Throughout time, the haunting images of East Africa’s myriad landscapes have captured the hearts and souls of most discerning travelers. Perhaps one of the few places left on earth where adventure still awaits, this evocative land of rolling savannas, dense forests, mighty mountains, rivers, lakes and unparalleled wildlife provides a unique backdrop for a truly memorable experience.
Masai Mara Sopa Lodge
Located high on the slopes of the Oloolaimutia Hills, Masai Mara Sopa Lodge was one of the first safari lodges to be built in the Maasai Mara Game Reserve, a reason why its gardens and trees are so lush and mature. All the buildings follow the design of traditional African round houses with conical roofs, and these stretch along the line of the hills with the impressively large public area buildings and the swimming pool at their centre.
Keekorok Game Lodge
The lodge was opened in 1965 and lies at the southern end of Masai Mara National Reserve, approximately 280 kilometres from Nairobi. It is sited in the direct path of the annual migration and was the first lodge to be built in the Mara. At the height of the migration, Keekorok is surrounded by a swarming mass of animals and there is hardly need to go on a game drive. Keekorok’s charm lies in the liberal use of local building materials. Sand stone, cedar wood and other indigenous materials are used in all rooms and public areas.
Sarova Mara Game Camp
It is located inside the eastern section of the Masai Mara and hidden in a wonderful little forested valley away from sight of other Mara visitors. The 75 tents are luxurious with a permanent roof and floor, zip-up fronts, attached bathroom, running hot water supply and electricity. Wooden walkways link the tents and manicured lawns with the main dining / bar areas, and are built over wide lily ponds. Bird life is abundant, with kingfishers a specialty.
Sarova Lion Hill Lodge
Overlooking one of the world’s greatest ornithological spectacles, Lake Nakuru and its surrounding national park, the lodge is set high on a plateau and offers panoramic views of the shimmering lake in the distance. Here, what feels like millions of flamingos, pelicans and marabou storks always gather and the landscape seems to blossom as natural foliage and a variety of wild flower continually bloom. There are only 65 modern en suite bedrooms here, and meals are excellent and served inside the lodge, by the pool or under a forest of towering acacia trees.
Sarova Shaba Lodge
Shaba Game Reserve was made famous by the late Joy Adamson and her lioness Elsa and is often referred to as ‘Born Free Country’. Located on the banks of the Uaso Nyiro River, Sarova Shaba offers a luxury seldom found in a large African bush lodge. There are 80 chalet rooms, or for those looking for a little extra luxury, 4 junior suites and one honeymoon suite. The tranquil flow of sparkling spring water throughout the grounds creates an atmosphere of peace and serenity as it collects and cascades and attracts a great variety of birds.
Ol Tukai Lodge
Ol Tukai Lodge was opened in June 1996 and lies at the heart of Amboseli National Park approximately 270kms south of Nairobi. Cottage style accommodation spreads out on either side of the main lodge. The architecture is unobtrusive with lots of wood, local stone and slate. There are two double rooms especially designed for the disabled and ramps for wheelchairs are the norm. Each room has an uninterrupted view of either the wetlands or Mt. Kilimanjaro, with the occasional dust trail of safari vehicles viewing game in this most beautiful of Kenya’s game parks.
Sarova Stanely Hotel
Situated in the city centre, it was where the travellers, including Earnest Hemingway, gathered for a drink at the legendary Thorn Tree Café before or after a long safari. A message board on the acacia xanthophildea tree is used by travellers to make contact with fellow travellers. The 220 room hotel has been refurbished to a high standard and still retains the original Victorian charm. Bedrooms with private bathrooms are very comfortable while the restaurants serve excellent international cuisine. The gym is excellent, pool large and conference facilities extremely modern.