Kenya
Kenya is an iconic African destination and a beloved choice for safari enthusiasts. While a traditional African safari is the focus of travel to Kenya, a night or two in one of Nairobi’s many hotels and lodges pulls the curtain back on a vibrant and chic social scene. Stay at Giraffe Manor and breakfast with giraffes at this country homestead in the city. Families love the Emakoko bordering the Nairobi National Park. At night, the sound of bush babies, lions and hyenas belie the fact that you’re surrounded by the city. Built in the style of the coastal town of Lamu, Manzili House is one of our favourite properties for small groups and families. Meanwhile the colonial style of the larger Hemingways Hotel is perfect for those who prefer more of that rich historical charm.
During your stay, take a private tour of the Sheldrick Elephant Orphanage and then enjoy a farm to table lunch at Cultiva Farm. We arrange curated shopping with Kenya’s most talented artisans, jewellers and crafters and introduce you to classic Kenyan coffee with a local coffee farm tour and cupping.
The country is renowned for national parks such as the Maasai Mara, Amboseli and the Tsavos and there’s no denying that a visit to Kenya would be incomplete without exploring at least one of them. But we love Kenya’s private conservancies for their concerted conservation efforts which has resulted in bringing back species like the black rhino. Beyond game drives, they also offer diverse activities like walking safaris, fly camping, mountain biking, horse riding, and helicopter excursions.
Within the Mara ecosystem, Mara Plains and Mara Nyika Camp offer Relais & Chateaux luxury with a wildlife and photography focus, inspired by filmmakers and conservationists Beverly and Dereck Joubert. In the game rich Mara Triangle Angama Safari Camp is a private use camp that provides guests with their exclusive slice of the Mara. Positioned for prime viewing of the wildebeest migration, it offers the ultimate Gray & Co experience.
With soaring views of Kilimanjaro, the Amboseli region is an iconic East Africa safari destination, with the luxurious Ol Donyo Lodge and Angama Amboseli which perfectly capture the untamed beauty of the surrounding conservancies and provide convenient access to the park. But it’s the north of the country that offers the most exceptional cultural experiences. Namunyak Conservancy stands out for its beauty, exciting range of activities, and connections with the Samburu communities. For longer stays, Reteti House and Sarara Camp are exceptional remote retreats.
A little to the south, within the Laikipia region Ol Jogi, a spectacular private use home, is an indulgent retreat for a family or friends group looking for an extended bush stay. The light footprint of Segera combines sustainability with exquisite attention for an unforgettable experience. For travellers looking for something a little more adventurous Ol Malo is an ‘ol’ favourite. Complement your safari with the ultimate doors-off helicopter trip to Lake Turkana, stopping to breakfast in a deep canyon, swim in volcanic pools, surf down giant sand dunes and fly among flocks of flamingoes.
