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Spotlight: Mahali Mzuri

Mahali Mzuri is the new kid on the block for Kenyan safari camps, but they certainly do not lack talent for creating a fantastic glamping experience. Mahali Mzuri is also part of the Virgin Limited Collection of luxurious destinations around the world.

Mahali Mzuri is located within the Motorogi Conservancy in the Kenya’s Maasai Mara ecosystem. The camp has a prime location for observing abundant game in the area and also to take advantage of the annual migration, which sees up to one million wildebeest.

1000-14Photo: Mahali Mzuri website

There are 12 luxury tented suites accommodating up to a maximum of 24 guests at any one time. Each tented suite sits on a raised platform and includes a spacious bedroom with an en-suite bathroom, sitting area and a large deck with views over the landscape. The deck gives you the perfect vantage point for spotting the game that will almost certainly wander into view. There are strict limits on the number of guests that can stay at any one time. Luxury rarely gets this close to the action!

MahaliMzuri2013JB-1397-Edit_001Photo: Mahali Mzuri website

Anyone who’s been on safari before knows that no two game drives are ever the same. Catch glimpses of wild animals roaming the Kenyan plains including wildebeest, elephants, zebra, lions, leopards, cheetah, giraffe, impala and gazelles. On a typical game drive at Mahali Mzuri you’ll spot an abundance of wildlife characteristic to the area. A number of lion pride territories meet in the Motorogi Conservancy which can make for some interesting encounters as the different groups battle for dominance. The experienced and highly trained team of field guides will guide your twice daily (morning and afternoon) game drives. Enjoy navigating the Motorogi and Olare Orok Conservancies in open vehicles.

There are plenty of things to do aside from game drives including walking safaris, hot air balloon tours, and cultural day trips where you can learn about the local Maasai Tribe whose traditions and customs are still practiced. And, of course you should take the opportunity to relax at the spa.

1000-4_000Photo: Mahali Mzuri website

Mahali Mzuri’s spa is called Nasaro – which literally means ‘refuge’ or ‘relaxation’ in Maa. A whole range of treatments is available, from facials to massages to those essential grooming rituals. Nasaro is located down near the valley floor and provides a private, intimate setting in which to be pampered with truly stunning views over the bush. The range of products used comes from Africology, ethical skin care products to capture the rejuvenating and healing essences of Africa.

Mahali Mzuri opened in 2013 and is Sir Richard Branson’s Kenyan Safari Camp located in the Motorogi Conservancy within the Maasai Mara. Mahali Mzuri’s main priority is to leave as small a footprint as possible on the land while collaborating with local Maasai communities and select. tourism partners. The evidence is apparent because Mahali Mzuri has been working with the Maasai since the projects inception and the staff is from the surrounding communities.

Learn more about Mahali Mzuri

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Severin Safari Camp

Sometimes you just need to getaway to a safari camp in Kenya. Severin Safari Camp is an easy recommendation to give. It doesn’t get more authentic or close than Severin. Guests of Severin experience a unique combination of adventure, recreation and wellness. Few people have seen the dazzling display of colors that you get while watching the sun set near Mt. Kilimanjaro.

Severin Safari Camp is hidden in the remote Kitani Wildlife area of Tsavo West National Park overlooking Mt. Kilimanjaro. The eco-friendly luxury camp offers a unique combination of adventure, wellness and relaxation for the sophisticated traveler who loves romantic pampering and unique wildlife experiences. The camp is unfenced to allow wildlife to crossover to the waterholes. No need to worry though, Masai warriors guard the ground 24-hours per day and escorts accompany guests to and from their tents. Experiences of being so close to nature like this are a rare treasure in our modern world. And, safari camps definitely fit into the glamping style of traveling.

 

6ad7ea2f5b97acf2dd1aa18ff8169561 Photo: Severin Safari Camp website

Severin Safari Camp has an elegant natural design. The tents and suites feature handmade wooden furniture in a traditional African style. The camp is perfectly integrated; the lounge and restaurant area is open and provides a wonderful panoramic view. Severin’s octagonal tents come fully equipped with running hot and cold water, shower, toilet, comfy beds, and private terrace.

In addition to tents, the Kitani Lodge is located in nearby and offers 8 Bandas for self-caterers. The Bandas are equipped with kitchenette, own bathrooms and beds. The mosquito nets give you a feeling of the authentic Africa. From the covered patio guests have a direct view on their private campfire from where they can watch the passing animals. A large variety of wild animals seek the floodlit waterhole at night providing amazing wildlife viewing experiences.

SPhoto: Severin Safari Camp website

Tsavo National Park is recognized as the third largest national park in the world and rich with great herds of elephants, giraffes, zebras and impalas. The park’s 22,000 square kilometers offer a lot to explore on game drives. The camp is very sensitive to preserving the ecosystem and ensures that the camp does nothing to interrupt the fragile system. Solar cells and strict waste management systems top the list of Severin’s efforts.

In rugged safari vehicles driven by Severin’s experienced guides guests see the “real Africa.” The drives take guests closer to wildlife than most have ever been. The panoramic views from the vehicles are breathtaking. The animals are surprisingly active after the sun sets. Night drives equipped with spotlights illuminate the secrets of the African wilderness. Severin’s Masai guide will even take you around on foot for a unique experience.

c92c9ec1a11a5ec3996e785c28a3633cPhoto: Severin Safari Camp website

Severin is informal and it is recommended that you pack for comfort. Don’t forget the sunscreen, binoculars, and sunglasses. Occasionally Tsavo can get cold at night and the early morning, so be sure to pack a light waterproof jacket.

Learn more about Severin Safari Camp and start planning your glamping vacation!

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Glamping & Luxury Safaris in Kenya | Kichwa Tembo Tented Camps

JustLuxe | Affluent Lifestyle Guide

Photo Courtesy of & Beyond

Glamping has become one of the hottest luxury travel trends over the past few years—up-scale tents nestled into the natural surroundings; eating meals under the stars; getting acquainted with the great outdoors and its indigenous wildlife. Thrill-seekers, families, couples and solo travelers alike have all gotten on board with this new fad. These types of resorts are located on nearly every continent, but if a trip to Africa (and a real safari that doesn’t take place at an amusement park) is still on your bucket list, the tented camps of Kichwa Tembo, Kenya are a great place to cross it off.

The world renowned Masai Mara National Reserve in the heart of Kenya sets the stage for encounters with the Big Five (lion, leopard, buffalo, rhino and elephant), over 450 birds, six primate species, and a chance to experience the annual Great Migration. But before you get to the lions, tigers and bears, you have to settle into your luxury camping accommodations. There are two intimate options: Bateleur Camp and Kichwa Tembo Tented Camp.

Each camp contains nine suites that do their best to blend into the wilderness while still offering all the comforts of home. The Bateleur Camp is a little more high-end, with brass, silver and leather accents on the interior, along with private butlers, laundry service, and soda, wine, spirits and beer on hand. Kichwa Tembo Tented Camp can be found in a slightly more remote location (if that’s possible) in the north western section of the reserve, and feature private verandas with views of the savanna and forest. Stays at either camp include scheduled safari activities that could have you taking night game drives or bush walks to explore your new surroundings and its inhabitants.

After you’ve become acclimated with your well-appointed tent, what exactly can you expect? An average day at the camps starts out at dawn. Sip a warm cup of tea and enjoy a light breakfast while watching the sun rise over the vast African landscape. An open 4×4 will arrive soon after to take you on a daytime safari where you could see wildebeest and zebra cross the Mara River, a pride of lion stretched out in the shade, or a herd of buffalo sniffing out their prey.

Amidst the excitement, you’ll stop for a snack to marvel at the natural beauty before heading back for lunch and perhaps a refreshing dip in the camp’s pool. Don’t get too comfortable though, because another drive or bush walk is right around the corner. Later, an alfresco dinner will be served as fellow glampers gather to exchange stories of the day’s exhilarating exploits.

If you want to take your African adventure up a notch, there are plenty of additional activities on offer. Soar high in a hot air balloon and see the Masai Mara from a different angle; go on a walking safari with a specialist guide to see more of Kenya’s many creatures; visit a Masaai village with an English speaking Maasai to learn more about the local community; arrange a private breakfast or dinner deep into the bush among the sights and sounds of Kenya; or view a traditional dance performed by Maasai warrior men as they chant melodies in authentic dress; or take a photographic safari with an experienced guide to forever capture the memories of your trip.