Laikipia Archives - Maasai Luxury Vacations

Arijiju Retreat

Arijiju Retreat is a luxury exclusive-use retreat on the Borana Conservancy on Kenya’s Laikipia Plateau. Arijiju’s architecture borrows from the Kenyan tradition of grouping rooms to house multi-generations, with three suites in the main house and two generous cottages along a stone pathway. Setup at Arijiju Throughout the communal areas at Arijiju Retreat, the design is inspired by styles both African – there are references to the famous monasteries of neighbouring Ethiopia, and the entire structure is clad in local Meru stone – and European, with chandeliers and first-rate western-style furnishings. There is a candle-lit lounge and bar area, a library and office, a spa house, a gym, a yoga studio, tennis and squash courts, and an infinity pool with views over a waterhole frequented by elephant, rhino, cheetah, giraffe and many other species. There is a fourteen-strong staff in attendance, including the butler, chefs and a ranger. Wi-Fi is available throughout the property. Rooms Accommodations at Arijiju Retreat comprise five suites: ten guests is the upper limit, with smaller groups also catered for. Three of the suites are in the house itself, arranged around the central courtyard. Two more are in ‘cottage’ suites connected to the main villa. Throughout there are king-size beds (some four-poster), stone fireplaces, large lounge areas, luxurious en suite facilities (with freestanding baths as well as showers) and expansive views. Furnishings are stylish and unique, as in the main areas, blending the traditional Kenyan and the contemporary European. Explore Arijiju To the north and east of Arijiju lie snow-capped mountains, dense forests and sprawling deserts, while to the south looms Mount Kenya. Whichever way you face it, it is towards adventure. Activities at Arijiju Retreat are plentiful and varied. There are guided wildlife drives and walks available, as well as mountain biking, helicopter safari, quad-bike trips and access to the Ngare Ndare Forest, as well as much more.

Lengishu

Nestled in the breathtaking landscape of Laikipia, Lengishu is an exclusive-use family home that promises an unforgettable stay. Offering an oasis of luxury, this stunning retreat is situated within the expansive 32,000-acre Borana Conservancy, renowned as one of Kenya’s most successful sanctuaries for rhinos. Guests can immerse themselves in the beauty of nature while enjoying unparalleled comfort and personalized service, making it the perfect destination for a memorable family getaway. Architecture at Lengishu Lengishu is built entirely of sustainable materials. The stones have been excavated from the site itself and sourced when the foundations were laid. The wooden beams and panels are made of teak and gum poles from Kenya, the walls are rammed earth and the floors are stone and wood. This unique family home was built to blend into its surroundings. The main house is central to the design with a large entrance hall leading to a study and a vaulted sitting and dining room which is warmed by two large fireplaces with glorious views. A covered veranda with a pizza oven allows for outdoor lunch or evening entertaining. An art room with floor-to-ceiling windows and inspirational views is nestled below. What Makes Lengishu Unique Four cottages are arranged along the hillside, accommodating 6 to 12 guests, making it the ideal private home for families or large gatherings. The bedrooms are spacious, with fireplaces or wood-burning stoves for those colder evenings, as well as ensuite bathrooms boasting freestanding bathtubs and floor-to-ceiling windows – perfect for bathtub game viewing. All rooms face east over the valley below, offering spectacular sunrise views which can be enjoyed from the balconies (each bedroom has its own private veranda). Activities at Lengishu Game Drives and Walking Safaris You can combine your game drive with various other safari experiences like cultural encounters and conservation experiences. Conservation One of the most popular activities in Borana Conservancy is rhino tracking. Head out on foot with a ranger at dawn and find black and white rhinos. You’ll spend time identifying them before settling down for a bush breakfast. You can also head out in the evening to some of the rangers’ vantage points around the conservancy. Cultural Visits A few of the traditional Maasai settlements to the north of Borana will welcome you in to share some of their culture with you. A village elder will give you a short history of their tribe and show you around their village. Your visit will end with a celebratory dance and you’re encouraged to join in. You can also visit one of the schools the conservancy supports. Why we love Lengishu Located in one of Kenya’s best wildlife destinations, the wide range of activities on offer go far beyond the traditional vehicle-based approach to safari. There is something for everyone, from private game drives and mountain biking or horse riding through the conservancy to visiting world-renowned conservation projects. There are various terraces and outdoor spaces to enjoy alfresco dining and wildlife-watching from: sight elephants at the watering hole from the pool, sip sundowners at the rocky viewpoint, or savour an alfresco breakfast on the main terrace.

Watching Rhino from your cottage at Kifaru House

Elewana Kifaru House

Elewana Kifaru House is a luxurious safari lodge in the world-famous Lewa Conservancy, home to East Africa’s healthiest black and white rhino populations. This bijou property appropriately takes its name from the Swahili word for rhino. Lewa Conservancy is a major player in Laikipia and is well known for its success in reversing the decline (an international and national trend) of wildlife populations. The property luxuriates in total exclusivity with five charming thatched cottages tucked away in an oasis of vibrant lawns, filled with birdsong. All have well-appointed bedrooms, with sumptuous four-poster beds and generous en-suite bathrooms. Kifaru House in Detail A haven of luxury in the bush, guests will immediately feel at home on arrival, warmly welcomed by the friendly and attentive staff. The comfortable sitting room with a well-stocked bar and elegant dining area extends out to a large, comfortably furnished terrace. Here, guests can enjoy a sunny breakfast al fresco and watch the busy goings-on at the waterhole below, or they can choose to relax by the picturesque infinity pool and enjoy the magnificent views over the distant plains. The lodge also has a large dining and living area, as well as a swimming pool and outdoor fireplace. Guests can enjoy a range of activities during their stay, including game drives, guided walks, horse riding, and cultural visits to nearby communities. Kifaru House is owned and managed by a reputable safari operation in East Africa, which also oversees Lewa Safari Camp. While both properties have their unique charms, they differ significantly in style. Lewa Safari Camp offers comfortable yet simple accommodations in the form of 12 rustic safari tents, whereas Kifaru House is a smaller, more exclusive lodge that provides a much higher level of luxury. Kifaru House Setting The elegant lounge and dining area is located in a large oval building featuring stone fireplaces at both ends. On one side, there are several cream sofas arranged around a low coffee table, where guests can gather for pre-dinner drinks and chat about their day. On the other side, a chunky wooden table is set for communal dining. Along the back wall, there is a bar offering a good selection of drinks, alongside a coffee machine. At the front, a verandah with several sofas provides a relaxing spot to enjoy coffee while taking in the views. A separate structure contains an additional lounge and a library, which features a small curio cabinet displaying locally produced beaded jewellery for sale. The Cottages The five colonial-style cottages were originally built for private donors of the conservancy. These spacious structures feature high thatched roofs, dark wood floors, and white walls with exposed wooden beams. Three of the cottages are equipped with fixed-frame four-poster double beds and a separate single bed. One cottage, known as the honeymoon cottage, includes a double bed, a cosy sofa, a bathtub, and an outdoor shower. Each cottage is stylishly furnished with plush armchairs, a writing desk, and a built-in storage cupboard. The well-proportioned bathrooms come with either single or double basins, showers, hairdryers, and toiletries by Cinnabar & Green. Although there is no dedicated spa, in-room massages can be arranged with a trained masseuse based at Kifaru House. Additionally, there is a family cottage that features two separate en-suite bedrooms: one double and one twin. While the rooms are adjacent to each other, they are not interconnected. About the Conservancy The main attraction of Kifaru House is excellent, accessible game drives in search of rhinos and the other inhabitants of the Lewa Conservancy. As this is a privately run conservancy, not a national park, there are large areas where you can drive off-road and night drives are also possible. The conservancy covers 65,000 acres, a vast wilderness. Lewa has dramatic views to the south of snow-capped Mt. Kenya, and to the north down to the arid lands of Tassia and Il Ngwesi. It has many diverse habitats from pristine forests, fertile grasslands, extensive springs and acacia woodland. Registered as a rhino conservancy in 1983, the conservancy is famous for its successful rhino and Grevy zebra breeding, two endangered species; Lewa is home to 10% of Kenya’s rhino, and 20% of the world’s population of Grevy zebra. The whole conservancy is fenced, and the conservancy employs over 150 rangers. The conservancy does extensive outreach work into the surrounding communities with its Community Development Program, including healthcare, education, micro-finance, and water projects – to share with the community the benefits of wildlife. With over 70 recorded mammal species within the conservancy, for guests, the wildlife experience is unrivalled.

Horseback Safari in Africa

Immerse yourself in the breathtaking beauty of the Maasai Mara as you experience the thrill of horseback safari across the sweeping savannah landscape. Engaging in a horseback safari offers an unparalleled experience. The exhilaration of harmonizing with nature remains constant. This adventure allows for unrestricted movement among the animals, fostering a sense of oneness with the wildlife. It presents the opportunity to spend entire mornings immersed in the wilderness, enjoying a leisurely picnic breakfast, only to return for lunch. One may opt for an extended excursion with a picnic lunch, or indulge in a brief evening ride, punctuated, perhaps, by a pause for a sundowner. Experience the thrill of Masai Mara, riding on your horse as you explore the vast savannah and wildlife. Picture yourself galloping on a majestic horse through the African savannah as impalas gracefully leap and gazelles peacefully graze around you. The wind creates mesmerizing ripples across the famed savannahs, and towering giraffes elegantly bend their long necks to reach the acacia leaves. As you ride, elephants raise their heads, observing your journey with unwavering calmness. Each ride is a unique adventure, where a flock of sunbirds might dance through the air, and a vibrant turaco bird may flash past you. Zebras communicate with ear-shivering gestures and whinnies, while a lion, hidden in the grass, raises its majestic head. Riding on your horse, embraced by the surrounding wildlife, you become fully immersed in this extraordinary experience. The Maasai Mara, repeatedly voted as Africa’s leading national park, boasts an incredible diversity of wildlife, including the renowned ‘big five’. This park is famous for the annual Great Migration, where immense herds of wildebeest surge across the plains and bravely navigate through the rivers. Throughout the year, the Mara is home to a vast array of animals and birds, making it a paradise for nature enthusiasts. Nestled on the outskirts of the Maasai Mara is the Olerai Conservancy, a private 5000-acre haven characterized by lush plains, meandering streams, rugged crags, and forested hills. Here, you’ll encounter the raw beauty of Africa, just as it has existed since time immemorial. Let your spirit be rejuvenated, immerse yourself in the enchantment of nature, and behold the wonders that unfold before your very eyes.

Kenya Helicopter Safari

A Helicopter Safari offers a unique and thrilling experience as you soar above the wilderness as you explore natural landscape and wildlife. This total freedom will allow you to visit places inaccessible by land and untouched by most humans. Northern Kenya hosts some of East Africa’s most remote geographical wonders. Looking down on this vast wilderness from above offers an entirely new perspective. Enjoy instant access to remote locations, otherwise unavailable under time constraints. Hover over wildlife or touch down beside a turquoise pool for a refreshing swim. Take this once-in-a-lifetime opportunity during your luxury Kenya safari holiday to see the wildest corners of the country. Flying over the Northern Kenya Skimming low over the treetops or soaring up and over an escarpment like an eagle on a rising thermal, the best way to absorb the grandeur of Africa’s landscapes is from the air. A helicopter safari is a bucket-list highlight and one of Kenya’s best safari experiences. After a dawn breakfast at one of Kenya’s best safari lodges, we boarded the chopper and strapped ourselves in. I must admit my nerves were all a jangle. Our pilot, John, gave us a safety briefing … and then we were off on our helicopter safari. Up and up, like an elevator ride on steroids. It was an astounding sensation. We headed north, cruising over vast game reserves. I spotted a family of elephants beside a waterhole, hoovering the water with their elastic trunks. On we flew, passing herds of giraffe and Thomson’s gazelle, and catching a glimpse of a rare Grévy’s zebra. Where can you fly to in a helicopter in Kenya? Flights take off in the Laikipia region. From here, you can explore the epic vistas of the Great Rift Valley, soaring high above to take it all in or flying low and skirting the treetops to enjoy the lush riverine forests or the open rolling plains of this diverse region. The pilots are exceptionally well trained and are as passionate about the land as they are about the blue skies above – this means they’re perfectly qualified to operate as your safari guide for your flight. Mount Kenya is easy to access, and you can touch down high up on the mountainside to tuck into a spectacular picnic breakfast or lunch. If you wish to travel farther afield, you can visit the largest permanent desert lake in the world, Lake Turkana, to enjoy the breathtaking and otherworldly basalt outcrops and volcanic shores – here you can even camp out in comfort on the lake shore! The experience of flying to Mount Kenya and Lake Turkana To reach Mount Kenya, it’s an early start boarding the helicopter, to ensure you reach the mountain before the heat sets in – the pilot aims to get you there by 07:30! However, the effort of getting up at this time is well worth it, as the scenery is amazing. Acres of savanna sprawl below, herds of herbivores grazing the grass. Perhaps a lion or a leopard is on the prowl, causing a group of gazelles to scatter suddenly and race through the rippling plains. Then savanna meets woodland, even forest, beautiful banks of indigenous trees alternately standing still and waving gently as you pass overhead. Suddenly the foliage thins and a river emerges, rushing through the park or reserve. The pilot touches down on Mount Kenya and the first treat here is a hearty picnic breakfast! It’s awesome to tuck into the first meal of the day while enjoying the fantastic views. Then, if you wish, you can while away a few hours fly-fishing on one of the tranquil lakes or tarns that adorn the mountain’s upper slopes. After your visit to the majestic mountain, there’s the opportunity to fly to Lake Turkana. This, too, is a superb sight. The largest permanent desert lake in the world, Turkana combines volcanic shores and basalt outcrops to astonishing effect! The sheer inaccessibility of the area makes for a truly pristine environment, where fish such as cichlids, and reptiles such as Nile crocs and turtles, live and thrive. There is plenteous birdlife too, including flamingos and cormorants, while the surrounding grasslands are home to small populations of lion, cheetah, gazelle, zebra, giraffe – and even the cushioned gerbil! In addition to wildlife watching, Lake Turkana is perfect for fishing and quad biking – and there’s even a hint of history, in the fossils of Homo habilis, a species of the Hominini tribe, that remain on the shores. Ancient rock art has also been discovered, on the south beach. Travellers keen on culture will relish taking some time to observe the Rendille people as they bring their livestock to drink here. In total, more than a quarter of a million tribespersons are dependent on the lake, so it’s a real privilege to visit this Waterworld! Need help planning your next Kenyan Safari? We will help get you the best safari experience, void of traffic and overcrowding associated with other regions. Let us help you plan.

Laragai House

The opulent and exclusive Laragai House combines loftiness, space and comfort to memorable effect and is the perfect place for a very special break in the wild with family and friends. Laragai House was built as a country retreat for the brothers Valentine and Michael Cecil, both British lords. The Cecil family’s attachment to Africa is strong: the brothers’ Kenyan company was long Africa’s largest internet provider. For many years the brothers and their friends and families enjoyed Laragai House’s “African Baronial” luxury. Their tradition of aristocratic elegance and no-nonsense comfort persists in this exclusive-use gem. The house sleeps 16 guests in eight bedrooms who are warmly received by our team of highly experienced staff. Wildlife viewings can be enjoyed from horseback, open cars, on foot or from the house itself. Laragai’s affiliation with the Borana and Lewa Wildlife Conservancies provides access to the results of many years of conservation and community development. Activities at Laragai House At Laragai House, you can choose to relax or seek adventure according to your preferences. For a tranquil experience, spend your days admiring the view, watching elephants at the nearby waterhole, or enjoying a massage in the privacy of your room. For those seeking more excitement, options include day and night game drives, horseback riding for all skill levels, nature walks, rhino tracking on foot, and sundowners at a stunning viewpoint. Wildlife Viewing Borana Conservancy boasts the highest diversity of large mammal species of any ecosystem of its size globally. It is home to many remarkable species, including elephants, black rhinos, lions, Jackson’s hartebeests, reticulated giraffes, buffalo, leopards, striped hyenas, Grevy’s zebras, and other endangered species. Additionally, with over 350 bird species to observe, it is truly a paradise for avid birdwatchers. Tracking Rhinos on Foot Borana Conservancy employs over 100 rangers, both male and female, to safeguard its black and white rhinos. This dedicated team is tasked with identifying each rhino daily. Guests have the unique opportunity to experience the role of a ranger firsthand. Join the rangers early in the morning to track rhinos on foot and gain deeper insights into these endangered species. Mountain Biking at Laragai Laragai House offers six giant mountain bikes for adults and teenagers, which guests can use to explore the conservancy off the beaten path with our guide. Horse Riding Kenya is where horseback safaris first began in the 1970s. Since then, the interest and popularity of this experience have grown, and Borana Conservancy has become a renowned destination for horse riding. At Borana, there is a stable that caters to both beginners and more experienced riders. Guests can explore the conservancy and its surroundings, riding among the diverse wildlife that inhabits the area. Guided Bush Walks Borana Conservancy offers an excellent opportunity for guided bush walks. While the conservancy is home to the ‘Big Five,’ walking allows you to explore smaller animals and observe the rich birdlife up close. We recommend taking an early morning walk before breakfast, when temperatures are cooler, and our highly experienced guides can provide the whole family with insights into the local flora, fauna, and wildlife. Helicopter Safaris at Laragai House A helicopter ride offers one of the best ways to experience Kenya’s stunning and varied landscapes. In just one day, you can take in snow-capped mountains, deserts, volcanic lakes, lush tropical forests, and expansive savannahs. Laragai House is ideally situated for helicopter excursions into the Great North, with access to the country’s most experienced pilots.

A ranger tracking rhino with modern tech

Rhino Tracking in Africa: Saruni Rhino

Nestled among the swaying doum palms of Samburu in northern Kenya, Saruni Rhino offers one-of-a-kind rhino tracking safaris. This is the first community-owned and community-run Rhino Sanctuary in Sera Community Conservancy, after an absence of a quarter of a century, marking a historical achievement for conservation and tourism in Kenya. It is unique not only for the unforgettable, raw beauty of its habitat but also because, as the name says, it is the gateway to an extraordinary place: the rhino sanctuary where black rhinos have been successfully re-introduced and are guarded by the community. The camp offers several diverse experiences. One is the first on-foot black rhino tracking experience in East Africa. This incredible walking safari provides a thrilling adventure and the opportunity for guests to actively contribute to the protection of this iconic species. The rhinos are located in a 350 000-hectare wilderness region known as the Sera Community Conservancy, which is the first community conservancy in Africa to own and operate a sanctuary for black rhinos – providing state-of-the-art protection, allowing the species to roam its natural habitat in northern Kenya for the first time in decades. Guided by highly trained rangers, you can get very close to these giant browsing mammals. After locating a rhino in your vehicle, you will disembark and approach on foot, advancing very close but never giving away your presence. Although rhinos’ eyesight is very poor, their hearing is exceptional and your guide will ensure that the animal is never frightened by your presence. Accommodation Options for this Safari Saruni Rhino is a 4-banda camp. A banda is a rustic stone cottage with a thatched roof and canvas zip-down windows and doors. All bandas have flushing loos, hot & cold water and natural stone showers. The bandas are situated along a dry river bed lined with beautiful doum palms in a way that ensures maximum privacy for guests but is intimate enough for group bookings on an exclusive basis. Make a Positive Impact Through Travel Saruni believes in the ethical creation of wealth. This is the way forward for Africa, and for conservation: the protection of wildlife and nature based on the distribution of income and jobs to its stakeholders. This is why they are proud to be among the founding members of Mara North Conservancy (MNC) and to be part of Northern Rangelands Trust (NRT) – two leading community-run conservation organizations in Kenya, which demonstrate the vital connection between communities, conservation and wildlife, a relationship fueled by tourism.

Camel Safari Across the Wilderness of Kenya

One of the most refreshing and fun-filled safari experiences is exploring Kenya’s wilderness on a camel safari. Be adventurous and do as the Samburu do; ride a camel through the African wilderness. A fun-filled alternative to the traditional game viewing experience, a camelback safari allows guests to get up close with plains games such as zebra, giraffe, and ostrich. This activity can be tailored to your preferences and combined with some of our exciting wildlife safari packages. A Camel Safari is a Unique Safari experience with the Samburu people in one of the most untouched destinations in Kenya. A camel safari is the ideal means of travelling through northern Kenya. The experience is unmatched, and you get to have an authentic trip accompanied by Samburu people, learning their ways and culture. One of the most refreshing and fun-filled safari experiences is exploring Kenya’s wilderness on a camel safari. Escape the constraints of a vehicle and lose yourself in the wilds where the camel train is the only traffic for miles. Walk out into the bush, with Samburu tribesmen and camels carrying the camp, or ride them through the dry riverbeds of Northern Kenya – you will walk or ride through some of the most remote and scenically beautiful lands in Northern Kenya. Northern Kenya consists largely of very dry land, which camels thrive in. This is a peaceful journey through a spiritual and historical wilderness. Camelback safaris take place in northern Kenya’s Laikipia county. This mode of transport was (and still is) used by the Arab traders and has filtered down to northern Kenya’s Samburu and Turkana tribes. These gentle creatures have a soft nature as they quietly stroll through the arid landscape. Just like horseback riding, the wildlife is not disturbed on a camel safari. It’s a great way to get closer to the animals. There are a few lodges and camps that offer camelback safaris, and they are traditionally found close to the northern frontier in Kenya’s Samburu country Need help planning your next Kenyan Safari? We will help get you the best safari experience, void of traffic and overcrowding associated with other regions. Let us help you plan.

Kenya Romantic Safari

Although we’ve had the privilege of creating many of them over the years, we have no single favourite place or plan for an especially amorous Custom Romantic Safari. There are simply too, too many possibilities. We will, however, be delighted to do a little matchmaking and find just the right and romantic spots for you. Our Kenya Romantic Safari encompasses charming and rustic destinations that will surely arouse the best out of your union. Raw and untamed destination combined with the best and most luxurious accommodation Kenya has to offer. Why Kenya for a Romantic Safari? Kenya is arguably the birthplace of safari as we know it. Safari is Swahili for travel. Over the years, safari has evolved to offer more than just wildlife views. Infusing warm hospitality, spectacular landscapes, unique cultures and excellent game, Kenya offers a unique take on romantic safari and this tour covers the best activities for you.

Arijiju Retreat

Lengishu

Elewana Kifaru House

Horseback Safari in Africa

Kenya Helicopter Safari

Laragai House

Rhino Tracking in Africa: Saruni Rhino

Camel Safari Across the Wilderness of Kenya

Kenya Romantic Safari

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