Bordered by Ethiopia in the north, Uganda and Lake Victoria in the West, Tanzania and Mount Kilimanjaro in the south and then Somalia and the warm Indian Ocean in the east – Kenya is an excellent destination for a safari holiday to Africa. Large wildlife and game populations, palm-lined white beaches, majestic and towering mountains and friendly hosts at the hotels, lodges and holiday resorts throughout Kenya.

I have listed below our recommended establishments where we can organise an exciting wildlife safari to view animals on a tour or safari, go scuba diving or sailing or even trekking on foot for a hike in the mountains. Some establishments are listed on a fully inclusive basis of meals, accommodation and safari activities, others (normally the hotels) are listed on a Bed & Breakfast basis only. Prices are all in US$.

South Africans - please note, these are luxury lodges and not budget camping sites. The prices are to give you a guideline as to the cost you will have to pay. There are specials at some lodges, in LOW SEASON, designed for budget travellers.

NOTE Prices are Per Person Per Night (pppn) unless stated otherwise.

PLEASE NOTE We do NOT book campsites nor self-catering establishments - this is a LUXURY lodge website.

The hotel has been designed to mirror a traditional Maasai village or Manyatta and all the guest rooms are located in individual domed huts grouped in a circular manner. The furnishings of each room have been inspired by traditional Maasai art and each one has a private balcony with views that stretch over the vast African landscape.

The lodge has a sky-blue swimming pool perched on the edge of the hill, a restaurant that overlooks a waterhole where wildlife gather and several treatment rooms where you can enjoy a range of relaxing massages.

From the lodge you can organize a safari by balloon: a truly breathtaking experience. Other activities on offer include bush barbecues, game drives, evening cocktail parties at the waterhole, watching the hippos and Maasai dancing.

RATES - 2009: on request

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Set among forests on the edge of the Mara just below the spot where Out of Africa’s famous final scene was filmed, the camp, a member of Small Luxury Hotels of the World, creates the authentic experience of those distant halcyon days, right down to the personal service of your private butler.

RATES: 2009 - US$490 to US$895 pppn

&B

RATES 2009: on request

RATES 2009: on request

Experience the Mara from the gentle vantage point of a hot air balloon, on game-drives in open 4x4 safari vehicles, or enjoy a guided nature walk with a Masai naturalist.

RATES: 2009 - US$300 to US$475 pppn.

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The site and size of a safari camp is critical to its vitality. Governors Camp, with its 38 tents set amongst the trees along the Mara river, also has unrivalled views over the plains and is visited and re-visited by guests who find its continued excellence, personal style and family feeling quietly reassuring. All guest facilities are under canvas and keep the authentic, traditional safari atmosphere. All guest tents have en-suite bathrooms with shower and basin, running cold and hot water as well as a flush toilet. Gas and paraffin lamps are used for lighting. Our privately located Justus Suite is perfect for honeymoon couples.

The dining, our open fire place and the bar tent are in the centre of the camp. Next to the reception is a small gallery with local paintings and handcrafts as well as a small souvenir shop. Breakfast and lunch are served buffet style in the open. Dinner is served in the dining tent. For dinner there is usually a menu with a choice of main courses. A traditional camp fire is lit at sunset every evening.

The Masai Mara is a unique area with a constant and unrivalled flow of wildlife throughout the year. From July to October the Mara becomes a backdrop for one of the last great natural wonders of the world, when 1.4 million wildebeest and zebra surge up from the Serengeti plains in their annual search for the seasonal grasses that sustain them. The spectacle as the vast herds cross rivers and sweep through the golden grasses, is punctuated by individual struggles with the predators, which are in turn drawn to take their part in this dramatic event. There are various activities on offer: game drives in open Landrovers, game walks or balloon flights over the wide plains of the Masai Mara. Day excursions to the Lake Victoria are also on offer. However, we recommend to book this excursion well in advance and combine the Lake Victoria trip with an overnight stay.

All meals, three game drives daily as well as laundry are included in our price. Park entrance fees, drinks as well as other activities (such as walking, ballooning, Lake Victoria excursion, a visit to a Masai village) are to be paid separately. Please announce special dietary requirements to us in advance.

RATES: 2009 - US$294 to US$521 pppn.

SPECIAL OFFER During parts of 2009 we have a great special offer at Governors Camp & Little Governors - with discounts from 25 to 35 %. Please email Dean asking for the special offer details on Governors Camps.
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All the tents are comfortable and tasteful. Each has an en-suite bathroom, hot and cold running water, even bidets. In keeping with safari tradition lighting is by gas and kerosene lanterns, or by candlelight. As dusk falls, the flickering lights in the forest make the Camp a peaceful and atmospheric place. Meals are our usual superlative standards, served, as is our style, outdoors during the day and in our candlelight dining tent by night. Come the evening it’s time for chilled drinks and tall tales around the blazing campfire. Then finally a delicious dinner and a hot-water bottle to keep you warm in bed.

The Masai Mara is a unique area with a constant and unrivalled flow of wildlife throughout the year. From July to October the Mara becomes a backdrop for one of the last great natural wonders of the world, when 1.4 million wildebeest and zebra surge up from the Serengeti plains in their annual search for the seasonal grasses that sustain them. The spectacle as the vast herds cross rivers and sweep through the golden grasses, is punctuated by individual struggles with the predators, which are in turn drawn to take their part in this dramatic event.

There are various activities on offer: game drives in open vehicles, game walks or balloon flights over the wide plains of the Masai Mara. Excursions to the Lake Victoria are also on offer. However, we recommend you book this excursion prior to the trip and combine the Lake Victoria excursion with an overnight stay at Mfangano Island Camp.

All meals, three game drives daily as well as laundry are included in our price. Park entrance fees, drinks as well as other activities (such as walking, ballooning, Lake Victoria excursion, a visit to a Masai village) are to be paid separately. Please announce special dietary requirements to us in advance.

RATES: 2009 - US$322 to US$570 pppn (seasonal)

SPECIAL OFFERS We are running a number of massive discounted offers for clients wanting to stay at Governors Camps - from 25 to 50% off during 2009!!!! Please complete the enquiry form and ask Dean to send you additional information about the Governors Camp specials.

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Governors Private Camp can be booked by individual clients, families, or by small parties, who want the exclusivity of a private safari camp without the daunting costs normally associated with this degree of luxury. We cater for up to 16 people, in Governors Camp tents which we have developed through the years and now adapted, without any compromise, for our Governors Private Camp.

The Masai Mara is a unique area with a constant and unrivalled flow of wildlife throughout the year. From July to October the Mara becomes a backdrop for one of the last great natural wonders of the world, when 1.4 million wildebeest and zebra surge up from the Serengeti plains in their annual search for the seasonal grasses that sustain them. The spectacle as the vast herds cross rivers and sweep through the golden grasses, is punctuated by individual struggles with the predators, which are in turn drawn to take their part in this dramatic event.

There are various activities on offer: game drives in open vehicles, game walks or balloon flights over the wide plains of the Masai Mara. Day excursions to the Lake Victoria are also on offer. We recommend to book this excursion well in advance and combine the Lake Victoria trip with an overnight stay at Mfangano Island Camp.

All meals, drinks (except champagne), three game drives daily, game walks as well as laundry are included in our price. park entrance fees as well as other activities (such as ballooning, the Lake Victoria excursion, a visit to a Masai village) are to be paid separately. Please advise us any special dietary requirements to us in advance.

RATES: 2009 - US$426 to US$754 pppn.

SPECIAL OFFERS We are running a number of massive discounted offers for clients wanting to stay at Governors Camps - from 25 to 50% off during 2009!!!! Please complete the enquiry form and ask Dean to send you additional information about the Governors Camp specials.
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Ilmoran camp at the Masai Mara is hidden in the shadow of indigenous trees. The camp recreates the atmosphere of the original hunting camps. Each room is furnished to a superior standard. The beds have been hand carved from specially selected wood from fallen, ancient olive trees. The interior of each tent also includes a Victorian style bath, flushing toilet and double sinks. Each tent has a large, extended veranda designed so you can take your dinner in private if you wish. You will be the personal guest of the managers, who have a wealth of safari experience.

Game drives and game walks are included in the rate and complimentary wine is served with dinner. During the day, meals are served outdoors under the trees. For breakfast there are fresh fruits, cereals and hot-baked breads together with a full, cooked breakfast prepared before your eyes. For lunch, there is a buffet that will satisfy the hungriest appetites. In the evening guests can enjoy cordon-bleu dinners by candlelight in the elegant dining tent, deep in the bush. These are truly unforgettable experiences.

The Masai Mara is a unique area with a constant and unrivalled flow of wildlife throughout the year. From July to October the Mara becomes a backdrop for one of the last great natural wonders of the world, when 1.4 million wildebeest and zebra surge up from the Serengeti plains in their annual search for the seasonal grasses that sustain them. The spectacle as the vast herds cross rivers and sweep through the golden grasses, is punctuated by individual struggles with the predators, which are in turn drawn to take their part in this dramatic event.

Birds and butterflies abound, elephants wander through the camp at night, leopards call nearby. Nowhere else can you get so far from civilisation, yet stay in such style. There are various activities on offer: game drives in open Landrovers, game walks or balloon flights over the wide plains of the Masai Mara. Day excursions to the Lake Victoria are also on offer. However, we recommend to book this excursion well in advance and combine the Lake Victoria trip with an overnight stay at Mfangano Island Camp.

All meals, drinks (except champagne and spirits), three game drives daily, game walks in high season as well as laundry are included in our price. Park entrance fees and other activities (such as ballooning, Lake Victoria excursion, a visit to a Masai village) are to be paid separately. Please advise of any special dietary requirements to us in advance.

RATES: 2009 - US$426 to US$754 pppn.

SPECIAL OFFERS We are running some great discounts for clients who book & pay for their safari holiday here more than 4 months in advance - a whopping 25% discount!!! Also, if you stay 6 nights , you get the 7th night for free!

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Day and night game drives are available, escorted walks, horseback riding and visits to the Chimpanzee Sanctuary and Morani our orphaned Black Rhino among other activities in the Reserve.

RATES: 2009 - US$495 to US$695 pppn

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Considered the most spectacular forest waterhole in the Aberdares, the lodge’s waterhole presents a constant ballet of wildlife.

Just two and a half hours by car from Nairobi, this stunning area is towered over by the rocky peaks of Mount Kenya and prides itself in having one of the most consistently high records of big game ‘visits’ and sightings. Elephant, buffalo, rhino and waterbuck are regular sights on the evening and day game drives.

At any other time of the day you can spot game in the specially-constructed viewing bunker that is connected to the lodge by a short tunnel. Here you will get spectacularly close to the animals that feed at the waterhole. The lodge has 42 attractive bedrooms furnished with indigenous wood and African art, each with private bathroom.

Arrangements can be made for forest walks that are a unique experience with their on-foot sightings of game and bird life. These walks can even be prolonged to Point Lenana – the third highest peak of Mount Kenya, for the very daring and sporty.

RATES: 2009 US$285 pppn in Low season up to US$435 pppn in Peak season

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The 30 luxurious tents, which are set under thatch, overlook a floodlit waterhole, giving the guests an unforgettable opportunity to watch and photograph animals in their natural habitat.

Day and night game drives by four-wheel drive vehicles, walking safaris escorted by our resident naturalist, a visit to our Jane Goodall Chimpanzee Sanctuary and to Morani, our tame Rhino, plus visits to our educational visitors centres, ensure there is always plenty to do.

RATES: 2009 - US$295 up to US$575 pppn from Low season to Peak season.

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The Nairobi Serena Hotel has long been considered Nairobi’s leading hotel for its standards of accommodation, food, service and amenities, and is a member of the Leading Hotels of the World. The elegantly designed bedrooms feature intricate timberworks inspired by Pan-African designs and most have views of either Nairobi’s skyline across Central Park or of acacia groves and lush gardens. The main restaurant, Mandhari, offers some of Kenya’s finest cuisine and the Maisha Health Club is the best in the country. The hotel also boasts up-to-date business services and exceptional conference facilities.

There are 183 air-conditioned bedrooms and seven suites, including the ultimately luxurious State Suite, and a whole range of different cuisines on offer ranging from Kenyan to Indian, Italian to Creole. Apart from its renowned health club, the hotel has a fantastic outdoor pool. Excursions on offer include game viewing at one of Serena Hotel’s main Safari Lodges, visits to dance and cultural centres, and trips to the Great Rift Valley and the Lakes of Nakuru and Naivasha. For the business traveler, the hotel also offers full conference facilities and a business centre.

RATES: 2009 - on request.

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Taking its name from a Kamba word meaning ‘young rhino’, the lodge is located in the middle of the world-renowned Tsavo National Park: an area covering 20,720 square kilometers that boasts a huge population of elephants.

The hotel has 56 bedrooms and a fabulous terrace from which you can witness spectacular African sunsets. Its waterhole is considered to offer the finest terraced savannah game viewing in Kenya, and at night you can listen to the sounds of herds of buffalo and elephant grazing outside your bedroom.

Activities include game drives; excursions to Mzima Springs, with its crystal clear water welling up from volcanic rocks and its hippos and crocodiles; The Rhino Sanctuary; Chaimu Lava Floor; Sheitani Lava; and Roaring Rocks, a volcanic hill formation with caves and rocks.

RATES - 2009: on request

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Inspired by local Maasai architecture, the design of the lodge is in total harmony with the environment. Each guest room conveys a distinctive Maasai Manyatta mood and is furnished with authentic African murals painted by a local artist.

As part of Serena Hotels’ dedication to conserving the fragile environment of the African Bush, guests are invited to plant a tree to help reforestation of the land that was becoming barren from the herds of elephants tearing up the trees for food. Hundreds of trees have been planted to date. The lodge’s naturalist also gives informative talks on the environmental issues relating to the Amboseli National Park.

The lodge has 96 beautifully appointed rooms and a swimming pool filled with fresh water from a spring flowing from Mount Kilimanjaro. Activities on offer include game drives three times a day, sundowners on Observation Hill, traditional feasts and tribal dancing overlooking a waterhole where big game gather, musical evenings and visits to the traditional manyattas of the Amboseli Maasai.

RATES: 2009: on request.

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Making full use of native materials and artwork, blending in perfectly with the environment, all guest rooms are located in wooden thatched cottages surrounded by lush gardens. Each cottage has a private verandah overlooking the river so that the crocodiles can be seen feeding.

Game drives and bird-watching safaris are extra special at Samburu as the nature reserve is renowned for a range of rare game: Reticulated giraffe, Grevy’s zebra, the long-necked gerenuk and the Beisa oryx. There are also over a hundred species of birds including the Somali ostrich.

The hotel boasts 62 rooms, including eight family rooms and a superb swimming pool surrounded by thatched umbrellas and native trees.

Activities on offer include camel safaris, champagne breakfasts and cocktail parties overlooking Crocodile Point, moonlit dinners in the bush or beside the river, tribal dance performances, bird-watching walks with a qualified naturalist and expert slide shows and lectures on the surrounding area.

RATES - 2009: On request.

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The hotel, set out as a village, and its luxurious bedrooms evoke the spirit and style of the ancient town of Lamu with its stunning Swahili-style houses complete with handcrafted doors and native art and furnishings. Many have beautiful views of the ocean and the surrounding gardens.

The hotel has 166 air-conditioned bedrooms and suites and three restaurants, including an open-air restaurant in the shadows of the palm trees for atmospheric dining under the stars. The recreational facilities on offer are superb: scuba diving, tennis, squash, windsurfing, deep-sea fishing, mini-sailing, coral reef snorkeling, beach volleyball and much more. Evening entertainment includes dancing, live bands and traditional Swahili evenings that capture the spirit of the Arab-style street fair, complete with music and food. The legendary Maisha health and beauty treatments are available for those seeking the more relaxing of escapes. The Mombasa Serena Hotel has long been considered the leading resort on this beautiful and history-filled coast.

RATES - 2009: on request.

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Loldia Farm was established by a settler who came to Kenya by ox-wagon after the Boer War and is still owned by the same family today. He was a renowned horseman who chose this beautiful corner of Kenya to enjoy all that was best in the early Kenyan Lifestyle. Nestling under the acacia and wild fig trees on the green western shores of Lake Naivasha, the present Loldia House was constructed by Italian prisoners of war from stone quarried on the farm. Built around a courtyard, its main archway frames a stunning view of the dormant volcano Mount Longonot.

The house is set in lawns which are grazed at night by hippos from the lake. Todays guest can savour the taste of this early lifestyle in Loldias uniquely peaceful setting. The farm is ideally situated to visit the flamingo lakes of Nakuru, Elementaita and Bogoria, one of the great spectacles of Africa. Lake Nakuru also offers excellent viewing of the Black Rhino and the more elusive White Rhino amongst an abundance of other bird and wildlife. Lake Bogoria is one of the few places where the rare and beautiful Greater Kudu can be seen. On the farms 6.500 acres, guests may walk or ride through herds of dairy and beef cattle and a flock of farmed ostriches, interspersed with impala, waterbuck and other plains game. Boat trips are also arranged on Lake Naivasha for fishing and bird watching, and visits can be made to Hells Gate National Park with its spectacular canyon, hot springs and abundant wildlife. Activities can be tailor-made to suit each guest.

Loldia offers the highest standards of cuisine and personalised service. The House Manager, Peter Njoroge, has been described in Englands Country Life magazine as ""probably the worlds best butler"".

All meals, activities mentioned above as well as laundry are included in our price. National park entrance fees to visited National Parks and drinks are to be paid separately. Please advise of any special dietary requirements to us in advance.

RATES: 2009 - on request.

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Mfangano Island Camp, a small remote hideaway, is a perfect place to combine with your safari. It is only 40 minutes charter flight from the Masai Mara followed by a relaxing 15 minutes boat ride along the tropical shore line.

The camp is situated under ancient fig trees right by the lakeshore. The six rooms all have stunning views of the lake and offer complete privacy, en-suite bathrooms with bath and shower, basin and flush toilet as well as hot and cold running water. Decorated in the ethnic style, all rooms have four poster beds and private verandas, which gives them a special charm and romance. Each room is open to the lake and offers uninterrupted views and spectacular sunsets.

The centre of Mfangano Island Camp is the cosy sitting room and dining room, both are open to the lake shore and decorated in beautiful ethnic style. Here you can sit and listen to the waves, feel the breeze in your hair, read a book or watch the dhows on the lake. Birds sing all day. The cormorants dive for fish or spread their wings to dry in the sun and the fish eagles call from the treetops.

The meals in Mfangano Island Camp are superb. Fresh salads and the daily catch served with freshly made crusty bread made daily and chilled wine.

The lush hillside and Camp surrounds are abundant with indigenous plants and flowers. In the early morning, fleets of multi coloured fishing boats gracefully sail past the bay, and in the evening spectacular sunsets are seen as the sun dips below the unbroken lake horizon.

Governors Camp, by offering visits to Mfangano Island on Lake Victoria, provides a unique opportunity to see the colourful life on the lake, where enchanting Luo fishing villages have not changed in centuries. For those interested in fishing it is excellent, the bird life is unsurpassed and seeing the families of otters is an added bonus. You can also enjoy walks through lush vegetation on top of the hills or along the lake shore. For those interested in culture, there is the possibility to visit a Luo family and experience their day to day life or the school in the next village. All activities are included in the rate. Mfangano Island Camp is a perfect place for nature lovers, and is particularly recommended as a relaxing retreat for honeymooners.

All meals, all activities, airstrip transfers as well as laundry is included in the price. The flight to Mfangano Island Camp is not included in price (except for our day trip offers). Please announce special dietary requirements in advance.

RATES: 2009 - on request

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