Top Ten Tuesdays: Destinations for your X-Mas Vacation
Getting the right destination for your Christmas holiday is not as easy as it may seem. If you do not plan accordingly, you might not get the perfect place that is within your budget. However, there is a wide variety of serene and luxurious destinations, from the Mara to Mount Kenya that will guarantee a great deal for your money.
Rutundu Log Cabin, Mount Kenya
Tucked quietly in the deserted foothills of Mt. Kenya, the Rutundu Log Cabin is renowned for being the location Prince William picked to propose to Kate Middleton. There is no electricity - lighting is provided by hurricane lamps, while porters cook on a single gas oven from food stored in an outdoor fridge. A truly ‘organic’ experience for the eco-adventurer in you, and evidently, fit for a king!
Governors Il Moran Camp, Maasai Mara
The Maasai Mara is not only known for its incredible diversity of flora and fauna, but also as home to some of the finest tented camps in Africa. Governors Il Moran, is no exception. Set on the thickly wooded bend of the Mara River in the Musiara Sector of the Maasai Mara National Reserve, it sits just one kilometer away from it’s mother camp, the original Governors Camp. Each of the 10 stunning tents, set amid fig trees and overlooking the River Mara, is comfortably furnished, ostensibly in the style of a Mfangano tribal hut, with beautifully sculpted furniture all fashioned from rough-hewn olive-wood.
Elsa’s Kopje (Meru National Park)
This is truly one of the most romantic sites in Kenya. Set high on a kopje with spectacular 360 degree views, it is also named after legendary lioness, Elsa, who was fostered on the current lodge location. The camp has a sumptuous private house, triple level honeymoon suite and several attractive open-plan cottages. It incorporates a 44 km squared rhino sanctuary and is home to such rare species as greater kudu, African wild dog, caracal and the honey badger.
Sirikoi Private Concession, near Lewa Wildlife Conservancy
Also located on the northern slopes of Mount Kenya, Sirikoi looks out on a waterhole that attracts an abundance of game. This exemplary tented camp comprises four elegant tents and a private cottage, all furnished with safari antiques with their own fireplaces and verandas, overlooking the wildlife and the waterhole.
Saruni Samburu sits high on a rocky outcrop with spectacular views over this vast semi-arid region. The still relatively untapped Samburu ecosystem houses the six boutique villas, which are open-fronted to maximise the views and adorned with handmade rugs, cushions and throws. The two curved swimming pools have expansive views and secluded dining areas. The chef uses fresh Kenyan produce in his alluring medley of Italian recipes for the discerning foodie in you.
If Kenya has any flagship lodges, the Sarova Salt Lick Game Lodge is definitely one of them. It is a luxurious safari escape set in the heart of the Taita Hills Wildlife Sanctuary overlooking the waterhole and the vast Tsavo Plains. The entire lodge is raised on stilts, providing 24 hour game viewing opportunities from any corner of the lodge.
This is one of the destinations that will offer you the great migration experience. This is Sir Richard Branson’s 12 tented luxury safari camp in the Kenyan Bush. Situated in the private Olare Motorogi Conservancy in the Maasai Mara. Apart from the conservancy having the highest density of lion population anywhere in the Mara, the chill factor at the camp is quite high. You can also sit back and relax in the main tent, which features an open but snuggly lounge area with fireplace, a book library and speaker systems.
Solio Lodge is built on Solio game reserve, home to both the black and white rhinos. One for the exercise aficionados, it’s a place you can stretch your legs on foot or by mountain bike through the expanse of the ranch. As much as Solio is a trailblazer in wildlife economy, it is also now quickly becoming a pioneer in the luxury-travel industry. The game drives will guarantee a bounty of wildlife and an almost guaranteed rhino spotting.
If you have ever dreamt of a castle to call home in Kenya, then Tafaria Castle and Country Lodge is the place to be. It’s a country lodge built on a hill overlooking the Aberdare range, Laikipia Plains and Mount Kenya. Apart from the medieval architectural style that runs from the castle to the similarly themed cottages, it is surrounded by rich wildlife and could just be your perfect wedding destination.
This is part of Serena Hotels group, a luxury tented camp at Lake Elementeita
. While Serena hotels group has has some of the most ‘opulent’ and stylistic properties under the sun, this entrant into its impressive portfolio gives ‘intimacy’ a big chance as well. It is located just inside the Soysambu Conservancy. An unforgettable site includes the lake’s edge, where you will find 25-small tents with a perfect view of Elementaita
incoming wildlife-including a permanent colony of effervescently pink flamingos.
