Despite its proximity to the equator, the high altitude means that daytime temperatures in the Mara are mild (average 26°C/79°F) and nights can be fairly cool (average 12°C/54°F). Kichwa Tembo is situated along the Sabaringo River, which spills down the Oloololo escarpment and into the Mara River. The riverine forest provides refuge for unique bird and mammal species. Blue monkey and redtail monkey feed on fruits in the forest canopy, while dense reed beds are home to many frogs, birds and insects. Warthog are the only larger mammal within the area. Spectacular birds and colourful butterflies can be seen darting through the dappled forest shade.

The slopes of the escarpment are sparsely wooded, with mountain reedbuck, klipspringer and rock hyrax inhabiting the rocky incline. Forest patches at higher altitude contain trees species not found in the riverine forest below and are home to small numbers of giant forest hog, red duiker, buffalo and bushbuck. The plateau formed by the escarpment is dominated by acacia woodland where giraffe, impala and zebra can be found. In addition to the migrants, the grasslands support a tremendous diversity of herbivores, with different grass types attracting different species. Antelope such as topi, kongoni and Thomson’s gazelle prefer shorter grass, while wildebeest and buffalo graze on the longer strands.

The Mara River flows from its source on the highlands of the Mau escarpment down onto the plains, where it is joined by seasonal tributaries on its journey to Lake Victoria. Thanks to its origin in such high rainfall areas, the Mara never ceases to flow, remaining the lifeline of the Masai Mara even in periods of intense drought. While large numbers of hippo make the river their home, the Mara is probably best known for the enormous Nile crocodile that inhabit its shores and form an additional obstacle for the migrating wildebeest that ford the rushing waters between July and October.