Kitich Camp Mathews Forest

• Kitich Camp Mathews Forest is an intimate camp with just six guest tents
• A fabulous contrast and complement to the arid Samburu, with lush forested mountain slopes
• With game-viewing mostly on foot, this is a chance to leave the game drive vehicle and stretch the legs with guiding by the local Samburu and Ndorobo people

Kitich Camp Mathews Forest lies deep in the Matthews Mountain range which rises up out of the desert in northern Kenya - a chain of peaks covered in dense dewy rainforest. In a remote valley in the heart of the range lies the charming Kitich Camp overlooking a river glade within the lush indigenous forest. The forest is home to elephant, leopard, bushbuck and buffalo, as well as ancient cycads, spectacular butterflies, Turacos and wild orchids.

The camp is charming and authentic. The six tents are well spaced for privacy. Each en suite tent is a traditional safari style, with an al fresco stone bathroom with bucket showers and proper toilet with a long drop.

Kitich Camp's cosy sitting room, with its open fire, and deck overlooks the floodlit river glade. From here you can enjoy watching the wildlife emerge from the forest at dusk. Kitich Camp is an authentic 'bush camp' and offers a truly unique and private forest wildlife experience. It makes for a great contrast with the game drives of the Mara or Samburu.

Forest Activities

Kitich is primarily a walking camp - indeed the only road is the access road to the camp. You can choose between short 1½ to 2 hour walks or longer 3-5 hour hikes. Some of these end with a bush picnic besides beautiful rock pools and waterfalls, ideal for a refreshing natural swim in the crystal clear mountain water. You walk with experienced Samburu warriors and learn about the traditional methods of tracking game.

Kitich Camp is also great for keen birders with 200 species including the Hartlaub Turaco as well as 300 species of butterfly. Kitich is also one of the very few areas where you might be able to see the rare Brazza and Colobus monkeys. These large monkeys with striking red forehead are shy and hard to find.

It is part of the Namunyan Wildlife Conservation Trust which pays conservation fees to the local community which owns the land. You can also visit local Samburu families whilst at Kitich.

Facilities

Bar, Internet Access, Restaurant, En Suite, Lounge Area, Shower, Verandah