A private paradise in the heart of Kenya

When you go off the beaten track in East Africa, you don’t just discover new places – you also glimpse alternative facets to this diverse region. Away from the major parks there’s a world of surprises, unique wildlife encounters and stunning luxury camps to be discovered.

Our recent stay at Ekorian’s Mugie Camp in Kenya’s Laikipia region was a prime example of this. Located in the Mugie Sanctuary, this camp is surrounded by a bewildering array of wildlife. During our visit, some of the most memorable sightings happened just a walk away from camp, at the nearby Mugie Dam. We watched as large herds of elephants gathered here for their daily drink at noon and we spent an evening watching a cheetah stalk her prey. We even spotted a leopard, which, as one of Africa’s more secretive creatures, always provides a moment to savour.

The mess tent at Ekorian's Mugie Camp

The dam and the wider Mugie Conservancy are home to countless more species too. Lions, buffalo, giraffes, zebras and warthogs are among the area’s impressive mammal population. And it’s a dream for bird-watchers, with over 280 species attracted to the dam alone, including migratory birds from as far away as Siberia.

As for the Ekorian’s Mugie accommodation, it’s everything you’d want from a wilderness camp. Simple decked tents, rustic log supports and thatched roofs create a calm, natural look but step inside and details like the stylish furnishings and comfy beds bring comfort and luxury. Plus, providing running hot water and flush toilets is no mean feat in such a remote setting. On top of all this, the camp manages to be a certified eco-lodge, thanks to its solar power and environmentally sensitive construction.

A bedroom tent opening up to the stunning Mugie Sanctuary beyond

The passion and dedication of the couple who run Ekorian – Josh and Donna Perrett – make for fantastic service. The food is fresh and delicious and the owners take time and care to make guests feel at home. It’s even the ideal spot to take young children. Living out here with kids of their own, the Perretts are more than qualified to tailor for younger African adventurers. And with countless activities on offer – swimming, kayaking, golf, cultural visits, bush walks and camel rides to name but a few – there’s a feast of adventure to be had here for guests of all generations.
 
Why not include a trip to Ekorian’s Mugie Camp as part of your next safari? As well as getting a definite thumbs-up from Africa House following our own highly enjoyable stay there, it’s also a chance to explore a lesser travelled but beautiful and wildlife-rich area deep in the Kenyan wilderness.

The camp with its sights set high

Views don’t come much more dramatic than the towering form of Mount Kilimanjaro – and there are few lodges better placed to capture this drama than Tawi Lodge. Located on the southern fringe of Kenya’s stunning Amboseli National Park, the view from Tawi is a quintessential safari landscape of vast open plains with Kili’s snow-tipped grandeur providing the backdrop.
 
As well as its impressive landscapes, this location is also a sensational spot for wildlife. A short game drive will reveal Amboseli’s incredible array of wildlife, including lions, hyenas, wildebeest and Kenya’s largest elephants – in fact, you won’t even need to stray from the lodge to see the elephants, because while you enjoy your morning refreshments, you can watch them enjoy theirs at Tawi’s waterhole, just metres away.

Stylish bedroom at Tawi with stunning views of Mount Kilimanjaro

The lofty mountain view is by fittingly matched by the high standards of this little boutique camp. Tawi is beautifully designed to blend into the African landscape surrounding it with thatched roofs, rich woods and soft lighting. And Tawi has been thoughtfully set out to maximise your enjoyment of that dominating mountain view – every one of its cottages is arranged so that Kili is on display whether you’re on your private veranda, or even in bed or relaxing in your own chic freestanding bath.

For all its rustic charm and the wilderness setting, there’s luxury in abundance here. Each spacious cottage features big, comfy beds, an en-suite with both a bath and shower, and its own fireplace for cosy nights. Plus, for a full pampering experience, Tawi offers a spa, outdoor hot tub and a range of massage treatments. And with a gourmet menu featuring fresh local produce, the sense of luxury is complete.
 
This whole package of great hospitality and stunning aesthetics makes Tawi one of East Africa’s most appealing accommodations. Throw in a truly classic view and amazing game-spotting and it’s simply world-class – and unsurprisingly, a firm fixture on Africa House’s list of favoured properties for our guests in this area.
 
More information about Tawi Camp can be found at www.tawilodge.com. Let us know if you would like to include a stay at Tawi in your own Africa House Safari itinerary. 

The secrets of East Africa’s ‘low’ season

A glance at the climate graphs for East Africa is enough to persuade most people that this time of the year is a no-no for safaris. From now until early June, the rains are in full flow, making this the low season for tourism. But some of us living here in the region have a different view of this these early months. And though you might not think it, in many ways, there’s no better time to head for Kenya or Tanzania.
 
Of course, there’s no denying the downpours. But while you might think of the rain where you are as the chief wrecker of summer plans, it tends to be different here. It’s not the cool, perpetual, spirit-dampening drizzle you might have to contend with – here, you’ll usually encounter heavy downpours followed by a sudden return to clear skies. It can, in fact, be quite exhilarating to see, and if you like a rounded experience when you travel, there’s no denying that the rains inject variety to your trip!

The rainy season is an exciting time when East Africa springs into life

Plus, all that water has its benefits. One is that, arguably, it shows East Africa at its most beautiful. The rainy season can be more positively termed the ‘green season’ as it transforms the region’s landscapes, bringing them to life in full, verdant glory. This, with spells when the air is gorgeously crisp and clear, makes it a popular time for photographers and artists to come and capture Africa’s beauty.
 
And perhaps the best thing about coming to East Africa in these early months is the off-peak prices. With our regional knowledge and contacts here at Africa House, we can choose the ideal places to visit while getting our guests some fantastic deals. So as well as experiencing Africa at one of its most interesting times, you can enjoy Africa House’s renowned luxury for less.

To chat about the kind of safari adventure we can create for you between now and June, give us a call on +254 (0) 722 512 588 or email us at david@africahousesafaris.com.