Upon landing in Nairobi today, your private transfer takes you to Hemingway's, set on plantation-style grounds in the suburb of Karen.
Hemingways Nairobi
This plantation-style 45-room boutique hotel, beautiful in its symmetry and flooded with natural light, is airy and spacious. Its 80 square metre bedrooms each have a private balcony overlooking the iconic silhouette of the Ngong Hills.
Hallmark Hemingways hospitality, borne out of decades of expertise in welcoming guests to Kenya, makes you the focus of our every design. This new hotel, only a 40-minute drive away from Nairobi’s international airport, completes our definitive Collection which encompasses the beach and the bush.
Deep baths, cotton sheets as dense as suede, golden glorious mornings behind the diaphanous netting of your four-poster, armfuls of fragrant velvet roses and blissful seclusion from the world.
Our guest-attention is personal and sincere, offering a seamless service from the moment you touchdown in Kenya to the final adieu of your departure. We’re here to enhance your experience and surprise you with detailed care during your stay. Your dedicated butler will know that you prefer Earl Grey to Assam with your scones and Cornish clotted cream, and he’ll remember which trousers you like pressed flat and which ones need a central crease.
So while you’re reposing in the spa or discussing the delicacies of the a la carte menu with our Executive chef in the private dining room, back in your suite your butler will have dimmed the lights, adjusted your personalized pillows, set out your nightcap ... ready for you to return for a peaceful night's sleep.
Day 2 Nairobi-Amboseli | Meals: BLD
Take in the views of the Ngong Hills this morning at breakfast. Transfer to Wilson Airport to board the Elewana Executive Grand Caravan for the 45-minute flight to Amboseli. Your Exective Grand Caravan's 8 luxury leather seats are configured so all guests can enjoy excellent viewing opportunities throughout the safari. Your fast-track check in will make this trip feel like you are seeing Kenya with your own private plane.
Fly to Amboseli and the luxurious Tortills Camp. Each of the camps luxurious tents have spectacular views of Mt. Kilimanjaro and are outfitted with all the comforts of home.
Tortillis Tented Camp
The camp won the British Airways regional award for ecotourism and has earned an international reputation for its commitment to the environment with its rustic simplicity, unobtrusive design and attention to comfort without compromising the ecosystem. The tents are large, the emphasis is on service and comfort.
Each tent leads from a bedroom with expansive king-size or generous twin beds, through a dressing area into modern bathrooms with pressured hot showers and flush toilets.
Each tent is raised up on a wooden deck and sheltered by a makuti (thatched) roof overhanging a large verandah, ideal for an early afternoon siesta...
Day 3 Amboseli Tortilis | Meals: BLD
The Tortilis Camp guides know their backyard intimately. They know the individual elephants and their family histories. More than half of the guides at Tortilis are Masai, and have between them 80 years of guiding at Tortilis! All the guides are Bronze or Silver level Kenya Professional Safari Guides Association certified.
Tortilis Camp has open gamedrive vehicles, the first camp to use open vehicles in a National Park. In addition to game drives, why not enjoy a game walk. Tortilis Camp’s walking guides are Masai from the local community, who have been walking over these plains since childhood.
Take the time to leave the car behind and enjoy the small things – tracks, dung beetles, micro-ecosystems. The guides are happy to share their knowledge of the terrain, traditional uses of wild herbs and barks, and the Masai way of life.
Tortillis Tented Camp
The camp won the British Airways regional award for ecotourism and has earned an international reputation for its commitment to the environment with its rustic simplicity, unobtrusive design and attention to comfort without compromising the ecosystem. The tents are large, the emphasis is on service and comfort.
Each tent leads from a bedroom with expansive king-size or generous twin beds, through a dressing area into modern bathrooms with pressured hot showers and flush toilets.
Each tent is raised up on a wooden deck and sheltered by a makuti (thatched) roof overhanging a large verandah, ideal for an early afternoon siesta...
Day 4 Amboseli-Meru National Park | Meals: BLD
Enjoy a game drive this morning and then enjoy brunch before heading back to the airstrip to rejoing your Executive Grand Caravan for the flight to Meru National Park. The Elsa's Kopje Team will be at the airstrip to welcome you and take you to camp, in time for High Tea.
Elsa's Kopje is unabashedly romantic and beautifully sculpted into Mughwango Hill, above the site of George Adamson's original camp where he raised and released orphaned lions. Each cottage is crafted around the rocks, with a large bedroom, open sitting room, veranda, rock hewn bathroom and breathtaking views.
Elsa's Kopje
Elsa's Kopje is a luxurious oasis in the wilds of Meru National Park. Elsa's Kopje was named after Elsa the lioness made famous by George and Joy Adamson in the film ‘Born Free', released into the wild here in Meru.
The word Kopje means ‘small hill'. The lodge blends into the hillside of Mughwango Hill, site of George Adamson's original camp. Meru is vast with arid, open plains dotted with Doum Palms and Baobab trees and lush vegetation along 13 rivers, like green ribbons, bisecting the Park.
Here visitors will see a more diverse range of species than in any other Park or Reserve. Regular sightings include Beisa Oryx, Gerenuk, Elephant, Grevy's Zebra, Reticulated Giraffe, Lesser Kudu, Grant's Gazelle, Leopard, Lion, Cheetah, Rhino and the rare, elusive Greater Kudu. Meru is famous for its bird life, including riverine and forest species as well as the arid dry country species.
The 9 stone and thatch guest cottages are crafted around the natural features of the hill. Paved paths, lit by lamps at night, lead from each cottage to the comfortable open bar, lounge and dining room. There is a sense of space, style and pure relaxation. The ultimate ‘pool with a view' looks out across the plains, perfect for chilling out after a game drive or guided walk in the bush.
Every cottage is uniquely designed. The generous double or twin beds are romantically swathed in netting. The bathrooms are sumptuous: showers or baths made out of stone, modern flush toilets, bidets and double basins.
One double cottage is set slightly apart from the others, ideal for families with children or a group. It has a double bedroom and a twin bedroom (bathrooms en-suite).
Elsa's Private House was completed in June 2005. Built by the original designer of Elsa's Kopje. Elsa's Private House is set apart from the rest of the lodge, providing complete exclusivity and privacy. The house consists of one double bedroom with en-suite bathroom with a large bath-tub. There is a spacious twin room, with en-suite bathroom. The living area spills into your very own private swimming pool. The pool falls neatly into the horizon beyond the Meru plains. Elsa's Private House provides guests with their very own piece of Kopje paradise. One of Kenya's best pools with a view!
The atmosphere induces a feeling of peace thanks to a highly trained, unobtrusive team of staff and a skilled host who manages the lodge. Each cottage is attended by a butler who also waits on the guests at mealtimes. The food is traditional Northern Italian cuisine blended with a selection of local and international dishes, fresh baked bread, crisp salads and locally grown vegetables.
Activities include game drives in open-sided safari Land Rovers, driven by knowledgeable driver-guides, all members of the Kenya Professional Safari Guides Association. Guided walks are led by a Professional Safari Guide and accompanied by a Ranger.
Other attractions include bush breakfasts and sundowners and visits to the Tharaka tribal village on the Southern Boundary of the Park.
Drinks Policy: Soft drinks, beer, house wines and non-luxury spirits are included in the room rates.
Champagne, special wines and luxury spirits are additional.
Laundry Policy Laundry service included
Day 5 Meru Elsa's Kopje | Meals: BLD
Enjoy the intimacy of being one of only a few vehicles game viewing on more than 215,000 acres. There is a thriving rhino sanctuary in the park and you might also see large elephant herds, hippo, lion and an amazing array of birdlife. In fact, Meru is recognized as have more diversity of animals species than another wildlife park in East Africa.
In additional to game viewing by vehicle, you can also walk here. One of the most popular walks is a climb up to the very top of Mughwango Hill, enjoying a 360 degree view from snow-capped Mt Kenya in the west to the vast Meru plains to the east.
Elsa's Kopje
Elsa's Kopje is a luxurious oasis in the wilds of Meru National Park. Elsa's Kopje was named after Elsa the lioness made famous by George and Joy Adamson in the film ‘Born Free', released into the wild here in Meru.
The word Kopje means ‘small hill'. The lodge blends into the hillside of Mughwango Hill, site of George Adamson's original camp. Meru is vast with arid, open plains dotted with Doum Palms and Baobab trees and lush vegetation along 13 rivers, like green ribbons, bisecting the Park.
Here visitors will see a more diverse range of species than in any other Park or Reserve. Regular sightings include Beisa Oryx, Gerenuk, Elephant, Grevy's Zebra, Reticulated Giraffe, Lesser Kudu, Grant's Gazelle, Leopard, Lion, Cheetah, Rhino and the rare, elusive Greater Kudu. Meru is famous for its bird life, including riverine and forest species as well as the arid dry country species.
The 9 stone and thatch guest cottages are crafted around the natural features of the hill. Paved paths, lit by lamps at night, lead from each cottage to the comfortable open bar, lounge and dining room. There is a sense of space, style and pure relaxation. The ultimate ‘pool with a view' looks out across the plains, perfect for chilling out after a game drive or guided walk in the bush.
Every cottage is uniquely designed. The generous double or twin beds are romantically swathed in netting. The bathrooms are sumptuous: showers or baths made out of stone, modern flush toilets, bidets and double basins.
One double cottage is set slightly apart from the others, ideal for families with children or a group. It has a double bedroom and a twin bedroom (bathrooms en-suite).
Elsa's Private House was completed in June 2005. Built by the original designer of Elsa's Kopje. Elsa's Private House is set apart from the rest of the lodge, providing complete exclusivity and privacy. The house consists of one double bedroom with en-suite bathroom with a large bath-tub. There is a spacious twin room, with en-suite bathroom. The living area spills into your very own private swimming pool. The pool falls neatly into the horizon beyond the Meru plains. Elsa's Private House provides guests with their very own piece of Kopje paradise. One of Kenya's best pools with a view!
The atmosphere induces a feeling of peace thanks to a highly trained, unobtrusive team of staff and a skilled host who manages the lodge. Each cottage is attended by a butler who also waits on the guests at mealtimes. The food is traditional Northern Italian cuisine blended with a selection of local and international dishes, fresh baked bread, crisp salads and locally grown vegetables.
Activities include game drives in open-sided safari Land Rovers, driven by knowledgeable driver-guides, all members of the Kenya Professional Safari Guides Association. Guided walks are led by a Professional Safari Guide and accompanied by a Ranger.
Other attractions include bush breakfasts and sundowners and visits to the Tharaka tribal village on the Southern Boundary of the Park.
Drinks Policy: Soft drinks, beer, house wines and non-luxury spirits are included in the room rates.
Champagne, special wines and luxury spirits are additional.
Laundry Policy Laundry service included
Day 6 Meru-Masai Mara | Meals: BLD
There is time for a safari walk before lunch today. Your flight takes you over the plains and after about 90 minutes you land in the middle of the Masai Mara Reserve. The Sand River team is at the air strip to welcome you and transfer you to the camp. Your game viewing starts on the drive into camp, arriving in time for sundowners before dinner.
Sand River Masai Mara is located on the banks of the Sand River. 16 luxurious tents are set on the banks in two adjoining campsites. The spacious interiors are decorated in vintage "out of Africa" style.
Elewana Sand River
Located on the banks of a river from which it has taken its name, Sand River Masai Mara is located within the Masai Mara National Reserve, close to the Tanzanian border.
Situated on a secluded and picturesque site, Sand River Masai Mara replicates the heyday of exclusive permanent tented camps of the late 1920’s.
The interior fixtures and furnishings mirror this period perfectly, reminding all who visit of those countless Hollywood movies that have paid homage to a classic era of African adventure.
Sand River Masai Mara comprises of 16-tented accommodations - including 1 family tent - each divided into two separate but adjoining campsites, with each area possessing its own designated dining and public areas, thereby creating an increased sense of exclusivity and privacy.
Day 7 Masai Mara | Meals: BLD
Start the day with a freshly cooked breakfast in the bush and then continue on a full day of game viewing. The Masai Mara plays host to one of the most amazing wildlife spectales in the annual Migration, but you will enjoy stunning game viewing any time of the year. If you have not already crossed them off your list, your chances of seeing the Big Five here are excellent.
Elewana Sand River
Located on the banks of a river from which it has taken its name, Sand River Masai Mara is located within the Masai Mara National Reserve, close to the Tanzanian border.
Situated on a secluded and picturesque site, Sand River Masai Mara replicates the heyday of exclusive permanent tented camps of the late 1920’s.
The interior fixtures and furnishings mirror this period perfectly, reminding all who visit of those countless Hollywood movies that have paid homage to a classic era of African adventure.
Sand River Masai Mara comprises of 16-tented accommodations - including 1 family tent - each divided into two separate but adjoining campsites, with each area possessing its own designated dining and public areas, thereby creating an increased sense of exclusivity and privacy.
Day 8 Masai Mara-Depart | Meals: B
Enjoy one last game drive this morning before heading back to camp for lunch. Then, board your Grand Caravan again for the flight to Nairobi, where you will have dinner before being transfrred to the airport for your flight home.
