Angama Mara

Situated in an upmarket, peaceful and quiet residential area of Nairobi named after Karen Blixen, this property is ideal for travellers who need to spend a night in Nairobi pre- or post-safari. With only eleven uniquely designed en-suite rooms, based in 2.5 acres of green gardens, this city hotel offers a comfortable base from which to explore the city. You can venture out on your own to visit the Giraffe Centre, Daphine Sheldrick Orphanage or any one of the city’s many markets and museums including the famous Karen Blixen museum. The journey from the airport can be quite an adventure, with a real experience of the hustle and bustle of Nairobi city. Interestingly, the name of the house bears all the initials of the family who own and run this boutique hotel, in age order. The private home was originally built in the 1970s and was carefully refurbished over the course of nearly three years to make the property well suited for guests passing through the capital.

This is the grandest of the accommodation options at Sirikoi. Guests will enjoy exclusive use of the house, which comes with its own private safari guide and vehicle, chef and team of staff. The house consists of a master bedroom cottage, a separate cottage with two en-suite bedrooms and a central living and dining cottage. It also features a private wooden deck which overlooks the wetlands. Each room is individually decorated and features unique pieces collected from around the world. A picture window that stretches to almost the entire width of the room promises spectacular views out across the plains. Your personal team will take you out on a variety of activities, from bush walks and game drives to horseback riding and Masai visits. Dining is an equally special experience and consists of meals under the stars and  evening sundowners facing Kenya’s mountain ranges.

Located on the edge of the Ewaso River in a pristine wilderness within the Westgate Community Conservancy, the lodge boasts some fantastic views and is perfectly located to give you some amazing game sightings. If you want to get involved in activities, there is a huge variety of things to get involved with but otherwise, ‘Spa Saab’ will look after you in calming treatment rooms and it even offers yoga. What’s more, Sasaab is involved in many projects with the local Samburu tribe and runs many sustainability initiatives. Each of the nine distinctive open-walled rooms are furnished with a Moroccan flair with simple but elegant trimmings. They are extremely spacious (over 100sqm each) with west facing verandas and their own private plunge pools overlooking the Ewaso Nyiro River. You’re higher up and closer to the Sahara here, so it can get very warm, but the lodge has been built to provide respite from the heat. The open tented rooms are airy and your plunge pool is just a short stroll from your bed. The family unit is ideal for two couples travelling together as well as families. This luxurious suite is spacious, featuring one en-suite double room and one en-suite twin room with a communal lounge and private plunge pool. The main dining area is reminiscent of a souk and is great for a lazy afternoon watching the game frequent the river below. The lodge has a strong relationship with the hundreds of families that live on and own the conservancy and they are very proud to give guests to the lodge a special insight into their daily lives. These cultural experiences are non intrusive and if you’re lucky, they might even invite you to see a genuine traditional ceremony in the village. Trips to the local Samburu markets take place twice a week and are not to be missed.

Views over Mount Kilimanjaro. Rolling hills, and open plains. A community project with strong connections to the local Masai farmers. Campi ya Kanzi (camp of the hidden treasure) is truly a special experience. There is a conscious focus on promoting environmental conservation and sustainable community development here. Located within the Mbirikani Group Ranch which extends over 283,000 acres of land, this lodge is a perfect complement to a Masai Mara game experience. The landscape is great for a variety of plains game and of course, is home to a whole Maasai community. There are just six en-suite luxury tented rooms in the camp, alongside two beautiful suites which are all raised up on wooden platforms with thatched roofs, keeping in line with the eco-feel of the lodge. The camp is actually centred around Tembo House which has a veranda overlooking the majestic Mount Kilimanjaro and the Tsavo Hills. Perfect for a relaxing evening, Tembo House is an open plan dining/living room constructed from local materials and is where you can enjoy your freshly prepared Italian or local cuisine. Kanzi House is an additional exclusive property which is absolutely private. With a maximum capacity of just ten per group, it is ideal for families and can cater for six adults and four children. With a large 18-metre swimming pool, Kanzi House offers an almost resort like experience that is in line with the eco-credentials that this lodge boasts. Your hosts, Antonella and Luca, are passionate about Kenya and are keen to give you a really unique experience. They have their own Cessna 206 which can be hired privately to get you to the lodge and boasts views that many scenic flights charge extra for.