A new high for Kenyan tourism

Last year saw a record number of foreign tourists visiting Kenya, bolstering the country’s position as one of Africa’s most popular holiday destinations. Arrivals by sea and air in 2010 totalled over 1.1 million, a 15% increase on the previous year.

Kenya offers an irresistible mix of wildlife and scenery

The largest source of visitors to Kenya in 2010 was the UK, which accounted for 11% of tourists. Next on the list of visitors was the US, followed by Italy, Germany and France. Big increases were seen in the number of tourists from India, China and the United Arab Emirates.

Prior to 2010, the year in which the most visitors had come to Kenya was 2007. The country’s tourist industry subsequently suffered as the political unrest at the end of 2007, despite having largely no impact in tourist areas, put off potential visitors. The international economic crisis has also played a part in dampening the recovery in tourist numbers.

But last year’s impressive figures indicate that Kenya’s popularity is back on the rise. The Kenya Tourist Board has attributed the country’s upturn in part to the quality of its offering to luxury markets.

And we’re inclined to agree. With some of the world’s most comfortable and stylish accommodation, and an astonishing concentration of beautiful wildlife, landscape and culture, it’s no surprise that Kenya is a favourite for people seeking a high-quality holiday experience.

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.