A
recent study from Glasgow University looked at natural and non-natural environments
for physical activity and found that being around trees and grass lowered brain
stress levels. It’s not too surprising that exercise in a green place, like a
forest, is better than in a non-green place, like the gym. Adventurers seeking relaxation
should head to Kitich Camp in the Mathews Mountains of Kenya for the ultimate
refreshment of mind, body and soul.
Kitich Camp is an isolated retreat
where guests can explore the beautiful, natural surroundings and attain a new
vitality. Located in a remote valley, under a canopy of trees, Kitich is the
only camp in all of the Mathews Mountain Range, offering exclusive access into
the lush, green forest.
Because of the pristine and
unexplored wilderness, Kitich Camp opts out of the conventional safari game
drives. Instead, guests leave the vehicle behind and embark into the Mathews
forest on foot. All walking safaris are led by professional guides as well as
indigenous Samburu and Ndorobo warriors.
For those looking to immerse
themselves in the culture of the indigenous people, the Samburu guides will
take guests to visit with their families. Depending on the day, guests are
invited to witness a local market where the Samburu and Ndorobo people gather
to buy and trade vegetables, beads, and other items.
Other activities include
spectacular bush breakfasts, sundowners, and picnics. At night, there is a
campfire under the stars overlooking the river glade where guests can catch a
glimpse of the nocturnal visitors who come to drink and hunt.
The Mathews Forest is a 220,000
acre tropical mountain forest, home to a spectacular array of flora and fauna boasting
over 150 different species of butterflies (that’s roughly 15% of all of Kenya’s
butterfly population) as well as wild orchids and ancient cycad trees. It also
harbors the rare De Brazza Monkey along with forest antelope, wild dogs, leopards,
elephants and an astonishing array of bird life.
In 2011, Kitich Camp received a
Silver Eco-Rating Certification from Ecotourism Kenya, an award which
demonstrates their excellence in responsible resource use, environmental
conservation, and socio-economic investment. Kitich operates without a
generator, relying solely on solar power and using only LED lighting. As a
partner with the Namunyak Wildlife Conservancy, Kitich Camp directly benefits
its surrounding communities by working with them on at a grass roots level;
lodge and bed fees as well as conservancy fees are all paid directly to the locals.
Other partnerships and projects include the Tusk Trust, an organization
dedicated to protecting African wildlife, as well as a rain water harvesting
project, and a project for the construction and furnishing of a teachers block
at Ngilai Primary School.
Kitich features six traditional
safari-style guest tents, all with en suite bathrooms and exceptional views of
the lush gorge of the Ngeng River. Its intimate size (only 12 guests at a time)
allows for all activities to be tailored to suit individual wants and needs. From
a rigorous morning hike to an afternoon dip in the natural rock pools of the
crystal mountain streams, experience the perfect balance to boost fitness and
mind-body connection.
Rates
for the three-day adventure package start at $400 per person sharing per
night. For more information on
experiencing the scenic wilderness of the Mathews Mountains, visit http://www.chelipeacock.com/php/camps/kitich-camp.php or www.kitichcamp.com.
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