Kenya

Begin your safari experience when you arrive in Nairobi: a lovely way to spend a night or two in the city:

• Ololo is situated on the edge of the Nairobi National Park
• Fully inclusive stay: transfers to/from airport, all meals and game drives in Nairobi National Park
• Warm hospitality, great service and food
• Our recommendation is the Stable Rooms – good value!

Reasons we like this lodge:

• Enjoy the vast panoramas from the dining and lounge area, the two infinity pools and the Samburu Wellbeing Space, which overlook several waterholes where the famous Samburu elephant, leopard, reticulated giraffe, Beisa oryx and Grevy’s zebra gather to drink
• The six luxury, eco-chic villas are open and spacious
• The only lodge in over 200,000 acres of unspoiled wilderness teeming with wildlife to explore exclusively
• Guided by Samburu warriors from the Kalama community; they are passionate about their land and culture, the safari experience is intimate and truly exceptional
• Admired for its innovative, eco-chic architecture, interesting design and décor and Italian-inspired cuisine

Reasons why we like Ol Pejeta:

• Situated on the banks of the Ewaso Nyiro river in the Ol Pejeta Conservancy, this intimate camp is comfortable and full of character
• Leading example of sustainable conservation that benefits both community and the wildlife
• They are the safeguards of the only two northern white rhinos left in the world and offer safe haven to the largest black rhino population in East Africa
• Let’s not forget the southern white rhinos that call this place home – Ol Pejeta is quite a refuge for these highly endangered species
• Available at an additional cost:
  • Private visit to the northern white rhinos
  • Visit to the endangered species enclosure
  • Visit to their centre for rescued and rehabilitated chimpanzees (Sweetwaters Chimpanzee Sanctuary) and…
  • do some lion tracking!

Sarara is a community-run tented camp found within the lands of the Namunyak Wildlife Conservancy, set in the Mathews Range of Northern Kenya. While Sarara might not have epic game viewing, what it does have is 850,000 acres of pristine wilderness and an incredible story of community and conservation efforts. Even more reasons why we feel this is a special place:

• Glimpse into the Samburu culture
• Singing wells experience (seasonal), unique to Sarara
• So much to enjoy at Sarara (some activities are at an additional cost):
  • Traditional game drives
  • Mountain hikes
  • Beading with the Samburu Women’s Group,
  • Gain insight into the Samburu Men’s traditions of crafting spears, bells and jewellery with the Il Konono Blacksmiths
  • Hang out in the hide to get a closer look at the animals that visit the water hole

Long before conservation was ‘a thing’, George and Joy Adamson raised orphaned lions (among other animals) where lion Elsa became the subject of the famed book series “Born Free”. Elsa’s Kopje is a part of that history!

• The camp offers beautiful cottages/suites, wonderful food, service and great location
• In the heart of Mount Meru National Park, Elsa’s Kopje offers 360 degree views that stretch from the peak Mount Kenya to the east
• Diverse eco-systems from riverine forests to semi-desert plains. It has thirteen clear spring fed rivers.
• Predominately lion and elephant country, Meru also has many rare species including caracal, the beautiful lesser kudu, aardwolf and has an 84 sq km rhino sanctuary housing over 60 black and white rhino

Located within the vast area of the Ewaso ecosystem on the Laikipia Plateau: snow-tipped peaks and the glaciers of Mount Kenya to the south; a panorama of mountains and desert to the north – Borana presents an exceptional African destination!

• Laikipia is an area of exceptional beauty and most prolific wildlife – second only to the world-famous Maasai Mara – including one of the highest populations of endangered species in the country
• Get a glimpse of living history, Borana is home to the Dyer family for three generations, a story of wildlife conservation/management and farming in action
• Some guests like to enjoy breakfast with Rose and Tony Dyer, which is a fascinating opportunity to get an insight into the Dyer family legacy to Kenya
• The ranch is perfect for picnics, sundowners on Pride Rock (the original inspiration for Disney’s Lion King!) and bush dinners

Truth be told, this property could be considered ‘contrived’. However, for any animal enthusiast, unbridled joy overcomes you as you have a real-life beautiful giraffe stranding right in front of you!

•  99.9% of the people who stay here come because of the giraffe interaction so, what about the rooms? They are spacious, well-appointed and comfortable.
• Included in the rate is use of a vehicle for easy access to the Daphne Sheldrick Elephant Orphanage, Kazuri Bead Factory, nearby markets and more
• Great overnight option in Nairobi before after your safari

Located in the Ol Pejeta Conservancy, this is a small luxurious six tented camp that is nestled in the shadows of Mount Kenya at the foot of an indigenous forest overlooking a waterhole.

Other reasons to enjoy this camp:

• Ol Pejeta is a leading example of sustainable conservation that benefits both community and the wildlife
• They are the safeguards of the only two northern white rhinos left in the world and offer safe haven to the largest black rhino population in East Africa
• Let’s not forget the southern white rhinos that call this place home – Ol Pejeta is quite a refuge for these highly endangered species
• Available at an additional cost:
  • Private visit to the northern white rhinos
  • Visit to the endangered species enclosure
  • Visit to their centre for rescued and rehabilitated chimpanzees (Sweetwaters Chimpanzee Sanctuary)
  • Lion tracking!

This enchanting lodge has a lot of history, personality and charm.

• Verity Williams (Manager) is a delight to speak to; her stories are entertaining and gives you insight to what it is like to live in Kenya
• Located on a private conservancy in the Laikipia District
• The lodge overlooks the Ewaso Nyrio River and Laikipia Plateau
• The conservancy is home to a broad range of wildlife, including less familiar species characteristic of the area, including imperial zebras, gerenuks, reticulated giraffes and Somali ostriches
• Each room is unique
• Wonderful for families/friends alike who enjoy exploring

Tortilis Camp is named after the flat-topped, umbrella thorn tree that surrounds the camp; the Acacia Tortilis. Part of the Elewana Collection, we think this camp has a lot of great attributes;

• Dramatic landscape views with Mount Kilimanjaro serving as the backdrop
• Located on the South Western edge of Amboseli National Park in Kenya, overlooking its own private wildlife conservancy, Kitirua, 30,000 acre game concession – away from the busy eastern side of Amboseli
• Amboseli is also known for its magnificent elephants – a population of over 1500 elephants, and some of Africa’s largest, reside in the park’s unique eco-system
• Activities include game drives, walks, sundowners and bush meals both inside Amboseli and the Kitirua concession, offering fantastic opportunities for wildlife viewing and photography
• Variety of accommodation options available: 16 tents, family tent and a two bedroom private house

Situated in the northern parts of the Laikipia Plateau, Loisaba is a well-known safari destination and is great for families and couples alike.

• An abundance of activities available (in addition to game drives) to keep the kids entertained – fishing, camel treks, horse riding, mountain biking and more!
• Excellent all-round game viewing, with good sightings of leopard, wild dog and leopard
• The star-beds have been famous at Loisaba for many years and with good reason! An amazing experience
• Perched high up on an escarpment, the main camp boasts 9 tents (6x double/twin tents and 3x family tents)

Located in the foothills of the Chyulu Hills, and with expansive views across to Amboseli NP and the sleeping giant, Mt Kilimanjaro, Ol Donyo Lodge is a really good “slow safari” option.

• Perfect to combine with other Kenyan safari options (the Maasai Mara or Central Kenya)
• Great for those looking for a “slow safari” experience, with walking safaris, leisurely horse-riding safaris and game drives available – otherwise you might just want to relax by your private pool
• Sleep under the stars! Each villa has it’s own rooftop ‘star-bed’!
• Quite possibly the most amazing food we’ve experienced on safari! Definitely a fine-dining in the bush experience
• Access to Amboseli NP and its huge herds of elephant is possible on a full day game drive