Luxury Safaris in Laikipia Plateau made for you

Styled in a very natural way, Segera Retreat is an unusual and elegant safari retreat founded by philanthropist Jochen Zeitz as part of the Zeitz Foundation to support creative and innovative sustainable projects and solutions that balance conservation, community development, culture, and commerce. Surrounded by lovely sculpted gardens complete with expansive lawns, the property is set in a 50,000 acre ranch right in the heart of Kenya’s Laikipia Plateau, with stunning views of Mount Kenya. Segera Retreat offers six spacious timber thatched villas. There is one large Segera villa that has a bedroom, terrace, day bed with its own pool, and both an indoor and outdoor lounge, and Segera House with two bedrooms, central lounge, roof terraces and its own private pool area, a good option for families. A new addition and one of the most unique rooms in Africa, spend a night in the NAY PALAD Bird Nest. Built and designed from raw materials, including actual tree branches which have been woven into a nest by local community members, the interior suite features a fully-equipped bathroom with running solar heated water and a literal 360 degree bird’s eye views over the river and plains below from the top deck. There is also a spa, gym, art gallery and a simply wonderful old Wine Tower which you can dine in. This is also a first class area for viewing game; while on your daily drives it is common to see elephants, lions, leopards, hippos, buffalo, antelopes, gazelles, along with the very rare Grevy’s zebras and Patas monkeys.

A very different kind of lodge, the Sanctuary at Ol Lentille actually consists of four independent and uniquely designed houses that provide you with your own home away from home but in the most awe-inspiring setting. Your stay here will directly benefit the local community, with funds going to local schools, hospitals and various other projects. The lodge itself sits up high on hills with views of a beautiful valley below with spectacular 360-degree views over the private conservancy, which stretches across more than 40,000 acres. All of the architecturally magnificent houses have access to a mixture of courtyards, gardens and decking. The stylishly contemporary African style Chief’s house is the largest with three en-suite bedrooms which sleeps six very comfortably. The Colonel’s House has two en-suite bedrooms. The Sultan’s House and the retro African style Eyrie are rather romantic houses with just one bedroom. Each of the four houses share the main lodge area, which has a library and an infinity swimming pool to laze about in while gazing down the valleys below. The library’s telescope brings details to the stars above and if you need some pampering after a real bush experience, make use of the spa. A stay here goes far beyond the usual safari format of early mornings and twice-daily game drives if you want with an incredible array of activities on offer and plenty of flexibility. Venture out into the wilderness for bush skills course, walk with Samburu and Maasai warriors, explore the reserve on a mountain bike in addition to excellent 4×4 game drives. There are also some authentic cultural experiences.

Owned and managed by legendary guide Alex Hunter, Ol Pejeta Bush Camp is an excellent base from which to discover the renowned Ol Pejeta Conservancy, from the pioneering conservation projects to the spectacular sightings of white and black rhino and rare Northern wildlife. Sitting on the banks of the Ewaso Nyiro River, commanding magnificent views to Mount Kenya, six traditional East African safari tents offer a true bush experience – low key and low impact but thoroughly comfortable. All tents come complete with warm blankets for the winter mornings, rechargeable solar lights and en-suite bathrooms with hot-water safari bucket showers. Individual verandas provide the perfect spot to while away an afternoon in privacy, watching the animals come and go along the river bank. The two communal tents looking out over the sprawling plains are the hub of the camp. Meals are enjoyed under canvas in the dining tent, while the breezy mess tent with its inviting sofas and armchairs encapsulates the friendly, relaxed atmosphere in camp. When darkness falls, evenings are spent around the fire, waiting to catch a glimpse of a rhino ambling down to drink at the river. Alongside the traditional game drives and bush walks with Alex Hunter, activities from Ol Pejeta Bush Camp focus on the unique conservation projects in the conservancy. Visits to the Sweetwaters Chimpanzee Sanctuary – the only place in Kenya where this highly endangered species can be seen – and the Northern white rhino enclosure are both on offer, as well as mornings or afternoons spent with the local communities to gain an insight into the daily workings of the conservancy.

Perched on the edge of an escarpment on the beautiful Loisaba Conservancy, Loisaba Tented Camp drinks in unhindered views across Laikipia’s mottled landscape all the way to Mount Kenya. In addition to offering guests a memorable experience out in the African bush, Loisaba has a strong focus on making a positive impact both environmentally and within the local communities. There are five large double tents, all spacious and adorned in chic Africana furniture with a modern European twist. Each has a luxurious bathroom and a wide verandah and private grassed area in front. There are also three family tents, which have two large tents joined together by a walkway. The inviting communal areas include a large open dining area, separate lounge and bar, a large wooden decking area for outside dining, relaxing and enjoying the view, and one of Africa’s most picturesque infinity pools. Loisaba is a wonderful example of successful collaboration between conservation, communities and tourism, and the ranch is home to elephant, a healthy population of lion, the rare wild dog and an abundance of other species. A myriad of activities to experience the wildlife and landscape are on offer, such as day and night game drives aboard a fleet of custom Land Rovers, horse riding, camel trekking, guided bush walks, fishing, mountain biking, cultural visits to Samburu villages and visits to the anti-poaching sniffer dogs. A stay here works well with a night spent at Loisaba Kiboko Starbeds.

Sat atop a rocky kopje, the Loisaba Kiboko Starbeds has incredible views over the reserve’s undulating valley and a permanent waterhole that draws wildlife day and night. In addition to offering guests a memorable experience out in the African bush, Loisaba has a strong focus on making a positive impact both environmentally and within the local communities. Handcrafted four-poster wooden beds sit on raised wooden platforms that jut from a thatched-roof room and are rolled out each night for guests to sleep under the endless African sky. There are four rooms, one of which has two double beds on separate platforms and is ideal for families. The rooms also feature a sitting area and open plan bathroom with similarly wonderful views. Rise early to watch sunrise from your bed with a comforting hot beverage, the day ahead promises adventure, with a myriad of activities by which to experience Loisaba. A team of local Samburu and Laikipiak Maasai warriors can show you wildlife on game drives and bush walks, the area being home to elephant, a healthy population of lion, the rare wild dog and an abundance of other species. You can also go mountain biking, fishing and visit a nearby village. End your days with drinks by the log fire in the communal lounge, before dinner either in the dining area or out on the verandah. A stay here for a night or two twins perfectly with the nearby Loisaba Tented Camp.

A breathtaking 45-minute private flight from Nairobi, Ol Jogi is a stunning private lodge in the Kenyan bush which boasts sweeping views of Mt Kenya. It is nestled in a protective rock outcrop surrounding by lush green lawns and trees. Enjoy all the comforts of home, and rest assured that the team is on hand to ensure your are comfortable. Ol Jogi can accommodate 14 guests in seven private residences, each with its own style and decor. Whether you fancy an early-morning horse ride, or a relaxing session at the spa, there are plenty of activities to fill your days. Unwind in the shared spaces, or retreat to a more private spot for some quiet reflection. The area is home to a variety of wildlife including several endangered and rare species, so viewing either on walks or drives with experienced rangers is bound to be rewarding. Enjoy open-air dining with spectacular views, or curl up in front of a cosy fire or hide away in a reading nook.  There are waterfalls and sculpted gardens to explore, as well as an inviting swimming pool where you can cool off.