For ardent zoophilists, sometimes a luxe stay at a five-star hotel by the beach or amid big city skyscrapers just won’t cut it. You know what you need? A trip to Kenya.
Tucked away in East Africa, Kenya is celebrated as one of the most fascinating wildlife destinations, thanks to its range of wildlife preserves. Here’s a little fun fact: commercial hunting has been illegal in Kenya since 1977. So if you’re looking for a soulful adventure to fuel your love for animals without creating a disturbance, this is the place to be. Here’s our list of hotels in Kenya that should definitely be on your radar.
Mahali Mzuri
Take your glamping experience to new heights at Sir Richard Branson’s Kenyan boutique camp. Located in Olare Motorogi Conservancy, Mahali Mzuri by Virgin Limited Edition boasts 12 exclusive luxury safari tents which can only host up to 24 guests at a time. Privacy, guaranteed. Apart from the daily game drives to see the Big Five and other rare animals, Mahali Mzuri is also a great place to witness the Great Migration in the comfort of your ultra-deluxe tent.
Sands at Chale Island
Located on Chale Island, this sea-hugged resort features a variety of room types with humble, warm designs that blend in with the surrounding nature. From Standard Rooms to Penthouse Suites and an Overwater Suite, Sands at Chale Island can accommodate everyone’s preference and budget. But if what you’re after is something more unique, opt for their Suite On The Rocks. It is on its own little islet and is linked to the resort only by a dreamy stone bridge.
Segera Retreat
Why choose between going on a safari or staying at an extraordinary retreat out in the wild, when you can do both? Segera Retreat in Laikipia is a wildlife conservancy with eco-friendly accommodations set within 50,000 acres of private land. They include Seger House, with 3 master suites, a private pool and an outdoor dining area; Farmhouse, a ranch house turned villa with 3 rooms, an outdoor lounge, a private pool and a kitchen; Villa Segera with two master suites; and Garden Villa set by a botanical garden. What really caught our attention, however, is the exclusive Nay Palad Bird Nest. A collaboration between Segera and Nay Palad, the nest-like villa offers luxury amenities, along with a 360-degree view of the conservancy from its rooftop. Apart from the luxury stay and the safari fun that it provides, guests also get to directly help with projects like building solar farms, supporting Waterbank Schools and more, simply by booking a stay. So guests get to live close to the Big Five while supporting good causes at the same time.
Video by @leakeystudios via Segera’s Instagram