AREA & ACTIVITIES

Habitat & Wildlife
The Masai Mara ecosystem is one of the best game viewing areas in Africa and is especially good for viewing the big cats. Elephants, buffalo, hippo, crocodiles, giraffe, zebra, lion, leopard, cheetah, spotted hyaena, impala, gazelles, eland, waterbuck, topi, jackal and serval are all common and seen regularly. Rhino are found in certain areas, and wild dogs are more transient visitors. The famous wildebeest and zebra migration is usually in residence from mid-July through to mid-October, though the movement of the animals is always somewhat unpredictable. The scenery of the Masai Mara is stunning with open grassland plains intersected by rivers, rocky ridges and pockets of riverine forest. Birdlife is varied and especially good around the riverine woodland areas.

Whilst the official Masai Mara Game Reserve can be busy with tourist vehicles in places, especially at river crossings in migration season, the Olare Motorogi Conservancy offers relative exclusivity away from the crowds. You do still see other vehicles, especially at predator sightings, but much of the time you will be able to explore away from other vehicles. The Conservancy offers a good mix of open plains, rocky hills and riverine thickets and is superb for game viewing.

The conservancy, the first to be set up in the Mara ecosystem, is funded by a limited number of ‘tourism partners’ in cooperation with local Maasai land-owners, and this model has been shown to benefit not only the local land-owners who receive greater income and better pasture for their livestock, and the tourism partners, but also the wildlife and in particular, the predators.

Activities
The main activity at Kicheche Bush is game drives by day on the Olare Motorogi Conservancy and to a lesser extent into the official Mara Game Reserve. Cultural excursions are available to local Maasai villages and to the nearby Maa Trust. It is also possible to visit the headquarters of the Mara Predator Project (a donation of support to the project would be expected). Guided walks are also offered, allowing a different perspective and giving you the chance to stretch your legs after many hours spent in vehicles! Fly-camping in the bush is an option too as a one night experience, usually combined with a walking safari to and from camp (at extra cost). Hot-air balloon safaris are also possible (third party activities, at extra cost). Kicheche Bush does not offer night drives.

Seasons
Kicheche Bush is open all year except in April and May (the April closure date varies from year to year) and for a short period in late November/ early December (again these dates can vary). Game viewing is superb all year round, but the migration is usually in residence from mid-July to mid-October.