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.
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| 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.
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| 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.
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| 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.
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| 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.
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