Take the admin out of navigating logistics and bring the fun back into your 2021 adventures with The Safari Collection’s new and exciting ‘Lucky Dip’ Kenyan safari. Whilst the exact properties included in each itinerary will remain a surprise until seven days prior to departure, guests can rest assured they will be staying in at least two of the following properties: Giraffe Manor, Sala’s Camp, Solio Lodge and Sasaab.
Each safari is totally unique, and once-in-a-lifetime surprises are definitely in the mix, from starlit bush dinners, sundowners with rhinos and indulgent spa treatments. Guests can also rest assured they will be making a difference to people and the planet through The Safari Collection’s dedicated Footprint foundation, uniting high end, sustainable tourism with wildlife conservation and communities.
Founded and run by fourth-generation Kenyans Tanya and Mikey Carr-Hartley, The Safari Collection portfolio consists of four boutique luxury lodges, each selected for their individuality, and together, represent the best of what Kenya has to offer. From the resident herd of Rothschild’s giraffe who share breakfast with guests at Giraffe Manor in Nairobi, the Maasai culture and density of wildlife at Sala’s Camp in the Masai Mara, the rugged landscape and stunning views of Mount Kenya at Solio Lodge, to the breathtaking views across the arid land at Sasaab in the Samburu, each lodge has its own unique environment and distinct features.
NAIROBI – GIRAFFE MANOR
Highlight: feed the resident Rothschild’s giraffe from the breakfast table
Giraffe Manor is an exclusive boutique hotel, set in 12 acres of private land within 140 acres of indigenous forest in the Langata suburb of Nairobi. As one of Nairobi’s most iconic buildings, Giraffe Manor has extraordinary appeal, that harks back to the 1930s when European visitors first flocked to East Africa to enjoy safaris. With its stately façade, elegant interior, verdant green gardens, sunny terraces and delightful courtyards, guests often remark that it’s like walking into the film Out of Africa: indeed, one of its twelve rooms is named after the author Karen Blixen. However, the most fascinating thing about Giraffe Manor is its herd of resident Rothschild’s giraffe who may visit morning and evening, sometimes poking their long necks into the windows in the hope of a treat, before retreating to their forest sanctuary.
SAMBURU – SASAAB
Highlight: be immersed in the colourful, vibrant Samburu culture
Sasaab is close to the Buffalo Springs and Samburu National Reserves, in Kenya’s Northern Frontier District. It’s a place of rich natural diversity with an astounding number of animals from huge majestic elephant to lion, leopard and cheetah and the ‘Samburu Special Five’: the Beisa oryx, reticulated giraffe, Grevy’s zebra, Gerenuk antelope and Somali ostrich. The architecture of Sasaab follows strong Moroccan design principles, in which African heat is of primary consideration. Each of the nine Moroccan-styled rooms is over 100m² with an enormous open-air bathroom and private plunge pool. Its position on the river naturally facilitates watching the herds of elephant that come to bathe.
MASAI MARA – SALA’S CAMP
Highlight: be one of the first, and have front row seats to witness the Great Migration
Sala’s Camp is a tented camp that combines tradition with comfort, offering a model of understated, intimate luxury. Situated in the southern, wilder corner of the Masai Mara game reserve, Sala’s Camp is close to the confluence of the Sand and Keekorok Rivers – an idyllic geographical feature that attracts teeming wildlife. The location of Sala’s Camp is a big draw – close to Tanzania with wonderful views of the Serengeti National Park, it is one of the first camps in the Mara to witness the legendary annual migration of wildebeest, which thunders by from June to September each year. Sala’s Camp also offers the best of the Masai Mara’s wildlife and birdlife year round.
LAIKIPIA – SOLIO LODGE
Highlight: observe large numbers of white and black rhino at the only guest accommodation on the incredible Solio Game Reserve – the most successful private rhino breeding reserve in Kenya
Solio Lodge is located on a private wildlife sanctuary, tucked in the valley between the lofty slopes of Mount Kenya and the peaks of the Aberdare Mountains, directly north of Nairobi. This intimate and luxurious lodge opened in August 2010 and remains the only guest accommodation on the incredible 45,000-acre Solio Game Reserve. The Solio Reserve is internationally recognised as the most successful private rhino breeding reserve in Kenya and visitors will find that sightings of up to 40 rhinoceros at a time are not uncommon. The wildlife experience here is intense and exclusive with 19,000 acres of conservancy surrounded by 45,000 acres of ranch and just one lodge.
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HOW: Rates for the ‘Lucky Dip’ safari start from £3,715 per person sharing or £4,877 for a single traveller for seven-nights on an all-inclusive basis, staying at a minimum of two or more of The Safari Collection’s properties. Valid for bookings and travel until 31st May 2021. Click here to book and find out more.
Travellers will need the following documents in order to travel to Kenya:
- Negative PCR COVID-19 test carried out within 96 hours before travel
- Kenyan tourist visa
- Completed Traveller’s Health Surveillance Form
- The Safari Collection’s Contact Tracing Form