Lake Manyara National Park- Tanzania Safaris, Attractions, Activities, Accommodation

Lake Manyara National Park- Safaris, Attractions, Activities, Accommodation.

Located in Tanzania’s northern tourism circuit, lake Manyara is a lovely scenic gem, a lush green paradise enjoying spectacular settings against the a back-drop of 600 m high rift-valley escarpments.    Though receiving less than 800ml of rainfall much of the park is covered by the ever green ground water forest.  The ground water  forest resembles a rain forest with tall large trees, lianas, struggling fig trees and canopy.  The ground ever green forest is home to a variety of wildlife. Primates thriving in the forest include the blue monkeys, baboons and vervet monkey.  Forest birds like the silvery-cheecked horn-bills abound. Also found here are the guinea fowls.

Lake Manyara is also a perfect bird watcher’s paradise with 400 species of birds recorded.  The star of this afivauna are the large flocks of pink feathered flamingos on the lake shores.  The availability of geothermal heated hot-springs makes it possible for the green algae, spiralina (food of flamingos) to thrive. Other wanders (water birds) to be found on the lake shores are pelicans, storks, jacanas, egrets, plovers, ducks and geese. Elephants and other mammals do visit the forest too.

Found in lake Manyara are the tree climbing lions.  Tree climbing lions are also to be found in Ngorongoro, Tarangire and Serengeti Parks.  In Uganda, will find them in Isasha sector of Queen Elizabeth National park. They climb up the trees to avoid the often painful bite of the tsetse flies.

Other big mammals in the park include buffaloes, zebra, giraffe, impala, waterbucks, klipspringer ( on the cliffs), leopards, warthogs, mongoose.

Another attraction in Lake Manyara is the Mto wa Mbu, a multi-ethnic with lively colourful markets and thriving cultural tourism programmes.  The central market is quite impressive with all the local produce including the Masai beads and shukas.  The cultural tourism programe includes visits to shambas (Farms). This visits the local farms where you will witness and even participate in making of banana beer (mbege).  Other excursions from Mto wa Mbu includes hikes to Lake Miwaleni, Balaa Hill or Njoro hotsprings.  Canoeing is also available on the west side of the lake when the water is high.

If you happen to be around on 22 of any month, visit the mnada, the animal auction market which attracts buyers from all over the country.

Activities in Lake Manyara National Park

Besides bird watching and game drives one can enjoy canoeing, mountain biking, micro lifting, night game drives, bush dinners, forest walks, birding. Outside the park one can enjoy the local cultural tourism programs.

Getting To Lake Manyara National Park

Lake Manyara is approximately 120 Km from Arusha.  Give it  a 2 hours drive.  The park is best visited from June to September.  A 4×4 car is recommended. 

Accommodation in Lake Manyara

Most of accommodation facilities are outside the park within Mto wa Mbu and the surrounding area. Inside the park accommodation is limited to campsites.

Lodge and Luxury Accommodation

High class accommodation is available at the following lodges and tented camps.  Expect to pay about USD 210 per person per night on full board.

• Lake Manyara Serena Lodge

• Lake Manyara Tree Lodge

• Kirurumu Tented Lodge

• Lake Manyara Hotel

• Migunga Forest Camp

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Malindi Tourist Attractions, Activities, Things To Do, Safaris, Hotels, Car Hire

Malindi Tourist Attractions,  Activities, Things To Do | Safaris Beach Hotels, Car Rentals.

Malindi is a popular tourist resort located 120 Km to the North-east of Mombasa.  The resort is accessible by road, air and sea.  Most of the visitors fly in directly by charter flights from Europe.  A flight from Nairobi will take 45 minutes.  Bus travel from Nairobi will take about 10 Hours.  

Malindi A Friendly City– From its humble beginnings in the 14^th century, Malindi was noted for its friendly people.  After rebuttal in Mombasa, Malindi offered sanctuary to Vasco da Gama and even offered him a guide to take him across the seas to India.  The Vasco da Gama’s pillar and the little Portuguese Church are a testimony to this friendship.  Earlier, the sultan of Malindi had welcomed Chinese sailors and offered a giraffe as a present to their King.   The giraffe was presented to Yong Le Emperor of China in 1415 during the Ming Dynasty. To this day, the giraffe is the symbol of diplomatic relationship between China and African countries.  Due to its peaceful nature, Malindi continues to attract visitors from different corners of the world.  Notable is the large population of Italians which has earned the town the tag new Milano.

Tourist are attracted to Malindi by what they see and what they do (activities).  Two Marine Parks- Malindi Marine Park(In Malindi) and Watamu Marine Park( In Watamu) have colorful coral gardens with splendid display of marine life.  Visitors in glass bottomed boats flock into the parks for snorkeling and diving expeditions.  In the vicinity are other attractions like

• Gedi Ruins

• Kipepeo (butterfly) Project

• Aqua ventures

• Bio Ken snake park

• The falconry

• Takwa ruins

• Vasco da gama’s pilar

• The Portuguese church

• Sawa Sawa dhow excursions

• Tsavo East/ West National Parks

Watamu– The small village of Watamu has 8 Kms of pristine sandy beaches which has been rated one of the top ten beaches in the world.  A major plus of staying at Watamu is that you can swim both at low and high tides.  However the beach is clogged with seaweed from June to October.   Besides the beaches other attractions in Watamu are the Watamu Marine Park, the snake farm, Mida Creek and Whale Island.  At Watamu, you can while your day relaxing in the beach or on the various adventures within.  Activities at Watamu include:-

• Deep sea fishing

• Fitness and Yoga courses

• Kite surfing-During the months of July and August and from January through March.

• Visits to Watamu Snake Park-The snake park has the largest collection of snakes in East Africa with over 200 species.  The adjacent laboratory supplies hospitals with anti venom.

• Visits to the Marindi and Watamu Marine Parks.

• Superb snorkeling and bird watching at the Mida Creek. 

• Visits to Tsavo East National Park

Getting to Malindi /Flights to Malindi

Several airlines operate daily flights to Malindi from Jomo Kenyatta Airport (Nairobi), Moi Airport (Mombasa) and Wilson Airport (Nairobi).  Several European Countries operate charter flights from Europe direct to Malindi.

Driving

You can drive from Nairobi or Mombasa to Malindi.  Several up country buses operate daily from Mombasa or Nairobi to Malindi.

Malindi Beach Hotels Resorts and Accommodation

Malindi is one of the premier beach resorts in Kenya.  The town located 120 Km north of Mombasa has witnessed unprecedented growth in the hotels  industry.  Malindi town has numerous high class hotels kissing the palm fringed beaches of the Indian Ocean.  Along Malindi’s Casuarina Road are numerous guest houses, resorts, private villas, self catering apartments and cottages all accepting paying guests on full time or temporally. Among the best of Malindi’s Beach Hotels are Ocean Beach Resort And Spar and Kilili  Baharini Resort popular with the creme de la creme of Kenya.  The Plan Hotel/ Sandies resorts include Africa Dream Village, Tropical Village,  Coconut Village and Malindi Beach. Among the memorable of  Malidni hotels are Coral Key, Drift wood, Africa Dream Village and Scorpio Villas.  In Malindi High Season Falls in January-March; July to October.  Mid Season -October to December. Low Season -April May and June. Most of the properties close during the low season.

Malindi Beach Hotels or Beach Resorts can be classified in terms of facilities and even the price range.  Depending on the rates, some properties will fall in the category of deluxe or super luxury. Some properties like Woburn Residence, Ocean Beach Resorts and Coral Key combine hotel services with apartments for long stay.  The apartments at Woburn  and Ocean Paradise are luxurious enjoying spacious grounds and swimming pools.  The Kilili Baharini resort is famous with the creme de la creme of Kenya noveu riche.  Coral Key, Driftwood, Lawford and Seaview Lodge have withstood the test of time and have impeccably served Malindi.  There are numerous budget properties in Malindi charging from KES 1500 (USD 20) to KES 3500 (USD 81) per night on double rooms.  A good example is the slightly hidden Bush Baby Lodge and the African Pearl.

Malindi Car Hire

Our Car hire / rental locations (locations de voitures) in Malindi include-Malindi City Centre Office, Malindi International Airport (MYD) serving the whole of the Kenya Coast.  Other locations in  Kenya are Nairobi City, Nairobi Jomo Kenyatta Airport (NBO),  Mombasa, Mombasa Moi International Airport (MBA), Kisumu, Nakuru.   They  open from 08:00to 18:00 hrs from Monday to Saturday.   In the rest of East Africa rental locations (locations des voiture)  are Dar Es Salaam, Dar Es Salaam Airport Coded (DAR) , Arusha, Kilimanjaro International Airport (JRO),  Dodoma and Zanzibar (Tanzania) , Kigali (Rwanda),  Kampala , Jinja and Entebbe (Uganda),  Bujumbura (Burundi).

Malindi Beach Hotels, Accommodation, Villas, Car Hire,

Malindi Beach Hotels | Malindi Accommodation | Malindi Hotels | Malindi Car Hire,

Malindi Hotels Malindi Beach Hotels / Malindi Villas:  Malindi is one of the premier beach resorts in Kenya.  The town located 120 Km north of Mombasa has witnessed unprecedented growth in the hotels  industry.  Malindi town has numerous high class hotels kissing the palm rindged beaches of the Indian Ocean.  Along Malindi’s Casuarina Roada are numerouss guest houses, private villas, self catering apartments and cottages all accepting paying guests on full time or temporally. Among the best hotels are Kilili  Baharini Resort popular with the creme de la creme of Kenya.  The planHotel/ Sandies resorts include Africa Dream Village, Tropical Village,  Coconut Village and Malindi Beach. Among the memorable of  Malindi hotels are Coral Key, Drift wood, Africa Dream Village and Scorpio Villas. Enjoy our Best / Discount offer for Beach Hotels and  Car Rental/Hire in Malindi Kenya.

4×4 Car Hire Malindi Airport Kenya

Our Car hire / rental locations (locations de voitures) in Malindi include-Malindi City Centre Office, Malindi International Airport (MYD) serving the whole of the Kenya Coast.  Other locations in  Kenya are Nairobi City, Nairobi Jomo Kenyatta Airport (NBO),  Mombasa, Mombasa Moi International Airport (MBA), Kisumu, Nakuru.   They  open from 08:00to 18:00 hrs from Monday to Saturday.  Rental Cars can be returned at the point of pick up, at  Malindi International Airport, Hotels in Arusha, Dar Es Salaam.  In the rest of East Africa rental locations (locations des voiture)  are Dar Es Salaam, Dar Es Salaam Airport Coded (DAR) , Arusha, Kilimanjaro International Airport (JRO),  Dodoma and Zanzibar (Tanzania) , Kigali (Rwanda),  Kampala , Jinja and Entebbe (Uganda),  Bujumbura (Burundi).

Samburu National Park Lodges | Reserve Accommodation Hotels, Tented Camps, Kenya Safaris

Samburu National Park Lodges | Reserve Accommodation Hotels, Tented Camps, Kenya Safaris.

Samburu National Par k/ Reserve has a variety of accommodation facilities to suit different categories of travelers. Safari lodges, luxury tented camps and public camps caters for luxury, mid range and budget holiday makers.  Luxury safari lodges in Samburu National park include- Samburu Serena Lodge, Samburu Siba Lodge, Samburu Saruni Lodge, Sasaab Lodge and Samburu Sopa Lodge. Elephant bedroom is an exclusive tented camp for those interested in elephant and lion tracking.  Other tented camps include Samburu Intrepids, Bedouin Camp and Larsen’s Camp.  One can also stay at Joy’s Camp in the nearby Shaba National Reserve.

Samburu Serena Lodge

Top on the list of properties found in Samburu is the Samburu Serena Lodge.  A property of Serena Lodges and Hotels, the samburu serena is currently under renovations.

Samburu Simba Lodge

Samburu Simba lodge is overlooks Buffalo springs and the Uaso Nyiro River. Guest rooms have a fantastic views over the plains teaming with elephants, reticulated giraffe, Grevy’s zebra, Beisa orynx and long-necked gerunuk and other animals.  The comprise of Seven villas of ten rooms each – six on the ground floor and four on the first floor of which two rooms are interconnected. Lodge Facilities: 2 swimming pools, Pool side bar, Safes available at the reception, Telephone calls through the operator, Television – satellite TV: CNN, BBC Super Sport at Ibis Pub, Doctor on call, Health Club, Laundry Service

Attractions/ Activities Things to do in Samburu National Park

• Day and night game drives

• Visits to local Maasai, Samburu, Turkana and Boran homesteads

• Camel and horse riding in the private ranches

• Nature walks conducted by local Maasai/ Samburu warriors

• River rafting when season permits in Ewaso Ng’iro river

• Nature walks to the Ngare Ndare and Makogondo forest conducted by the local guides

• Aerial safaris in some of the lodges.

• Events like Lewa safaricom Marathon, Maralal Camel Derby

• Swimming either in the lodges or numerous private houses.

• Farm Tours

• Game viewing on camel/ horse back in the ranches

• Exploring Il lolokwe, Mathews Range (Nyiro Ndoto Mountains) mountains

• Camping in open skies, bush meals and sundowners in the private/community ranches.

Samburu National Park Safaris:

Safaris can be organized to samburu alone or in combination with other parks.  Some good combination safaris include

• 9 days Kenya Highlight.  Starting from Nairobi, this safari visits  Mt Kenya National Park, Samburu, Sweet Waters, Lake Nakuru and finally Masai Mara
• 7days Meru National Park -Samburu-Masai Mara  fly drive Safari. This is a fly drive safaris starting from Nairobi Wilson to Meru, Samburu and ending in Masai Mara.

Samburu can also be visiting in combination of the nearby ranches in Laikipia.

The vast Laikipia district of Kenya comprises of large community, group and private ranches all with Eco-tourism activities.  The ranches include Borana, Lewa, Ol Ari Nyiro, Lekurruki, Il Ngwsei, Ol Pejeta, Sweet Waters, El Karama,  Ole Lentille, Ol Malo, Loisaba, Mugie  etc.

The Eco-lodges in these ranches  include-Il Ngwesi, Borana and Tassia.  Other facilities include Lewa Safari Camp, Lewa House, Ol Pejeta Ranch House, Sweet Waters Tented Camp, Kitich Tented Camp, Elephant Watch, Laragai,  Mutamaiyu House, Loisaba Wilderness Lodge, Sabuk Lodge, Mukutan Retreat, Makena’s Hill, El Karama Bandas, Rutundu Log Cabins, Koija star beds, The Sanctuary at Ole Lentille and many others.

Laikipia Eco-Lodges In Private Community And Group Ranches

Laikipia Accommodation -Eco-Lodges Tented Camps in Private, Community And Group Ranches

Eyrie House sanctuary of ole lentille

You have been to Kenya But I say NO!! You have not been to Kenya. Kenya is and has always been about Dynamism, Adventure and discovery And to a bigger extent Missing in Action. If Kenya to you is Amboseli, Maasai Mara, Lake Nakuru, the Tsavo and the beaches of Malindi and Mombasa then you are a little off mark. Visiting these places is great MEANING there are greater places in Kenya. Yes! Greater in the sense timelessness, privacy, discovery and adventure. Before I go very far let me whisper a secret to you. Laikipia is the only place in the world that can challenge Maasai Mara in terms game watching, some endemic.

What is the attraction in Laikipia? What is it that World celebrities like Prince William find attractive in Laikipia? Of late Prince William has decided to make Lewa Wildlife Conservancy his annual retreat. At Segera Ranch Usain Bolt had his day when the bull elephant came close their truck. What is it in these desolate arid lands?

The wilds of Laikipia and Chyulu hills are dreamlands of timeless beauty, with open spaces, characterized by fresh air, and starlit nights. Laikipia is Africa’s foremost of successful wildlife conservation site with numerous private and community ranches all engaged in wildlife conservation and Eco-tourism. Adventure abounds in plenty that your once in a lifetime adventure will last a lifetime. The luxury exhibited in the ranches, lodges and private houses of Laikipia is beyond the imagination of an ordinary traveler. Originally, Laikipia was the home of the Pokot, Turkana, Samburu, and Il Dorobo. During the colonial times, a handful of white settlers parceled out large pieces of land for themselves with the sole purpose of raising beef cattle. However due to falling market prices, they diversified into wildlife conservation which has so far proved lucrative beyond their original imagination. The only threat to the newly found golden goose was the local communities. Predators (lions and leopard) would stray into the grazing grounds of the local communities and kill livestock, who (locals) would retaliate by killing and even poisoning the animals. This state of affairs could not continue forever and the white ranchers decided to involve the local communities in their conservation efforts. The white ranchers helped the locals to establish their own community ranches complete with Eco-lodges to accommodate their guests. The success of some of the projects like Il Ngwesi has been overwhelming and serves as a model in other parts of the world. But that is a story for another day. Today we want to look at accommodation options in this vast region.

Laikipia plateau has a varied landscape of stunning beauty. The high plains and low valleys are homes to some of the finest wildlife sanctuaries in the world, featuring some of the finest and luxurious accommodation facilities in the country. The cattle ranches have free roaming wildlife including elephants, giraffes, lions, leopards, gerenuks, rhinos and zebras. Famous sanctuaries include the Ol Pejeta for Chimpanzees and Lewa the breeding ground of black rhinoceros.

The private and community ranches of Laikipia include, Mugie, Lewa Wildlife Conservancy, Ol Pejeta Game Ranch, Borana, Sweet Waters Game Sanctuary, El Karama, Tarsia, Il Ngwesi Group Ranch, Segera, Ol malo, Lekurruki, Ol Ari Ngiro, Loisaba. Accommodation in these ranches is provided by private houses or eco-lodges. See R&N Xplorer Africa Safaris Travel Map for details on the location of the ranches and their accommodation facilities.

Lewa House/ Lewa Safari Camp and Wilderness Trails:

Perhaps one of the best places to stay in Laikipia is Lewa House. Lewa House, Wilderness Trails and Lewa Safari Camp are located in Lewa Wildlife Conservancy. Lewa house and Lewa Safari Camp are ideal for those who wants all their spending channeled towards local community projects and conservation. Unlike the other ranches, Lewa dedicates most of its earning to healthcare and educations for locals (30%), Community projects (40%) and the reminder on conservation and security. Lewa covers an area of 18,000 Hac. It is located to the south of Isiolo immediately after Isiolo Nanyuki junction. Lewa Wildlife Conservancy has been instrumental in developing community lodges of Il Ngwesi and Tassia. Lewa is the home of 8% of Kenya’s black rhino population. Other animals in the conservancy are lions, leopards, cheetahs, elephants and white rhinos. It accounts for 20% of the Grevy’s Zebra population in Kenya.

In all the three accommodation facilities on offer are day and night game drives, visits to local Maasai manyatta (Bomas), bush walks, bush breakfasts, camel rides,

Wilderness Trails (USD 370 per person sharing on full board basis) features 8 cottages and salt water swimming pool. Rooms have a fire place, en-suite bedrooms, four poster beds and a fire place

Lewa Safari Camp (USD 480 pp sharing full board) has 12 tents and a swimming pool. In the main building are bar, dining and a fire place overlooking the floodlit water where animals come to quench their thirst. The rates includes activities-game drives, house wines, local air transfers to lewa, guided walks.

Lewa house (USD 460 pp sharing on full-board), can take a maximum of 12 persons.

A major plus of the Lewa Wildlife Conservancy is the Lewa Safaricom Marathon. This is held every end of Jun to raise funds for conservancy where participants run in close proximity of wildlife.

Il Ngwesi Lodge & Il Ngwesi Group / Community Ranch

Il Ngwesi Group ranch (14, 500 Hac), is located at northwest edge of the Lewa Wildlife Conservancy and is owned by Il Ngwesi community of the Mukogodo division of Laikipia district. The local community often referred to as the Laikipiak (Mukogodo) Maasai were hunter gatherer Ndorobo (Il dorobo) called the Yiaku untill the 1920’s when they slowly changed their traditional custom as hunters and bee keepers and got assimilated to the “superior”, cattle keeping tradition of the local Samburu. They also changed their language from cushitic to maa speakers. The “inferior” culture, coupled with intermarriages hasted the assimilation process. Their ladies would even prefer the rich men from the Maasai and the farming communities.

The Il Ngwesi Community Lodge (USD 400 pp sharing full board) comprises of 6 bandas all with adjoining open showers. It location on the banks of Ngare Ndare River on the edges of Mukogodo Hills commands panoramic views of Northern Kenya. IL Ngwesi is constructed local materials. Some of the bandas allow you to roll out your mattress on a platform and spend the night under the stars. An attraction in the lodge is a swimming pool, which appears to overflow into the wilderness below. All heating and lighting is provided by solar power. Il Ngwesi Lodge is reached using a 4WD from Borana Ranch or a short flight from Nanyuki. Il Ngwesi counts Prince William among its celebrity guest list.

Activities in Il Gwesi include, exploring the magnificent conservation area that adjoins Lewa, Borana and the Mukogodo Forest Reserve, visits to the cultural boma, excursions along the Ngare Ndare River with local guides, offers a special opportunity to get close to the wildlife, followed by a picnic breakfast, Game drive, followed by sun-downers on one the many different vantage points along the Mukogodo Hills and visits to troops of baboons and monkeys. A popular attraction is OMNI, the habituated orphan black rhino, trans-located from Lewa.

Lekurruki Community Ranch & Tassia Eco Lodge Lekurruki Community Group Ranch (60,000 Hac) is located to the north of Il Ngwesi Community Group Ranch in the vicinity of Lewa and Borana ranches.

Tassia Community Eco-Lodge (USD 400 PP sharing) is cut into a steep cliff face commanding panoramic views of the northern plains and the sacred Il lolokwe hill. It has a bunkhouse for children.

The Tassia Eco-lodge is run by Laikipiak (Mukogodo) Maasai. The 6 individual rooms offer en-suite facilities and privacy. The rate include activities- visits to local Manyattas, day and night game drives, bush walks and picnics, camel rides and treks. The lodge has a natural rock swimming pool and natural water hole where animals come to quench their thirst.

Borana Ranch and Lodge Borana Ranch occupies 14,000 Hac. Besides keeping the local borana breed of beef cattle it is involved in conservation of wild animals. On offer at the ranch are horse riding, day and night game drive, guided tours, sun-downers, fishing in Mt Kenya. The Ranch also owns Rutundu lake log cabins on Mt Kenya.

Borana Lodge (USD 640 pp sharing on full board) offers 6 individual cottages with en-suite bathrooms, large bedrooms, sitting area with a fire place and open verandas with great views of the plains below. The main building offers spectacular views of the northern plains. The lodge has a swimming pool.

Laragai lodge located in Borana Ranch has 8 en suite rooms and a swimming pool. The main activities-guided walks, day and night game drives, horse riding, bush meals, excursions to lewa conservancy and Samburu national reserve, fly fishing.

The Rutundu Log Cabins caters for a maximum of 8 persons. The rate for exclusive use of the whole place is USD 460.00 per day self catering. Fishing fee is USD 15.00 per person per day.

Ol Pejeta Conservancy, Sweet Waters Tented Camp and Ol Pejeta House.

Ol Pejeta conservancy inclusive of Sweet Waters Game Sanctuary occupies an area of 90,000 Hac. The conservancy is located between Mt Kenya and Aberdare national parks. Originally owned by Lord Delamere, Ol Pejeta has changed ownership several times. From Lord Delamere, It went to Roussel (Father in law of Christina Onasis) and later to Adnan Khasoggi. Today it is run by Serena Hotels. It has all the big five-rhino, elephant, buffalo, leopard and lion. Also found here are chimpanzees, Grevy’s Zebra, Jackson’s Hartebeests anc cheetahs. Besides chimpanzee tracking and game watching, Ol Pejeta offer tree planting, bird walks, camel rides, cultural tours to Maasai Manyattas, safari sun-downers, lion tracking,

Sweet Waters Tented Camp (USD 150 PP sharing on full board) comprise comfortably furnished en-suite tents overlooking the waterhole. The camp also has a swimming pool.

Ol Pejeta Ranch House (Rate available on requets) has a total of six suites and a swimming pool. Originally the home of famed multi-millionaire, Adnan Khashoggi, Ol Pejeta House is a beautiful private house set within the pristine calm of the Ol Pejeta Conservancy. If one of your ambitions is to retreat back to history, to the bygone traditions of Kenya’s farmhouse hospitality, then the Ol Pejeta House is the place to stay. Accommodation -2 superior guest rooms with queen size beds, ensuite bathroom, dressing room and large balcony with excellent view of game teeming plains; 2 standard guest rooms with double bed, en suite with bathroom and terrace, Buffalo Cottage with2 Deluxe Rooms and a Fireplace

Mugie Ranch and Mutamaiyu House:

Mutamaiyu House is located in 49,000 Hac Mugie Ranch. A visitor described it as “Heaven on a Hill”. Mugie ranch lies at 6000 ft above sea level. Though warm, nights can be chilly. Mugie Ranch is home to all the big five. You can fly into Mugie from Nairobi Wilson or drive from Nanyuki. The dressing code is informal. Wear a sun cream to protect from sunburn, carry long sleeves and trousers for evenings, swimwear and sunglasses. Activities included in the rate are, guided bushwalks, day and night game drives, swimming, bush breakfasts, picnic lunches, sundowners Extra activities: clay pigeon, painting and sketching, camel and donkey treks, visits to the Pokot cultural boma Laundry: Washing and ironing is taken care of daily Beverages: Mutamaiyu has a well stocked bar with wines, beers, spirits and soft-drinks, all included except Champagne

Mukutan Retreat in Ol Ari Ngiro Ranch:

Mukutan Retreat (USD Rate available on request)is located in the 40.500 hac Ol Ari Ngiro Ranch and has a swimming pool. It is an exclusive hideaway in simple yet extremely sophisticated comfort, built using local stone, native woods and papyrus thatch. Each cottage is original in layout and décor. Perched at the edge of the gorge the three cottages offer double beds with spacious bathroom, a fireplace and private verandahs. A central lounge and dining area has the atmosphere of a private home, furnished with authentic Lamu and Swahili furniture. Organic food is served in the Retreat – Italian, Indian and Chinese with exotic touches. The shop sells a variety of locally made artifacts and Wild Sage essential oil products. Activities include bird watching, camel and horse riding, swimming in natural pools, fishing, and health spa and visits to Gallman Memorial foundation projects.

Makena’s Hill Tented Camp (USD rate available on request ) located in Ol Ari Ngiro is a permanent camp comprising of 8 comfortably furnished tents and a swimming pool. Each tent is carpeted and has a 4 poster bed with en-suite bathroom plus flush toilet. On offer are sundowners, meditation and yoga, bird watching, camel safaris, fishing, cultural visits to local Pokot villages, helicopter tours and visits to Gallman memorial foundation projects.

El Karama Ranch Bandas, comprise of nine basic self catering bandas situated on the banks of Ewaso Ngiro River. Swimming is possible in the river. They have long drop toilets and watchman 24 hours. Available are hurricane lamps, basic beds, mattresses, tables, chairs, beddings and utensils. Activities include-nature walks, fishing for barbels and catfish (bring own tackle), game drives, horse riding, camel rides. Basic accommodation is also available at Mpala Research Centre, a Kenya/US collaboration on sustainable development of Savannah and semi arid ecosystems in East Africa

Sosian Ranch House/ Sosian lodge is a beautifully restored African ranch house with a swimming pool, tennis court and wide expanses of wilderness to explore, comprising of seven cottages overlooking Mt Kenya and miles of un spoilt African Wilderness. Sosian is well known for its delicious home cooking using fresh ingredients from the organic vegetable garden and for its warm and friendly hospitality. Sosian Ranch covers 24,000 Hac. Activities include walking, horse-riding, camel safaris, game-drives, night-drives, fishing, bird-shooting, archery, tennis and swimming in the waterfalls behind the ranch house.

Ol Malo Ranch and Cottages comprise of 4 individual cottages with a swimming pool. Ol Malo, a place of Greater Kudu in local parlance is a 2000 Hac ranch 2 hours drive from Maralal. Ol Malo is located top of escarpment with spectacular views of Laikipia plains all the way to Mt Kenya. Each cottage is private with a veranda, spacious bedroom, lounge, en-suite bathrooms. Activities-bush walks, camel rides, birding, day/night game drives, bush picnics and sundowners, cultural visits to the bomas, excursions to Kirisia hills.

Sabuk Lodge comprise of five cottages located on a gorge 50 metres above a Ewaso Ngiro falls. Activities include bush walls, camel walks, birding, day and night game drives, sundowners, bush picnics, cultural visits. In Sabuk ranch you are likely to see greater kudu, klipspringer, reticulated giraffe, lion, eland and leopard.

Loisaba Wilderness Lodge is the former home of Count Ancelotto. The lodge has 7 cottages and a swimming pool. It is situated on 25,000hac Colcheccio ranch. Activities: day/night game drives, sundowners, bush walks, picnics, camel riding, horse riding, spa and health treatment, bush lunches, river rafting and fishing in season, helicopter excursions and night in a star-bed

Koija Star beds. Do you want to sleep under the stars? The exclusive star beds are half thatched platforms where your bed can be wheeled and you sleep under the stars. The 4 poster beds are on 4 wheels complete with mosquito netting. The platforms have showers and flush toilets. The star beds are managed by Koija community adjacent to Loisaba Ranch.

Loisaba Wilderness Lodge

Kitich Tented Camp, MathewsRange (USD 370 PP sharing)

Kitich means “the place of happiness”. At Kitch the local Samburu and Soyei people met for celebrations marked by dances, singing, drinking and feasting. Kitich Tented Camp is located in Mathews mountain range, overlooking Ngeng River. Kitich evokes the bygone era of the traditional African safaris of tents, hurricane lamps and attentive service. The camp can accommodate a total of eight guests in four luxurious tents. Each tent has a large comfortable bed, en-suite bathroom with safari-style hot water showers. The separate open-plan cottage houses a bar, dining and sitting room with a fireplace.

Activities include; walking and hiking in the wilderness, elephant trekking, bird and butterfly watching, bush picnics, swimming, visit to local Samburu village their market.

Closed Season: April, May, June and November to mid December.

Access: By private charter to Ngelai airstrip (10 kms from Kitich).

This dreamland of timeless beauty, Laikipia is a melting pot of humanity. With all the big five and luxurious accommodation in pristine settings, Laikipia is the next frontier of adventurous travelers.

Book these facilities via Gorilla Safaris Rwanda, Doris House 1st Floor Tom Mboya Street Meru-Kenya; Tel: +254 723 684 974;Email:  rnxploresafaris@gmail.com

R&N Xplorer Africa safaris specializes in tours, car hire and rental, hotel accommodation and attractions in East Africa-Kenya, Uganda, Tanzania, Rwanda and Burundi. Car rental locations are in Kampala, Jinja, Entebbe, Kigali, Bujumbura, Malindi, Mombasa, Arusha and Dar es Salaam.

Article Source: [http://EzineArticles.com/?Laikipia-Accommodation—Eco-Lodges-and-Tented-Camps-in-Private,-Community-and-Group-Ranches&id=3464228] Laikipia Accommodation – Eco-Lodges and Tented Camps in Private, Community and Group Ranches

Lake Nakuru National Park Lodges | Accommodation Hotels | Tented camps Safaris

Lake Nakuru National Park Lodges | Accommodation Hotels | Tented camps Safaris.

Lake Nakuru Lodge

Lake Nakuru National Park  or  Game Park is an ornithological paradise located two hours drive, 156 Kilometers west of Nairobi on the floor of Rift valley.  The park dates back to 1961 when the southern park of the lake was gazetted as a bird to protect the “greatest bird (ornithological) spectacle on earth“, for the future generations.  In 1964, the whole of the lake was declared a bird sanctuary.  in 1968, the Lake Nakuru shores were added into the sanctuary and the whole area was upgraded to a National Park. In 1974 a northern extension was added to the park increasing its area to the current 188 Km2.  In 1990 Lake Nakuru Game Park  is a  designated a Ramsar site–  for protection of an important international wetland.

Accommodation in Lake Nakuru National is diverse to cater for different categories of visitors.  Visitors have a choice of either sleeping inside the park or outside the park.  Inside the park, there are two safari lodges, one tented camp, a private house , Kws bandas and public campsites.   The two safari lodges in the park are Lake Nakuru Lodge and Lion Hill Lodge.  The two facilities offer mid range to luxury accommodation to their guests.  The only truly mid range property in the park is the Flamingo Hills Tented Camp.  Kws bandas and campsites offer budget alternatives to locals and tourists alike. Nakuru town has both mid range and budget hotels to cater for visitors.

Lake Nakuru National Park Safaris

Lake Nakuru National Park  is a premier tourism destination attracting diverse visitors of different backgrounds and with differing interests. It is the best place to see flamingoes, leopards and rhinos.   Nature lovers from all over the world congregate in the park for relaxation and adventure.  With over 450 species of birds identified, the home of flamingoes is an undisputed ornithological Paradise.  A two nights stay will give you enough time to enjoy the numerous activities on offer-game drives, bird watching, nature walks.  The greatest crowd puller is the annual Cycle With The Rhino Festival.  Lake Nakuru can be visited within a day from Nairobi(See 1 day Lake Nakuru Excursion, 2 Days 1 Night Lake Nakuru Safari) .  A combination of safaris enables one to visit both lake Nakuru and Maasai Mara National Parks (see Nairobi Lake Nakuru Naivasha Maasai Mara 4 days 3 nights.)

Maasai Mara National Park | Masai Mara Game Reserve | Migration | Safaris | Lodges

Maasai (Masai) Mara National Park |  Game Reserve | Migration | Safaris | Lodges.

wildebeest crossing turbulent crocodile infested Mara River

The Maasai (Masai) Mara  national park and reserve, once described as “Kenya’s Jewel never to be lost”, is in a class of its own.  The  best known wildlife sanctuary in the World Maasai (Masai) Mara National Reserve has acquired a high flier status having been  named “the seventh wonder of the world”.  The seventh wonder of the world is the  spectacle of the annual wildebeest migration between Maasai (Masai) Mara and Serengeti.

The Wildebeest Migration

The Wildebeest Migration in Maasai (Masai) Mara /Serengeti wildebeest migration is not about wildebeests migrating per se but rather its influence on the movement patterns of the other animals including human beings.  The migration comprise of the never ending milling of over 2.5 million wild animals composed of a about 1.7 million wildebeests, and 800,000 common Zebras and gazelle, followed closely by their predators-lions, hyenas, leopards, jackals.   Hovering in the skies are thousands of vultures, the super predators. Patient in nature, they survey the migrating herds descending on the dead carcasses reducing them to skeletons in a matter of seconds.  The hazardous crossing of crocodile invested Mara and Grumeti rivers is magical wonder of nature attracting thousands of human beings.  This survival of the fittest spectacle has been described at the “seventh wonder of the modern world”.  Strategic sighting of the migrating herds tend to influence the setting up of tourism facilities. The best time to witness migration in Masai Mara National Park Kenya, is between July to September.

Masai Mara wildebeest migration safaris

Several  wildebeest migration safaris are organized in both  Maasai (Masai) Mara and Serengeti National Parks.  The duration of the safari depends on various factors but mostly on time and budget but also the flexibility of the guest.  The all drive 11 days Masai Mara Serengeti Migration Safari commences from Nairobi and returns to the same via Maasai Mara, Serengeti, Ngorongoro, Manyara, and Amboseli.  The 8 days fly drive Wildebeest Migration Safari Masai Mara National Park  (Mara Explorer 8 days) is a luxury option. Guests fly from Nairobi Wilson to Masai Mara and return to the same.  The 4 days 3 Nights Migration safari combines Masai Mara, Lake Nakuru National Park and Lake Naivasha.   The 6 days Best of Tanzania Safari focuses on wildebeest migration in Serengeti National Park.   The best time to witness migration in Masai Mara National Park Kenya, is between July to September. Serengeti National Park is best visited between March and May.  All these safaris can be combined with 4 Days Gorilla tracking in Rwanda .

Accommodation in Masai Mara

AS of now Masai Mara has 108 properties with a abed capacity of 4000.

The Tented camps and safari lodges in Masai Mara fall under three categories- luxury, mid range and budget. While only 12 properties are inside the Mara reserve others are in the neighboring group ranches.   Does it matter where you spend the night while in Mara? Yes.  If you are interested night game drives and lots of local culture then you can stay in the group ranches.  Group ranches are privately run by the local people. However unplanned development coupled with large number of visitors threatens the very survival of the reserve.  Large numbers of visitors are associated with high degree of pollution in terms of noise, dust and changed animal behavior which can lead to extinction of venerable species like the cheetah which hunts only during the day.

Lewa Wildlife Conservancy | Lewa Down-Prince William Hideout

The history of Lewa Wildlife Conservancy can be traced to the decline of wild black rhino population.  The intense poaching 0f the 1970’s had reduced the wild populations from the high of 20,000 individuals to a mere 300 individuals scattered in different locations. By 1980’s to safe the black rhino was the number one priority of the governments and conservations.  It was an enormous task requiring heavy investments in terms of land and security.  The government appeal to the private individuals to chip in bore fruits.

In 1983, David and Delia Craig set aside 5000 Acres of their ranch as Ngare Sergoi Rhino Sanctuary.  Anna Merz, a renowned conservationist and philanthropist contributed her savings.  With land and cash at hand, they captured and trans-located the wild populations into the sanctuary to form a breeding herd.  Today the Lewa Wildlife Conservancy, employs over 300 people and occupies an area of 40,00o acres.

Location of Lewa Wildlife Conservancy

The conservancy is located on along Isiolo Road, two Kilometers from Meru/Isiolo/Isiolo Nanyuki junction.  It is approximately 260 Kilometers from Nairobi on a paved road.

Getting to Lewa Wildlife Conservancy

The critical mass of Lewa is worldwide.  It is a famous destination attracting a diversity of guests, the list of which includes no other than Prince William. From Nairobi, you can either fly or drive into Lewa.  A fly/drive arrangement is possible.  Two road options are available.  From Nairobi you can either drive as follows

• Road A2-Nairobi-Karatina-Kiganjo-Nanyuki-Subuiga-Lewa
• Road A2-Nairobi-Makutano(Take B2 Road)-Embu-Meru-Subuiga-Lewa
• Rent 4×4 car to visit lewa

Whichever road you use, you drive all the way to Isiolo Junction (Subuiga) from where the gate of Lewa is 2 km down Isiolo Road(A2).

Accommodation at Lewa Wildlife conservancy is offered by Lewa House, Lewa Safari Camp, Wilderness Trails, Kifaru House, Sirikoi Camp.

Lewa House consists of the main house and three cottages. It can accommodate in total 12 guests.  It has a large swimming pool

Lewa Safari Camp (USD 180 (Low Season)-USD410(High Season pp sharing) provides 12 tents with a swimming pool. The camp offer spectacular views of snow capped Mt Kenya and Laikipia.

What to do/ Activities at Lewa Wildlife Conservation.

The activities at Lewa are diverse.  Within the sanctuary itself

1. Game viewing – with the option of day and night drives
2. Bird
3. Bush walks with local guides
4. Lion tracking
5. Visits to local villages(Bomas)
6. Visit the pre-historic archaeological site
7. fly fishing (weather permitting)
8. Participation in wildlife management activities
9. Educational talks on the history and day-to-day operation of the conservancy.
10. Massage and Beauty therapy
11. Sundowners
12. Bush meals
13. Game watching from blinds
14. Aerial and helicopter rides.
15. Visits to the nearby attractions and ranches.

While in Lewa one can also visit the nearby private and community ranches of  Il Ngwesi, Borana and Lekurruki.  To the west of Lewa are Il Ngwesi Ranches and Borana ranches.  Borana is a private commercial ranch incorporating wildlife conservation.  The ranch organizes excellent nature walks, horse riding and sun-downers in addition to fishing excursion in the nearby Mt Kenya National Park with overnight stays at Rutundu Log Cabins (Full board USD 570 per day  for exclusive use o f 4 pax).  Accommodation in Borana is at Borana Lodge (USD 560-640pp sharing) and Laragai (Exclusive use of upto 6 pax USD 3400-39oo depending on season per day on full board). Laragai can accommodate a total of 12 pax.

Il Ngwesi is a community ranch owned by Laikipiak/Mukogondo/ Il Ngwesi Maasai. They own the excellent Il Ngwesi Eco Lodge (USD 400 pp per night).  Activities include, exploring the magnificent conservation area that adjoins Lewa, Borana and the Mukogodo Forest Reserve. Others include visits to the cultural boma, excursions along the Ngare Ndare River with local guides which offers special opportunity to get close to the wildlife, picnic breakfasts, game drive, sun-downers on top of  Mukogodo Hills and visits to troops of baboons and monkeys. A popular attraction is OMNI, the habituated orphan black rhino, trans-located from Lewa.

Similar activities are offered at Lekurruki Ranch with accommodation at Tassia Eco Lodge (USD450 PP per night).

Besides the above, one can visit Sweet Waters Game Sanctuary and Ol Pejeta Conservancy.  In the vicinity of Lewa Wildlife Conservancy are National Parks of Meru, Samburu, Mt Kenya, Buffalo Springs and Shaba.

Book your Stay in Lewa or any of the above lodge

Contact Gorilla Safaris Rwanda

Email: rnxploresafaris@gmail.com

Tel:+254723684974

Hire 4×4 car to visit Lewa

Hire 4×4 Car To Lewa Wildlife Conservancy

Our car  Hire  services / Rental company locations include-Nairobi City Centre Office, Nairobi Jomo Kenyatta International Airport (Coded NBO or JKIA) serving the whole of the country and Nairobi.  Other locations in Kenya include, Mombasa Town,  Moi Airport Mombasa (MBA), Malindi Airport (MYD), Kisumu, Nakuru, Nanyuki. They  open from 08:00to 18:00 hrs from Monday to Saturday.  Rental Cars can be returned at the point of pick up, at Nairobi Jomo Kenyatta Airport (NBO) or at the hotels in Nairobi, Mombasa or Malindi. In the rest of East Africa rental locations (locations des voiture) are Kigali (Rwanda),  Kampala , Jinja and Entebbe (Uganda),  Bujumbura (Burundi) Dares salaam, Dar Es Salaam Airport (DAR), Kilimanjaro Airport (JRO), Arusha ( Tanzania) and Zanzibar.

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Makena’s Hills Tented Camp

In Kimeru Language, “Makena” means the “happy one” . As if to proof this true, Makena’s Hill Tented Camp enjoys one of the most scenic and dramatic locations in the world.   The camp is surrounded by series of ridges, amidst steep gorges and valleys in an open savannah plain.   In this location is the  private paradise, home of conservationist and author Kuki Gallman.   Wildlife spotting is amazing with over 400 species of birds.

The camp is sited on the southern end of Kuki Gallmann’s Ol Ari Nyiro ranch, overlooking the rift valley down to Lake Baringo.  In this fantasy location, in the furthest west of Laikipia, the film “I Dreamed of Africa” was shot.

Accommodation is provided by 8 enormous Arabic desert style tents.  The décor is Arabic with luxurious furnishings, antiques and mirrors.   You can either choose to stay in tent fitted with two queen size beds or on with a four poster double bed.   Each tent is attached to a spacious dressing room /bathroom and a private massage bed and yoga mats.  Each has a private verandah overlooking the Great Rift Valley.

Facilities include a central area with two giant fireplaces, adjacent to a study and reading room, a   front terrace with a camp fire, dining room, bar, shop and swimming pool.

Quality organic food is served.

Activities include walking and hiking the hills, game drives and tracking, camel walks, horse riding, bird walks, botanical walks, fishing for black bass and crayfish, night under stars in moonlit cottage, visits to local Pokot and Samburu homesteads, aromatherapy, massage and yoga, visit to archeological sites and aerial safaris.

Closed Season: Open all year round

Getting to Makena’s Hills Tented Camp: By private charter flight to Engelesha airfield.

Book these facilities via Gorilla Safaris Rwanda, Doris House 1st Floor Tom Mboya Street Meru-Kenya; Tel: +254 723 684 974;Email:  rnxploresafaris@gmail.com

Hire a 4×4 Car in Nairobi to visit Makena’s Hills

Laikipia Tented Camps-Accommodation In Group, Community And Private Ranches

Laikipia is a dreamland of timeless beauty, enjoying pristine settings, the home and next frontier for adventurous traveler. If you imagine peace of mind, plenty of wildlife, pampered luxury and extreme adventure, Laikipia is your destination.  In gathering the scattered information on tourism in this region, we focus on luxury tented camps.

The luxury tented camps of Laikipia include among others Lewa Safari Camp, Makena’s Hills, Sangare, Kitich, Elephant watch, Ol pejeta Bush Camp and Kicheche Bush camp.

Definition:– Laikipia is a vast region encompassing the Central Northern Kenya.  For tourism purposes our Laikipia is that circuit between the towns of Nyeri, Merille, Barogoi, Lake Baringo, Marigat, Ol Kalau back to Nyeri inclusive of Nyahururu, Aberdare and Mt Kenya massifs, to the west of road A2.  That region inclusive of Nyeri, Maralal, Nanyuki and Nyahururu towns, Samburu, Buffalo Springs Reserves, Mathews range, the private, group or community ranches of Mugie, Lewa, Ol Pejeta, Borana, Tassia,  Sweet Waters, El Karama, Tarsia, Il Ngwesi, Segera, Ole Lentille, Sangare, Solio, Ol malo, Lekurruki, Ol Ari Ngiro, Loisaba, ll Motiok, Maralal Game Sanctuary, Namunyak conservancy.

Below are the luxury tented camps in this region, their location and other details. Tented camps must not be mistaken for campsites.  Campsites are basic, providing grounds where you can pitch your tent, firewood and maybe water.  Campsites are mostly self catering while tented camps are establishment bordering on luxury with permanently erected canvas tents, with additional local roofing, complete with flush toilets and even bath taps similar to a five star hotel.

Elephant Watch Safaris Tented Camp ( 470 PP sharing)

Situated on the banks of the Ewaso Nyiro river in Samburu National Reserve.  Described as exotic, the camp very exclusive catering for high end guests, who desire to gain intimate knowledge of elephants. The area has over a thousand elephants in herds of 66 families.  Accommodates a maximum of 10 guests, the camp has five custom made desert tents with en-suite bathrooms.  Activities include, daily elephant watch tours, bird and nature walks, visits to safe the elephant project and local bomas.  All safaris are conducted by excellent local guides.

Closed Season: Closed in April and November during the rains.

Access: By Air Kenya & daily scheduled flight from Wilson, by private charter or by road via Nanyuki town.

Kitich Tented Camp, Mathews Range (USD 370 PP sharing)

Kitich means “the place of happiness”. At Kitch the local Samburu and Soyei people met for celebrations marked by dances, singing, drinking and feasting.  Kitich Tented Camp is located in Mathews mountain range, overlooking Ngeng River. Kitich evokes the bygone era of the traditional African safaris of tents, hurricane lamps and attentive service. The camp can accommodate a total of eight guests in four luxurious tents.  Each tent has a large comfortable bed,  en-suite bathroom with safari-style hot water showers. The separate open-plan cottage houses a bar, dining and sitting room with a fireplace.

Activities include;- walking and hiking in the wilderness, elephant trekking, bird and butterfly watching, bush picnics, swimming, visit to local Samburu village their market.

Closed Season: April, May, June and November to mid December.

Access: By private charter to Ngelai airstrip (10 kms from Kitich).

Lewa Safari Camp

Located in Lewa Wildlife Conservancy.   The camp provides visitors with an insight into conservation and wildlife management. The camp can accomodate 26 guests, the permanent luxury tents are comprised of nine twins, two triples and one double. Each tent has an en-suite bathroom with hot and cold running water and flush toilets. The camp also has a pool.

Activities: game viewing – with the option of day and night drives, bird and bush walks, lion trekking, visits to local villages, visit the pre-historic archaeological site, fly fishing (weather permitting, participation in wildlife management activities, educational talks on the history and day-to-day operation of the conservancy.

Optional activities include horse riding and camel trekking, visits to Il N’gwesi Maasai cultural village, scenic flights up Mt. Kenya for trout fishing and walking with an overnight stay at the Rutundu log cabins.

Closed Season: 1st April to 15th May and November.

Access: By daily schedule flight from Wilson Airport (Nairobi) to Lewa Downs, by private charter flight direct to the Lewa airstrip, or by road from either Nanyuki (2 hours) or Nairobi.

Makena’s Hills Tented Camp

In Kimeru Language, “Makena” means the “happy one” . As if to proof this true, Makena’s Hill Tented Camp enjoys one of the most scenic and dramatic locations in the world.   The camp is surrounded by series of ridges, amidst steep gorges and valleys in an open savannah plain.   In this location is the  private paradise, home of conservationist and author Kuki Gallman.   Wildlife spotting is amazing with over 400 species of birds.

The camp is sited on the southern end of Kuki Gallmann’s Ol Ari Nyiro ranch, overlooking the rift valley down to Lake Baringo.  In this fantasy location, in the furthest west of Laikipia, the film “I Dreamed of Africa” was shot.  Accommodation is provided by 8 enormous Arabic desert style tents.  The décor is Arabic with luxurious furnishings, antiques and mirrors.   You can either choose to stay in tent fitted with two queen size beds or on with a four poster double bed.   Each tent is attached to a spacious dressing room /bathroom and a private massage bed and yoga mats.  Each has a private verandah overlooking the Great Rift Valley.

Facilities include a central area with two giant fireplaces, adjacent to a study and reading room, a   front terrace with a camp fire, dining room, bar, shop and swimming pool.

Quality organic food is served.

Activities include walking and hiking the hills, game drives and tracking, camel walks, horse riding, bird walks, botanical walks, fishing for black bass and crayfish, night under stars in moonlit cottage, visits to local Pokot and Samburu homesteads, aromatherapy, massage and yoga, visit to archeological sites and aerial safaris.

Closed Season: Open all year round

Access: By private charter flight to Engelesha airfield.

Ol Pejeta Bush Camp(USD 385-470 per person sharing on full board)

Located in the 100, 000 acres Ol Pejeta Ranch, the Ol Pejeta Bush Camp is traditional yet very comfortable.  The camp enjoys a beautiful location on the banks of Ewaso Nyiro River, right on the equator. Accommodation is provided in 6 bush tents with twin beds, overlooking the river.  The eco-friendly bush camp has no permanent structures and in case of big groups, additional tents can be added.    Tents either single/double/twin bedded, with duvets and blanket, with en-suite toilets and wash stand on the verandah. Showers are in the form of safari bucket.  Guests are free to order their showers any time of the day.  Water is heated to individual’s temperature requirement. Light is provided by re-chargeable solar lights.

At the camp guests have an opportunity participate in conservation activities like radio tracking of resident lions, rhinos and Cheetah.  Guests can freely interact with researchers, rangers and guides who have insightful information on modern wildlife conservation. Guests also have an opportunity to learn about cattle ranching. Guests are also free to participate in capture and release, treatment of injured and sick animals,  and translocation of wildlife if they happen to be in the ranch during these activities.

In summary activities include, Guided wildlife walks, day and Day and night game drives (with spotlights and night-vision monoculars), learn of wildlife data collection and monitoring, guided tours of sweet waters chimpanzee sanctuary, climbing Mt Kenya, tracking collared lions, elephant and other wildlife monitoring, visit Baraka, a blind black rhino, learn about Boran and Ankole cattle pastoral care and integration techniques with wildlife, game watching at the water hole, visit a local primary school or dispensary supported by Ol Pejeta Conservancy, Rhino tracking with the rangers (by special request only, maximum 2 guests per patrol)

Kicheche Bush Camp (USD 335 PP sharing)

Kicheche’s new Laikipia Camp is a small luxurious tented camp, nestled at the foot of indigenous forest overlooking a waterhole, in the centre of the Ol Pejeta Conservancy (90,000 Acres). It accommodates 12 guests.  Accommodation consists of six luxurious tents. The tents are custom-designed and are fully insect-proof with en-suite bathrooms equipped with a dresser, flushing toilet and hot showers. There are comfortable chairs on each veranda overlooking the plains. One tent can be converted into a triple on request. There is a spacious well-furnished lounge and dining tent.

In summary activities include, Guided wildlife walks, day and Day and night game drives (with spotlights and night-vision monoculars ), learn of wildlife data collection and monitoring, guided tours of sweet waters chimpanzee sanctuary, climbing Mt Kenya, tracking collared lions, elephant and other wildlife monitoring, visit Baraka, a blind black rhino, learn about Boran and Ankole cattle pastoral care and integration techniques with wildlife, game watching at the water hole, visit a local primary school or dispensary supported by Ol Pejeta Conservancy, Rhino tracking with the rangers (by special request only, maximum 2 guests per patrol)

Sangare Ranch Tented Camp (USD 135 PP sharing)

Situated in a 5000 acre Sangare Private Ranch at the foot of Aberdare Range the camp lies on the shore of a soda bird lake surrounded by wooded ravines, open meadows and dense thickets – ideal habitat for birds, elephant, buffalo and leopard.

The camp has twelve double tents with en-suite bathrooms. The main building has a lounge, a dining room with a fireplace, and a veranda for relaxation.  The well trained staff who takes good care of the guest is a major plus of the camp. Of particular notice are the excellent driver guides and trackers, with enormous knowledge of their environment.

Activities include days and night game drives, bird watching (over 300 species), nature walks, horse riding, picnics, mountain bike, fly fishing for rainbow trout, night game walks, bush breakfast and sundowners.  Other activities include visits to nearby Solio Ranch and Aberdare National Park.

 

Access: By scheduled flight to Nanyuki with transfers or by private charter to the Sangare airstrip. Guests without 4-Wheel Drive vehicle can be met at Green Hills Hotel in Nyeri.

To Book any of these properties contact

Gorilla Safaris Rwanda, Tel +254723684974, Email: rnxploresafaris@gmail.com Websites:  http://www.gorillasafarisrwanda.com