Kenya’s authentic luxury

This trip to Kenya starts with a bang, as you fly into Nairobi for a pitstop at the very chic and trendy boutique hotel, Hemingways Eden. Providing a haven amidst the fast pace of Kenya’s capital, Eden was once an artist’s home and is now a living museum, private gallery space, and luxurious base for a night’s stay. It is such a great hotel to relax in after a day of travel, and we recommend you take full advantage of the veranda and gardens. If you are feeling active, the hotel borders the well-known Giraffe Sanctuary and is also very close to Nairobi National Park, which offers game drives and some great wildlife viewing.

The next day, you’ll fly to Chyulu Hills, where you’ll stay at a YZ favorite, Ol Donyo Lodge. This classic safari lodge has a lovely location on the south-western side of the Chyulu Hills, within the Mbirikani Group Ranch. It has been honed from the ancient lava rock that spewed out of Mount Kilimanjaro 360,000 years ago. Each suite has a huge bedroom area, a lounge area for taking in the incredible views across the rolling plains, a very comfortable star bed where guests can sleep under the stars, and a private plunge pool. So for those who like a lot of luxury on safari, this is our top choice in the Amboseli and Chyulu Hills region. Activities from Ol Donyo consist of expertly guided game drives and walks, hiking, biking, horse riding, and fly camping. Amboseli is one of the finest destinations for elephant viewing in all Safari Africa, boasting immense concentrations of the grey giants! Some of the last of the continent’s big tuskers may be seen ambling around the conservancy. Other wildlife here includes lion, leopard, cheetah, buffalo, Maasai giraffe, Grant’s zebra, an exciting assortment of antelopes, and hundreds of birds.

After four nights in the Chyulu Hills, you’ll spend the last four nights of this luxury safari in the Maasai Mara, staying at Mara Plains. The camp is located in the private Olare Motorogi Conservancy that is on the Maasai Mara’s northern boundary, and it manages to balance fantastic wildlife viewing and guiding with excellent service and just the right amount of luxury. To enter the camp, there’s a bridge that leads into the heart of the camp, where you’ll find the main areas, comprising a rather grand lounge, library, and dining room. The guest tents have extensive wraparound verandas, deep copper bathtubs, and stylistic elements that provide an authentic Africa vibe. Among the activities offered by Mara Plains are expertly guided game drives, community visits, horse riding, and hot air balloon safaris. The conservancy’s wildlife highlights are numerous – all Big Five, smaller predators such as cheetah, hyena, jackal, and wild dog, and, as you’d expect, plenty of plains game!