The Great Migration: A Luxury Safari

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.

A nine-bedroom former family home, Eden is set on a four-acre property in the quiet suburb of Langata on the outskirts of Nairobi. The hotel borders the Giraffe Sanctuary forest, and the building has been transformed into a living museum and gallery space. Wander through the rooms and public spaces and you’ll find the original designers and builders Tonio and Anna Trzebinski’s own artworks and creations, as well as artefacts that they have collected from all over the continent over the years.

Eden lends itself to longer stays, and there is even an artists residence that can be booked for seven nights. Time spent at Eden is all about enjoying a fully immersive cultural experience and it gives guests the opportunity to experience the modern side of Nairobi in a memorable way. Children under 12 are only allowed when making exclusive use of the main house or Tonio’s Studio Annex. The interiors in the eight rooms and cottage have all be carefully styled by renowned fashion designer Anna. The entire property is a journey of Kenyan art, style, culture and fashion. Exposed wood is complimented by bold, expressive colours and textiles. Dappled sunlight spills through windows onto inviting furniture, perfect for curling up with a boom from the owners’ collection. Enjoy lunch and dinner in the hotel’s stunning restaurant and bar area which overlooks the garden and pond. And spend time exploring the four acres of gardens which lead into a 100-acre forest which is perfect for guided nature walks. Eden is just a short drive from Giraffe Sanctuary and Giraffe Manor.

Location is everything at Sala’s Camp. Nestled in the Maasai Mara National Park, but in a very remote southern-central corner of it on the tranquil banks of the Sand River, Sala’s boasts the most private of safari experiences within the reserve’s borders.

Right on the Mara River in the heart of the reserve, Governors’ Il Moran Camp has just ten very spacious safari tents, upping the the exclusivity and privacy compared to other camps on the Mara.

Sitting on the banks of the Sand River, this colonial Masai Mara camp echoes the decadent days of 1920’s safari in a sublime and secluded game-rich location. Accommodation comes in the form of 16 luxury tents, each with their own sun deck for your own personal river view. While the camp provides communal dining and lounging areas, if complete seclusion is what you’re after, indulge in the private dining options of luncheons and dinners served out in the bush among the flourishing wildlife. With a setting boasting the big five, the annual migration plus the world’s largest concentration of big cats, you can expect spectacular game viewing here alongside expert, friendly guiding.

Towering high on the Rift Valley’s Oloololo Escarpment with direct and private access to the Mara Triangle, this lodge's name was inspired by the Swahili word for ‘suspended in mid-air’. It's not only its location that makes it stand out, but also its commitment to education, health and conservation in the region.

Angama Safari Camp, a light-footprint sole-use tented camp accommodating up to eight guests in four en-suite tents, is located deep in the Maasai Mara. This unique camp captures the romance and adventure of the Golden Age of safaris, but with a lightness of spirit. Enjoy the comforts of 21st century camping, but with the thrill of having nothing but canvas between you, the Mara and year-round abundant wildlife right on your doorstep. The tents have been designed to maximise light and views across the plains. With a dedicated safari vehicle, guide and Safari Camp team, each day’s programme is entirely up to you.

Nestled in the 50 000-acre Mara Naboisho Conservancy, the intimate Naboisho Camp delicately balances a wilderness experience with the luxury comforts desired by a discerning traveller. This camp also focuses on the conservation of the area and makes every effort to uplift the local community through several programmes and the Mara Naboisho Conservancy. Naboisho Camp is composed of the main lodge with nine luxurious tented suites and two-family tents. Each of the spacious tents features en-suite facilities complete with hot running water and flushing toilets and both indoor and outdoor bush showers. King-sized beds will ensure that you get a good night’s sleep and a day bed can be found on each of the large verandas for an afternoon snooze. The large screen windows throughout will help you to experience the sights and sounds of the Kenyan wilderness at all times. The dining area and lounge can be found in a thatched area, with wooden decks that offer great viewing out onto a watering hole. You’ll also benefit from the attention of a personal butler and high levels of personalised service at every turn.

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.

This is one of Kenya’s ultimate safari experiences for authentic tented luxury. Positioned on the banks of the Njageteck River in the Olare Orok Conservancy for extra seclusion, the nearby Ngoyanai springs provide permanent water, drawing in large numbers of animals to the area around camp. This camp is also particularly known for its resident lion pride. In the arena of the Maasai Mara, a stay here provides the equivalent of VIP seats and service for one of the best wildlife spectacles in the African bush. Five incredibly inviting tents sit open to the bushveld scenery and wildlife sights of the nearby hippo pool. Appointed with warm high-quality linens and antique furnishings the tents also include modern comforts and en suite (outside) bathrooms with 24-hour hot running water.

Set in the remote area of Kogatende, in the northern sector of the Serengeti National Park and close to the Mara River, Nimali Mara is a place where you can experience Tanzania’s wildlife up close.