WINGS OVER AFRICA - SkySafari East Africa

Expert tips:

This 45-suite boutique hotel elevates the standard of luxury for travellers in the region. Beautiful in its symmetry and flooded with natural light, this plantation-style property is airy and spacious. Each of our 80m2 suites have a private balcony overlooking the iconic silhouette of the Ngong Hills, a magical view which can also be enjoyed over sundowners at the Bar.

Our service is personal and sincere, offering a luxury experience from the moment you touchdown in Kenya.

Your dedicated butler will know that you prefer Earl Grey to Assam with your scones, and will remember which trousers you like pressed flat and which ones need a central crease.

So while you are indulging in the spa, relaxing beside the pool or meandering through the gardens, back in your suite, your butler will have dimmed the lights, adjusted your personalized pillows, set out your nightcap and arranged the morning’s outing down to the finest detail.

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Tortilis Camp has a prime location for witnessing the majesty of Africa’s highest mountain, Kilimanjaro. Tortilis Camp is named after the flat-topped, umbrella thorn tree, the Acacia Tortilis, and embraces a hill in one of Amboseli’s areas of Acacia Tortilis woodland. Located in a private conservancy bordering the national park, game drives, walks, sundowners and bush meals take place both inside the national park and in the conservancy, where guests enjoy exclusivity.

The tents are all spacious, with king or twin beds and elegant en suite bathrooms. There is a main lounge, bar and dining area, all exquisitely built with natural materials and thatched roofs, with magnificent views of Kilimanjaro. The Private House and Family Tent are located slightly separate to the main camp, upon the hill where they share a pool and enjoy magnificent views of Kilimanjaro.

Tortilis Camp was one of the first eco-lodges of its size, and is very proudly 100% solar. Guests can rest assure they are leaving a minimal footprint during their stay.

WHAT WE LIKE ABOUT TORTILIS CAMP

• Unrivalled views of Mt. Kilimanjaro ~ An elegant small lodge nestled on the side of Liimbarishi Hill with magnificent views across the plains to the highest free- standing mountain in the world.

• Habituated elephant herds ~ Amboseli is home to elephant families that have been closely followed and studied by world renowned researcher Cynthia Moss for 

  over 40 years. Tortilis’ guides know the elephant families and their histories intimately. These are some of the biggest elephants in Africa, as they have been protected for generations.

• Private Amboseli ~ Tortilis is set away from other lodges, on the unspoilt and quiet western boundary of the National Park, closest to the mountain. From the camp guests have full access to the famous Amboseli National Park, as well as exclusive access to 121 Km2 of Kitirua private conservancy. In the Conservancy guests can enjoy game drives, walks and bush breakfasts and, with off-road driving permitted, the guides have the ability to create unparalleled photographic opportunities, as well as much more frequent and higher quality encounters with big game than in the National Park. Please note that the Kiturua Conservancy has strict restraints on the type of vehicles allowed into the Conservancy. Full Board guests are able to use their own vehicles within Amboseli National Park, however, to enter the conservancy, they will need to use a Elewana Tortilis Camp vehicle, which will be chargeable.

Expert tips:

140km south of Nairobi, Amboseli National Park is the second most popular wildlife area in Kenya, famous for its large aggregations of elephants numbering over 1,600 at times. Amboseli is also well-known for its scenic beauty with a backdrop of the world’s highest free-standing mountain, the snow-capped Mount Kilimanjaro.

Amboseli National Park covers 392km2, which constitutes less than 5% of the entire 8100 km2 ecosystem of the Amboseli basin crossing from Kenya into Tanzania. The lush green wetlands in this otherwise dry area make Amboseli National Park one of the best wildlife-viewing areas on the planet, attracting over 600 species of birds including pelicans, kingfishers, crakes, hammerkops and 47 types of raptors as well as the African elephant, cape buffalo, impala, hyena, giraffe, zebra, gazelle and wildebeest with lion and cheetah among the big cats that roam the area.

Most Amboseli lodges are based in the middle of the National Park (or outside the eastern gate) and so the majority of visitors only game drive within 10% of the park. Tortilis Camp is located in a pristine area on the southwest border of the park, famous for having the best views of Mount Kilimanjaro. While game driving, guests have access to both the National Park and the private 121 km2 Kitirua Wildlife Conservancy.

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Loisaba is a 230km2 private wildlife conservancy, under the new ownership and management of the Loisaba Community Trust, and supported by The Nature Conservancy. A beautiful landscape with springs, plains, valleys and views, and the great Ewaso Nyiro River, it is an important elephant haven.

Perched on the edge of an escarpment, Loisaba Tented Camp is designed to capitalize on unhindered views across Laikipia’s mottled landscape all the way to Mt Kenya. All accommodations and main areas enjoy a breathtaking vantage point over an expansive panorama.

African-themed sophistication and style is the flavour of Loisaba Tented Camp. Spacious and airy tents are custom- built with large floor-to-ceiling doors and windows, high ceilings and polished wood floors. The tent suites are adorned in chic Africana furniture with a modern European twist.

The inviting main areas of Loisaba Tented Camp include a large open dining area, separate open lounge and bar, a large wooden decking area for outside dining, relaxing and enjoying the view, and one of Africa’s most picturesque infinity pools.

WHAT WE LIKE ABOUT LOISABA

• Activities ~ Renowned for its beautiful landscape and rich wildlife, Loisaba also offers a multitude of activities to enjoy them by - horse riding, camel safaris, mountain biking, night game drives, fishing, visits to the conservation head quarters... the list goes on!

• Private and low density location ~ Loisaba is a 230Km2 private game sanctuary, with limited accommodations on it. With 4.8km2 of wilderness to each bed, Loisaba offers some of the most exclusive safari experiences available in East Africa.

• Conservation ~ Loisaba’s conservation model is a multilateral approach involving community, conservation organisations, tourism partners, agricultural and research institutions. Learn about the cutting-edge concepts being used to sustain the future of this stunning wilderness.

Expert tips:

On the threshold of Kenya’s beautiful northern rangelands, Laikipia covers 9,500km2, north of the Aberdares Mountain Range on a wide plateau stretching from the slopes of Mt Kenya in the south east to the edge of the Great Rift Valley in the west. The striking escarpments descend into the surrounding arid land with tributaries of the Ewaso Nyiro River cutting across the vast open plains. The habitats range from dry savannah and open woodland to spectacular canyons and low forested valleys.

Made up of vast community-owned ranches, private farms and wildlife conservancies, Laikipia supports the second highest density of wildlife in Kenya and is one of only few places in Africa where wildlife numbers are on the increase. It is one of Kenya’s most exciting wilderness areas with spectacular scenery and an abundance of wildlife, including the Big 5 as well as many endangered species, such as Grevy’s zebra, reticulated giraffe, Lelwel’s hartebeest and the patas monkey. Laikipia is also one of the best places to see wild dog.

Loisaba Conservancy lies on the edge of a sheer escarpment with views out over the Laikipia plateau. This thriving 230 Km2 conservancy boasts rivers, forests, springs, valleys and open plains. Recently purchased by the Loisaba Community Trust, with the assistance of The Nature Conservancy, and partnered with the Space For Giants elephant foundation, Loisaba is becoming a hub for cutting-edge conservation efforts throughout Laikipia and Kenya. Loisaba is fascinating on many levels - not just

for its abundant game. Three accommodations are available on Loisaba - the sophisticated Loisaba Tented Camp, the unique Loisaba Star Beds, and the ultra-private Loisaba Lodo Springs.

Expert tips:

Situated on a secluded and picturesque site on the banks
of the splendid Sand River, Sand River Masai Mara is built
in the elegant style reminiscent of late 1920’s safaris. These were the glory days of great safaris, patronised by the rich, the beautiful and the famous. Here at Sand River Masai Mara guests can sink back in time and savour the same glamorous ambience, unspoilt scenery and spectacular game viewing as the Hollywood stars, royalty and celebrities of that classic era of African adventure.

Sand River Camp sits on the migration route of the immense herds that trek between the Serengeti and Masai Mara every year following the rains to greener pastures. During this time, guests literally become part of the wildlife drama being played out, as sprawling lines of wildebeest cross the Sand River and weave their way right through the camp. Often from the privacy and comfort of your verandah you can steep yourself in this wildlife spectacle and feel a part of this natural phenomenon.

Comprising of 16 tented accommodations, Sand River Masai Mara replicates the heyday of exclusive permanent tented camps of the late 1920’s.

WHAT WE LIKE ABOUT SAND RIVER MASAI MARA

• Private Location ~ The camp is located in a secluded area of the Masai Mara National Reserve, far from other properties so guests enjoy a truly “exclusive” safari.
• Sand River ~ The camp overlooks Sand River, a picturesque combination of sand banks, dramatic rocks and riverine forest - an idyllic setting for a late breakfast!
• On the Migration route ~ Sand River Masai Mara is quite literally on the Migration route and guests are often fortunate to be able to watch wildebeest and zebra crossing the Sand River from the comfort of their tent verandah.
• Luxurious classic camp ~ The camp has an opulent feel, and evokes a feeling of having stepped back in time to the heyday of great safaris.

Expert tips:

SERENGETI PIONEER CAMP

Serengeti Pioneer Camp is perched on a rocky outcrop in Southern central Serengeti and affords dramatic views of the Serengeti plains that drift endlessly into the horizon. Close to Moru Kopjes, it is a site originally chosen by world renowned researcher and film maker, Alan Root.

A camp designed for limited impact on its natural surroundings, Pioneer Camp has the feel of a 1930s mobile safari camp, but with all the modern day amenities of a luxury camp. The 12 tents are tastefully decorated in Campaign-style safari furniture, with en suite bathrooms offering steaming
hot solar-heated showers. Each tent has a personal room attendant to look after guests’ needs. Ensconced among the natural bush, the tented suites offer a truly back-to-nature feel.

The views from the bar and lounge are spectacular, providing the most memorable and convenient safari sundowner location.

WHAT WE LIKE ABOUT PIONEER CAMP

• Location ~ Perched upon its own kopje in a secluded area of the park, Serengeti Pioneer Camp enjoys spectacular views across the Serengeti plains and of Moru Kopjes.
• Southern migration ~ During January to March the migration is making its way through the southern route of the journey. In the months of January to February calving occurs, and some 400,000 wildebeest calves are born in a period of just a few weeks. This event attracts various predators, particularly lions. Serengeti Pioneer Camp is located close enough to enjoy a full-day game drive to view this natural phenomenon, and then return to camp in its quiet private corner of the Serengeti.

• Private picnic site ~ Serengeti Pioneer Camp has special permission from the park authorities to use a private picnic site on top of a hill offering stunning views over the Serengeti plains, that can be enjoyed in total privacy. Pre- booking is necessary.

• Moru Kopjes ~ A rocky outcrop with historical significance, several of the boulders display ancient Masai paintings. An important and unique feature of the kopjes is Ngong rock.
  A geological phenomenon, musical sounds are produced when the rock is hit with smaller rocks. Ngong

• Lining the banks of the famous Grumeti river, home to pods of grunting and wallowing hippos, Serengeti Migration Camp perfectly encapsulates the luxury camp experience.

  Overlooking a kopje and sweeping plains across the river, the camp’s main areas are designed for enjoyment of the expansive view and being captivated by the colours of a spectacular Serengeti sunset. An open-plan lounge, dining room with large balcony, and a sunset viewing platform with camp fire ensure that all delicious meals and satisfying drinks are accompanied by a stunning view. A large swimming pool invites guests for a refreshing swim during the heat of the day.

  Twenty luxurious and elevated en suite tents are incredibly spacious and tastefully decorated in rich dark wood and leather furnishings. Serengeti Migration Camp tents have the feel of a stately hotel room, but with canvas walls to let the sounds of the African bush remind you of your truly wild location. Large wrap-around verandahs afford 360-degree views of the surrounding African bush.

  Situated on the path of the annual Great Migration, during the months of April through June and again in late October to December, guests to the camp are treated to the spectacular view of a landscape dotted with wildebeest from horizon to horizon. Sitting in a quiet and pristine corner of the world-famous Serengeti, guests will enjoy year-round viewing of incredible game, including the opportunity to

  experience the Big Five.

WHAT WE LIKE ABOUT MIGRATION CAMP

• Location ~ Serengeti Migration Camp is uniquely located in a secluded idyll of north central Serengeti on the route of the great migration. From April to July/August, and again from November through December, guests can enjoy a “private migration”, with hundreds of thousands of wildebeest dotting the landscape from horizon to horizon.

• Mara River crossing ~ Game package guests can do an easy hours game drive from the camp to the Mara River, one of the sites of the famed frenetic migration river crossings. This enables guests to enjoy the action, but return in the evening to their private haven.

• Wildlife ~ The game viewing opportunities from Serengeti Migration Camp are enviable, with the chance to see the ‘Big 5’ as well as abundant other wildlife. For birders, over 500 species of birds have been recorded in the area. This area of the Serengeti offers fantastic game viewing year round.

Expert tips:

Serengeti National Park is at the heart of the greater Serengeti ecosystem, which is defined by the area covered during the annual wildebeest migration. The area borders the Ngorongoro Conservation Area, all 5280 km2 of which was declared a World Heritage Site in 1979.

On the plains of the Serengeti National Park, approx. two million wildebeest and zebra migrate annually across this vast area following the weather patterns in search of grazing and water. The herds tend to congregate and calve in the southern part of Serengeti from January to March, before beginning the northern trek into the northern Serengeti plains and the Masai Mara in Kenya before looping back again - this leg of the epic journey occurring between April and December.

A dramatic volcanic and verdant landscape, the Serengeti is a permanent home to a plethora of other wildlife which can be viewed year round. One of the few remaining places to view black rhino in its natural habitat, the Serengeti offers the chance to view all of the Big 5. Its abundance of animals has seen the Serengeti as the subject of and location for many wildlife documentaries over the years.

Serengeti Pioneer Camp has a wonderfully secluded location overlooking the Moru Kopjes in central Southern Serengeti. It has good access to the wildebeest migration for most of the year, particularly in the calving season. Areas of special interest are the Moru Kopjes with their prehistoric paintings and musical rocks, and Lake Magadi, home to flocks of flamingos.

Serengeti Migration Camp is in central Northern Serengeti. In a quiet, less visited part of the Serengeti, the area feels wonderfully private. Serengeti Migration Camp is in an ideal location to enjoy the Serengeti’s wildlife, while also having easy access to the Mara River during the northern migration season.

SPECIAL FEATURES & KEY WILDLIFE IN SOUTHERN / EASTERN SERENGETI

• The calving season of the wildebeest is an evolutionary phenomenon. In the space of a very short couple of weeks between January to March each year, 400,000 calves are born to the great migration herds while they reside in Southern Serengeti. The events attracts many predators, but through the sheer volume of births the population number and survival of the wildebeest is ensured.
• Seasonally, Lake Magadi becomes home to hundreds of flamingos, and is only a short drive from camp.
• As well as its historical significance with Masai paintings and Ngong rock, Moru Kopje also acts as a natural reservoir for water, attracting much game for most of the year. It is a particular favourite for big cats, and one can often view a majestic lion basking in the sun on the rocks.

SPECIAL FEATURES & KEY WILDLIFE IN THE NORTHERN SERENGETI

• The great migration is a key attraction for many visitors to East Africa, and Serengeti Migration Camp is located along its route ensuring that from April through June and again from late October through December guests can witness this spectacle first-hand.

• Serengeti Migration Camp has easy drive access to the Mara River for guests on Game Package, with the option of a day trip in hopes of catching a thrilling river crossing.

• The Serengeti is home to the “Big 5”. It is particularly noteworthy for seeing black rhinos in their natural habitat.

• Near to camp, along the Grumeti River, are numerous pools with resident hippo. A wonderful sound of the African bush, the hippos can be heard from camp and also viewed on a guided bush walk along the river.

Expert tips:

A UNESCO World Heritage Site and often referred to as the eighth wonder of the world, The Ngorongoro crater is the largest intact caldera on earth. The rim of the crater is made up of lush, mountain forest and coffee plantations: in contrast, the 260 Km2 crater floor is covered in open grassy plains, acacia thickets, riverine forest, and lakes. Relatively small it may be, but the crater really does pack one heck of a punch, offering the highest density of wildlife in Africa, including the Big 5 and over 400 species of birds.

Arguably one of the most lavish properties on the safari circuit, The Manor at Ngorongoro is located within the Shangri-La Coffee estate, on the edge of the Ngorongoro Conservation Area. The Manor, with its old-world Afro-European architecture, offers luxurious accommodation in the most beautiful grounds. Fine dining and exquisite food are delivered with the best in African hospitality, with the swimming pool, spa, games room, cinema and stables offer a variety of ways of enjoying your time at the property.

The Manor is surrounded by the natural beauty of the Tanzanian highlands, and is less than half an hour from The Ngorongoro Crater rim, and within close proximity to Lake Manyara National Park.

Expert tips:

The Ngorongoro Crater is a UNESCO World Heritage site and one of the most famous wildlife areas in the world. The Crater itself is the world's largest inactive and intact volcanic caldera, formed when it exploded and collapsed in on itself some two to three million years ago. The floor of the Crater covers 260 km2 (100 sq mi) and is mostly covered by grasslands with two small wooded areas and a seasonal salt lake in the centre of the crater; the lake is known by two names, Lake Magadi or Lake Makat. The other major water source is the Ngoitokitok, near the eastern crater wall.

Set in the Ngorongoro Conservation Authority area, part of the larger Serengeti ecosystem, it adjoins the Serengeti National Park, merging into the Southern Plains. The south and west of the area are volcanic highlands including Lake Natron ,the active volcano Ol Donyo Lengai and the lesser known Empakai Crater; the southern and eastern boundaries are defined by the rim of the East African Rift wall.

The Ngorongoro Crater, known as a great tourist attraction, is usually quite crowded, but the game viewing is very rewarding nevertheless. Within the whole area, there are over 25,000 large animals, including black rhinoceros, wildebeest, zebra, eland, Grant's and Thomson's gazelles, lion, leopards, elephants, mountain reedbuck, hyenas and huge herds of buffalo. Over 500 species of birds have been recorded within the area, including ostrich, white pelican and the greater and lesser flamingo on the lake within the Crater.