6 of our best luxury Lodges

Given the array of incredible luxury camps and lodges available in Laikipia, it is hard to narrow down the list to just six. That considered, here is our pick of six fine options to choose from for anyone looking to splurge.

SOLIO LODGE

Solio Lodge

With five contemporary cottages, Solio is located on a private wildlife sanctuary tucked in the valley between Mount Kenya and the Aberdare Mountains. Each room has a private lounge with open fire for cooler evenings, as well as large en-suite bathrooms with a double sink, bath and shower. Activities include game drives, horse riding, a visit to a Kenya coffee plantation and birdwatching. Take a helicopter to Mt Kenya for a hilltop picnic breakfast or go trout fishing in the Aberdare National Park. Resident rates start at Ksh 42,000 per person sharing and include game drives, horse riding and mountain biking. Conservation fees excluded www.thesafaricollection.com

LAIKIPIA WILDERNESS CAMP

Laikipia Wilderness

Owned by Steve and Annabelle Carey, this is an intimate camp with only five tents that can accommodate up to 10 guests. Laikipia Wilderness offers scenic views of Mt Kenya and programs can be tailored to suit any guests. Activities therefore range from game drives and walking safaris which can be focussed on specific interests like photography, tracking game on foot, birding, fly-camping, tubing and fishing in the river, etc. The camp consists of a tented mess building with a dining room, bar, sitting room, library, a deck out front and open campfires in the evenings. Rates available on request www.laikipia-wilderness.com

EKORIAN’S MUGIE CAMP

This is the family base for Josh and Donna Perrett who own, manage and host the luxury camp with a small competent team and their three young children and pets. It is simply designed with a dining area and six spacious but cosy tents raised on wooden decks under thatched roofs. Each tent has plumbed hot and cold running water. This is a small safari camp with an exclusive location in the heart of the Mugie Conservancy in NorthWest Laikipia, where game and birdlife viewing are prolific. Activities include kayaking, golfing, safari walks, fishing, camping, cultural safaris and swimming. Resident rates start at ksh 17,000 www.ekorian.com

OL PEJETA SAFARI COTTAGES

Nestled in a serene and secluded river valley in the southern section of Ol Pejeta Conservancy, this boutique spot is owned and managed by Andy and Sonja Webb who have a wealth of knowledge in lodge management, safari planning as well as bush guiding garnered over 30 years each. Our two bedroom en-suite cottage had an open-plan living room, fireplace for those cold Nanyuki nights and dining area with flaps unzipping out onto a large private verandah overlooking yellow-backed acacia trees. Each cottage is independent and self-catering, but there is also a chef on call if desired. The fully inclusive resident rate is Ksh 19,900 covering game drives, guide, a vehicle per cottage, full board meals and drinks. If self-catering, costs start at Ksh 9,900 www.thesafaricottages.com

EL KARAMA ECO LODGE

Fourth generation Kenyans, Murray Grant and Sophie Grant designed El Karama as a ‘home away from home’ to allow families and groups to come together and experience an authentic Kenyan wilderness. Their passion for family, sustainability, home grown produce and supporting local communities is prominent throughout; from the farm to fork meals enjoyed by the eco swimming pool, visiting the bush school to learning about El Karama’s history whilst on a guided bush walk with Joseph Kaluu, the Head Guide. Resident rates on full board per person start at Ksh 18,500 for the river cottage and 14,500 for main lodge. Conservation fee is Ksh 1,800 www.elkaramalodge.com

LOISABA STAR BEDS

Handcrafted, wheeled four-poster beds on raised wooden platforms are rolled out so that guests sleep under the expansive Northern Kenya night sky. Rustically designed to complement the surrounding environment, each star bed is individually built in harmony with the natural rocky landcape. Poised on a rocky kopje, the beds command sweeping views over an undulating valley and a permanent waterhole frequented by resident wildlife. Pick from either three ensuite double rooms or one en-suite family room with two double beds pushed out onto separate platforms. Each have open-to-air bathrooms with a plumbed shower offer piping hot solar-heated water Rates available on www.elewanacollection.com