Kenya / NATIONAL PARKS & LODGES
Kitich Camp
107
Heralded as a ‘biological bonanza’ by BBC News, the Mathews Mountain Range hosts a glorious patch of montane rainforest, which has flourished within a mini eco-system, referred to as a ‘sky-island’. Here, it is not unusual to see trees that grow to over 200 feet. Kitich Camp is the only camp within the forest, nestled in a verdant grove of fig trees, indigenous flowering shrubs and prehistoric cycad palms, on the bank of the seasonal Ngeng River. Floodlit at night, it is the perfect spot to watch wildlife emerge from the dusk. Everything about Kitich Camp has been left as natural as possible. Because of the pristine wilderness, Kitich Camp exclusively focuses on walking within the forest. By day guests explore forest trails and swim in crystal clear mountain streams, while local Samburu guides share their knowledge of the abundant hardwood trees, cycads, orchids, birds and butterflies. The Mathews forest is a stronghold for a wide range of species, including Melanistic leopard, also known as the black panther, elephant, lion, leopard, greater kudu, buffalo, the rare De Brazza monkey, Colobus monkey, waterbuck, giant forest hogs and Africa’s endangered wild dog. At night the atmosphere is magical, when the glade is lit for you to watch the cautious trail of nocturnal visitors such as elephant, bushbuck, and buffalo coming to drink and hunt by the river. With only six en-suite tents, spaced out under a dense tree canopy, this camp is one of the last classic forest camps in Africa; low-key, but offering old-fashioned safari comforts like soft fresh linen, comfortable double beds, iced drinks, gracious dining and one of the most exceptional safari experiences in Africa. Enjoy sundowners by the camp fire and delicious dinners in a bush-home setting at Kitich Camp. Meals feature a distinctly Italian influence, a signature of all Cheli & Peacock properties.
Joy's Camp An elegant oasis in the arid lands of Samburu; Joy’s Camp is built on the site of Joy Adamson’s tented home in Shaba National Reserve, where the author and early conservationist released her beloved leopard, Penny, their story immortalised in Joy’s last book: Queen of Shaba. Voted the Best Sustainable Hotel in Africa, Joy’s Camp is one of only eight gold eco-rated camps in Kenya. The camp overlooks a large natural spring where elephant and lion jostle for watering rights with herds of buffalo. Joy’s Camp is the best destination to see spectacular and rare wildlife species such as aardwolf, striped hyena, leopard and cheetah as well as to enjoy the extraordinarily varied bird life which makes Shaba the ultimate birder’s paradise. At Joy’s, Boran tribal design combines with modern safari chic. The ten lavish en-suite tents comprise of billowing pale canvas with wide verandas, where vibrant fabrics of the local nomadic tribes decorate the generous interiors. During lunchtime, gaze over the camp’s neighboring lush springs teaming with elephant, buffalo and other plains game. After nightfall, while enjoying dinner, you will look out over the floodlit springs, where lion and other predators take advantage of the early evening darkness to hunt. Activities at Joy’s Camp include exciting day & night game drives in open 4WD vehicles, guided walks along the springs or the Ewaso Nyiro river gorge, bird watching, cultural visits, or a swim in the refreshing pool with spectacular views of the surroundings. Built by Cheli & Peacock, Joy’s Camp is the perfect choice for discerning travelers interested in a glimpse of Kenyan history, as well as those looking for an authentic wildlife experience combined with the comfort of a luxury-tented camp in true African Wilderness!
Destination Africa & Indian Ocean