Travel With Tamara | Safari Romance

Finch Hattons

Tsavo West National Park

The tagline ‘Where Luxury Meets Legend’ aptly describes the atmosphere of Finch Hattons. Named for Denys Finch Hatton – aristocrat and adventurer, pilot and photographer – the camp evokes the safaris of the 1920s. The 14 stylish tented suites have decks overlooking the hippo pools, lavish furnishings, discreet personal bars, and bathrooms complete with freestanding copper bathtubs. The Finch Hattons Suite is the epitome of elegance with heated plunge pool, butler service and private chef. Game drives in open vehicles can be organised at the time guests prefer; other activities include sundowners, bush breakfasts, walks and cultural visits to local Maasai villages. Or just relax by the pool, enjoy luscious treatments and therapies at the spa, and dine on delectable cuisine. Finch Hattons works with local communities, providing employment and supporting grass roots conservation projects.

Angama Mara

Maasai Mara

Angama Mara, high on a hill, overlooks the sweeping plains of the world-famous Maasai Mara. The camp has two clusters of 15 glass-fronted tented suites, their wood and canvas interiors enhanced by splashes of Maasai red. Guests are welcome to plan their day as they wish; activities include balloon flights, game drives, nature walks and cultural visits to local Maasai villages. Visitors can take a picnic or return to camp to dine on home baked bread, grass-fed beef, fresh local vegetables and prawns from Kenya’s coast. Don’t forget to take advantage of the library of African books – best read on a sunbed by the expansive pool. The Angama Foundation was established to make a meaningful and sustainable difference to the communities around the lodge, and currently supports projects in education, healthcare and conservation.

Ngare Serian

Mara North Conservancy

Ngare, meaning ‘by the river’, is an unassuming way to describe this heavenly camp tucked into the verdant riverbanks of the Mara River. Reached on foot over a rope bridge, the camp has only four tented suites, all furnished with four-poster bed, chaise longue, open bathroom, and spacious veranda set with bathtubs. The timing of game drives and night drives, nature walks and river fishing, is up to the guests, and each group has their own private vehicle. Don’t miss the chance to spend a night at The Nest, a picturesque treehouse, and to do photographic safari drives with one of the professional photographers in residence. As a member of Mara North Conservancy, Ngare Serian contributes to the lease of land from the Maasai landowners, ensuring both communities and wildlife are protected.

Sasaab

Samburu National Reserve

The Moroccan inspired Sasaab, high above the Ewaso Nyiro River, is a fusion of Arabic arches, Swahili lanterns, stylish antiques and extensive vistas. Each of the nine capacious suites has a private plunge pool from which guests can view the game. Take a game drive to see the distinctive animals of Kenya’s north, then visit the local Samburu to discover their vibrant and culture, or wander more slowly through the region, bird watching or stargazing. For the truly adventurous, how about a camel safari with a couple of nights fly camping? On return to the lodge, pamper yourself at the world class SpaSaab. Sasaab is rated gold by Ecotourism Kenya, and supports a community tourism project to preserve this remote yet stunning wilderness area.

Borana

Borana Conservancy

Borana looks out over the rolling hills of Borana Conservancy, its stone and cedar cottages set into lush hillside. Each cottage has its own character, with expansive views, open fireplaces and showers cut into rocks. Activities include horse riding, mountain biking, quad biking, rock climbing, game drives, nature walks and helicopter flights. Or spend the day at the infinity pool, looking across the conservancy while sipping a fresh fruit cocktail. Guests can participate in the day-to-day running of this working ranch, and in conservancy tasks like tracking with scouts, and monitoring rhinos and lions. Borana Conservancy is a highly respected rhino sanctuary, and is committed to securing this important habitat for endangered species; Borana’s a member of The Long Run, one of the world’s largest sustainable development initiatives led by nature-based businesses.

Lentorre

South Rift Valley

On an escarpment with panoramic views, Lentorre’s six cottages look across the valley. The cottages are open-fronted, with spacious bathrooms, towering makuti roof and wide veranda with private plunge pool. The natural stone lounge and library view the waterhole where animals often pause to drink. The chef serves fresh and tasty dishes created from home-grown seasonal vegetables, with a splash of his own inspiration. Game drives and bird walks can be done at the time the guest wishes, or why not climb the nearby mountains then sink into the huge cushioned chairs beside the pool and watch the game stroll by. The lodge provides employment to the local community and contributes to a number of community projects in the area including roads, schools and flood relief.