Seek out the Big Five in style at these luxury safari lodges in Kenya.
Close to the rim of the Great Rift Valley, Bateleur Camp is set among lush forests on the edge of the Masai Mara national reserve where the final sweeping scene of Out Of Africa was filmed. Comprised of just two intimate camps of nine tented suites each and a family tent; each elegant tent comes with its own private butler and housekeeper, reflecting the ambiance and glamour of Kenyan explorers of old. The secluded tents have a 1930s Hemingway charm, filled with campaign furniture, hand-crafted artefacts, safari hats, deep leather chairs and a sumptuous bed. Refreshing lap pools in each camp provide cool comfort in between captivating game drives. Delicious cuisine is served in a memorable setting beneath the stars and bush breakfasts and romantic sundowners offer an unforgettable African experience. Activities at Bateleur Camp include twice-daily game drives, including spot-lit night drives. The camp also offers a range of additional activities such as bush walks, hot air balloon safaris, community excursions, a well- equipped gym and wellness treatments in their massage sala.
Angama Mara, balances high on the Great Rift Valley overlooking the Maasai Mara plains, resulting in an utterly mesmerising view. The lodge is designed to make sure you'll have insane, 180-views of the savannah, whether you're lying in bed or taking a shower. The camp contains 30 tents but splits them into two camps to maintain an intimate feel, with two identical guest areas and each guest is given a butler. This is no traditional safari set-up: the sleek, Italian-inflected design gives the place a bit of cosmopolitan flair, as does a pavilion with a library, shop, fitness room, and infinity pool. Not for the safari purist, but ideal for luxury lovers. A lantern-lit barbecue in the forest is offered, while all meals can be taken either in the bush, at the guest area on in tents. Guests are welcome to serve themselves drinks from the bar whenever they please. Breaking from the traditional two-a-day game drive model, Angama structures your wildlife doses around whatever you’re feeling up for—full day, two hours, bird-focused, driving, walking etc. As well as game drives, the lodge offers walking safaris, hot-air balloon rides, village visits and picnics on the site used in Out of Africa. In-tent massages and nail treatments are available.
Set in a private game park in Laikipia, against the foothills of Mount Kenya, Segera is home to conservation, community and culture. There are six private villas plus a larger house for families, all of which are nestled in and among the botanical garden dense with bougainvillea, euphorbia trees, towering cactii, as well as owner Jochen Zeitz's world-famous art collection scattered throughout. A truly unique collaboration between Segera and Nay Palad has resulted in the Nay Palad Bird Nest – a raised ‘nest’ in the wild with an en-suite bedroom as well as a bed on the rooftop that allows you to sleep under the stars. Arrive just before sunset to lit lanterns, champagne and a picnic-style dinner. In the morning, breakfast will be delivered allowing you to prolong your time in the wild. Segera has a farm-to-fork approach to meals with organic vegetables and herbs harvested from the thriving on-site garden, served alongside locally sourced meat and fish. Alongside a traditional safari a highlight at Segera is spending time with their anti-poaching unit and their highly trained bloodhound dogs, performing seek and find missions with them. For a truly memorable experience, take to the skies in the lovingly restored G-AAMY fondly remembered from ‘Out of Africa'.
Travellers seeking a more private and tailored alternative to Africa’s innumerable safari lodges will be wowed by Arijiju - the most luxurious property on our list. Found on the Borana Conservancy in Laikipia, Arijiju is named after the hill upon which it stands and was born out of a desire from its Nigeria-born, Europe-based owner wanting to create a base that would allow his children to experience the freedom and simplicity he enjoyed in his youth. Crafted from hand-cut Meru stone and inspired partly by the monasteries of neighbouring Ethiopia, the squat five-bedroom property is clad with rough-hewn rock and capped by grass-covered flat roofs to meld with the landscape. Rooms are a medley of rustic African fixtures, earthy colours and occasional extravagant European flourishes such as grand chandeliers. Most set alongside a central courtyard, bedrooms feature standalone copper tubs, indoor and outdoor showers and leather desks. A resident staff of 14 include a butler, ranger and chefs who rustle up healthy and light “Ottolenghi-style” cuisine. Up to 10 visitors will have all needs promptly met and full use of facilities that include a games room, cinema, library and infinity pool. Staffed by a masseuse and beauty therapist whose treatments are included in hire rates, the spa features a hammam and yoga deck; more active types can make use of a gym and tennis and squash courts.
Governors’ Mugie House is the latest addition to the Governors’ Camp Collection. Yesteryear elegance is the thought that comes to mind when you step into the 8 stoney cottages offered with sweeping views of the Laikipia landscape. A large main house with open log fires hosts guests for relaxing cocktails and scrumptious meals, prepared from a creative menu with ingredients sourced from their own vegetable garden. An infinity pool offers lovely shaded areas and a casual alfresco dining area, while a waterhole set in front of Mugie House attracts a variety of wildlife that comes to drink. Activities include, nature walking tours, a nine-hole golf course, fishing for on a catch-and-release basis at the Mugie dam, tracking lions with rangers, heading out with the anti-poaching unit (bloodhounds and their handlers) and see the excellent community cattle grazing programme.
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