Epic East Africa Safari, Gorillas and Zanzibar

The Emakoko is the perfect place to start or finish a safari. You are in the bush and on safari within 30 minutes of leaving the airport, and you avoid the notorious Nairobi traffic. (Except for flights arriving between 01.00 -05.00, when there is no access to the National Park). Moreover, it is one of the few places nowadays where you are likely to see Rhino, one of the Big 5.

The Emakoko is a family owned and managed lodge. Emma and Anthony Childs have run lodges in some of the wildest and most beautiful parts of Kenya. 

The Lodge is situated on 15 acres of land bordering the National Park, a twenty-bed luxury lodge artfully built into the side of a valley on the Mbagathi River, which borders the Nairobi National Park. Entrance to it is through the park, which is an ideal way to escape the Nairobi traffic.

Great care has been taken to incorporate the beautiful fig trees which grow on the cliff where the lodge is situated. All rooms look straight over the river and into the Park. There are 10 luxury classic safari cottages set on a hillside overlooking the Mbagathi River and with the city of Nairobi not able to be seen. The cottages are very spacious, and have a veranda with a view of the river and ravine below; feature fireplace with fire lit on request; large integrated bathrooms with his and hers, walk in shower and a bath tub with a view. Rooms are double or twin, and are very

large and can comfortably take 2 extra beds. There is a Pool, with a deck and sun beds and barbecue and curry area/pizza oven.

SERIAN (meaning “peaceful, calm or serene” in the Maa language of the Maasai people) is the charismatic bush home of Alex Walker, filmmaker and guide in the Maasai Mara. It is an exclusive bush camp that flanks a secluded valley located alongside the Mara River. The private marquee tents overlook the river and are set in the shade of large walburgia trees that cover the site, a tranquil setting that borders one of the finest Game Reserves in the world.

Enjoying an expansive view of the Mara River and the Oloololo escarpment, the deck area plays host to a great deal of wining & dining. Personal attention is the order of the day at Serian and the fifty staff are at the guests’ own beck and call.

The guides have specialist local knowledge and are experienced at handling and approaching dangerous big game safely, which enables you to get as close as you safely can. Teaming up with the camp’s staff they are responsible for your wellbeing at all times. Serian have gone to great lengths to put together an unbeatable team, who are dedicated to providing a helpful, attentive and knowledgeable service to our guests.

The experience at Serian is focused on viewing wildlife, in particular, the big five, Cape buffalo, lion, leopard, elephant and rhino. There are no schedules and you are free to make your own timetable on a daily basis.  The Great Migration of one and a half million wildebeest, zebra and topi pass through the Maasai Mara, normally between June and November.

Ngare Serian Camp

Ngare Serian is found on the opposite bank of the Mara River to the main camp.Boisterous rapids envelop each 'marquee' in its own private cocoon; bathtubs on raised decks over the river allow you to wallow in total seclusion. The 4 tents themselves are huge traditional marquees; enormous four-poster beds dominate the open fronted hardwood floors.

Each tent has a furnished veranda with a sunken bath and is on the hillside some 20 feet above the river. Access to this exclusive camp is by a long Rope Bridge, reinforcing the sense of isolation.

Ngare Serian is perfect for people who value the privacy or who want to share it with their families or close friends. Located on the river in the Mara North Conservancy, so it is not subject to Park rules and restrictions.Moreover it is across the river and in an area of 4,000 acres leased privately from the Maasai, and used exclusively by Serian clients; a complete wilderness!...with abundant wildlife.

The surrounding area is unfenced. Dining at Serian is communal. At Serian, guests are also able to experience off road game driving, night game drives and game walks. Fly camping is also available!

Serian benefits from 24/7 Water & electricity & its nearest airstrip is Musiara airstrip, 60 minutes  away(but others much nearer for charter flights). GP or full board

Price includes:-

·                     Full board accommodation

·                     Soft drinks, house wines, local brand spirit and beers, teas and coffees, refreshments on game drives

·                     Laundry

·                     Safari activities

·                     www.serian.net

Ol Malo is a privately-owned game sanctuary on the banks of the Uaso Nyiro River in Kenya's wild and beautiful North Eastern Province - 5000 acres of spectacular bush country overlooked by Mount Kenya. Ol Malo is one of the few owner-managed properties in Kenya.

It offers the discerning guest a truly incomparable experience….one where you are able to get very close to the original pioneer days,  where the settlers and the local tribes people (Samburu in this case) etched out a life which was to precede the Kenya we know today. Here, many of the old ways still exist!

In this majestic setting - on a rock escarpment on the edge of the Laikipia Plateau, bordering the tribal heartlands of the nomadic Samburu people – the Francombe family, and their Samburu neighbours, have created a home for themselves, and a dream destination for the privileged few who seek a glimpse into the true heart of Africa.  They are pleased to be able to share their vision, their experience and their way of life with guests from around the world, either in the hospitality of the family home in the grounds of one of the most stunning properties and with one of the most impressive views in Africa.

Wildlife is prolific, and includes 4 of the Big 5 (Buffalo, Elephant, Leopard and Lion) as well as frequent sightings of Eland, Beisa Oryx (rare elsewhere), Gerenuk, Greater kudu, Water Buck, Giraffe, Zebras, and Various Antelope; there are more leopard in Laikipia than anywhere else on Earth, and there is a leopard hide on the property.  Cheetah, Striped Hyena, and even Wild Dog are seen.The Leopard Hide is with bunk beds by the water hole, so you can stay out all night. There is also a Tree House, like the Nest, in Tarangire, Tanzania.

The day may start with a wakeup call  with hot coffee or tea, and with freshly baked cookies being delivered to you on your ' veranda' to allow you to watch the sun rise over the wild and spectacular land in front of your cottage, with Mt. Kenya looming majestically in the background.  If you are lucky you may spot the elusive leopard as he slinks off under the shade of a tree to nap through the day, or maybe a herd of elephant coming in to drink at the water pool below your cottage.

An early morning game drive to spot the first giraffe, eland, buffalo or maybe a skulking cat is followed by a late breakfast. Some people prefer to go on a nature walk in the cool of the morning, accompanied by guides and camels and later they will be surprised by a delicious breakfast served under the shade of an acacia tree, just at the right moment. Or a horse ride will take you into the midst of the game. As the tropical sun climbs higher in the sky, guests return from various activities to the lodge to relax by the infinity swimming pool.

A visit to the Samburu workshop, run by Julia, the Francombe’s daughter, is a popular and interesting activity.  Colourful Samburu women sing while they use their beading skills to create wonderful objects to Julia's designs.  Groups of chatting Samburu children paint delightful pictures of their world around them in bright colours.  This 'Development through Art' workshop is designed to help the local people help themselves and puts money in the Ol Malo Trust to help with education and medical. Ol Malo is also justifiably proud of its excellent clinic and medical facilities.

Lunch is served at the pool and is a very informal affair.  Followed by an afternoon by the pool, relaxing or a visit to the Ol Malo shop and very soon it is time for an evening activity. A visit to the local Samburu homestead 'Manyatta' is a wonderful experience.  Totally unspoilt by western cultures, these friendly people welcome you into their home and share their lifestyle.  Colourful warriors dancing with the exquisitely beautiful young girls present a scene of an unspoilt and ancient culture….and a super photo shoot.

Activities include:- Horse riding, camel riding, nature walks, running with the Samburu, night drives, picnic breakfasts, lunches by the river, river walks, swimming in the river, shooting the rapids in old tyres, sundowners on the rocks, barbeques in the bush, mountain bikes. Helicopter safaris are very popular. The use of a helicopter to get a bird’s eye view offers guests an experience of a life time. Helicopter excursions can go anywhere; a specialty is breakfast on the shores of Lake Turkana, and including flights over the Lake and along the Escarpment.

Ol Malo has reputedly the best horses in East Africa for horse safaris, and fly camping with either horses or camels, or both. And to return in the evening to hot showers and baths before cocktails in front of the fire followed by a candlelit dinner, regaling tales of the day’s activities or listening to Colin telling stories from the past is a wonderful way to end the day. And perhaps finally….spending a night in a leopard hide where four bunk beds are set up for you to relax whilst you wait and spot this most elusive of wild animals.

Most people arrive by charter to the Ol Malo airstrip. Ol Malo usually arranges these charters. You can also arrive by helicopter. For those who need to arrive by schedule service, Loisaba Airstrip is within an hour, on a rugged road....but you can game drive en route. The scheduled flight from Nairobi Wilson Airport takes about one and a half hours, although this can depend on whether there are stops en route. Ol Malo also has its own strip which can take aircraft up to the size of a Caravan, Pilatus and Kingair

Ol Malo comprises two products

Ol Malo Lodge, which comprises 4 bungalows which can be booked individually

And Ol Malo House which is normally booked exclusively by a family group, or a group of friends.

Ol Malo Lodge

• Located within a 5 minute drive or 10 minute walk (along the escarpment) from Ol Malo House, and now run by Andrew’s father and mother, Colin and Rocky.
• The two properties are run very separately, although some facilities are interchangeable.
• Whereas you book Ol Malo House on an exclusive basis (and lodge guests cannot wander in!) , at the lodge you can just book a mini suite as you would in any lodge or camp
• The Lodge comprises 4 mini suites, and is also located built in to the escarpment with equally impressive views as Ol Malo House.
• The public areas comprise a very large sitting room, lounge, bar and a dining room and a large infinity pool. There are 2 mini suites either side of the pool.
• Everything has been built using existing rocky formations as walls with local timbers used as the supplement.
• The shape of the rooms is determined by the shape of the rock formations and timbers forming the walls and overall structure of the room.
• Each mini suite comprises a separate living area, where there is a mezzanine floor and the opportunity for an extra bed; a bedroom with a large double or 2 twin beds; fireplace, wooden decks, verandah and a mini garden with a lawn.
• The en suite bathrooms are with walk in shower and bath tub.
• Each mini suite can sleep up to 2 adults and 2 children
• Room 1 is as described above
• Room 2 has a double bed and an outside living area, and steps leading to the lawn
• Room 3 has a double bed and an outside living area, and both an inside bath tub and walk in shower, and an outside bath tub and walk in shower.
• Room 4 has a double bed and an outside living area, and a downstairs en suite with a walk in shower and bath tub.

At Ol Malo the tariff at both the Lodge and the House includes:

• Accommodation.
• Meals
• Tea & coffee, mineral water, soft drinks, wine, non premium spirits and beers.
• All activities described above except for Helicopter trips and Mobile Camping
• Transfers from and to Loisaba airstrip
• Laundry

Ol Malo Nomad takes you one step further to explore the mountains, painted valleys, deserts and Kenya’s best kept secrets. Adventures are varied and tailor made; from exploring by helicopter and fishing vast lakes, to trekking on foot, horse or camel with mobile camps into the unknown.

Ol Malo Nomad also offers guests the opportunity to get more involved and support the Samburu eco-system through the Samburu Trust by walking with the Samburu people to secure their land, its wildlife and their shared future.

Tents are large enough to walk into, they are made of mosquito netting so you can star gaze at night, with a fly-sheet that is pulled over to cover it when it rains. Inside, the tent consists of bedrolls (mattress, duvet and pillow) on camp beds.

The tents have bucket showers and ‘thunder boxes’; a box placed over a long drop toilet. These are located centrally in the camp. The showers are hot and are refilled for each person!

Ol Malo is a privately-owned game sanctuary on the banks of the Uaso Nyiro River in Kenya's wild and beautiful North Eastern Province - 5000 acres of spectacular bush country overlooked by Mount Kenya. Ol Malo is one of the few owner-managed properties in Kenya.

It offers the discerning guest a truly incomparable experience….one where you are able to get very close to the original pioneer days,  where the settlers and the local tribes people (Samburu in this case) etched out a life which was to precede the Kenya we know today. Here, many of the old ways still exist!

In this majestic setting - on a rock escarpment on the edge of the Laikipia Plateau, bordering the tribal heartlands of the nomadic Samburu people – the Francombe family, and their Samburu neighbours, have created a home for themselves, and a dream destination for the privileged few who seek a glimpse into the true heart of Africa.  They are pleased to be able to share their vision, their experience and their way of life with guests from around the world, either in the hospitality of the family home in the grounds of one of the most stunning properties and with one of the most impressive views in Africa.

Wildlife is prolific, and includes 4 of the Big 5 (Buffalo, Elephant, Leopard and Lion) as well as frequent sightings of Eland, Beisa Oryx (rare elsewhere), Gerenuk, Greater kudu, Water Buck, Giraffe, Zebras, and Various Antelope; there are more leopard in Laikipia than anywhere else on Earth, and there is a leopard hide on the property.  Cheetah, Striped Hyena, and even Wild Dog are seen.The Leopard Hide is with bunk beds by the water hole, so you can stay out all night. There is also a Tree House, like the Nest, in Tarangire, Tanzania.

The day may start with a wakeup call  with hot coffee or tea, and with freshly baked cookies being delivered to you on your ' veranda' to allow you to watch the sun rise over the wild and spectacular land in front of your cottage, with Mt. Kenya looming majestically in the background.  If you are lucky you may spot the elusive leopard as he slinks off under the shade of a tree to nap through the day, or maybe a herd of elephant coming in to drink at the water pool below your cottage.

An early morning game drive to spot the first giraffe, eland, buffalo or maybe a skulking cat is followed by a late breakfast. Some people prefer to go on a nature walk in the cool of the morning, accompanied by guides and camels and later they will be surprised by a delicious breakfast served under the shade of an acacia tree, just at the right moment. Or a horse ride will take you into the midst of the game. As the tropical sun climbs higher in the sky, guests return from various activities to the lodge to relax by the infinity swimming pool.

A visit to the Samburu workshop, run by Julia, the Francombe’s daughter, is a popular and interesting activity.  Colourful Samburu women sing while they use their beading skills to create wonderful objects to Julia's designs.  Groups of chatting Samburu children paint delightful pictures of their world around them in bright colours.  This 'Development through Art' workshop is designed to help the local people help themselves and puts money in the Ol Malo Trust to help with education and medical. Ol Malo is also justifiably proud of its excellent clinic and medical facilities.

Lunch is served at the pool and is a very informal affair.  Followed by an afternoon by the pool, relaxing or a visit to the Ol Malo shop and very soon it is time for an evening activity. A visit to the local Samburu homestead 'Manyatta' is a wonderful experience.  Totally unspoilt by western cultures, these friendly people welcome you into their home and share their lifestyle.  Colourful warriors dancing with the exquisitely beautiful young girls present a scene of an unspoilt and ancient culture….and a super photo shoot.

Activities include:- Horse riding, camel riding, nature walks, running with the Samburu, night drives, picnic breakfasts, lunches by the river, river walks, swimming in the river, shooting the rapids in old tyres, sundowners on the rocks, barbeques in the bush, mountain bikes. Helicopter safaris are very popular. The use of a helicopter to get a bird’s eye view offers guests an experience of a life time. Helicopter excursions can go anywhere; a specialty is breakfast on the shores of Lake Turkana, and including flights over the Lake and along the Escarpment.

Ol Malo has reputedly the best horses in East Africa for horse safaris, and fly camping with either horses or camels, or both. And to return in the evening to hot showers and baths before cocktails in front of the fire followed by a candlelit dinner, regaling tales of the day’s activities or listening to Colin telling stories from the past is a wonderful way to end the day. And perhaps finally….spending a night in a leopard hide where four bunk beds are set up for you to relax whilst you wait and spot this most elusive of wild animals.

Most people arrive by charter to the Ol Malo airstrip. Ol Malo usually arranges these charters. You can also arrive by helicopter. For those who need to arrive by schedule service, Loisaba Airstrip is within an hour, on a rugged road....but you can game drive en route. The scheduled flight from Nairobi Wilson Airport takes about one and a half hours, although this can depend on whether there are stops en route. Ol Malo also has its own strip which can take aircraft up to the size of a Caravan, Pilatus and Kingair

Ol Malo comprises two products

Ol Malo Lodge, which comprises 4 bungalows which can be booked individually

And Ol Malo House which is normally booked exclusively by a family group, or a group of friends.

Ol Malo Lodge

• Located within a 5 minute drive or 10 minute walk (along the escarpment) from Ol Malo House, and now run by Andrew’s father and mother, Colin and Rocky.
• The two properties are run very separately, although some facilities are interchangeable.
• Whereas you book Ol Malo House on an exclusive basis (and lodge guests cannot wander in!) , at the lodge you can just book a mini suite as you would in any lodge or camp
• The Lodge comprises 4 mini suites, and is also located built in to the escarpment with equally impressive views as Ol Malo House.
• The public areas comprise a very large sitting room, lounge, bar and a dining room and a large infinity pool. There are 2 mini suites either side of the pool.
• Everything has been built using existing rocky formations as walls with local timbers used as the supplement.
• The shape of the rooms is determined by the shape of the rock formations and timbers forming the walls and overall structure of the room.
• Each mini suite comprises a separate living area, where there is a mezzanine floor and the opportunity for an extra bed; a bedroom with a large double or 2 twin beds; fireplace, wooden decks, verandah and a mini garden with a lawn.
• The en suite bathrooms are with walk in shower and bath tub.
• Each mini suite can sleep up to 2 adults and 2 children
• Room 1 is as described above
• Room 2 has a double bed and an outside living area, and steps leading to the lawn
• Room 3 has a double bed and an outside living area, and both an inside bath tub and walk in shower, and an outside bath tub and walk in shower.
• Room 4 has a double bed and an outside living area, and a downstairs en suite with a walk in shower and bath tub.

At Ol Malo the tariff at both the Lodge and the House includes:

• Accommodation.
• Meals
• Tea & coffee, mineral water, soft drinks, wine, non premium spirits and beers.
• All activities described above except for Helicopter trips and Mobile Camping
• Transfers from and to Loisaba airstrip
• Laundry

Hôtel des Mille Collines is perfectly nestled in the heart of Kigali, Rwanda, within walking distance of the city centre. The hotel features 112 elegant rooms and suites with air conditioning, safes, TVs, workspaces, and toiletries. Guests can kickstart the day with breakfast on-site. Facilities and services include a gym, a swimming pool, a spa, restaurants, bars, and Wi-Fi.

The lodge is only minutes away from the headquarters of the Volcanoes National Park from where guests trek on foot to see the magnificent mountain gorilla – perhaps one of the most dramatic, thrilling and poignant wildlife experiences possible.

Accommodation at Wilderness Sabyinyo comprises six double cottages, two suites and one family unit. All are stone buildings with Rwandese terracotta tile roofs, and feature large sitting areas, fireplaces, stylish en-suite bathrooms.

INSIDER'S TIP: Wilderness Sabyinyo is Rwanda's first ever community owned lodge. The lodge is operated by Wilderness, however, the ownership rests with a Community Trust, SACOLA (Sabyinyo Community Livelihood Association) which uses rentals and community fees from the lodge to drive socio-economic and conservation initiatives in the communities adjacent to the national park.

Hôtel des Mille Collines is perfectly nestled in the heart of Kigali, Rwanda, within walking distance of the city centre. The hotel features 112 elegant rooms and suites with air conditioning, safes, TVs, workspaces, and toiletries. Guests can kickstart the day with breakfast on-site. Facilities and services include a gym, a swimming pool, a spa, restaurants, bars, and Wi-Fi.

Situated in the northern most tip of the Serengeti National Park, Lamai Triangle, Tanzania, Singita Mara River Tented Camp offers guests the chance to spend time in this stunning yet remote area, with one of the highest concentrations of wildlife in the Serengeti National Park.

With endless views of the Mara River, and with the camp built to have a minimal impact on the environment, it provides guests with an intense closeness to nature.

The camp accommodates up to 16 guests between 6 luxury tents. Two of these, known as the family tents, consist of two tents joined by a short covered walkway with shared deck. The tents are being designed in a bohemian-chic style incorporating lots of light and natural materials, with all the quality you would expect from a 'Singita' property. Design features include en-suite outdoor bathrooms with a viewing section in the screen wall to allow for beautiful views from the bathtub.

The camp is closed in March & April when there are long rains (good grass and game viewing after this). Otherwise this area is superb throughout the rest of the year. There is prolific game viewing in the Serengeti National Park from June until March with the best months for the migration being July to November

The Camp is reached by the Serengeti Lamai Airstrip, which is within 45 minutes of the camp. Private charters can also be arranged.

At Singita Mara River Camp the tariff includes:

·         All meals and drinks including wines, spirits and liqueurs from the Fine Wine Card.

·         Game drives which may be shared with others. There are no private vehicle facilities at Mara River Camp

·         Laundry

·         Airstrip transfers.

Chargeable Extras at Singita Mara River Camp:

·         Wines and Champagnes from the Connoisseur’s Wine Card

The Residence Zanzibar lies within a lush, forested 32-hectare estate where five-star luxuries sit alongside nature’s untouched beauty. Extensive tropical gardens meet powder-soft white sand lapped by the crystal clear waters of the Indian Ocean. Indulge in the privacy of the spacious villas, attended on by your own personal butler. Enjoy carefree days relaxing by your private pool, on the beach, or exploring the gardens on foot or by bicycle. Savour a taste of the Spice Island’s unique blend of cultures and cuisines, and the pleasure of sensational spa treatments. Whether you dream of a quiet couple’s retreat or fun in the sun for the whole family, embrace all the delights of our island life at The Residence Zanzibar.