This is why Conservancies matter. They protect vital habitats, create jobs, provide security, generate income for local landowners, and support vital community projects—all powered by responsible tourism.
About Us
Protecting Wilderness, Empowering Communities
Across Africa, wildlife numbers have fallen dramatically—not only from poaching, but because wildernesses are being lost to human expansion.
25 Years, Four Camps, One Wild Vision
What started in 2000 as one small camp on the Lemek Plains has grown into four intimate bush camps across Kenya’s private conservancies, together safeguarding over 250,000 acres of pristine habitat. For over 25 years, our foundation has remained steadfast in its commitment to protecting these vital landscapes. The conservancies we help support are a source of immense pride for the entire Kicheche family, reflecting a long-standing dedication to conservation, community partnership, and responsible safari tourism.
For over 25 years, our philosophy has stayed true:
- Stay small, personal and independent
-
Quality Guiding has been our backbone since day one
-
Hosting is not prescribed but entirely natural
-
Expanding protected habitat sustains wildlife and communities
Our mission is to join local people and partners to support traditional and sustainable ways of living in harmony with wildlife ecosystems and the environment.
Your stay is vital to this story. Through the Kicheche Community Trust, every guest helps fund projects in conservation, education, healthcare, and community empowerment. Every game drive, every night under canvas, every animal and bird spotted leaves a caring legacy.
Our Foundation
In autumn 1999, Greg Monson and Paul Goldstein drove an old Land Rover to a simple, tiny camp in a dry river valley. They had a cup of chai, and admired the view and wildlife and moved on. Little did they know, six months later, they would own this small but beautiful crib. Many times they have said that if they knew now what they knew then, it would have been a far simpler operation. However, with pain and frustration comes learning, drive and a yearning to be better than anyone else. The many repeat guests are the judge of this. They started with virtually no facilities and five staff. They now have almost two hundred – several thousand livelihoods dependent on these magical and precious conservancies. Joined by a passionate new partner, Graham Wood, in 2019 the three drove the company through the covid era and out the other side… proving what doesn’t kill you makes you stronger!
The boss who started Kicheche over 25 years ago with his friend Paul. Greg is a Silver-qualified guide as well as having 30+ years of travel experience. As a founding figure in community conservancies he sits on multiple conservancy boards and is currently Chairman of Olare Motorogi Conservancy.
Greg’s Yin to his yang, Paul is a guide with a huge following, a photographer of international renown and has worked in tour operating for 40 years. He is, according to the Sunday Times, ‘preposterously vivacious, a man of psychotic gusto’. Greg and Paul somehow still get on, and it is not just about supporting the same football side.
Hailing from South Africa, Graham has long held a passion for the bush. His investment in Kicheche was driven by his alignment with the company’s ethos. He loves being on safari and is also a very talented wildlife photographer.
The Kicheche Family
Kicheche’s greatest strength is it staff, from the guides to the hospitality team, the tent attendants and chefs: the teams who bring the Kicheche philosophy to life. Their dedication has not only grown our camps but also set a benchmark for running safaris with integrity and drive—transforming journeys into meaningful, invigorating lasting connections with nature.
Dominique brings a wealth of experience to Kicheche, having overseen operations for several leading safari outfits. Sharp, insightful, and deeply attuned to the nuances of the industry, she infuses the team with both expertise and a touch of Gallic flair.
Milcah is that rare blend of strategist and doer – both the officer and the foot soldier. She leads with a light, assured touch that inspires trust across the board. As one partner recently put it, “Milcah is my go-to person – I’d steal her if I could.” Enough said. Get your hands off her, she’s not for sale.
From the very beginning, Donna has been the voice behind Kicheche’s online presence, shaping its vibrant social media channels and steering its press outreach. Having also run camps with Paul in the Mara, she’s more than part of the fabric – she’s family. Among staff, she’s affectionately known as “Mama Safari”.
Edwin is the bridge that keeps Kicheche’s story alive and thriving, sharing its magic with the world. His positive spirit and forward-thinking approach help the brand grow while his passion for community projects shines through in everything he does – always going the extra mile to make a difference.
Known fondly as “Mr. President”, Andrew has been an integral part of Kicheche for many years. He honed his skills in our northern camp, where his exceptional guiding and remarkable depth of knowledge quickly set him apart.
Well-read, compassionate, and deeply committed, Andrew leads with a quiet authority that ensures every guest makes the most of their time in this beautiful conservancy. Proud, perceptive, and dedicated, he truly embodies the spirit of Kicheche.
Makena, brings her warm hospitality and vibrant spirit to every corner of Mara North. Whether she’s adding her touch in the kitchen or visiting schools supported by the Kicheche Community Trust, her enthusiasm shines through.
Once a city dweller, she traded her heels for the bush and has embraced her new life as a true “bush baby,” making every guest feel at home in the wilderness.
With her captivating smile and genuine care, Minnie ensures that every guest at Kicheche Valley feels truly at ease. Each sunrise over the Mara fuels her passion to create unforgettable stays, where no detail is too small and every experience matters. She is sometimes the sole reason people return. She is a colossus in this captivating conservancy and her wealth of experience in camp management makes her an invaluable part of our team—a perfect fit in the Kicheche puzzle.
Dido means “one who is born on the open plains.” He is passionate about people, communities, wildlife, and environmental conservation, and he loves working in the bush because it allows him to combine all of his interests. This urbane smooth operator has settled in superbly and his charm has won many friends already, guests and staff. He is also extremely funny. He has migrated from the North of the country but is so at home in Olare Motorogi Conservancy that there is talk of him wearing a red shuka.
Eva has been with us almost a year and is a perfect Bush Camp foil to Dido. She is enterprising, hardworking and openly admits she ‘hates lazy people’. That makes her alright by us. Karibu Eva.
With 17 years of experience in the travel and hospitality industry, Naftali brings both expertise and warmth to every guest interaction. His passion for people is matched only by his diverse background—having worked across the Mara and beyond, he understands what it takes to deliver exceptional safari experiences.
A former Kenyan international footballer and holder of a FIFA coaching badge, Naftali’s discipline and team spirit shine through in his leadership. Just don’t be surprised if any unruly guests—or animals—get shown a red card!
Cheerful, meticulous, and ever-reliable, Winnie is the bright spark who keeps our Nairobi office ticking. With her keen eye for detail and a smile that disarms even the trickiest of requests, she makes every booking feel seamless and every guest feel welcome before they even set foot in camp.
Calm under pressure and sharp with the details, Simon ensures every booking flows seamlessly – from first enquiry to final itinerary. A steady hand in the whirlwind of safari planning, he bridges guests’ dreams with camp reality, always with an easy smile and a knack for making the complex look effortless.
For Josephine, every booking is the start of a friendship. Her attentive care and effortless charm turn travel plans into personal connections, so by the time her guests set off on their Kicheche safari, they feel like old friends.
The heart behind every carefully crafted itinerary, Jane ensures each journey is as seamless as it is memorable. With her caring touch and attention to detail, guests feel looked after from the very first enquiry to the final farewell.
Faces of Kicheche
Lucy is approaching 25 years in hospitality. Kicheche is lucky to have her. Kicheche Mara Camp has beautiful spacious public areas which need keen and sensitive management and patrolling. Lucy has not only energy, passion and the perfect demeanour for such a job she also has what she describes as a 'calling' for this sort of hospitality. To be continually public facing yet having to play both instructor and diplomat 'below the stairs' requires a rare balance of skills.
Communicator, carer and community custodian, Clinton is vital to our conservation success. Our community trust is in good hands.
Kicheche has always had hope, it has made great steps with its charity … and … it has Faith! Head of housekeeping at Minnie’s Valley and the best masseur … anywhere. Don’t take our word for it – hundreds of guests have said the same thing as she puts them back together again.
With 22 years at Kicheche Laikipia, Kisombe is among the longest-serving and the heart of a kitchen that guests describe as extraordinary. His menus — from inventive bush breakfasts to elegant dinners — draw comparisons to first-class restaurants, yet feel entirely at home in the Laikipia landscape. Vegetarian guests have been particularly struck by his creativity, and his desserts have converted more than one self-declared non-dessert person. After more than two decades, Kisombe's cooking remains one of Laikipia's most talked-about experiences.
In his 14 years with Kicheche Camps, Dickson has become one of the most celebrated figures. Guests marvel at the variety and presentation of his menus — all the more remarkable given just one supply delivery a week to this remote camp. One well-travelled guest declared his dinners rivals to San Francisco's finest five-star restaurants. Another called him "a force of nature." The consensus is simple: nothing on the plate can be faulted, and his warm personality makes every meal an occasion in itself.
Eighteen years into his Kicheche journey, Ali has made the dining experience at Kicheche Bush Olare as legendary as the conservancy around it. Guests consistently call the food spectacular, with bush breakfasts drawing special praise for their detail and creativity. Ali's commitment to fresh, sustainable cooking is reflected in the camp's thriving vegetable garden — something guests are encouraged to visit. Even under challenging circumstances, one reviewer noted, he produced beautiful meals from locally sourced ingredients without missing a beat.
What Our Guests Say
Plan Your Dream Safari
Our experienced reservations team will plan every detail, ensuring a seamless and meaningful safari.
