Ol Seki Hemingways Mara | Mara Naboisho Conservancy
Set on a rocky promontory, overlooking the Isupukiai River Valley, our luxury Ol Seki Hemingways Mara camp enjoys panoramic views of the Mara plains, in a gorgeous wilderness area that's teeming with game, in Naboisho Conservancy, north of the Mara Reserve. The area provides a rare opportunity to enjoy wildlife viewing in a pristine setting away from mass tourism. The oasis of inspired and beautifully designed tents is nestled amongst Cordia and Acacia trees attracting an abundance of wildlife and birds, many of which are seen from the tents in the valley below. Ol Seki Hemingways Mara is a partner with the Naboisho Conservancy thus involved in the management and major decision making process of the conservancy.
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These tents are ideal for couples. The high dome centers over a double bed decked out in fine linens. Six opening panels encompass the bed on three sides, which mean that from the comfort of your pillow, you can watch the dawn break in panorama. The rear section of the tent houses your en-suite bathroom and dressing area and in front of the tent is a large deck where you can enjoy private dining, sunbathing and star gazing.
Our new Nina tents have floor-to-ceiling folding glass frontages, with higher ceilings to give the best possible views over the Mara, completely new bathrooms with more luxurious fixtures and fittings including free standing bath tubs and indoor and outdoor showers, and re-configured layouts for even greater privacy.
The Simba Private villa is a self-contained penthouse in the bush with a private driveway. Complete with kitchen, dining room and living area, the tent connects two enormous double bedrooms, both ensuite. There’s a fully stocked bar and fridge and guests can decide the level of service they require - a butler can be present at all times to pour drinks and make coffee as required, or staff will stay in the
background to give guests the freedom to help themselves to the amenities.
The expansive terrace
with small plunge pool provides an ideal viewpoint for wildlife watching during the day and
stargazing at night. The main feature of the Simba private villa is exclusivity with your own dedicated chef for all meals as well as a private game drive vehicle and guide.
Property Facilities
24-hour Security, Bar, Communal Dining, Eco Friendly, Internet Access (Complimentary), Laundry Service (Available), Meal on Request, Mobile Connectivity, Pool, Private Vehicle Available, Restaurant, Spa
Room Facilities
Balcony / Deck, Bath, Complimentary Wi-Fi, Dressing Gowns, En-Suite, Fan, Fireplace, Hair Dryer, Internet Access (Complimentary), Laundry Facilities, Lounge Area, Mosquito Nets, Outside Shower, Shower, Tea / Coffee, Wheelchair Friendly
Services
Room Service
Days are as action packed or as relaxed as guests want and being in a conservancy means we have the freedom to head out on game drives whenever suits; that might be at first light to capture the sunrise and an early morning cheetah hunt or that might be after dark to experience some of the alternative wildlife that you wouldn’t see during the day.
Especially during the months of the migration, many guests do enjoy one full day in the Mara Reserve itself, along the main rivers in the hopes of spotting a wildebeest crossing. We will of course arrange this for you, sending you out with a lovely picnic lunch and the drinks of your choice to enjoy the day.
Being in a conservancy we are also able to offer guided walks through the wilderness where you have the chance to learn about the area, the Maasai culture and all the plants of the region and their traditional uses. You’ll also have the chance to learn the tracks and scat of the animals that have passed by that day.
As we work so closely with the local community, we have also been invited to take our guests along to some of the local village homes for an introduction into the Maasai lifestyle. There is always beadwork and carvings for sale during these visits so this is a perfect time to collect your souvenirs with the added benefit that your money contributes directly to the local Maasai women producing these exquisite artefacts. Don’t be afraid to bargain and barter however, it is expected.
One of the iconic experiences of a safari in Africa, a sunrise hot air balloon flight over the Mara Reserve is a great way to get a different perspective on the park. The early morning Mara breeze will float you southwards towards Tanzania and as you follow the Mara River all the wonderful animals of the Mara are visible. The flight usually lasts about an hour and once you’re safely back on solid ground, celebrate the early morning escapade with a champagne breakfast in the bush.
Perhaps you might prefer the solitude of a private al fresco meal on the deck of your tent. In the Simba private villa, a private chef is provided who will cook in the private kitchen and serve guests at their own dining table. This is ideal for family time or honeymoon couples.
Our kitchen is totally mobile so don’t be surprised if you find the dining floor is the grassy plain of the conservancy one evening or if the kitchen one morning is transformed into a tree trunk and trestle table. Our specially designed safari coolers and hampers make for the most luxurious picnic lunches too.
Your Stay
3 Nights
Fully Inclusive - Bed, All Meals, Fees and Activities
Fast Facts
Safari Lodge
Spoken Languages: English
No. Rooms: 9
Special Interests: Adventure, Big 5, Birding, Flora, History & Culture, Leisure, Nature, Relaxation, Wildlife
Hemingways Watamu | Watamu
Hemingways Watamu is an iconic tropical paradise on the Kenyan coast sitting right in the middle of the pristine Watamu Marine National Park with its idyllic white sand beach and turquoise waters. The exceptional personal service and sincere charm of this established hotel has come to represent Kenyan coastal luxury to so many travellers for close to 30 years. And it’s just got even better with a mega makeover.
There is so much to do here – learn to kite-surf; get your PADI certificate, take a sunset dhow cruise on Mida Creek, play a round of golf on the nearby world class golf course, Vipingo Ridge; or go on safari for a few days in Tsavo or the Maasai Mara. If that all sounds a little too energetic, relax around the pool with a good book as you work your way through our cocktail menu.
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Penthouse style duplex apartments featuring living and dining areas and exquisite furnished terraces on both floors offer the perfect set up for groups of friends or large families. Offering two large master bedrooms with en-suite bathrooms and two large twin bedrooms with adjoining bathrooms, all bedrooms provide wondrous ocean views and direct access to the beautiful terrace. These apartments offer both interior and exterior lounging and dining space and a fully equipped modern kitchen.
The Deluxe 2 Bedroom Suites are larger in size and range from 240m² to 305m². Soaked with natural light and offering a large master bedroom with en-suite bathroom and a second large twin bedroom with adjoining bathroom, these apartments offer even more space. Both bedrooms have wonderful ocean views and direct access to the terrace and the common areas feature interior and exterior lounging and dining space and a fully equipped modern kitchen.
Ranging from 200m² to 230m², soaked with natural light and offering a large master bedroom with en-suite bathroom and a second large twin bedroom with adjoining bathroom, these apartments are ideal for families. Both bedrooms have wonderful ocean views and direct access to the terrace. Featuring interior and exterior lounging and dining space and a fully equipped modern kitchen, the 2 bedroom apartments have ample room for socialising or retreating to a quiet spot.
Approaching 150 m² in size, these beautifully appointed apartments offer a large master bedroom with marble tiled en-suite bathroom adjoining a tastefully furnished living and dining area with a fully equipped modern kitchen. The large open terrace provides fantastic sea views and ample space to kick back and relax. These are perfect for couples seeking a little more space and privacy.
Located on the top floor of our North Wing, our Deluxe Ocean View Rooms offer a whole new flavor of laidback luxury. Marble tiled en-suite bathrooms and private balconies with jaw dropping views of nothing but ocean and horizon offer the quintessential R&R experience. Add to that a flat screen TV and the magical Watamu breeze and you may not want to leave your room.
Located on the top floor of our North Wing, our Deluxe Ocean View Rooms offer a whole new flavor of laidback luxury. Marble tiled en-suite bathrooms and private balconies with jaw dropping views of nothing but ocean and horizon offer the quintessential R&R experience. Add to that a flat screen TV and the magical Watamu breeze and you may not want to leave your room.
Spacious and with easy access to the beach and the botanical pool, our ocean view rooms are found in the North Wing of the hotel on the ground and first floor. En-suite bathrooms and a beautiful balcony overlooking the Marine Park provide guests with the utmost comfort and luxury. The quiet grassy area in front of the rooms is a relaxing place to read and soak up the coastal sunshine.
Spacious and with easy access to the beach and the botanical pool, our ocean view rooms are found in the North Wing of the hotel on the ground and first floor. En-suite bathrooms and a beautiful balcony overlooking the Marine Park provide guests with the utmost comfort and luxury. The quiet grassy area in front of the rooms is a relaxing place to read and soak up the coastal sunshine.
Property Facilities
24-hour Security, Activity Desk, Bar, Business Centre, Conference Centre, Disability Services, Gym, Internet Access (Complimentary), Laundry Service (Available), Mobile Connectivity, Pool, Private Vehicle Available, Restaurant, Secure Parking, Spa, TV Room
Room Facilities
Air Conditioning, Balcony / Deck, Bath, Clothes Press, Complimentary Wi-Fi, Cooking Facilities, Dressing Gowns, Electrical Outlets, En-Suite, Fridge, Hair Dryer, Heater, Internet Access (Complimentary), Iron / Ironing Board, Laundry Facilities, Lounge Area, Mini Bar, Mosquito Nets, Safe, Satellite / Cable Television, Shower, Tea / Coffee, Television, Wheelchair Friendly
Services
Airport Shuttle (Available), Babysitting Service, Credit Card, Foreign Exchange, Room Service, Room Service (24 hours)
If you are up for the challenge, sign up for one of the courses at Tribe Watersports, one of the best kite surf school in Kenya, which is a stroll away down the beach. It welcomes beginners and experienced kite-boarders. The warm, forgiving waters and the sand-cushioned sea bed are kind to beginners while the reef with its swells, kickers and sliders is a wild water-park for confident kite-boarders.
A fantastic sport to enjoy in Watamu as the area provides the right conditions with constant wind and flat water. It is a great way for the family to enjoy a beach holiday and discover and new way to be active on the water.
Stand Up Paddle (SUP) is one of the most up and coming sports for everyone, which is fun and great for communing with wildlife on their level. Whether its watching sea turtles take a breath or the sharks and rays swimming in Turtle Bay, or to entice the curious Watamu dolphins who may join you, this is the best, most natural way above the water to view the marine life in our Park and Reserve.
Diving takes place all year round although in our rainy season can be limited to inside the lagoon. Dives range in depth from only 6 or 7 metres to 30 metres, all taking place on the fringing reefs that grow along the shore of Kenya. The Watamu Marine Park is amazingly rich with over 500 species of fish inside the lagoon and over 1000 if you include the second and third reefs. Lion fish, groupers, barracuda, damsels, moray eels, butterfly fish and parot fish abound. Wonderful Nudibranchs are also fascinating to watch.
Whale shark and Manta rays are also seen and provide a very special experience even to the experienced diver. Over 200 brightly coloured coral species also inhabit the waters giving food and shelter to this underwater world.
Certified courses available: PADI, BSAC, SSI and VDST
Exceptional snorkelling conditions in the Park allow all visitors easy access to the spectacular undersea life. Whether a newcomer to the sea, or an experienced diver, you’ll be able to find some exciting things to do.
The Marine Park is about 5 kms long from North to South and approximately 1 km from the shore to the fringing reefs. Snorkelling conditions are ideal at low tide, and especially good at spring low tide. There are hundreds of beautiful coral reef fish which leave you awestruck and dazzled by their vibrant colours. If you are lucky, you may see a sea turtle, a guitarfish or large grouper.
Step aboard a traditional dhow for a stunning sunset cruise, where gentle breezes and the warm colors of twilight set the scene. Relax on cushioned decks, enjoying refreshing drinks and freshly prepared seafood as you drift peacefully through calm waters. This intimate experience promises a memorable evening surrounded by nature’s beauty, perfect for unwinding as the sun slips below the horizon.
The five-star golf resort of Vipingo Ridge is a popular day trip for Hemingways’ Watamu guests. 40 minutes’ drive from Watamu, a meandering system of water features runs through the course, keeping the greens bright and spongy. The course is also an oasis for myriad birds and butterflies. The fairways have been expertly modeled so that every hole poses a unique strategic challenge to golfers.
Once you’ve mastered the effects of the fickle monsoon breezes to complete this 72-par course, head to the terrace bar of the Swahili style clubhouse to watch the sun set over the western inland horizon of baobabs and sisal plantations.
Get out on the water at sunset in a locally made bamboe canoe with a fisherman guide, your camera and your balance!
Very famous is the Crab Shack at Dabaso fish landing site. This is a wooden walkway leading to a number of wooden shelters from where you can relax with amazing views and perfectly observe the birdlife of Mida Creek. You can also enjoy a Swahili fusion lunch and dinner, or simply drinks watching the glorious sunset.
Canoes can be chartered either from the Mida Creek Boardwalk or from the Dabaso Landing Site, a small anchorage ground for canoes on the east side of the creek. Mida Creek Conservation Community group offer special trips to Kirepwe Island including a picnic with traditional food of fish, rice and fresh fruit. Alternative experiences include a trip to Dongokundu to be entertained by traditional Giriama dancers.
Gede Ruins, an archeologist’s delight, was one of the ancient Arab towns that dotted the East African Coast. It dates from the late 13th or early 14th Century and was finally abandoned in the early 17th Century. Excavated since 1927, many areas have been revealed, including the Great Mosque, the Palace, several residential houses and pillar tombs. Surrounded by tall shady trees, a walk through Gede is a must for anyone interested in the Swahili people and Kenya’s history.
Fishing charters are 10 hour full day excursions or 5 hour half days, depending on your preference and normally kick off just after sun rise when conditions are calm and often best for an early catch. Our experienced crews are happy to work with beginners and help them through each step on the fishing learning curve or just sit back and watch a master at work in the chair on a big fish. Children interested in fishing are very welcome too.
Humpback whales are the most majestic animals in the ocean, and are seen annually passing through the Watamu National Marine Protected Area on the Kenyan Coast.
Ask any tourist to name the Big Five of Kenya, and they will no doubt give you the usual list of land animals. Although visitors to Kenya are aware of Kenya’s beautiful beaches, coral reefs, fishes and sea turtles, not many know that 10 different species of dolphins and whale have been identified in Watamu, which could easily be included in the “Marine Big Five”.
Each year whales are first sighted along the coast of East Africa in early June as they make their annual migration north from Antarctica. Whales travel to warm tropical inner reefs during both breeding and birthing. Newly born calves typically remain with the mothers for about two years, until weaned. The return journey is made in October, swimming over 4,000km to the cold, food-rich seas of Antarctica, their main feeding area for sardines or krill. These magnificent marine mammals can reach a length of 15 metres and weigh around 30 tonnes (about six times the weight of an elephant). Watching them in their natural environment leaping out of the water, sometimes in pairs, or larger family groups, is an unforgettable sight. They can sometimes even be seen from land in Watamu, as you sip a cold beer facing the marine park.
Dining al fresco at the beach with a gentle breeze is one of life’s great pleasures. Whether it be breakfast, lunch or dinner, our signature menus focus on fresh produce cooked simply and served expertly.
Gede Café, whose structure is inspired by the Ruins of Gede, is your go to for a lighter, more casual setting for guests.
Your Stay
4 Nights
Bed and Breakfast
Your Rooms
Fast Facts
5 Star
Hotel
Spoken Languages: English
No. Rooms: 60
Special Interests: Beach / Coastal, Fishing, Golf, Gourmet, History & Culture, Leisure, Relaxation, Sports, Watersports, Wine
