Kenya
Vast savannahs peppered with immense herds of wildlife. Snow-capped equatorial mountains. Traditional peoples who bring soul and colour to the earth. Welcome to Kenya.
When you think of Africa it’s the lone acacia silhouetted on the savannah against a horizon stretching into eternity, it’s the snow-capped mountain almost on the equator and within sight of harsh deserts, it’s the lush, palm-fringed coastline of the Indian Ocean, it’s the Great Rift Valley that once threatened to tear the continent asunder, and it’s the dense forests reminiscent of the continent’s heart. In short, Kenya is a country of epic landforms that stir our deepest longings for this very special continent.
Filling the country's landscape, adding depth and resonance to Kenya’s age-old story, are some of Africa’s best-known peoples. The Maasai, the Samburu, the Turkana, the Swahili, the Kikuyu: these are the peoples whose histories and daily struggles tell the story of a country and of a continent – the struggle to maintain traditions as the modern world crowds in, the daily fight for survival in some of the harshest environments on earth, the ancient tension between those who farm and those who roam. Drawing near to these cultures could just be a highlight of your visit.
Kenya is the land of the Masai Mara, of wildebeest and zebras migrating in their millions with the great predators of Africa following in their wake, of endangered species like black rhinos managing to maintain their precarious foothold. But Kenya is also home to the red elephants of Tsavo, to Amboseli elephant families in the shadow of Mt Kilimanjaro and to the massed millions of pink flamingos stepping daintily through lake shallows. Africa is the last great wilderness where these creatures survive. And Kenya is the perfect place to answer Africa’s call of the wild.
Safari Lodge
Rekero Camp
Masai Mara, Kenya
When it comes to witnessing the world-famous Great Migration, Rekero is in prime position. Overlooking the Talek River in Kenya’s Masai Mara National Reserve, the camp sits next to a main crossing point used by the wildebeest on their epic annual journey.
Guests can watch the herd make this perilous crossing without even leaving the camp. Enjoy this and other wildlife sightings from the comfort of your riverside tent or from one of the two communal decks.
While on a game drive, keep your eyes open for prides of lion waking up for a night of hunting, cheetah scanning the sun-bleached plains from atop a termite mound and elephants drinking at a waterhole. Spend afternoons kicking back with a G&T on the deck to watch the river crossings or stretching out on your private veranda with spectacular views of the herds.
Hotel
Hemingways Nairobi
Nairobi, Kenya
This 45-suite boutique hotel elevates the standard of luxury for travellers in the region. Beautiful in its symmetry and flooded with natural light, this plantation-style property is airy and spacious. Each of the 80m² suites have a private balcony overlooking the iconic silhouette of the Ngong Hills, a magical view which can also be enjoyed over sundowners at the Bar.
Their service is personal and sincere, offering a luxury experience from the moment you touchdown in Kenya.
Your dedicated butler will know that you prefer Earl Grey to Assam with your scones, and will remember which trousers you like pressed flat and which ones need a central crease.
So while you are indulging in the spa, relaxing beside the pool or meandering through the gardens, back in your suite, your butler will have dimmed the lights, adjusted your personalized pillows, set out your nightcap and arranged the morning’s outing down to the finest detail.
Safari Lodge
Kichwa Tembo Tented Camp
Masai Mara, Kenya
Blessed with an astounding year-round concentration of animals and site of the Great Wildebeest Migration, Kenya’s Masai Mara National Reserve provides an unsurpassed wildlife experience. Covering an area of 1 510 km2 (583 square miles), the Masai Mara is a land of breath-taking vistas, abundant wildlife and endless landscapes.
Kichwa Tembo Tented Camp is situated in the Kichwa Tembo private concession, which neighbours the Masai Mara. Meaning ‘head of the elephant’ in KiSwahili, Kichwa Tembo consists of private land leased from Maasai landlords and situated inthe remote western Mara, almost exclusively explored by fly-in guests. In addition to its the excellent year-round concentration of wildlife, Kichwa Tembo lies directly in the path of Africa’s spectacular Great Migration.
Safari Lodge
Bateleur Camp
Masai Mara, Kenya
Tucked away at the foot of the scenic Oloololo escarpment (the rim of the Great Rift Valley) in Kenya’s iconic Masai Mara National Reserve, is the classic and elegant Bateleur Camp.
Here, amidst the reserve’s astounding year-round concentration of animals, including the Great Wildebeest Migration, guests can experience an unsurpassed wildlife experience.
This romantic and totally private camp reflects the ambiance of Kenyan safaris of the ‘20s and ‘30s and is situated below the scenic location where the famous final scene of the movie Out of Africa was filmed.