East Africa: Gorilla Trekking & Game Viewing

Known locally as “Kandt House,” this museum celebrates the work of Dr. Richard Kandt, a German physician and explorer who embarked on an exploration of Rwanda in 1897, searching for the source of the Nile River. A rich showcase of Rwanda’s natural treasures, the museum includes artifacts from Dr. Kandt’s expedition and also a ship that was sunk off the shores of Lake Kivu during the German troops’ surrender to the Belgian Army in World War I.

This museum is open every day from 8:00 a.m. to 6:00 p.m. On Umuganda [community work] Day, which is the last Saturday of every month, the museum opens at 12:00 a.m. On 7th April, all museums are closed.

Established in 2007 by 18 women living in Nyamirambo, Kigali, the NWC examines Rwanda’s unfortunate history of violence, inequality and discrimination towards women. Today, the Center’s mission is to provide education and vocational training to disadvantaged women so that they can gain better opportunities for employment.

Located ten minutes from the city centre, the Kigali Genocide Memorial offers guided tours of the exhibits and gardens commemorating the 1994 genocide against the Tutsi. Visitors can choose to be guided by one of the staff, many of whom are survivors of the genocide, or purchase the KGM digital guide, which provides an audiovisual tour.

This collective of Rwandan creative artists showcases local works in contemporary African arts, crafts, music and dance. In addition to exhibiting paintings, sculptures and mixed media expressions, the center conducts programs, projects and initiatives designed to expand the creative arts in Rwanda.

Relaxed and stylish, the colourful Sokoni stands central to the extensive tropical gardens and overlooks the pool. A popular meeting place for guests and locals alike, it is renowned for its colourful cocktails, globe-trotting cuisine and vibrant live music. Sokoni offers all-day café-styled service to suit all tastes. It also features a choice of weekly specials that hit the high spots of the local social scene.

Friday… the African way

Every Friday, wind down from the week at Sokoni. Happy Hour drinks are half price between 6:00 p.m. and 7:00 p.m., and the sumptuous African Buffet runs from 6:30 p.m. to 10:00 p.m. A showcase of local, regional and international cuisine, the unrivalled variety and style of the buffet is complemented by the quality of the resident band, who take the stage at 7:00 p.m.

Sokoni Saturday

Please join us Saturdays at Sokoni for our Family BBQ Lunch. 

Child-Friendly Food

Sokoni is exceptionally child-friendly, especially on weekends, and it’s one of the city’s favourite family venues. The children’s menu is guaranteed to appeal to youngsters of all ages and is on offer all day, every day. What’s more, children under 12-years eat at half price.

A visit to Kigali Serena Hotel offers a rich and vivid immersion into the culture, heritage and traditions of Rwanda. As an essential part of your stay, allow us to create unique and authentic experiences that will leave you with lasting memories long after you depart. Whether it’s a visit to a history museum, a chance to examine local history or an exploration of Rwandan artwork and artists, we look forward to providing experiences that will offer a deeper connection to the unique charisma, spirit and character of one of Africa’s most beautiful capital cities.  

NATURAL HISTORY MUSEUM

Known locally as “Kandt House,” this museum celebrates the work of Dr. Richard Kandt, a German physician and explorer who embarked on an exploration of Rwanda in 1897, searching for the source of the Nile River. A rich showcase of Rwanda’s natural treasures, the museum includes artifacts from Dr. Kandt’s expedition and also a ship that was sunk off the shores of Lake Kivu during the German troops’ surrender to the Belgian Army in World War I.

This museum is open every day from 8:00 a.m. to 6:00 p.m. On Umuganda [community work] Day, which is the last Saturday of every month, the museum opens at 12:00 a.m. 

NYAMIRAMBO WOMEN’S CENTER (NWC)

Established in 2007 by 18 women living in Nyamirambo, Kigali, the NWC examines Rwanda’s unfortunate history of violence, inequality and discrimination towards women. Today, the Center’s mission is to provide education and vocational training to disadvantaged women so that they can gain better opportunities for employment.

KIGALI GENOCIDE MEMORIAL

Located ten minutes from the city centre, the Kigali Genocide Memorial offers guided tours of the exhibits and gardens commemorating the 1994 genocide against the Tutsi. Visitors can choose to be guided by one of the staff, many of whom are survivors of the genocide, or purchase the KGM digital guide, which provides an audiovisual tour.

INEMA ART CENTER

This collective of Rwandan creative artists showcases local works in contemporary African arts, crafts, music and dance. In addition to exhibiting paintings, sculptures and mixed media expressions, the center conducts programs, projects and initiatives designed to expand the creative arts in Rwanda.

Key Activities:

·      Gorilla Trekking

·      Golden Monkey Trekking

·      Guided Community walk

·      Cycling

·      Mountain Climbing

·      Bird Watching

·      Cave Adventure

Begin your journey with an all-encompassing city tour of Nairobi that will take you to spectacular and noteworthy spots in the sun. The three to four-hour drive will bring travellers to a variety of must see sights that include: The National Museum, Railway Museum, KICC (Kenyatta International Conference Centre), National Archives and the Parliament Building.

Understand the history and environment of Kenyan tribes at the Bomas of Kenya, the cultural centre in Langata, located near the main gate of the Nairobi National Park. The Bomas, (homesteads) are displayed as various traditional villages that belong to several tribes, in order to demonstrate the remarkable diverse culture that embodies Kenya.

Celebrate All Things African!

Begin your afternoon immersed in the flavours of the Region with our African Buffet at Cafe Maghreb followed by our Art Heritage & Cultural tour, showcasing artwork and sculptures curated from the Mother Continent.Tour Timings: 4.00 - 5.00 pm

Known as one of the largest urban gazetted forests in the world, the Karura Forest Reserve sits in the northern section of the city, just a 15 minute drive from the hotel. With over one thousand hectares, it is a extraordinary display of Kenyan nature. Visitors can partake in forest walks, bird watching, butterfly watching, cycling, running and picnicking. The daily hours are from 6:00am until 6:00pm.

Just a seven-minute drive from the hotel, enjoy the 30-hectare forest reserve that is the Nairobi Arboretum. A host to more than 300 species, the arboretum holds over 100 migrant and resident birds, as well as exotic and indigenous tree species and Sykes and Vervet monkeys. Learn about the local trees, birds, butterflies and more from 6:00am until 6:15pm.

Loisaba's abundant wildlife across is rolling landscape is truly wild. Loisaba is a corridor of an elephant migration route, and holds a healthy population of lion as well as notable northern species such as the Grevy zebra, Beisa oryx and Somali ostrich. Loisaba is also a home range for the rare and special wild dog.

Loisaba has a fleet of custom-built Land Rover safari vehicles, with special features for photography. The guides of Loisaba are all KPSGA Bronze and Silver rated and have intimate knowledge of the wildlife and the culture of the area.

All game drives are inclusive in a Game Package.

Leaving the car behind for a bush walk allows an up-close and intimate experience of nature. Take a walk with one of Loisaba's excellent guides, and learn how to recognise animal signs and tracks, appreciate the smaller creatures and flora of Africa, all while enjoying the surroundings at a slower pace.

Guided Bush Walks are inclusive in a Game Package.

Horse riding provides a chance to experience wildlife from a different perspective. Trotting through herds of zebra, impala or giraffe is an exhilarating experience. Loisaba's horses are bush-raised and trained, allowing you to get close to the wildlife.

Horse riding is at an additional cost, and normally lasts for 2 hours. Only riders with experience can partake in this activity.

Camels are a sight synonymous with Kenya's northern regions. Enjoy a ride on a traditional mode of transport along the Ewaso Nyiro river or across the plains.

Camel trekking is at an additional cost, and normally lasts for 2 hours.

The Samburu of Northern Kenya, a pastoralist tribe, are renowned for their colourful and impressive dress. Guests to Loisaba are invited to visit a local Samburu village to learn about the Samburu people and their culture.

Game drive to Samburu village is included in Game Package, but an entry fee that goes to the community is an extra.

Loisaba Conservancy has its own dedicated anti-poaching team, comprising of four sniffer dogs - Warrior, Machine, Memusi and Nanyokie - and their human handler team. Visit the team and learn about their day to day training and activities, and also view an anti-poaching demonstration in action.

A donation fee is charged that goes towards Loisaba's anti-poaching activities.

For some excitement and adrenalin, take a mountain bike and your guide and explore some of the biking trails around Loisaba Conservancy on two wheels.

Mountain biking is inclusive in a Game Package

If you are a fishing enthusiast, we have some great dams for both catfish and tilapia! We include a short game drive to the dam, where you may see hippos and other wildlife.

Fishing is inclusive in a Game Package.

Enjoy a delicious gourmet meal amidst the sights, sounds and smells of the African bush. The perfect ending to a bush walk, horse ride or camel safari.

A spectacular African sunset is always best enjoyed with your favourite drink in hand.

At The Elewana Collection we strongly believe in the power of conservation and responsible tourism to protect the local environment and support the local communities. Elewana or harmony in Swahili, is a concept that underpins our philosophy to impact our surrounding environment as little as possible, while creating a positive influence on local communities through initiatives like The Land & Life Foundation.

Our environmental and social philosophies are gently woven throughout the entire safari experience; be it revenue-sharing projects that support local conservancies, sponsorship of schools, students and medical clinics, responsible recycling of waste materials or the many other ways in which we aim to reduce our carbon footprint on the surrounding environment. Our staff are extremely passionate and constantly strive to find and develop new and sustainable eco-friendly practices.

• All of Elewana’s camps and lodges have been designed to impact the immediate environment as little as possible with recycling, low-energy and low-waste methods in place.
• Many of the camps employ state-of-the-art power systems, including 24-hour solar power with power-storage technology to ensure minimal emissions and fuel use. 
• All camps and lodges employ strict recycling systems, ensuring that all recyclable waste is indeed recycled. 
• All bush camps provide Elewana reusable aluminum water bottles to their guests in order to replace plastic-bottled water, in addition plastic straws have been replaced with biodegradable alternatives. 
• Wherever possible, we source food and supplies locally to ensure our surrounding communities financially benefit from tourism. 
• The Land & Life Foundation L6 undertakes the corporate social responsibilities of The Elewana Collection, working with communities and conservation projects in the surrounding areas of the properties. LLF not only supports local communities, but also helps to preserve the wildlife and habitats of these important ecosystems. 
• Pamoja Fund’ supports the people, places and wildlife who have been adversely affected by the COVID-19 pandemic. 100% of every single donation goes straight to benefiting the communities, schools and wildlife in the areas in which Elewana operates and will address the critical needs of communities at risk, as well as help provide vital support to conservation efforts that are under pressure as a result of the recent pandemic. 
• The Shanga Community Programme is a successful social enterprise developed in conjunction with The Elewana Collection which employs people with disabilities to create unique, high-quality, handmade homeware items including hand blown glassware, textiles and clothing, as well as handmade jewellry incorporating recycled materials. These products are sold on-site at The Shanga Cooperative, at Elewana properties and all over the world, with profits being reinvested back into developing opportunities to employ more people with disabilities.

The Masai Mara is renowned for its spectacular game viewing and wildlife interactions. Why not enjoy it with the most traditional of safari activities - a game drive! With a knowledgeable guide, a custom-designed car and a car fridge full of cold drinks, enjoy a morning, afternoon or full day out in the grassy plains, and riverine forest of the Masai Mara.

Game drives are included in Game Package

A sunset over the Masai Mara plains enjoyed with a drink in hand is an age-old safari tradition. Sit back in comfy camp chairs, with the waiter to bring you your tipple of choice, and some delicious bitings.

Sundowners are included in Game Package.

Enjoy a delicious breakfast or lunch surrounded by the sights and sounds of the African bush. Under the shade of the custom-designed awning on the safari vehicle sit at a fully-laid table with home-cooked gourmet food.

Bush meals are included in Game Package.

Take a refreshing dip in the enticing infinity pool.

The Masai Mara is famed for is red-adorned Maasai tribe, who have lived in this area for centuries. While at Elewana Sand River Masai Mara guests can visit a local village or school and witness the traditions of the Maasai people that still hold strong today.

At The Elewana Collection we strongly believe in the power of conservation and responsible tourism to protect the local environment and support the local communities. Elewana or harmony in Swahili, is a concept that underpins our philosophy to impact our surrounding environment as little as possible, while creating a positive influence on local communities through initiatives like The Land & Life Foundation.

Our environmental and social philosophies are gently woven throughout the entire safari experience; be it revenue-sharing projects that support local conservancies, sponsorship of schools, students and medical clinics, responsible recycling of waste materials or the many other ways in which we aim to reduce our carbon footprint on the surrounding environment. Our staff are extremely passionate and constantly strive to find and develop new and sustainable eco-friendly practices.

• All of Elewana’s camps and lodges have been designed to impact the immediate environment as little as possible with recycling, low-energy and low-waste methods in place.
• Many of the camps employ state-of-the-art power systems, including 24-hour solar power with power-storage technology to ensure minimal emissions and fuel use. 
• All camps and lodges employ strict recycling systems, ensuring that all recyclable waste is indeed recycled. 
• All bush camps provide Elewana reusable aluminum water bottles to their guests in order to replace plastic-bottled water, in addition plastic straws have been replaced with biodegradable alternatives. 
• Wherever possible, we source food and supplies locally to ensure our surrounding communities financially benefit from tourism. 
• The Land & Life Foundation L6 undertakes the corporate social responsibilities of The Elewana Collection, working with communities and conservation projects in the surrounding areas of the properties. LLF not only supports local communities, but also helps to preserve the wildlife and habitats of these important ecosystems. 
• Pamoja Fund’ supports the people, places and wildlife who have been adversely affected by the COVID-19 pandemic. 100% of every single donation goes straight to benefiting the communities, schools and wildlife in the areas in which Elewana operates and will address the critical needs of communities at risk, as well as help provide vital support to conservation efforts that are under pressure as a result of the recent pandemic. 
• The Shanga Community Programme is a successful social enterprise developed in conjunction with The Elewana Collection which employs people with disabilities to create unique, high-quality, handmade homeware items including hand blown glassware, textiles and clothing, as well as handmade jewellry incorporating recycled materials. These products are sold on-site at The Shanga Cooperative, at Elewana properties and all over the world, with profits being reinvested back into developing opportunities to employ more people with disabilities.