Kicheche Spot of the Week

The one factor that really upgrades a wildlife encounter is action and when this involves two of the major signature species in confrontation it hardens the currency somewhat. Meet the Crosslands, first-time Kichechians out early (obvs) with Peter Njapit and they came across the fabled Marsh Lions in the heart of Mara North Conservancy, rather than their normal Reserve turf. This was an extended bout with the lionesses doing most of the work (sound familiar?).

In sports gnus this week we are delighted to report that our squad is tearing down the wings and up the centre, poised, panting on the edge of the danger area, waiting for the perfect cross. They show a clean pair of heels to most of the opposition and emerge victorious at the end.

RIP FIG 2012 - March 5th 2022 The Queen is dead ...Guides and guests stood by traumatised this evening as a brutal Alpha male invaded a small unthreatening enclave North of the Ntiakntiak river and butchered its inhabitant.Despite brave resistance this leonine tyrant savaged its innocent prey in an unprovoked, un-necessary and seemingly unwarranted attack.

You get forced to postpone your safari three times then you catch the pesky virus yourself. Finally, you arrive and all that hassle is vapourised by Benja's reception committee above camp.  Thanks for your patience and stoicism team Eisenberger, you know it was the right decision when this happens and respect for the spookily intuitive guiding from Mr B. 

Laura Dyer ... take a bow today. This is not her Spot debut, far from it, she and her husband Dan kept travelling to their favourite camps in Africa throughout the lonely days of 2020 and 21. We salute you both but you really have outdone yourselves this time.

This sleight but fleet-footed cat has many foes. They are well down on the predator food chain but blessed with the faculty no other has and to see one, nostrils flared and body stretched out, hurtling across the plains is a sight every safari fan should see at least once. 

It appears that current guests (and there are plenty) into all four Kicheche Camps are all going back to nursery. Pick a camp, any camp and you will find their pre-school faunal classrooms bursting at the seams.   Cheetah kittens, lion cubs, elephant and rhino calves and even leopard cubs.  

When Nelson, Patrick and Charles say they have NEVER witnessed something before (20,000 gamedrives+), it immediately gives the carat value of these two remarkable days at Kicheche Bush Camp.  

Francis Saruni is a high plains sorcerer specializing in high carat spotted gems from the dusty but delightful plains of Mara North. Charming, funny and calm, he is on first name terms with seemingly every animal and indeed Maasai in this priceless Conservancy.    This week he has outdone himself as have the Mara Camp team as they have found their favourite daughter: Nelangu. On granite. With tiny cubs. Plural. Not content with that, Saruni then found her majesty bringing a huge lizard into her stony lounge.

'Twas the night before Christmas When all through the camp Every animal was stirring From lions to elephant (sorry) They had roared and they had sung And managers had glared In hoping that dawn's angel Would soon be there.

She ummed and ahed but finally made the right decision and grabbed ten days from London in her favourite back yard. Clare Bates we salute your decision and everyone else booked for this autumn, festive season and beyond.

Barry and Rachel, not for the first time this year, not a difficult choice Barry told me. Their words: 'We had a truly magical stay, across all three camps in the Mara. We adored the electric vehicle at Mara North and love the fact that Kicheche is so purposeful about conservation. The staff were astonishing as always, the perfect mix of attentive and relaxed. The safaris were action packed, we will never tire of watching these beautiful animals. Overall - magnificent.'