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.