the adjacent dining tent.

Kicheche Laikipia Camp
The camp consists of six luxurious tents nestled at the foot of indigenous forest overlooking a waterhole in the centre of the Conservancy. The Camp will be hosted by Andy and Sonja Webb, a very experienced management couple, ensuring you have a wonderful stay at our bush hideaway. Andy is reckoned to be one of the finest walking guides and birders on the whole continent and Sonja is not only an outstanding cook but also a wonderful host, many people have enjoyed their legendary hospitality in the Mara and we are delighted to have them at the helm of our new property. They along with our experienced guides will co-ordinate your activities during your stay.

The Ol Pejeta Conservancy 
There is a huge amount of game on this 90,000 acre Conservancy including Kenya’s largest population of black rhino, elephant, buffalo, giraffe, lions, cheetah and more. There are few vehicles on the Conservancy therefore game viewing is a very private and rewarding experience. 
On the Conservancy there is also an opportunity to take Night Game Drives which focus on species not seen on regular day drives. Interpretative Game Walks are another activity permitted on the conservancy, these provide ideal opportunities to learn about the building blocks of the eco-system whilst providing some exercise. There is also a Lion Tracking program which monitors the lions of the area (some have been collared with receivers) As part of the program we are able to track the lions with a portable satellite dish and remit the data to the study centre. Other attractions include the Chimpanzee Sanctuary for orphaned chimps. The Sanctuary is an excellent venue to observe the two families and learn about the perils facing chimpanzees in the wild. We offer private visits to the Sanctuary outside the normal visiting hours. 

Day 2. An early start to the day with piping hot coffee, tea or hot chocolate brought to your tent. This morning take a longer game drive and enjoy a sumptuous picnic breakfast out on the plains. Return to camp for an al-fresco lunch and relax viewing the game and birdlife around the waterhole. This afternoon we will take you to the Chimpanzee Sanctuary on a private visit. Following some time with the chimps continue on your evening game drive until dusk. 

Day 3. This morning one can take a walking excursion with one of our guides and a ranger. Walks range from 2-3 hours and can be adapted to suit your preference. Enjoy a picnic breakfast out on the plains before returning to camp. This afternoon one can explore the wilderness again on a game drive, visit the ranching program or the Wildlife Centre. Drinks tonight will be around the campfire or in our cosy lounge, dinner will be served in the adjacent dining tent.

Day 4. Following a leisurely al fresco breakfast depart for Nanyuki airstrip at 9.45 am for your flight to Masai Mara. Upon arrival at Olkiombo airstrip your  guide will be there to welcome you and drive you to camp whilst enjoying a short game drive en route. At the camp you will have a bit of time for leisure, lunch and afternoon tea. Then you will set off for your afternoon game drive, sun downers overlooking the plains… back in camp in time for showers and drinks around the camp fire.

Kicheche Bush Camp / Masai Mara: A Small, classic, intimate, luxury tented camp completely unfenced, accommodating a maximum of twelve guests. Kicheche offers a certain ‘quality’ of wilderness living, but it is a canvas bush camp and the natural sounds of the bush are all part of the experience. The tents are spacious, fully insect proof and all with en-suite private bathrooms and flushing toilets. Kicheche has a big plot here so all tents are at least 40 metres apart. The camp host is Greg Poole, a qualified guide who has spent years guiding all over the continent. His wealth of knowledge and considerable humour makes him ideally qualified for this sort of bush hospitality.

Olare Orok Conservancy – Masai Mara: The only private Conservancy in the Masai Mara eco-system. The Conservancy not only offers outstanding wildlife viewing it also offers an uncrowded wilderness. There are 30,000 acres of rolling grassland, hills, escarpment and the Motorogie plains located immediately to the north of the Ol Kiombo area of the Reserve. Within Olare Orok there is great walking country and also the opportunity to overnight in a fly camp. The Conservancy is a ground breaking venture between the local Masai landowners and several small eco-camps including Kicheche Bush Camp. 

Day 5. Rise early with tea or coffee brought to your tent. At dawn set off for another game drive on the plains. Return to the camp for a leisurely breakfast. Lunch and a chance to enjoy a siesta in one of the hammocks slung between the trees. This afternoon you may wish to visit a traditional Maasai manyatta (village) or take another evening game drive. Return to camp for an evening around the campfire.

Day 6. This morning take an escorted game walk, which takes approximately 2 hours and offers another perspective in viewing the terrain and fauna whilst crossing the plains. This afternoon you may wish to visit a traditional Maasai manyatta (village) or take another evening game drive. 

Day 7. An early morning game drive in the Olare Orok region or, if you are departing in the afternoon, a full morning game drive with a picnic breakfast. After returning to camp for lunch we transfer you back to the airstrip for your flight back to Nairobi (departures - 11 a.m. & 4 p.m.) Meet at Wilson airport and transfer to Jomo Kenyatta international airport for your outbound flight back home. 

End of arrangements with Adams & Butler.

Planning your safari holiday with Adams & Butler ensures a truly personal and intimate experience - a totally hassle free process from beginning to end.