Nestled between Nairobi National Park and the foothills of the Ngong Hills, Hemmingways Nairobi is a luxurious, all-suite, 45 room boutique property sitting in 10 acres of lush landscaped gardens. Built on the old coffee plantation of Kenya’s most famous author, Karen Blixen, and located in the suburb named in her memory, you’ll be close to some of Nairobi’s most popular attractions and yet away from the bustle of the city.
How you spend your time here is entirely up to you. If you’re looking to explore, the Giraffe Centre, David Sheldrick Wildlife Trust and Karen Blixen Museum are all in close proximity. You may decide however to stay onsite and indulge in the full butler service, choice of dining options, extensive wine cellar and decadent spa.
The 392 Km2 Amboseli National Park is part of the vast 8100 Km2 ecosystem of the Amboseli basin crossing from Kenya into Tanzania. The landscape is varied: from expansive dusty open plains and rocky thorn-bush to fever tree woodlands, marsh and swamplands.
The oldest National Park in Kenya, and arguably the most photogenic, Amboseli comes with the added benefit of a snow-capped Kilimanjaro backdrop. Indeed, it is here that the most iconic shots of Kenya have been taken – Mt Kilimanjaro in the background with huge tusked African elephants taking centre stage in the foreground.
Your base, in a private conservancy on the southwest border of the park, is the beautiful Tortilis Camp, winner of the prestigious British Airways eco-tourism award, recognising low impact but high comfort tourism. A stunning thatched property offering unrivalled views of the world’s highest freestanding mountain, and easy access to the National Park itself.
The old adage of the early bird catching the worm is certainly true when it comes to safari. Whilst a 5am alarm call may not sound like a holiday, trust us, you’ll be well rewarded for an early start. This is the best time to spot wildlife, as the temperature is cooler and the animals more active, It’s also an opportunity to see big cats on the move as they return from a night of hunting. What’s more, there’s no better time to get clear and uninterrupted views of Mt Kilimanjaro without cloud cover. The icing on the cake? Enjoy a lavish cooked breakfast in the bush: fabulous food, great service and the most awe-inspiring views from your table.
It’s the elephant population for which Amboseli is best known. Over 1000 elephants reside in the park, with individual herds up to 100 strong roaming the plains. Seeing these gentle giants in their natural habitat really is a privilege, but seeing them up close, in such great numbers and in such a picturesque setting is incredible.
But there is more to Amboseli than elephants. One of the best wildlife-viewing areas on the planet, Amboseli is home to over 600 species of birds including pelicans, kingfishers and hammerkops, and 47 types of raptors as well as cape buffalo, impala, hyena, giraffe, zebra, gazelle and wildebeest, lion and cheetah. Your stay in this fascinating region will include morning and afternoon game drives, as well as an opportunity to gain a completely different perspective of the bush during a walking safari. Your guide will identify bird calls, look at animal tracks, introduce the small five and talk you through the insects, plants and geology of the area. There’s something fascinating and exhilarating about being on foot in the wild, and being at one with the landscape around you.
And, as the day draws to a close, we introduce you to the classic African Sundowner: afterall, nothing says safari like a chilled G&T in the bush, the savannah sprawled out in front of you, and the sun slowly setting on the horizon.
Meru National Park, wild and remote, traverses the Equator to the east of Mount Kenya and the Nyambeni Range. Meru forms part of a larger conservation area covering 1500 Km2 including the adjoining Kora, Rahole and Bisanadi Reserves. The park was brought to fame in the 1960s through Joy Adamson’s best-selling book, Born Free, the true story about Elsa the lioness. A gem in the KWS portfolio, Meru National Park is a semi-arid park boasting 13 permanent rivers and springs, which meander through otherwise dry terrain, flanked by a rich vegetation of doum and raphia palms. The natural habitats of Meru are therefore incredibly diverse, varying from dense thickets and lush riverine forest, to wooded grasslands and open plains.
Meru’s rich wildlife diversity includes rare species specific to Northern Kenya, such as Grevy’s zebra, gerenuk, Somali ostrich, reticulated giraffe, as well as buffalo, elephant, hippo, lion, cheetah and leopard. Caracal, lesser kudu and greater kudu are all exceptional and rare species also found in Meru. The park also incorporates an 84 Km2 rhino sanctuary, making Meru one of the prime destinations to see rhinos in their natural habitat. The birdlife in Meru and Samburu is extraordinarily colourful and abundant with over 450 species of birds.
Named after Elsa the lioness, made famous by George and Joy Adamson’s biographical book and film Born Free, Elsa’s Kopje remains one of the most elegant lodges in Africa, located in one of the most spectacular settings. Nestled into Mughwango Hill, the lodge enjoys panoramic views over the Meru plains from almost any point within the grounds. Every cottage offers the perfect ‘room-with-a-view’, uniquely designed and crafted to incorporate the natural features of the rocky hillside. An elegant and comfortable lounge and dining area, gorgeous infinity pool, and stunning sundowner viewpoint help make Elsa’s Kopje the ultimate safari retreat.
Elsa’s Private House is a spacious, stylish, exclusive hideaway set slightly apart from the main lodge. It has a large private living and dining area, leading seamlessly into a private garden and swimming pool.
Arguably the jewel in Kenya’s glistening crown, the Masai Mara needs little introduction. Whilst the annual migration of one and a half million transient wildebeest, zebra and gazelle crossing from the Serengeti to the Masai Mara in search of greener pastures is certainly a great draw for many, the resident wildlife population makes it one of the best wildlife viewing regions on the planet whatever time of year you visit.
The vast fertile plains are dense with game in this natural wilderness, and nowhere in Africa is wildlife more abundant: the Big 5 reside alongside 95 species of mammals, amphibians and reptiles, and over 450 bird species.
Located on the banks of the river from which it has taken its name, Sand River Mara is located within the National Reserve, close to the Tanzania border. Tucked away in a secluded and picturesque area, the camp is reminiscent of those in the 1920’s, and a nod to safaris of bygone years. The style and furnishings reflect this period perfectly, reminding all who visit of the countless Hollywood movies that have paid homage to a classic era of African adventure.
During your stay you’ll enjoy game drives, a bush picnic and the experience of dining under the stars in the most famous National Park in the world, with the Elewana team on hand to ensure the best possible experience every step of the way.
Indulge in one final game drive, or just relax at camp for the morning and soak up the sights and sounds of the bush. After lunch your SkySafari flight will take you back to Wilson Airport, from where you’ll be whisked off to the Four Points Sheraton Hotel for dinner. Depending on your timings, you’ll have the use of a day room at the hotel in order to relax and freshen up before your transfer to Jomo Kenyatta International Airport for your homeward or onward flight.
