Mt. Kenya & Aberdares Safari Camps & Lodges

Il Ngwesi means ‘people of the wildlife’. This is a pioneering and award-winning community-owned and run lodge in the Laikipia region of Kenya.Il Ngwesi is set on 16,500 acres of north west of Lewa and has six Bandas that are beautifully and organically constructed with thatched roof and local wood (from elephant damage etc), and have great views from the verandas and en-suite bathrooms (showers only). Furniture is all locally made. There is a good swimming pool and lounge area, and a waterhole giving you a chance to get closer to the wildlife. Since this is a ‘Big Five’ area, the wildlife viewing can be excellent.

Sirikoi is a spectacular game lodge situated on private land and surrounded by the Lewa Wildlife Conservancy, on the northernslopes of Mount Kenya. Set in a shady acacia grove and overlooking a natural waterhole fed from a mountain spring, Sirikoi offers some of the best game viewing in East Africa. From Sirikoi one can take helicopter trips, biplane excursions, fishing, track lions, ride horses, game drive and visit local Masai homesteads. Willie and Sue Roberts, your hosts and owners of Sirikoi have been running tailor made safaris for over thirty years, and their stories are extraordinary, and make for much laughter over dinner. Sirikoi has a 20ft hide with dramatic views of mountain ranges.

Timau River Lodge, situated on the forested slopes of Mt Kenya, has camping sites as well as bandas built of cedar logs sleeping 2-4 people. Timau River Lodge Accommodation consists of 7 Budget Bandas/Cabins each with two beds, Main house rooms that accommodate 20 Guests, 13 Cottage rooms that can accommodate 20 Guests, Tents and bedding that can accommodate a total of 80 Guests. The lodge is a base for climbing Mount Kenya through Chogoria route.

The Timau Track, the main access route on the north side of the mountain lies in a major rain shadow. Because of this there is a very little forest on this side of the mountain.

Ol Pejeta Bush Camp is a traditional, very comfortable bush camp owned-managed by Alex and Diana Hunter of Insiders Africa , and set on the banks of the Ewaso Nyiro River on the Conservancy. This small bush camp offers guests the opportunity for a unique kind of safari experience in Kenya. Their Four-Night Interactive Conservation Safari gives a new insight into modern wildlife conservation. During your days with Alex & Diana, you will encounter behind-the-scenes of daily life on this working wildlife conservancy and cattle ranch. Guests are welcome to spend just one or two nights looking at some of these elements – or as long as they want – being as active, interactive, or as relaxed as they like when staying in camp.

Located on the edge of the Laikipia Plateau, just 70 km north of Mount Kenya, Loisaba Wilderness, a private wildlife conservancy is in the heart of the Ewaso eco-system. Incredibly rich in both biodiversity and topography, Loisaba is in the heartland of the Laikipia Masai community. Loisaba offers a rare insight into the cultures, traditions and a way of life that has stood the test of time.

Outspan is located in Nyeri town, right in the heart of Kenyas tea and coffeegrowing highlands. It is the nearest hotel to the spectacular Karuru Falls and is an Eden of vibrant gardens and verdant green lawns. Peacocks add to the charming ambiance as they roam at will.

The hotel was built in 1927 and was once home to Lord and Lady Baden Powell, founders of the Scout and Girl Guide movements. Their cottage Paxtu is now a museum that is open to our visitors, and to scouts and guides from all over the world. This hotel offers accommodation in 14 Chania Rooms, 3 Chania Cottages, 28 Standard Rooms -19 with fireplace. All rooms have Satelite TV, Telephones and Tea making facilities.

Porini Rhino Camp is located on a 90,000-acre wildlife area between the Aberdares and the majestic Mount Kenya.  Porini Rhino Camp consists of six spacious guest tents, each comfortably furnished with en suite bathrooms. The camp is very environmentally-friendly with solar powered lighting and no generator. Game drives are taken in the camp’s 4×4 safari vehicles with qualified safari guides. Guided walks are taken on the open plains escorted by Maasai warriors. Night drives are also taken to see the nocturnal animals. All the Big Five have been seen on game drives from the camp.

Resembling and named after Noah’s Ark, The Ark comprises three decks from which numerous balconies and lounges provide superb vantage points for game viewing. Aground level bunker provides excellent photographic opportunities and takes you closer than you would believe possible to the animals such as elephant, rhino, leopard, bushbuck and occasionally an elusive bongo or giant forest hog.

The Ark has 60 ‘cabin-styled’ rooms, comprising 5 single, 36 twin, 10 double and 8 triple-bedded cabins (and one courier cabin which is not en suite). All rooms have private bathrooms with shower; all are comfortably furnished and enjoy a view of the forest waterhole. Each cabin is fitted with a buzzer to announce the arrival of one of the “Big Five” at the waterhole. Dinner and breakfast are served “on board” in the main dining room. Located on one of the viewing decks are a lounge and a bar, which remains open all night for tea and coffee.

Sited on the lush lower slopes of Mount Kenya at Nanyuki, the Mount Kenya Safari Club offers a unique blend of comfort, relaxation and adventure. Set in manicured lawns, ornamental ponds, flowerbeds, this famous retreat exudes quiet elegance against a dramatic backdrop. Wildlife within the forests below the park boundary includes elephant, buffalo, lion, several species of antelope including the rare bongo and occasionally the melanistic forms of both the leopard and the serval.

Much of this wildlife can be seen from the safety of the Mountain Lodge, which lies just inside the forest on the south side of the mountain. Mountain climbers should appreciate the need for acclimatisation over several days before attempting the high peaks. Naro Moru River Lodge specialises in assisting climbers with guides, porters and equipment.

The Mount Kenya National Park & Forest Reserve covers the slopes of Mount Kenya and the park is only a two and a half hour’s drive from Nairobi. Apart from the Big Five, the bird life is prolific. At the height of 7,200 ft., on the slopes of Mount Kenya, is Mountain Lodge. The lodge is ringed by a dense forest, which comes alive at dusk with the myriad sounds of animals. A specially constructed viewing bunker, connected to the lodge by a short tunnel, affords a spectacular close-up view of the game at the waterhole.

Sweetwaters Tented Camp lies in the heart of privately owned Sweetwaters Game Reserve, in the Mount Kenya National Park, enjoying magnificent views across the game studded plains to the snow capped peaks of Mount Kenya. Accommodation is provided in luxuriously appointed tents, with en suite facilities and private veranda. Each tent overlooks the waterhole.

The cost of these hotels will vary depending on date of travel, type of accommodation, and number of people checking in.

Please contact us on email info@exploreafricaholidays.com or phone (+254) 724 652354 or and we shall get back to you within the shortest time possible.