Kicheche Laikipia — Hotel in Laikipia County

Kicheche Laikipia Camp is a gem among safari destinations, offering a unique blend of hospitality, and community that makes it stand out in the most exceptional way. While many safari camps shine for their proximity to wildlife, Kicheche Laikipia's magic is equally rooted in the camp itself and the sense of belonging it fosters.

Under the excellent management of Naftalie and George, the camp operates with seamless warmth and care. Their leadership creates an atmosphere where guests feel truly at home, forging connections with staff and fellow travellers that add a deeply personal touch to the experience. Rarely have I encountered such a genuine sense of community and sharing, every moment, whether on a game drive or gathered around the table, felt meaningful and memorable.

Simon, our guide, was a joy to spend time with, thoughtful, patient, and deeply knowledgeable. His kind nature and expert skills elevated every drive, making the experience both educational and deeply enriching. He embodies the spirit of what makes a safari guide exceptional: a passion for the wilderness and an ability to connect with guests on a personal level.

The quality of the food at Kicheche Laikipia is extraordinary. Every meal was beautifully prepared and presented, a testament to the camp’s dedication to providing not just sustenance but a culinary experience that rivals the finest restaurants. From bush breakfast through to dinner, every bite was a delight, and meals became a time of sharing stories and laughter that added to the overall charm of the camp. I can honestly say the presentation and quality was better than most meals I have eaten in the UK this year.

The camp itself is beautifully designed, with attention to detail that merges luxury and comfort seamlessly into the natural surroundings. It’s rare to find a place where you’re torn between staying in camp and heading out on game drives, but Kicheche Laikipia achieves this balance. Whether relaxing in the beautifully appointed tents or the inviting communal areas, every moment in camp felt like a privilege.

A striped hyena strolling by camp and sightings of fish eagles added unique touches to the experience, demonstrating that even within the camp's grounds, nature is alive and engaging. That said, my one piece of constructive feedback is regarding the camp's marketing materials. The dam, which has been broken for 2 years, is still mentioned in some communications. While this did not diminish the overall experience, it’s worth noting for those specifically hoping to enjoy birdwatching from the camp. For me, the joy of spending time at Kicheche Laikipia far outweighed this detail.

Kicheche Laikipia is a place that stays with you long after you leave, not just for the incredible game drives but for the sense of connection it fosters, to the wilderness, to the team, and to fellow guests. It’s a camp I’d return to without hesitation, knowing that every visit would be just as special as the first. Thank you to Naftalie, George, Simon, and the entire team for creating such a...

In May 2023 I booked a 3-night safari and accommodations at Kicheche Mara Camp for a trip starting in July 2024. For context, my wife and I spent 6 nights at Kicheche Mara Camp and Kicheche Laikipia camp on our honeymoon in July 2022. I wanted to take my 83-year-old mother on safari, so I decided to book again with Kicheche Camps. Sadly, in August 2023 I learned my sister had been diagnosed with stage 4 ovarian cancer, and she would be undergoing grueling chemotherapy treatment and surgeries over the course of the next year. The clear, but painful decision was to cancel our Africa trip. My mother and I are devastated by the heartbreaking news of my sister, and crestfallen about our need to cancel our African safari.

I notified our travel agent in August 2023 of our need to cancel the trip and requested a refund of my deposit. The travel agent responded to the tragic news with compassion and complete understanding given the circumstances, and agreed to waive their cancellation fees. Our trip included 6 different accommodation/safari bookings (including 3 nights at Kicheche Mara Camp) across 4 countries in Africa. Our travel agent worked with the accommodations and safari operators to issue a refund, explaining to them our unique and terribly unfortunate situation. Ultimately, every accommodation and safari operator except Kicheche Camps refunded my deposit money. Even after the kind owner of the travel agency took a personal interest in our dilemma, and contacted Kicheche Camps himself to request they reconsider their decision, they continued to refuse to refund our deposit (approximately $1,700 USD).

For Kicheche Camps to refuse a refund to a repeat guest, giving 11 months advanced notice of cancellation, and knowing my sister is dying of cancer is cruel, and smacks of appalling greed. It would literally cost Kicheche Camps nothing to refund my deposit, as I am certain that our cancelled reservations would easily and rapidly be rebooked by other guests. Their decision not to refund my deposit is completely unforgivable, and exposes the owners of Kicheche Camps as lacking integrity and a moral compass. I am outraged and disgusted by their unconscionable insensitivity. It is absolutely deplorable that Kicheche Camps would willingly and knowingly profit from my family’s horrible misfortune and is beyond the pale of human decency. Kicheche Camp’s decision to hide behind a draconian no-refund policy shows they are devoid of the smallest shred of compassion, and nothing more than heartless,...

My partner and I recently celebrated our anniversary at the Kicheche Laikipia Camp, set in the heart of the wilderness, and the experience was nothing short of superb. Tucked away in the Ol' Pejeta Conservancy, the camp offers an intimate connection with nature, providing a serene and luxurious escape from the hustle and bustle of everyday life.

From the moment we arrived, the staff's warm hospitality made us feel right at home. They paid exceptional attention to detail, ensuring our stay was comfortable and personalised. The highlight of their thoughtful service was the special anniversary meal they arranged for us, which added a delightful touch to our celebration.

The accommodation blended rustic charm with modern comforts, offering us a cozy and inviting space to relax after a day of adventure. The tents were spacious and well-appointed, with private verandas that offered breathtaking views of the lake which plenty of animals came to drink at.

Wildlife viewing at Kicheche Laikipia was a thrilling experience. The camp's location within a wildlife-rich conservancy allowed us to encounter a plethora of animals in their natural habitat. On our guided game drives, we managed to spot some lions, which was really lucky considering how dense the bush was. The nighttime game drive was an exciting adventure, we honestly didn't expect to see much but we saw a group of hyenas devouring a zebra. We were also lucky enough to spot elusive animals like the bush baby and polecat which was a unique experience we won't soon forget.

Overall, Kicheche Laikipia Camp delivered an unforgettable anniversary celebration for us, blending luxury, adventure, and intimate wildlife encounters. It's an exceptional destination for anyone looking to immerse themselves in the beauty and excitement of the...