Kitich Camp

Kitich Camp is an East African hideaway set in a secret valley in the remote Matthews Ranges – a rarely frequented area in the Northern Frontier District. Kitich – a Samburu word meaning 'place of happiness' – is owned by charming host, Italian Giulio Bertolli, who sold his olive oil farm in Tuscany to pursue his lifelong passion for travelling in Africa.

Shaded by giant fig trees on the banks of the seasonal Ngeng River where buffalo and elephant forage at night, Kitich is an old-fashioned traditional safari camp where everything has been left as 'natural' as possible. A maximum of 12 guests can be accommodated in the six simple, yet comfortable canvas tents – all of which have been constructed entirely of raw materials. Each boasts a private verandah, traditional ‘safari-bucket’ shower and an eco-friendly toilet.

Delicious Tuscan cuisine is served on soapstone plates in the thatched dining room against the glowing backdrop of kerosene lamps.

There are no roads in the area, except the link with the airstrip, hence no game drives are offered. Instead, revel in this rare opportunity to join Giulio and his two Samburu tribesmen on an escorted walk through the thick forest to eavesdrop on the local inhabitants – primarily elephants. The lush, wooded hills abound with wildflowers, birds and giant, colourful butterflies. The Kitich experience is a truly unique and authentic one – above all else, Giulio's charm is utterly captivating – his charisma makes every stay at Kitich so memorable.

Kitich is accessed from Nairobi or Nanyuki by private charter to the Ngelai airstrip, followed by a 10km 4WD road transfer.

PRICES Prices from £210 per person per night twin share including all meals, local beverages, game activities, guided walks and airstrip transfers. The private charter flight is additional.