Our writer set out to explore the hidden gems, and some not so hidden, both at the coast of Kenya and Tanzania, as well as bush safari destinations where you can relax with family and friends on the extended Easter weekend. This is by no means an exhaustive list, and neither are the facilities rated.
Few holidays excite the imagination more than Easter, simply because it is the first major break of the year for most people in the region after the long Christmas holiday, and it marks the end of the first quarter of the year.
With tourism in East Africa experiencing mixed fortunes— travel advisories against Kenya in major markets, low arrivals in Tanzania despite assured security, a slow beginning for Uganda and Rwanda — The EastAfrican has compiled an exciting list of tourist destinations from around the region for a unique Easter getaway for residents and visitors alike.
Our writer set out to explore the hidden gems, and some not so hidden, both at the coast of Kenya and Tanzania, as well as bush safari destinations where you can relax with family and friends on the extended Easter weekend. This is by no means an exhaustive list, and neither are the facilities rated.
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Nairobi Tented Camp
The intrepid East African visiting Nairobi for the first time can be assured of rest and relaxation over the holiday by making wise choices. The Kenyan capital city being the region’s business hub means that the hospitality industry offers a diverse choice for both residents and visitors.
Nairobi has many attractions that are not immediately evident to a first-time visitor. A must-do this Easter for those with no time to get out of the city is a weekend spent game-viewing.
This could be the city’s best kept secret, there is accommodation right inside the Nairobi National Park, the Nairobi Tented Camp (run by the Kenya Wildlife Service) and it would make for a unique Easter getaway.
Nairobi Tented Camp, set inside the riverine forest in the park, is a few minutes drive from the city centre, a mere hop from the Wilson Airport and a 20-minute drive from the Jomo Kenyatta International Airport on a good traffic day.
Nine guest tents (each sleeping two in a twin or double bed) provide for ensuite safari living complete with hot showers, if needed. Dining and lounge tents make perfect winding-down common areas to recap on the game-viewing during the day. Leopards, giraffe, rhino and lions abound and there is no better way to view these than taking an early morning game drive. This is a popular safari venue with foreigners and locals alike, and early booking is recommended.
Tarangire Treetops
Located on the boundary of Tarangire National Park in Manyara Region in northern Tanzania, is the Tarangire Treetops.
It comprises 20 elevated rooms, affording an incredible view above the baobab and marula trees. A rather special feature of the lodge is the size of the bedrooms: each measures 65 square metres and comes complete with an ensuite bathroom.
Poolside dinner by candlelight is recommended as you watch animals come to the lodge’s waterhole for one last drink. This is a great spot to view elephants. Oryx and lesser kudu also call this park home. The lodge is an hour’s drive from Kuro airstrip, which is in Tarangire itself.
Macushla House
Nairobi is also home to small, luxurious getaway spots that even the locals, outside the travel aficionado, are unaware of.
Macushla House is one such rustic lodge style hotel. Located in the posh Karen suburb, south of Nairobi, Macushla (Gaelic for “my beloved”) is a 20-minutes drive from the city centre. The sylvan setting of the house keeps activities to a minimum.
There is a restaurant, bar and study to while away the hours and a swimming pool to work up an appetite for the fresh home-cooked meals. Having only six bedrooms (each sleeping three), this is your perfect home away from home this Easter.
The Retreat Selous
The Retreat Selous is a remote safari camp in the Selous Game Reserve 216km west of Dar es Salaam, a three hour’s drive. This game reserve is the largest protected game reserve in Africa.
The retreat is a 12-suite exclusive hideaway that lays emphasis on the spiritual aspect of relaxation. While game-viewing receives its fair due, this is more of a retreat in the classic sense of the word: A peaceful and beautiful environment in which to relax, enjoying spa treatments with the occasional safari. Lying on the banks of the Ruaha river, The Retreat offers complete isolation and is the perfect venue to recharge a tired body and mind.
Hatari Lodge, Arusha
Hatari is Kiswahili for danger and the title of an enduring Hollywood classic. It certainly conjures up images of wild animals. Before the advent of camps and lodges, only the very brave ventured out for game viewing.
Hatari Lodge is located at the edge of the Arusha National Park and overlooks both Mt Kilimanjaro and Mt Meru. This is a luxury bush hotel built amid acacia woodland.
The lodge has nine rooms, each with an open fireplace and decorated in retro 1960s and 1970s style, paying tribute to the era of Hatari! the movie starring John Wayne. Game drives, guided walks and canoe trips are laid on for the guests. Hatari has a game-viewing platform from which one can see buffalo, giraffe and other animals. If you are enamoured of the golden age of Hollywood, this is just the place for you this Easter.
Kasha Boutique Hotel
Across the water in exotic Zanzibar, 11 luxury villas, each with its own swimming pool, form the Kasha Boutique Hotel. Built on a cliff, the hotel provides magnificent views over the lagoon of the Mnembwa Atoll coral reef.
The white sandy beach can be accessed by a staircase during low tide, while at high tide a wooden plank leads into the natural sea pool. The menu here quite rightly celebrates the spices of Zanzibar. The island is a gourmet’s delight and what better way to sample these than at this luxury boutique hotel. The Baraza Bar is a popular evening meeting place for guests.
Manta Resort
Still on Pemba Island, we find one of the most unusual getaways: Manta Resort. Set on a sparkling white beach, it overlooks the Pemba channel. There are six seafront villas, four superior garden rooms, seven garden rooms and a remarkable underwater room.
This floating structure has a landing deck and an underwater bedroom. one of its kind in the world. It is worth a visit just for the sheer novelty of sleeping among the fishes, as it were. The double bed surrounded by panes of glass gives one the chance to be Jacques Cousteau for a day.
Guests can also take guided tours through the ancient Ngezi forest. The sea offers excellent diving for marine enthusiasts, with professional diving instructors to smooth the way. For privacy, romance and adventure, the Manta Resort is the place to be this Easter.
Mukima house
For those willing to venture farther afield and still be within a fairly short distance from Nairobi, the Mt Kenya tourist circuit in Kenya, provides ideal places for a long weekend retreat.
Mukima House is a twin-gabled colonial era house with sweeping verandas. Located just 10 minutes outside Nanyuki town, (almost 200km north of Nairobi on the main Nairobi-Thika-Nanyuki highway), Mukima House offers a commanding view of Mt Kenya to the east and the Aberdare ranges to the west.
An interesting feature of Mukima House is the dam on its grounds. This provides a natural habitat for pelican, ibis, stork and other bird species. With its eight ensuite rooms, Mukima House can easily cater for 16 people.
The establishment has a common swimming pool and a massage room for guests who need that little extra pampering. For those who enjoy a mild workout to stay fit, tennis and badminton are also on the cards, just as there is a dedicated games room with table tennis and darts.
For those who enjoy the outdoors, there is a raft of activities that the management is happy to make arrangements. These include boating and fishing in the nearby lake, a hike up the mountain, visits to the nearby parks and game reserves and even a helicopter ride. An unforgettable way to spend the Easter break.
Kirawira Camp
The Serengeti is understandably on many traveller’s bucket list. Brought to the world’s attention by the 1959 German documentary Serengeti Shall Not Die, this park continues to fascinate all those remotely interested in travel, wildlife or simply in a unique getaway.
What better way to see this famous savannah than while staying at the Kirawira Camp. Run by the Serena Group, Kirawira is a high-end, colonial-style tented-camp. It has 25 ensuite rooms and stands on a hill overlooking the fabled savannah. Game drives are arranged daily and the restaurant serves up five-course gourmet lunches and dinners.
Mnarani Club
Driving north from Mombasa towards Kenya’s North Coast, and just before you get to the Kilifi bridge (about 60km from Mombasa) across the Kilifi creek, a sign on your right will direct you to the Mnarani Club.
Set in 40 acres of landscaped tropical gardens, Mnarani offers peace and tranquility, punctuated by some unhurried sailing, a sanctuary of coastal serenity with a beach bar set in its own little sandy cove.
The club has 84 air-conditioned rooms, all ensuite. The option of selecting between the creek and garden room view. Expect to enjoy Swahili, Continental, Italian, Chinese, barbeque and the Fisherman’s Delight, a veritable feast of fresh seafood. Activities here naturally centre on the ocean: Windsurfing, dhow sailing, deep sea fishing, water skiing and snorkelling among others.
An evening boat trip to the nearby Kilifi “salt lakes” and bird islands is strongly recommended. The sight of hundreds of birds, literally “coming home to roost” is unforgettable.
Kongoni Camp
Just outside Nanyuki town is a little paradise called Kongoni Camp. About 100m off the main Nanyuki highway, Kongoni is a must-visit for the visitor seeking a short but complete break from the demands of corporate and executive life.
With a choice of rondavels, single or double rooms, Kongoni guarantees a warm welcome to Mt Kenya’s famous town of Nanyuki. The Kongoni Camp spa is justifiably celebrated as it offers world-class treatments including the classic Hot Stone massage, pure back cleanse, sea salts and body peel, reflexology and much more.
Kongoni also provides the ideal base in Nanyuki for excursions into and around town. The Aberdare National Park is 50km away, the Samburu National Reserve only 80km away.
Fundu lagoon
Off Tanzania’s coast lies Pemba Island to the extreme north. On the island’s western side is Fundu Lagoon, a small boutique hotel reached by boat or plane from Pemba’s more famous sister island Zanzibar. Pemba sees far less tourist traffic than Zanzibar.
This is either a brilliant marketing strategy to keep it as exclusive as possible, or the island simply isn’t marketed enough. Eighteen tented luxury bungalows, on the beach and on a hillside, provide the accommodation at Fundu Lagoon.
The hotel has earned an enviable reputation as a honeymoon destination over the years. The main attraction of Fundu Lagoon is the deserted white beaches. Fundu Lagoon has some of the best diving in the world and has recently been voted the Best Marine Safari Property in Africa. Fundu Lagoon, famous also for the quality of its coral life, makes a the perfect quiet beach getaway.
Four Seasons Safari Lodge
The Four Seasons Safari Lodge, also in the Serengeti, in Tanzania’s northern region, is a large hotel that offers you the opportunity to connect with local people and get a taste of their culture. With 72 rooms and five villas, there is nothing small about the lodge.
For the claustrophobic, this is the perfect way to view game. There is an arts-and-crafts room for the kids and a fully-equipped business centre for the adults. As one would expect from the Serena group, all the rooms have a high standard of comfort and finish.
The 45-minute trip to the lodge from the Seronera airstrip is a game drive in itself. Four Seasons Safari Lodge is ideal for the guest looking for a getaway in the wild without totally disconnecting from their busy work schedule.
Kilifi Bay Beach Resort
The Kilifi Bay Beach Resort offers spacious rooms with balconies overlooking the ocean. The property sits on five acres of tropical gardens with a 60-metre sea frontage. Kilifi has some of the quietest beaches on the Kenyan coast.
Sunbathers and beach walkers enjoy a quiet time on the pristine white sandy beaches. With only 50 rooms, the emphasis is on personalised service, which includes free massages for guests.
Apart from the usual array of water sports, the resort has a glass-bottomed boat for watching fish in their natural habitat. Other activities include creek cruises, table tennis, archery, tennis, billiards, scuba diving, wind surfing and big game fishing. There are two swimming pools and a restaurant offering indoor and outdoor banqueting. The Kilifi Bay Beach Resort is the perfect off the beaten track destination.
Water Lovers Beach Resort
35km south of Mombasa and as far removed in concept from the large resort hotels as possible, is the Water Lovers Beach Resort. It features only eight suites and a self-contained villa set on the white sandy shores of Diani beach on Kenya’s South Coast. Kayaking, snorkelling, yoga and diving keep the guests occupied in this beautiful resort.
Water Lovers Beach Resort is also a kite-surfer’s paradise and beginners are welcome. The beach restaurant offers Mediterranean cuisine and freshly baked bread. This is an excellent little getaway that will charm a first-time visitor to the South Coast.
Boutique Hotel Matlai
Tourism in Tanzania, outside Zanzibar, is associated with the Serengeti National Park, which morphs into the Maasai Mara across the border in Kenya — famous for the wildebeest migration. But Tanzania has much more to offer than just the Serengeti.
The Spice Islands of Zanzibar and Pemba, for example, are worth any traveller’s bucket list, On the southeastern coastline of Zanzibar, near the Mchamwi peninsula, is the Boutique Hotel Matlai. The lush tropical gardens and stunning sea views from all the rooms are a special feature of the hotel — he windows are floor to ceiling.
The property also features an open-air cinema, bar and restaurant. Beach volleyball is a permanent fixture here and there is nothing like it to work up an appetite. Guests get to pick their own menu and it is a fine hotel to enjoy Zanzibar, as you experience the legendary friendliness of the islanders and delight in the magnificent seafood.
Moorings
When planning for a coastal holiday in Kenya this Easter, put Moorings on your itinerary. This is a floating restaurant moored in Mtwapa Creek, 10km from Mombasa town centre, on your way to the North Coast. It is an excellent seafood restaurant.
For diners who are not partial to seafood there is a selection of steak, chicken, pasta and pizza. Diners have a choice of taking their meals in the restaurant or a dhow owned and operated by Moorings. It offers excellent interaction with deep sea fishing enthusiasts, and the sailing fraternity in Mombasa. It is close to the almost 10km stretch of hotels and resorts on Kikambala, Shanzu and Bamburi beaches.
English Point Marina
The English Point Marina, is the latest addition to Mombasa’s luxury offering. The marina features apartment living, shopping and dining in the luxury and security of a five-star hotel. Built on a four-acre beach front, the marina is on the north side of the English Point channel, with stunning views of Mombasa’s Old Town, Fort Jesus and the old port.
It is somewhat reminiscent of the elegant yatching docks of Dubai and the Mediterranean coast. The marina has 23 air-conditioned rooms and three suites; a restaurant, spa and gym.
It is a luxurious modern lifestyle development, offering East Africa’s first floating pontoon and all modern conveniences standard to a fully operational marina. It features a water sports centre providing sea safaris, creek excursions, scuba diving, and deep sea fishing among other aquatic delights.
A swimming pool and jacuzzi serves apartment and hotel residents only. The English Point Marina has set the bar high and is a must visit.
Almanara Luxury Hotel and Villas
Almanara Luxury Hotel and Villas is set between the open plains of the Shimba Hills National Reserve and the Indian Ocean on Kenya’s South Coast. Lying on Galu Beach and at the top end of the luxury scale, the resort has six executive villas, each fully air-conditioned with three ensuite double bedrooms.
The presidential villa has its own dedicated staff and one can expect the attendant attention and service attached to that holiday home. Set in landscaped gardens, Almanara Luxury Villas affords one the privacy of home.
Wind surfing, scuba diving and kite-surfing are just a few of the activities on offer here. The Sails Beach Bar and Restaurant is a by-word in excellence. Featuring international and local cuisine and with a unique architectural “sails” design, the view of this imposing structure is memorable. A repast of fresh seafood here adds to the delight of staying at this luxurious resort.
The Sands
The iconic and evergreen Chale Island is a small atoll found about 10km south of Diani beach in Kenya’s South Coast. The Sands on Chale Island is a unique resort that offers various categories of rooms: Standard and superior bandas, Chale bandas, water bungalows, tower rooms, penthouses and a honeymoon suite.
The island measures just 1.2km by 0.8km and the forest and wildlife reserve covering one half of the island abounds with small antelope, bush babies, monkeys and birdlife. This is the only resort in Kenya that boasts water bungalows. This is a pleasant getaway and offers an idyllic introduction to island life.
Lamu
Lamu Island, about 350km north of Mombasa, is the oldest Swahili settlement on the East African coastline. It has by and large maintained its cultural identity.
This coral island has long been a favourite of well-heeled Europeans and Americans. For a majority of East Africans, it is still viewed as a sleepy Swahili town, much in the manner of the pueblos of Old Mexico.
Lamu is divided into three distinct areas: The north encompasses Kizingo, Kizingoni, Kipungani and Matondoni. The town itself is a distinct entity. And, finally the south, where the enchanting village of Shela is located.
Kizingoni Beach Villas
This is a superb collection of seven beach houses offering the ultimate in luxury and privacy. Kizingoni in Lamu, has no shops and no streets teeming with people. I have yet to see any beach property on the Kenya Coast that affords one the level of privacy that Kizingoni Beach does.
If your preferred getaway is to literally get away from it all and have a unique villa all to yourself, Kizingoni Beach is the real deal. Each villa, with the exception of the Kabanas set high up on the dunes, has its own beach front.
The other six are Wazi Dubu House, Kuni Jogoo House, Jahazi House, Pepo House, Kaskazi House and Kusini House. The houses are simple yet elegant. Shaded verandas with swing beds offer the guest a relaxing option away from the beach. All houses have a swimming pool.
Each villa comes fully staffed with a cook, waiter and a housekeeper. The self-catering option is favoured among guests but full board can be arranged on request.
A sojourn in any of the Kizingoni villas stays with you. For life. Kizingoni is accessed by speed boat from Manda island, where the airstrip is located. Lamu is adequately served by air, out of Wilson airport in Nairobi.
Diamonds Dreams of Africa
Malindi on Kenya’s North Coast is jocularly referred to as Little Italy because of the large number of Italians living in and visiting the town. When East Africans contemplate a holiday on the Kenyan coast, Mombasa takes pride of place, followed closely by Diani and Ukunda in the South Coast.
Malindi tends to be an afterthought. Nevertheless, the quaintly Indo-Arab styled villa, Diamonds Dream of Africa, located near Malindi’s town centre (150km north of Mombasa offers a quiet retreat. Informal light lunches are served at the pool bar, while the restaurant features international cuisine.
Diamonds Dream of Africa is an all inclusive resort with 35 rooms, offering satellite TV and jacuzzi among other amenities. The rooms’ private terraces overlook the resort’s gardens and the hotel is within easy reach of the Malindi and Watamu beach and the Bio-Ken snake farm.
The major attraction of course is Malindi town itself and its variety of Italian restaurants, as well as some of the best night clubs in the country. If you’re inclined to soak up some fun in the sun, this Easter Diamonds Dream of Africa is an excellent base to operate from in Malindi.
Lamu House and Beach Club
A few steps from the dyke and directly overlooking the harbour, stands Lamu House Hotel and Beach Club.
Lamu House is architecturally unique having being built from two converted and rebuilt Swahili houses. Each room in Lamu House Hotel is ensuite and has its own character and all but one have a private terrace overlooking the harbour. The upper terrace overlooks the sea and the old town.
The hotel has a well-deserved reputation for its fusion of Continental and Swahili cuisine. There is a well-stocked bar to cater for every taste. Lamu House is an excellent base from which to visit the historic sites of Lamu. The museum is about a minute’s walk from the hotel, as is the famous Lamu Fort, flanked by impressive almond trees.
The hotel has the added attraction of owning its own dhow, which is used for a variety of excursions around the Lamu archipelago.
Peponi Hotel and Restaurant
To the south of Lamu Island, and a brisk 30 minute walk from Lamu town, lies the village of Shela. It is completely different in character from Kizingoni in the north and Lamu town. It marries the charm of an old Swahili town with a modern tourist resort. Within limits, of course.
Here there are no jet skis and raucous gatherings. The underlying ethos here is class. Previously a backpackers’ haven, Shela is now the stomping ground of European royalty, established writers, movie stars, the occasional rock legend, international journalists and the discerning world traveller looking for a retreat from the rigours of today’s world.
And Peponi Hotel and Restaurant is where everyone meets when the sun goes down. Run by the Korschen family since 1967, the hotel has 24 individually designed rooms, all with magnificent ocean views. Peponi is built at the edge of Shela village, right where the 13km beach starts.
A variety of activities are offered including dhow trips, sailing, snorkeling and deep sea diving. Seafood is celebrated in all its glory at Peponi’s. This cosy hotel, full of character and redolent with the memories of all the colourful characters who have partaken of its hospitality is truly the heartbeat of Shela.
Ngerede Island Lodge
Ngerende Island Lodge, located in the Ol Choro Conservancy, borders the Maasai Mara National Reserve. The lodge has its own airstrip and is approximately only an hour’s flight from Nairobi.
The airstrip also serves scheduled flights to Mombasa and Malindi. Seven luxury suites offer guests a choice of a lake or river view. The lodge also offers wedding and honeymoon packages. With a well-deserved reputation for fine dining, this lodge in the wild offers up all the ingredients of a memorable Easter weekend.
Garden House
A little further into Shela village and flanked by giant dunes on one side, is a most unexpected gem: Garden House. One in a quartet of holiday homes run by Shela House Management, Garden House defies the conventional coastal holiday home.
Stepping into the walled compound, the relative bustle (if it can be thus termed) fades away and one cannot help but think of the 1910 classic “The Secret Garden” by Frances Hodgson Burnett.
Sleeping six in two double rooms and a twin room, the house would be the preferred holiday home for a family wanting privacy and planning their own meals away from hotels. The house is rented on self-catering basis and comes staffed with an experienced cook, waiter and room steward.
An open terrace and sun-beds provide a tranquil space in which to relax after a swim in the ocean (a two-minute walk) or an exploratory walk in the village. Screened by neem trees, and practically in a world of its own, Garden House is the veritable oasis of Shela.
Banana House
As you read this, Lamu will just have completed its second yoga festival but yoga classes are ongoing throughout the year in Banana House and this Easter might be the time to get an introduction to this life-changing practice. Massages are also part of the wellness programme here. Banana House itself is a small hotel set in Shela village and close to the waterfront. It has 16 rooms divided over three houses.
A classic bed and breakfast (B&B) furnished in traditional Swahili style, Banana House has a swimming pool set in a lush tropical garden. Lunch and dinner are prepared on request. For an Easter with a difference, challenge the norm of rest and relaxation and book yourself into Banana House.
Mahali Mzuri
The Maasai Mara occupies pride of place as Kenya’s biggest tourist attraction outside the coast. Certainly a sojourn in this world-famous game reserve is de rigeur in any traveller’s journal. Beyond the dictates of fashion, however, the Mara remains one of the most iconic places on the planet.
Sir Richard Branson is best known as the somewhat unconventional founder of the Virgin Group, and recenly also became a player in the Kenyan tourism market with his Mahali Mzuri.
This is a 12-tented luxury safari camp located within the Olare Motorogi Conservancy in the Maasai Mara, right in the path of the wildebeest migration. The camp boasts a 12-metre infinity pool with a sunbathing deck.
There is a spa room which offers the by-now famous Africology treatments. Guided bush walks and twice daily game drives bring you up close with African wildlife. This is a top-notch safari camp, unmatched in luxury and comfort. Prepare yourself for an Easter like no other.
Cottar’s 1920’s Safari Camp
Cottar’s 1920’s Safari Camp is caught in a pleasant time warp. Sitting on a 6,000 acre private conservancy, about a kilometre from the Maasai Mara Game Reserve, the camp is a leap back in time.
If the hassles of modern day living leave you with frayed nerves and wish to leave all that behind even for just one long weekend, this is the place for you. There are no nearby lodges or low-flying aircraft to break the seclusion of this camp.
Absent too are the ubiquitous mini-buses that can sometimes be intrusive in the savannah. This is not to say that the camp is in any way rustic. Far from it. The entire concept is a throw-back to an era of opulent luxury and comfort. Cottar’s is the epitome of quality.
The camp’s distinctive white canvas tents accommodate only 12 people. Day and night game drives into the Maasai Mara are arranged on request.
Elephant Pepper camp
In the Mara North Conservancy lies the Elephant Pepper camp. The embodiment of rustic luxury, the camp has a few epicurean surprises for the gourmet: northern Italian fare, fresh salads and fresh baking. Epicurus would approve.
The camp’s relative seclusion (away from the crowded western Mara region) is a big draw for visitors. Certainly when the western section is likely to be teeming with visitors over Easter, the Elephant Pepper Camp will be an oasis of calm for guaranteed rest and relaxation.
Eight luxury ensuite tents and two honeymoon/family suites serve as the accommodation. Everybody eats together at the Elephant Pepper Camp, affording guests the opportunity to mingle with their fellow explorers.
Evenings around the camp fire where guests swap game stories (of now and yore) are very popular at the camp and would most definitely make for an Easter to remember.
Eco Lodges
The concept of eco lodges is one that will hopefully gain attraction in Africa and become the norm rather than the exception. This is a model which benefits all involved, especially the communities that live around the lodges and the animals themselves.
Typically the establishment of an eco lodge will help in the elimination of encroachment of forests and the protection of key wildlife corridors. The African Wildlife Foundation has mid-wifed several such lodges and a holiday in one of these would be a pleasant break from the usual holiday getaways.
By their very nature, conservation lodges are set in wildlife-rich landscapes and, more often than not, are owned by the local communities and managed by professional hospitality and safari experts.
These lodges source their manpower from the local community, pay rent to the community and share their revenue with these same communities. Crucially the incentive to conserve the wildlife and protect the land around them is introduced.
Consequently your stay in these lodges directly helps conserve the wildlife and the surrounding lands and economically empowers the communities who are the custodians of the ecosystem.
The Sanctuary
The Sanctuary at Ol Lentille is a 16-bed eco lodge that is located in the northern escarpment of the Laikipia Plateau in northwest Kenya. The Sanctuary is a collection of four, fully staffed country houses, each with its own courtyard, raised deck, gardens and lawns.
The houses are secluded from each other. The largest of these, the Chief’s House, has three bedrooms, a living and dining area and its own plunge pool on the deck.
The Colonel’s House is two-bedroomed, also with a small plunge pool. The Sultan’s House has one double bedroom with a spacious living and dining room. The most unusual of the houses is the Eyrie. Perched on top of a kopje (hill), it commands superb views over the entire conservancy.
The Sanctuary has a swimming pool, a library which provides a welcome haven for the bibliophile. The Laikipia Plateau boasts wildlife densities comparable only to those of the Maasai Mara.
Satao Elerai Camp
This conservation lodge is built on a 5,000-acre private conservancy next to the Amboseli National Park, Kenya and at the foot of Mt Kilimanjaro.
It is a 28-bed camp configured into five five luxury suites and nine canvas tents. Satao Elerai is set in an area with a variety of ecosystems that range from acacia woodlands to grass plain.
This makes for a rich diversity of game. Elephant, eland and giraffe abound. Dozens of bird species also make a home here. The camp has its own waterhole that is frequented by elephants, giraffes, eland, zebra and lesser kudu.
Day and night game drives maximise on your viewing pleasure. And surely there can be nothing more memorable than a sundowner with Africa’s most romanticised mountain as a backdrop.
The community of the Elerai Maasai who are the custodians of this land welcome visitors who are keen to catch a glimpse of their way of life.
