For a really authentic African experience and the very best in hospitality from an Italian host, Kitich – meaning happiness – is unlike anywhere else and makes life worth living.

Kitich is about staying in a fabulous canvas tent in the middle of the bush in a verdant grove of fig trees, indigenous flowering shrubs and prehistoric Cycad palms with only natural sounds – unadulterated luxury. Owned and hosted by Italian Giulio Bertolli, Kitich is a very unique experience. Kitich is primarily about elephants and Giulio and his two Samburu tribesmen, with their wealth of knowledge and experience, offer guests an unforgettable experience.

There are just four double tents at Kitich each with an open air en suite bathroom with a canvas shower, very comfortable beds, dressing tables and mirrors lit by candles and paraffin lamps. There is no artificial lighting and the only human sound one hears at night is that of tent zips being lowered and raised as you go to bed. Each tent has its own verandah with two chairs where one can sit and take in the uplifting environment whilst sipping one’s morning tea delivered to your tent with warm clean towels and hot water for washing.

There are no game drives at Kitch – just walking and tracking in the old traditions of Africa on paths made by elephants over hundreds of years. This is the domain of the elephant and Giulio and his tribesmen provide guests with the experience of a lifetime. Giulio has worked here for many years devoted to helping both conservation and community and ensuring harmony between the two ways of life with the elephants in between. The cattle graze on one side and on the other, within the magnificent indigenous forest, the elephants. Each guest staying at Kitich contributes via their booking to the Englai Conservation Group.

There is no pressure at Kitch to get up early – everything is relaxed and tailor made.
Lunch might be a picnic in the bush and dining in the open mess tent with the open fire roaring away whilst watching the game grazing along the river is magical. Meals are remarkable with a very Tuscan influence using delicious fresh ingredients – not to mention the very best olive oil from Giulio’s farm in Lucca! There is swimming in the natural pool of the nearby Ngeng River, birdwatching galore and there is also opportunity to learn about Samburu tradition and culture in an uncommercialised environment.

A stay at Kitich is, without doubt, one of those privileges one’s life – it certainly lives up to its meaning of happiness.