In June 2019 I went to Kenya on an Elewana Sky Safari. It was my first ever trip to Kenya so I was extremely excited.

ELEWANA noun. ‘harmony’ ~ Swahili

Combining Southern and East Africa has been quite tricky in the past but with the recent Kenya Airways flight via Victoria Falls to Nairobi and the South African Airways flights to Nairobi, it is now very simple.

On my first night in Nairobi, I stayed at Hemingways Hotel. What a beautiful oasis in such a busy city.

Sunset view out over the Ngong hills from Hemingways Hotel in Nairobi.
Hemingways Hotel overlooking the Ngong Hills beyond.

The following morning we flew out to the Amboseli National Park. The Amboseli is best known for its large herds of elephants as well as the view of Mount Kilimanjaro (on a good day). Thankfully we happened to be there for 2 extremely clear days and we had incredible views of the mountain. While in the Amboseli we stayed at Elewana Tortilis Camp which is situated on a private concession in the park.

Snow-capped Kilimanjaro reflection in water in Amboseli National Park
I just loved the pristine reflection of snow-crowned Kilimanjaro in the mirror-still water…

 

Elephants in front of Kilimanjaro in Amboseli National Park
Kenya at its most iconic: a wandering herd of elephants and Mount Kili!
Quintessentially Kenya!
Lioness drinking from rain puddle in Amboseli with Kilimanjaro in the distance
A thirsty lioness enjoying the fresh rainwater puddle!

 

From the Amboseli we flew to the Loisaba Conservancy. Loisaba is a wildlife conservancy located in Laikipia, Northern Kenya. We didn’t stay here but visited the Elewana Loisaba Tented Camp and Elewana Lodo Springs (which was still under construction).

Infinity pool with views out over the Loisaba Conservancy
A report back from Loisaba Tented Camp warns that once you get into this pool, you’ll never want to get out!

I love including Loisaba into my clients’ itineraries. The activities on offer here are completely different from what you will experience in any of the larger national parks. They offer camel rides, horseback safaris, mountain biking and you can also learn about their dedicated anti-poaching team of 4 sniffer dogs.

Adventure activities at Elewana Loisaba Tented Camp in Kenya
Learn how to ride a camel, meet two of the anti-poaching team: Warrior and Machine – or explore the Loisaba Conservancy on horseback!

From Loisaba we flew to the Meru National Park where we stayed at Elewana Elsa’s Kopje is sculpted into Mughwango Hill, above the site of George Adamson’s original camp where he and his wife, Joy, raised and released orphan lions – the most famous being Elsa, after whom the camp was named.

View of Elsa's Kopje with large herd of elephants in Meru National Park, Kenya
The unmistakable – and unforgettable – silhouette of The Kopje!
Tree-climbing lions in Meru National Park; George and Joy Adamson with Elsa the lion
Tree-climbing lions in Meru National Park; George and Joy Adamson with Elsa.
The view from Elsa's Kopje and a game drive with elephants in Meru National Park, Kenya
Spectacular vistas out across Meru National Park from my bedroom at Elsa’s Kopje, and a thrilling game drive with elephants!

Most people will appreciate Meru National Park for its northern specials, which are animals that are specially adapted to arid conditions. Of these species, we were lucky enough to see the gerenuk, the reticulated giraffe and endangered Grevy’s zebra.

 

Three reticulated giraffes in Meru National Park in Kenya
A journey of giraffes! Reticulated giraffes, to be exact, and also known as Somali giraffes.
Endangered Grevy's zebra in Meru National Park, Kenya
The endangered Grevy’s zebra is the largest of the wild equines!
Female gerenuk on the left; horned male gerenuk on the right, standing on hind legs to eat the leaves higher on the tree. Kenya
The fascinating gerenuk with their long necks and very strong hindquarters. They can stand up on their back legs for up to an hour.

We then flew to the Masai Mara where we stayed at Elewana Sand River Camp. This camp is situated on the banks of the Sand River. The Masai Mara was everything and more than I had expected.

View of the Sand River from Elewana Sand River Camp in the Masai Mara in Kenya
A view along the Sand River, just up from the camp.
Elewana Sand River Camp in the Masai Mara in Kenya
Now you can see where this gorgeous camp gets its name from!
A classic Masai Mara sight.
camille in the mara - with lions
Thrilling lion sightings in the Mara!
A dainty little antelope almost hidden by the waves of green grass.
baboon_masai mara_kenya
Curiosity incarnate!
Secretary bird in the Masai Mara in Kenya
Secretary bird
brothers_male lions_masai mara_kenya
Lion brothers!

On arrival, we had a delicious lunch while watching an elephant hiding from the midday sun across the river. And the following morning we woke up to the sound of lions roaring. We only spent 2 days in the Mara due to time constraints, I can’t wait to go back one day.

Elewana Sand River Camp in the Masai Mara, Kenya
Classic safari vibes from the decor in my tented bedroom to the dramatic sunsets!
masai mara sunset_african safaris
No filter needed!

We returned to Nairobi where I spent an extra night so that I could visit the Giraffe Center and the David Sheldrick Elephant Center. Both experiences were so much fun. My son can’t wait to kiss a giraffe and my daughter has been begging me to adopt an elephant.

Feeding a baby elephant at the David Sheldrick Elephant Center
Feeding a baby elephant at the David Sheldrick Elephant Center
Giraffe kisses at the Giraffe Foundation in Kenya
Goodbye kisses! See you soon, Kenya!

 


Send Camille an email to: camille@southerndestinations.com
camille@southerndestinations.com