holiday.digseed.com Introduction:
From 2,158.00 per person sharing based on 3 nights full board at Kitich, 3 nights B&B at Peponis (Lamu Island), flights and transfers within Kenya and return economy flights form London to Nairobi with Kenya Airways. .For more information and to book your tailor-made holiday contact Okavango Tours and Safaris on 020 8343 3283 or email info@okavango.com.
Many safari enthusiasts have been to Kenya, but few have ventured North into the remote Matthews Mountain Range. For those returning to Africa in search of something a little different or even for first timers, Kitich Camp has something special to offer its guests
Set amongst verdant groves of fig trees, indigenous flowering shrubs and prehistoric cycad palms, Kitich camp offers its guests an African experience like no other. Unique not only for its location and unspoilt beauty but also for its charming host and owner, Giulio Bertolli.
The name Bertolli congers up visions of sumptuous Mediterranean food drizzled with rich olive oil but, although Giulio returns to his Tuscan heritage once a year, he has nurtured a love affair with Africa for over thirty years. Anything that is technical is not for me, which is why I love Africa, Giulio explains with his dulcet Italian accent.
Guilios concession has a 15km radius within which there is no other form of tourism. There are no fences; even the gate is a local Samburu who keeps a look out. There is no running water in Kitich or electricity for that matter. Well, there is a generator, but it is buried away from the camp so you certainly wont hear it. As dusk falls, hurricane lamps and candles are lit this is true Africa. If someone says there is no light for the make-up, I explain that there is not enough light to see the make-up, says Giulio jovially. But dont let this put you off; Kitich is most definitely a luxury affair. While everything has been left as natural as possible, no creature comforts have been sacrificed, from hot water which is prepared over a cedar deadwood fire to opulent dinning under the stars. Everything in the camp is of African origin Giulio explains, except the wine glasses, and they are from Peter Jones his laughter booms across the camp!
Kitich existed long before Giulio discovered its charm. It began as a hunting block in the 60s and was then turned into a safari lodge. Giulio fell in love with Kitich when he in 1995, at a time when it was floundering. A year later, he was its new proud owner, and appreciating the impact people have on the environment, the first thing he did was reduce the camp from 10 rooms to six. However, despite the down size he was careful not to cut back on staff. All the staff are from the local Samburu community. Guests pay a conservation fee and every penny goes directly to community project, education and health care. Working with the Samburu is something Giulio feels very passionate about. Giulio and his guests are always invited to village celebrations, which are always a spectacular affair!
Kitich is reached by light aircraft and the only vehicle on the reserve transports guests to the camp. Giulio believes in giving his guests a very personal African experience, taking them into the forest in search of elephants on foot. You cant smell the real Africa from a vehicle, he explains. There are 30 miles of elephant trails around Kitich, and all levels of fitness are catered for. At the last count there were 350 elephants. Giulio knows each elephant individually, he lives for them and they clearly consider Kitich their home a few years ago a cow gave birth in the camp!
Kitich and its surrounding oasis is one of Kenyas true conservation success stories and poaching in the area has completely stopped. When asked if he sees leopard, Giulio replies Not really, only about 60% of the time. In fact this is a really high rate in Kenya! Kitich boasts over 200 bird species, and besides the roaming elephants there are lion, buffalo and wild dogs.
Kitich is an extraordinary experience, whether you are returning to Africa or discovering her delights for the first time. Giulio is a fantastic host and an expert guide. Its like staying with an old friend, only in paradise, a place where the stress of modern living can be forgotten. The day I see my Samburu warriors walking around with a portable telephone is the day I leave Kitich, says Giulio seriously.
Luxury tented accommodation at Kitich is available through safari specialist Okavango Tours and Safaris. Experts in tailor-made travel to Africa, Okavango Tours and Safaris can design a holiday which combines a stay in Kitich with a second safari experience, or a relaxing beach holiday.
When to go:
Kitich is closed between 30th March 30th June and 30th October 15th December
Example of Prices:
From 2,158.00 per person sharing based on 3 nights full board at Kitich, 3 nights B&B at Peponis (Lamu Island), flights and transfers within Kenya and return economy flights form London to Nairobi with Kenya Airways.
For more information and to book your tailor-made holiday contact Okavango Tours and Safaris on 020 8343 3283 or email info@okavango.com
Okavango Tours and Safaris was awarded the AITO Travel Company of the Year in January 2006 for top rating in the Customer Satisfaction Survey - small companies category. AITO, the Association of Independent Tour Operators, is an organisation representing around 152 of Britain’s best specialist tour operators. The common aim of all AITO members is to provide the highest level of customer satisfaction by concentrating on three main pillars: Choice, Quality and Service, enshrined in the association’s Quality Charter. Companies admitted to AITO are not only vetted and fully bonded for clients’ protection, in compliance with UK and European regulations. They are also bound by AITO’s own code of business practice which includes provisions for the clear and accurate descriptions of holidays and the use of customer questionnaires for monitoring standards.
Okavango Tours and Safaris is a UK-based tour operator that provides luxurious, individually-tailored safari holidays. The team is comprised of dedicated, passionate authorities with detailed knowledge of the African continent who have visited every destination and help clients plan an adventure exactly to their personal specifications www.okavango.com