Kitich Forest Camp – Mathews Mountains – Kenya

Out of the parched desert landscape of northern Kenya rises the beautiful Mathews Mountain Range, offering a haven of lush green forests. Tucked deep in this forest is the wonderful Kitich Forest Camp, offering a very different experience for the lucky few that get to spend time here. Guests at Kitich can expect a stay fully of discovery and exploration, but this is not a traditional Kenyan safari!

For a great Kenya safari package, why not combine a stay at Kitich with a stay in the world renowned Maasai Mara at Speke’s Camp, where you will have your own private game viewing vehicle as standard with every booking.

Forest idyll

At Kitich Forest Camp there are just 6 tents, each with an ensuite bathroom with flush toilets and hot showers. From every tent there is a view out into the Ngeng River gorge and lush hardwood forest, age old cycads and flowering shrubs. From the private verandas in front of each tent you may be lucky enough to see a variety of African wildlife in the valley, from elephants to leopards!

The main camp area is the hub of life, where humans congregate around the watering hole (bar!) and relax on the plains (deck) and take in the spectacular scenery all around. As the night falls the forest clearing along the river right in front of the main deck sees many animals, particularly elephant, buffalo and bushbuck emerge from the forest to drink from the river and dig up mineral salts.

Kitich tent at night

Activities

Unlike other destinations around Kenya, at Kitich Forest Camp guests swap 4×4 safari vehicles for walking. Head out from camp with your amazing Ndorobo Samburu guides, affectionately known locally as the “masters of the forest”. Your guides will lead you on a choice of 12 trails that explore in every direction, through virgin forests, taking in spectacular views. Wildlife encounters are plentiful, with sightings of elephant, antelope and buffalo common. You may even be lucky enough to spot leopards or African wild dogs.

Guests at the camp are hosted by members of the local Samburu community, and get the chance to learn more about this striking tribe of northern Kenya. For those wanting a more immersive experience your guides can take you into the bustling market place and introduce you to other members of the tribe and a chance to witness every day life unfolding. On certain days you may even be lucky enough to visit the iconic “Singing Wells” of the region, where tribe member dig deep holes to reach fresh water for their cattle. the tribes people have a unique song for each well, which is said to have a soothing effect on the cattle, and even allows the cattle to know which well is ‘theirs”.

The camps has recently added 5 quad bikes to their range of activities, allowing visits further afield, including to the Reteti Elephant Orphanage.

In the evenings, the river and surrounding forest clearing is floodlit allowing guests the chance to view animals coming to drink which sitting comfortably on the main deck, with a well-earned G&T in hand.

Kitich Camp forest walk with elephants

A little extra…

If you tire from all the activities on offer at Kitich, why not just take some time out and be refreshed by the cool spring waters of the nearby forest pool. Enjoy these crystal clear, chemical free waters in a verdant forest glade!

Kitich swimming rock pool

Prices:

Contact us for the best rates for Kitich Forest Camp

What’s included:

  • Accommodation in a comfortable ensuite tent

  • All meals

  • Selection of local drinks both alcoholic and non-alcoholic

  • Selection of daily activities in the surrounding areas.

  • Return airstrip transfers from the Ngelai airstrip, approximately 10km from the camp.

What’s Excluded:

  • Travel to and from Kitich or Ngelai airstrip

  • Select premium beverages and champagnes

  • Gratuities for camp staff and guides

  • Items of a personal nature

  • Park fees if visiting Smburu/Buffalo Springs reserves

  • Conservation Levy

Wildlife highlights:

  • Elephant

  • Buffalo

  • Leopard

  • Great birding with some 350 species recorded

When to visit:

  • Mid-December – mid-March: A short drier spell between the 2 rainiest seasons. Temperatures a generally warm to hot. The scenery is lush and green and great for birding. Temperature start to drop from the end of February as the rains approach.

  • Mid-March – mid-June: The camp is closed during this period due to the main rainy season bringing large volumes of rain and making access difficult.

  • Mid-June – October: After the main rains the bush is thick and lush with many of the forest bushes in flower – wonderful time to see the forest. Warm days, nights can be cool. In our view the best time to be at Kitich.

  • November – mid-December: The camp is closed during this period due to the “short” rainy season bringing large volumes of rain and making access difficult.

  • Kitich Forest Camp itself is in a malaria free area, however, as you are likely to be combining it with a stay in other areas of Kenya we recommend you consult your medical practitioner with your whole itinerary.

Weather:

  • January – Average High 27ºC (80ºF) / Average Low 13ºC (55ºF) / Average days with rain 13 (not heavy)

  • April – Average High 23ºC (73ºF) / Average Low 14ºC (57ºF) / Average days with rain 29 (heavy and persistent)

  • July – Average High 24ºC (75ºF) / Average Low 10ºC (50ºF) / Average days with rain 18 (not heavy)

  • October – Average High 27ºC (80ºF) / Average Low 14ºC (57ºF) / Average days with rain 29 getting heavier and more persistent as the month progresses.