In the first part of the post about the luxurious lodges of Africa, I offered the most beautiful surroundings in Kenya.
Today I focus on the most romantic corners, ideal for celebrating the wedding or honeymoon, as well as experiences for both magical nights and adventures to enjoy as a couple.
THE MARA WILDEBEEST MIGRATION LUXURIOUS STAYS!!
1. SANCTUARY OLONANA
Set on a private stretch of the Mara River in the heart of Masai Mara. Sanctuary Olonana is inspired by the Masai Mara’s breath- taking natural wonders, an abundance of wildlife, and a dramatic river which runs right past its forest setting. Its secluded ultra-luxury Geoffrey Kent Suite is an exceptional enclave within an exhilarating environment which connects you to extraordinary Kenyan landscape in a truly enriching way. Its clean lines and sleek modernist silhouette, the suite’s soothing interiors are the ideal setting from which to appreciate the wilderness that frames the view. Floor-to-ceiling windows open up entirely for easy, breezy indoor-outdoor living. Floaty beds and midcentury-modern-feel furniture blend form with function. Seductive freestanding tubs in the en-suites let you soak in sunshine or the night-shimmer of the stars. The rooms open out onto wraparound decking, where there’s a raised infinity pool with a grandstand look-out. This hotel in the heart of the Mara will give you an unforgettable and unparalleled wild experience.
2. MARA BUSHTOPS LUXURY CAMP
Mara Bushtops is set within the private Bushtops Wildlife Conservancy. Access to the Conservancy is exclusive to the Masai and Bushtops guests, who benefit from private night and off-road game drives, walking safaris direct from the Camp, sundowners, sunrises on the Sekenani hill and visits to the nearby Kakiya cave. The camp has been designed to blend into its surroundings, minimizing our visual and environmental impact, whilst providing every comfort to the guests. The camps private conservancy is a wonderland of wildlife and the best bit lies just yards from the camp. It is the only camp in the Mara to have a substantial natural salt lick – directly in front of the restaurant and spa & was declared to have the ‘best safari spa in Africa’ three years in a row.
3. ANGAMA MARA
Suspended in midair on the edge of an escarpment, there is little that is conventional about the creation of Angama Mara, with views that stretch as far as the eye can see across the Masai Mara. Its rare beauty and romantic setting has captured its visitorswith an almost dreamlike quality of being somewhere ‘between heaven and earth’ where the sky melts into the endless plains in a vista so wide it takes your breath away. Guests are accommodated in spacious Tented Suites, designed for comfort and are reminiscent of a classical African safari, each with a view as lovely as the next, detailed with end-to-end glass frontage, sweeping canvas, decks overhanging the Mara, and inside – polished parquet floors and just the right amount of furniture.
4. MAHALI MZURI.
Mahali Mzuri means ‘beautiful place’ in Swahili. Located in the private Olare Motorogi Conservancy in the wider Masai Mara ecosystem is this 12-tented luxury safari camp with a front row seat, not just to the annual great migration, but also to the abundant game you can see all year round. The luxury tents come complete with ensuite bathroom, private deck and breath- taking views and just meters away is an infinity swimming pool, big enough for a leisurely swim or a refreshing dip.
5. KICHWA TEMBO TENTED CAMP
Set on a private concession along the Saparingo River, where riverine forest meets the sweeping plains in the seasonal path of the awe-inspiring Great Migration with abundant iconic wildlife and panoramic Masai Mara views is Kichwa Tembo Tented Camp. It dazzles with its contemporary safari feel and provides an authentic dose of African wildlife, delivered with legendary Kenyan hospitality. With timeless interiors that are simple yet sophisticated and stylish, the Camp enhances guests’ sense of privacy and enjoyment with tents that are laid out in immaculate grounds, with leisurely groups of warthog feeding right outside the tent doors. Guests can also choose to be treated to holistic healing in the massage tent and indulge in a rejuvenating treatment or dip in the rim-flow swimming pool, literally on the edge of the Mara with one of the world’s most extraordinary views.
6. BEYOND BATELEUR CAMP
Set amongst the forest at the foot of the scenic Oloololo escarpment is the classic and elegant Bateleur Camp. Comprised of just two intimate camps of nine tented suites each and a family tent; each elegant tent, with its own private butler and housekeeper reflects the ambiance and glamour of Kenyan explorers of old. Slip into a world of hardwood floors, polished silver and copper bathtubs juxtaposed against the romance of the open Mara plains, with their abundant herds of wildlife. Beautifully handcrafted artefacts, fine antiques, leather buttoned Chesterfield sofas, books, and crystal and candlelight adorn the comfortable sitting and dining areas. Refreshing lap pools in each camp provide cool comfort in between captivating game drives. Delectable cuisine is served in a memorable setting beneath the stars and bush breakfasts and romantic sundowners offer an unforgettable African experience.
ACTIVITIES AND EXPERIENCES IN THE MARA:
Hot air balloons over the Masai Mara
Guided nature walks
Great migration
Authentic Masai culture
Sundowners and bush dining
Game drives
Luxe by Mulanda has prepared these luxury bespoke packs especially for Red Ivory.
