Kitich Forest Camp

Kitich Forest Camp is a remote, intimate forest camp in the Mathews Range, known less for game drives and more for walking safaris, pristine scenery, and a deeply immersive wilderness feel. It is one of the most distinctive safari stays in northern Kenya because the experience is centered on foot, in a lush mountain forest rather than open savannah.

Location & Setting

Kitich Forest Camp is set in an exquisite forest glade on the upper slopes of the Mathews Mountain Range, overlooking the Ngeng River and surrounded by dense indigenous forest. The journey to camp is part of the experience, with access through remote drylands and village landscapes that make the setting feel truly off the beaten path. This is a dramatic contrast to the Samburu plains, and it is one of the main reasons the camp feels so special.

Accommodation & Style

The camp is very small, with about six to eight tents depending on the source, and it is designed to blend into the forest rather than dominate it. The tents are simple but charming, using canvas, natural materials, and open, airy layouts that keep the emphasis on the surrounding landscape. The overall style is low-key, classic, and quietly adventurous rather than polished or resort-like.

Rooms & Comfort

The tents are en-suite and equipped for comfort, with bush bathrooms, bucket showers, and flush toilets mentioned in the descriptions. Solar power provides lighting and charging, and the camp is built to be practical without losing its sense of authenticity. It is comfortable in a safari sense, but the appeal is much more about atmosphere and immersion than luxury finishes.

Facilities & Dining

Kitich Forest Camp offers communal dining, bush picnics, sundowners, and relaxed shared spaces that suit its intimate scale. A small camp shop or bar may be available, and the camp operates with very limited Wi‑Fi and no mobile signal, which helps preserve the sense of remoteness. The dining style is informal and connected to the bush, matching the camp’s overall character.

Safari Experience

This camp is all about walking. Guests explore forest paths, river margins, hidden pools, and mountain trails with Samburu guides and trackers, and activities can include hiking, birdwatching, swimming in rock pools, cultural visits, and even fly-camping. Wildlife encounters may include elephants, leopard, buffalo, wild dog, birds, and rare primates such as De Brazza’s monkey, but the real signature here is the landscape and the on-foot exploration.

Atmosphere & Service

The atmosphere is remote, peaceful, and deeply connected to Samburu culture and forest life. The camp is guided by local Samburu people with strong knowledge of the area, which gives the experience an authentic and personal dimension. It feels less like a conventional safari lodge and more like a curated wilderness retreat for people who enjoy slow travel and direct contact with nature.

Ideal For

Kitich Forest Camp is ideal for hikers, birders, adventurous couples, photographers, and travelers who want something very different from the usual safari circuit. It is especially suited to guests who value walking safaris, privacy, and pristine forest landscapes over classic game-drive lodges. For a remote and memorable northern Kenya experience, it is one of the most unique options available.