Kitich Forest Camp

By day, guests can explore forest trails and crystal clear mountain streams by foot. The local Samburu guides share their extensive knowledge of the abundant hardwood trees, cycads, orchids, birds and butterflies. The guides know how to gently follow the trails cut through the bush by elephant, bushbuck and buffalo that call the forest home. Unlike most of Africa, guests can swim and relax in the springs and rivers around Kitich camp making this a truly unique experience.

Kitich Camp is a truly remote and private location in a stunning forest glade on the upper slopes of the Mathews Mountains (also known as the Lenkiyio Hills). The forest of the Mathews Mountains covers about 900 km², or 222,000 acres, and the astounding peaks rise 6000 ft. from the surrounding lowlands.

At night, the atmosphere is magical, and the glade is lit for guests to observe the cautious trail of nocturnal visitors, including Melanistic (black-coated) leopard, elephant, bushbuck, and buffalo – all of which come to drink and hunt by the river.

With just eight tents situated under a dense tree canopy, overlooking the stunning Ngeng River, this camp is a low-key classic. At Kitich, we provide old fashioned safari comforts, including soft & fresh linen, comfortable double beds, iced drinks, and gracious dining – all in a wonderfully peaceful setting.

Safari Tents
A unique forest hideaway, Kitich Forest Camp offers exclusive accommodation for a limited number of guests, with only six ensuite tents.

Each tent overlooks the lush gorge of the Ngeng River, and consists of a cozy main bedroom with ensuite bathroom with a bucket shower and flush toilet. 4 double tents and three 4 tents.

Guided Forest Walks with Guardians of the Forest
Taking advantage of the pristine wilderness, Kitich Forest Camp avoids traditional game drives, instead encouraging guests to explore these wild environs on foot, guided by the “masters of the forest”, the Ndorobo Samburu guides. There are over 22 different walking trails to discover!

Swimming in Rock Pools
With crystal clear, cool waters, flowing out of a spring in the mountains, enjoy swimming with nature in this magical forest paradise.

Cultural Visits
The people of Kitich and their families within the village of Ngelai are a colourful, traditional, gentle and friendly people whose only interaction with the wider world is with the guests from Kitich. Guests are hosted by the local people when they stay at Kitich, but guests are also welcome to drive down and the visit the market and the school in the village.

Nighttime Game Viewing
Being a forest camp, and in the style of “Tree Tops”, the cosy lounge overlooks the floodlit open river glade, and at night guests can watch elephant, buffalo, bushbuck and occasionally leopard emerge from the forest at night to drink from the river, or dig for natural salts.

Fly-Camping
The longer hikes take you from the Samburu low-lands to the heights of the Mathews Mountains and forest. The camels and your crew led you through the most magical, pristine Samburu landscapes and biodiversity. The experience is exclusively yours.

Sundowners
“Sundowners” are a safari tradition after a day of safari: stop and watch the spectacular sunset with, traditionally, a gin and tonic in hand!

Bush Meals
After a morning’s walk in the forest, take a moment to sit back, enjoy the smells, the colors, and the gentle breeze. Bush picnics are a chance to enjoy breakfast, al fresco, in an open forest clearing, or by the river, surrounded by wildlife.

For more information on Kitich Camp click HERE

Kitich sits on National Forestry Land and is surrounded by the Ngilai Community Conservancy and a further 383,000 acres of land under community managed conservation areas across Northern Kenya, supported by the Northern Rangelands Trust.

Kitich Forest Camp is proud to be part of the conservation journey with the Ngilai community!

Together, these conservancies are empowering local people to take charge of their wild spaces, to build sustainable economies linked to conservation, lead peace efforts to mend years of conflict, and shape government regulations to support it all. As institutions, they not only give people a voice, but provide a platform for developing sustainable enterprise and livelihoods either directly or indirectly related to conservation.

NRT member community conservancies work to conserve wildlife and sustainably manage the grassland, forest, river and marine ecosystems upon which livelihoods depend. As a result, a region once infamous for conflict and poaching is now at the forefront of community-led development, inextricably linked to the protection of its incredible wildlife and landscapes.