Magnificent Kenyan Safari and Waterfalls Honeymoon

Overview

Set between the Ngong Hills and Jamhuri Park, the Hemingways Nairobi is a boutique hotel far removed from the bustle of the capital. Expect excellent service and delicious food in this all-inclusive establishment.

Choose from one of 45 lofty rooms furnished in a classic style; vaulted ceilings and balconies are complemented by exposed timber, cotton drapes and neutral tones. The two, 240 square metre themed-suites improve upon this with well-appointed living rooms, study and dining areas, opening to large terraces. All rooms have views either of the rolling hotel lawns or the Ngong hills in the distance.

Dining at The Brasserie, you can enjoy a contemporary European menu boasting some of the best steak in Kenya and a relaxed ambiance. Head to The Dining Room for a more formal atmosphere and modern cuisine of local providence.

Overview

The Emakoko occupies an enviable position on the edge of Nairobi National Park on the Kitengela plains, being a 30-minute drive from both of Nairobi’s airports yet in a wild environment.

There are 10 open plan cottages all with elevated views over the national park, and all with their own private outside deck, fireplace and ensuite bathrooms. A communal lounge, bar and dining area is where guests come together to eat, relax and talk about the days game drives or excursions into the city.

Along with the lodge’s good service and high standard, the added allure is the lodge’s convenience to both airports which you get to and from by driving through the national park, and is a game drive in itself.

Overview

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.

Overview

One of our favourite camps in Africa. Alex Walker’s Serian in the North Mara Conservancy is beautifully perched on the Mara River. Ngare Camp is made up of just four traditional style but luxurious tents set on wooden decks.

What makes Serian stand out is that you will have a private guide and vehicle for the duration of your stay, this coupled with the quality of the local Masaai guides means that you are set for a truly exclusive experience in the Mara North Conservancy.

Guests are able to take bush walks and night drives in the private area near the camp, allowing for a more ‘involved’ and exciting trip to the Mara.

Alex has been guiding and organising expert safaris throughout East Africa for over 25 years and his keen enthusiasm for this wonderful land is reflected in his camps. Serian Mara’s tents have a comforting colonial feel to them, with furniture that depict that historical time. Spacious and airy with verandas to enjoy the passing wildlife drawn to the river, you have a really lovely area to simply relax in a stunning setting.

Ideally situated in a high density game area, this camp is a luxurious way to spend your time in the Mara. With over 450 bird species that flock here year round, it will be difficult for you to ever be without some sort of wildlife in your immediate sights. Lion, leopard and cheetah are resident even when the migration have moved on, and provide some awesome photographic opportunities. Guests at Serian will receive exclusive use of a private safari vehicle and guide at no extra cost.

Overview

Just north of the Maasai Mara Reserve, in the 30,000 acre private Olare Motorogi Conservancy, this Relais & Châteaux camp offers you outstanding game experiences without the restrictions that the reserve itself imposes on other lodges. Each guest’s stay helps to contribute to various conservation and community projects. This conservancy adds a huge plus factor due to the privacy and minimal vehicle traffic within it. You can easily access the Maasai Mara Reserve, but the game in the conservation area is just as excellent. Leopard are regularly spotted passing through the camp and lions can often be heard in the distance.

Stroll along walkways that wind their way through the forest between the tented suites that are built on high stilts offering you stunning views onto the Ntiakitiak Riverr or across the Mara plains. Each suite has deep canvas canopied ceilings, rough-hewn wood floors and accents of East Africa’s rich safari history. Expect thick Lamu wood doors, deep purples, and brass accents. The raised library looks down onto hippos wallowing in the river, while the wine cellar is the perfect place to unwind and sample a selection of excellent South African and French wines. You can also choose to enjoy a private dining experience here.

A highlight of the camp is the family suite, the Mara Plains Jahazi Suite, which is an exclusive-use, two-bedroom tented villa with its own team of dedicated staff.

The game drive vehicles are all completely open which helps you get some phenomenal photographs. In addition to the game, you mustn’t forget that you also have a community nearby that you can visit and witness a genuine working village. A truly marvellous experience.

Overview

Not within the Maasai Mara Reserve itself, but just north in the North Mara Conservancy, Offbeat Mara offers you the chance to have all the game experience of the popular reserve but with less of the traffic. With 74,000 acres of excellent game sustaining land on your doorstep, you have the relatively exclusive pick of the bunch here.

Not far from camp are spots where wildebeest attempt their often fatal river crossings and you will have front row seats. The wildlife around the lodge include four of the big five, and lions can be heard off in the distance as you enjoy your evening meal in the very spacious main dining area while you recount the day’s viewing.

With only six safari tents to cater for, the staff here have a lot of time and attention to give you, adding detail to your safari that might otherwise go amiss. Furnished in a traditional safari fashion and with a comfort that seems so unlikely in a bush environment, you can fall peacefully into slumber while you are taken care of in all aspects of your safari. When you aren’t making the most of the spectacular game drives, you can visit a rhino sanctuary to tick off the final of the big five or have a cultural experience by visiting a genuine Maasai village.

Overview

Set on a quiet secluded spot some distance up the Zambezi river. Royal Chundu is a place to come and relax by the river. There are two lodges, the River Lodge of ten suites and the Island Lodge of four large villas. Located on a very quiet stretch of the Zambezi this lodge is extremely luxurious with an excellent spa facility and fine-dining in camp.

Activities here are a mix of river-based relaxation and adventure as well as visits to the Falls.

Overview

Named after Dr Livingstone’s faithful friends Sussi & Chuma, this boutique property has been built on a dramatic bend of the Zambezi River, 12km upstream from the mighty Victoria Falls in Zambia. Located in Mosi-Oa-Tunya National Park amongst Jackalberry Trees and Phoenix palms, Sussi & Chuma offer an exclusive escape with incredible views.

Accommodation is in 12 Sussi tree-houses connected by raised wooden walkways, as well as two private Chuma houses. Rounded and thatched, built on stilts into a canopy of trees, the luxury tree-houses line the banks of the Zambezi River in a riverine setting. They feature open plan bathrooms (separate toilet) with a bath and shower, bathroom amenities, air-conditioning, mosquito nets and a private viewing deck to take in the magnificent views. The two Chuma houses are perfect for families, each with two en-suite bedrooms, a spacious lounge, dining area, private plunge pool, private chef and house staff.

The main lodge, built on two levels, has a clean, organic, minimalist feel and large comfortable furniture. The top floor is dominated by the open sided bar; below there is a wine cellar, lounge and open air dining area. A shady path leads you to the river fronted swimming pool with sun loungers and day beds and the superbly located sundowner deck with stunning views onto and across the Zambezi River. Guests staying at Sanctuary Sussi & Chuma are able to indulge in a range of spa treatments – including massages, facials and manicures – while enjoying spectacular views over the Zambezi River. The treatment room has been constructed on stilts on the riverbank, providing guests with up close views of African wildlife while they are being pampered by a trained Africology spa therapist. Facilities include Shower, changing room and indoor and outdoor treatment room.

Activities offered at Sussi & Chuma include game drives in the Mosi-Oa-Tunya National Park, a tour of Victoria Falls (one visit per stay, includes Heritage fees), sundowner cruises, canoeing, walking safaris, local school and village tours, and more.

Overview

Set just a short walk away from the falls themselves on the banks of the Zambezi, one can admire the coil of steam and spray rising from the falls on the horizon.

The 173 rooms and suites are set in well manicured gardens along the banks of the river. This is one of just a few hotels from which the falls can be accessed on foot, making it ideal for those who want to be as close as possible. The hotel has been built in a colonial style, harking back to the days of it’s namesake, with grand dining and lounge areas as well as a large outdoor pool and riverside deck.