Focus on forests

The United Nations has declared 2011 the International Year of Forests to raise awareness of the issues that face these crucially important ecosystems. So at Africa House, we are proud to be continuing our pledge to plant ten trees for every guest we take on safari this year.

East Africa's forests support a multitude of wildlife

Forests are an immeasurably important part of the global environment, helping to moderate the global climate, regulate water cycles and stablise soils. Trees are also relied upon by countless species for which they provide a habitat. And, of course, forests provide people with a wealth of resources, and for many, a livelihood.

Unfortunately, forests have been under increasing threat from destruction and degradation from human activities. This is resulting in the extinction of many species, an impact on those whose livelihoods depend on them, and a contribution to climate change.

East Africa, although perhaps better known for its open savannahs, is home to a range of ecologically and economically important forest areas. For example, Kenya and Uganda contain signifcant areas of lowland rainforest. Swamp forests and mangroves can also be found around the coasts of each of the East African countries – these are a important source of timber and other resources for local people.

The Kenya Forest Service (KFS) is one example of an organisation set up to help protect forests from pressure and to balance competing interests from those who use the forests. The removal of forest has altered climates locally, reducing the flow of rivers and damaging agricultural yields. The KFS is attempting to address these problems by taking steps such as regulating the historically damaging charcoal industry by enforcing sustainable practices.

A luxury camp with heart and soul

As seasoned safari designers, we have seen more than our fair share of African accommodation. So if a camp we choose for own holiday leaves us impressed, you can safely assume that it must be something special. Lemarti’s Camp is thoroughly deserving of this description, if our recent stay there is anything to go by. The camp is situated on the bank of a river in a remote reach of Laikipia, Kenya, nestling in a serene spot below a palm grove and an imposing fig tree.



The tent in which we stayed



Having just returned from a late December break there, we are full of praise for Lemarti’s. It’s the ideal place for those seeking relaxation from an African safari holiday - somewhere to fully unwind and de-stress, in true style. It also offers the freedom to choose how you spend your time - with no set schedule as such, the day is yours to do as little or as much as you like.

The sense of tranquillity here is undoubtedly due in no small part to the stunning look of the camp. And style is what you’d expect when the design and furnishings are by fashion designer Anna Trzebinski, co-owner and founder of Lemarti’s. Through the use of understated but beautiful textiles and furnishings she has succeeded in creating an atmosphere of relaxed elegance. The style is unpretentious and welcoming, its rich textures and warm hues providing the ideal complement to the beauty of the area surrounding it with no attempt to upstage it.


The view from the Lemarti's mess tent

There’s a distinct feeling of authenticity about everything at this camp. This has much to do with the fact that Loyapan Lemarti, the camp’s other owner and Anna’s husband, is a genuine Samburu tribesman with roots firmly in this beautiful patch of Africa. For Anna and Loyapan, who met in the African bush, the camp has been a labour of love. With the help and support of the local community, the couple have poured their passion into the project at every stage from conceiving the idea to looking after the guests on a daily basis.

Every aspect, from the bed linen to the napkins, has been either sourced locally by the couple or designed by Anna herself – it’s this attention to detail that helps make a stay at Lemarti’s not only exquisitely comfortable but also inspirational. And in keeping with the exceptional standards on offer here, the food is sensational.



The mess area at Lemarti's

Loyapan, along with some help from his close friend and colleague Boniface, provides a rich insight into Samburu culture. The pair entertain, educate and inspire guests with their natural charisma and infectious energy. Their presence is especially loved by children, who are invariably keen to get involved in tribal activities. This is one of the reasons why Lemarti’s is so well suited to families. During our stay there was also a family on camp, with two boys aged 11 and 9 and a daughter of 4 - the mum and dad were thrilled that the children were entertained by the Samburu staff in camp, giving them 'down time' too. There is the river and its sandy beach just below the camp, where the kids spent endless hours swinging from a rope attached to the branches of the huge fig tree.

The view from the sundowner spot

While Lemarti's is great for families, its versatile layout also affords the privacy sought by honeymooners and other couples on safari. The camp's series of more secluded tents, each with its own veranda overlooking the river, means that couples can take in the atmosphere of this magical setting and enjoy the perfect romantic safari holiday.

Anyone wanting to experience the best in luxury camping on safari need look no further. After our stay at Lemarti’s, we are proud to endorse it as the most exceptionally beautiful, authentic wilderness camp we have seen. With so much love and care invested in Lemarti’s, you’d be hard pressed to find a camp which better captures the heart and soul of Africa.

Getting there

There are four options for reaching Lemarti’s once you arrive in Kenya:

• A private charter to the Kimanju airstrip, then collection by the camp's 4 x 4 vehicle
• A schedule flight to Loisaba airstrip, then collection by the camp’s vehicle
• A scenic drive from Nanyuki
• A helicopter journey to the camp’s doorstep. Some guests drop in by this method just for afternoon tea and a massage!

If you'd like Lemarti's to be part of your next safari, we'd be delighted to include a stay here in the itinerary we design for you.

Looking ahead to a sensational year of safaris

Whatever time of the year you visit East Africa, there’s always something amazing to see. With a consistently warm, tropical climate, and abundant and continuous wildlife viewing opportunities, Kenya and its neighbours are genuine year-round destinations. But each season offers something unique too so it’s worth thinking about which time of year might best suit your needs – booking and travelling with expert operators like us can help you make this decision, and also ensures that you’ll enjoy the best seasonal experiences on offer when you’re on safari. Here’s a brief guide to some of the highlights set to excite safari-goers in 2011:

January, February, March

It’s a bright and busy start to the year in East Africa, with recent rains meaning grasslands are shown in their lushest, greenest glory and rivers are in full flow. This relatively dry, hot period is a great time of the year for spotting wildlife, with many baby animals around to provide the cute factor.

Elephant Pepper Camp, on our Spring Break Safari

Our Spring Break Safari, the first of this year’s special tours, starts on March 8th. This luxurious 10-day safari will show off the best of Kenya’s attractions. Guests will get to enjoy the game-rich plains of Amboseli, against the park’s stunning backdrop of Mount Kilimanjaro. The wildlife-watching will continue as we visit the strikingly scenic Samburu and the world-famous Masai Mara. If you like the sound of this springtime safari, there’s still time to book your place. You can see the full details of the safari on our website by clicking here.

April, May, June



The onset of rainy weather during this quarter of the year leaves many would-be tourists looking elsewhere in their calendar. However, some savvy travellers rightly realise that these months are the most under-rated times to visit East Africa. For one thing, the very fact that it’s the low season means that those who do take safaris now can enjoy the parks and attractions with far fewer other tourists around. It’s also a more affordable time of the year to stay at camps and lodges.

Stunning Laikipia, on our Painting Safari

And there’s plenty which is special about this season to more than compensate for a bit of rain. The unique landscape and botany of East Africa are particularly picturesque now, with the crystal clear air displaying the landscape vividly and blooming wildflowers in abundance. It’s also a great time for watching birds, of which there are over 1200 species in Kenya alone.

This natural beauty is sure to present the perfect subject matter for our special Painting Safari, which starts on June 23rd and runs for 12 days. This tour is guided by celebrated wildlife artist, Martin Aveling, and Terry Brownbill, our own highly experienced guide and bush expert. Guests will have the opportunity to see landscapes and wildlife in a diverse array of settings, including the magical Laikipia, where there’s a chance to wander freely in search of the perfect spot from which to paint animals at close quarters. You can see full details of the tour by clicking here. Give us a call to book a place or to get further information.

July, August, September

The spectacular wildebeest migration

A trip to Kenya’s Masai Mara is a must around this time of the year, as the great annual wildebeest migration crosses from the Serengeti in one of the greatest wildlife spectacles on Earth. Countless hordes of wildebeest, along with zebras and gazelle, flood onto Kenya’s grassy plains in search of fresh pastures, while under attack from crocodiles in the river and by lions, cheetahs and hyenas on land.

This dry period offers the perfect conditions for game spotting as fewer drinking spots mean that wildlife tend to congregate around scarcer water sources. The climate is particularly comfortable at this time of the year, with warm days being followed by cool nights, which allow the perfect excuse for guests themselves to congregate – around a glowing camp fire.

October, November, December



Our Photo Safari offers close wildlife encounters

This quarter heralds the arrival of a special tour which we’re very excited about – our special Photographic Safari, which runs from the 1st - 10th October. Guided by Bob Demchuk, an accomplished photographer and movie-maker, guests can sharpen their photographic talents in some of the world’s most inspiring settings. The Samburu Reserve will lure landscape lovers with its acacia woodland and volcanic rock cones, while the Masai Mara will provide plenty of action to capture on camera, especially as the visit coincides with the culmination of the Kenyan stage of the magnificent wildebeest migration. Click here for the full details.

All in all, 2011 promises to be an exciting year for safaris in East Africa. If you’d like to get in on the action this year, we’d love to chat with you about the kind of safari we can design for you. Or perhaps you like the sound of one of the special tours we have planned. Either way, feel free to give us a call on +254 722 512 588 and make it a year to remember!