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| Kenya Camps and Lodges |
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Kenya is well known for its scenic beauty and varied wildlife. Experience game and marine parks, archaeological sites, scenic beauty, sandy beaches, coral reefs, green palms swaying with the breeze, world class hotels, sparkling cocktails and sumptuous international cuisine. This is indeed, the ultimate dream safari destination.
Kenya offers accommodation that caters to a variety of tastes. The range accommodations include very personalized luxury camps and lodges to the general tourism focused and value accommodations.
Here is a selection of the camps and lodges in Kenya.
Aberdare Country Club ***
The Aberdare Country Club nestles on the slopes of Mweiga Hill near the town Nyeri.
All rooms and cottages have spectacular views of the plains below, the Aberdare Mountains to the west and Mount Kenya to the East.
The club's 1,300-acre wildlife sanctuary abounds with Thompson Gazelle, zebra, giraffe and more elusive leopard.
You can walk or ride, play a round of golf, watched by a family of warthog, fish for trout or just relax by the pool or in the beautiful garden. |
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Mt Kenya Safari Club ****
High on the slopes of Mt. Kenya Africa's second highest mountain, the Mount Kenya Safari Club straddles the Equator in a glory of luxurious cottages and elegant buildings set amid manicured lawns and decorative ponds.
Mount Kenya Safari Club is a two and a half hour drive from Nairobi. Alternatively, it is a fifty-minute flight to Nanyuki airstrip and a fifteen-minute transfer drive to the club.
Mount Kenya Safari Club has a variety of rooms located in the 100-acres of beautifully manicured lawns, which vary according to their location. One can visit the types of bedrooms on a sweeping circle of the magnificent grounds: the Club Rooms in the main building, to the Garden Cottages by the tennis courts, around the William Holden Cottages, by the Riverside Cottages along the River Likii, returning back up the hill via the Luxury Villas to the main building. The club has a total of 114 ensuite rooms, each room, with its own club-like charm, has a log fireplace, which is lit every evening.
A wealth of activities and facilities are available at the Mount Kenya Safari Club including: Swimming pool - Tennis court - Horse riding - Putting green - 9-hole golf course - Bowls - Croquet - Trout fishing - Art gallery - Health and beauty center - Club shops - Club chapel - Game viewing platform - Bush dinner on the banks of the River Likii - Maze.
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Ol Pajeta Ranch House, Nanyuki ****
Ol Pajeta Ranch House is set against the spectacular scenery of Mt. Kenya not far away from Nanyuki. Set against the spectacular backdrop of magnificent Mount Kenya, Ol Pejeta Ranch House, in 24,000 acres of Sweetwaters Game Reserve still retains the bygone tradition of Kenya's famous farmhouse hospitality.
Exclusive Ol Pejeta has since been restored to its former glory as a traditional farmhouse set in extensive tropical gardens situated in the Sweetwaters Game Reserve. Ol Pejeta Ranch House is three hours' drive from Nairobi, half an hour's drive from Nanyuki or Mount Kenya Safari Club.The territory surrounding the lodge offers many opportunities for daytime or overnight safaris, cultural excursions to the local villages, camel rides and trips into the forest to observe the rhinos recently brought to the reserve. |
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Sabuk Lodge, Laikipia ****
Sabuk Lodge is a stunning wilderness destination, perched on the high banks of the Ewaso Nyiro River in the Northern Frontier District in Kenya, overlooking the Laikipia Plateau and Samburu land.
The lodge has 5 rondavels (open sided cottages) with veranda, shower and toilet, each with its own fabulous view.
Sabuk was fashioned out of the local landscape, built with local materials, the hillside, and flora, twisted wood and stone boulders incorporated into the architecture.
Open walls and private verandas face out over the river gorge 150 feet below. This hilly area with dense acacia bush is host to a lot of game. |
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Serena Mountain Lodge, Mt. Kenya ***
Located at 7200 FT (2195M) on the slopes of the snow-capped Mt. Kenya, Serena Mountain Lodge is the most luxurious tree hotel in Kenya with private ensuite bathroom facilities.
At dusk the dense tropical rain forest comes alive with myriad sounds of creatures of various descriptions.
The elephant, Rhino, several species of antelopes including the bongo and occasionally, both leopard and the lion are frequent visitors at the illuminated water hole which is connected to the lodge by a short tunnel to a specially constructed bunker affording a close up view of the game.
For the ornithologists, over 200 species of birds have been identified while the indigenous tropical rain forest vegetation is of special interest to the botanists.
The most rewarding experience is a clear early morning or afternoon view of the rocky peaks on Mount Kenya with its over half dozen glaciers. |
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Sweetwaters Tented Camp, Nanyuki ***
Sweetwaters Tented Camp lies in the heart of a privately owned 22,000 acres Sweetwaters Game Reserve near the town of Nanyuki.
Other than enjoying magnificent views across the game-studded plains to the snowcapped peaks of Mt. Kenya, you can also watch Chimpanzees at close range in their natural habitat as this camp is situated in the heart of a sanctuary that is the home to a number of Chimpanzees.
It also overlooks a floodlit waterhole, the camp offers visitors an unforgettable opportunity to watch and photograph animals in their natural habitat.
Accommodation is provided in luxuriously appointed tents, set under thatch, with en suite facilities and private verandah. Each tent overlooks the waterhole.
Day and night game drives by four-wheel drive vehicles, walking safaris escorted by experienced rangers, bird walks, camel safaris and outdoor dining ensures that you will enjoy your stay. |
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Amboseli Lodge **
Amboseli Lodge is an old lodge located in the Amboseli National Park in Kenya.
It offers a spectacular view of Mount Kilimanjaro and set amongst lush tropical gardens and tranquil ponds with a veritable oasis in the dramatically arid surroundings of the Amboseli National Park.
The 'old world' bungalows and more modern but traditionally styled bedroom blocks at this main lodge provide a rustic ambience in the heartland of the nomadic Masai people.
The lodge has got 118 double rooms; swimming pool, a large lounge and the feature fireplace provide the ideal ambience to unwind from a long safari day.
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Porini Camp ****
Porini Camp is located in the Selenkay Conservation Area, a 15,000-acre private game reserve within a vast tract of land owned by the Kisonko clan of the Maasai people and located near the northern boundary of Amboseli National Park, Kenya. The Conservation Area is an important dispersal area for wildlife moving in and out of Amboseli and holds a wide diversity of species.
Porini Camp consists of six spacious tents, sited among shady Acacia Tortilis trees, in a spot once favoured by big game hunters. The camp is small and exclusive, accommodating a maximum of 12 guests. It is set up along the lines of the traditional hunting safari bush camp, so there are no permanent structures like bar or restaurant or swimming pool – this is real camping in the bush, but with much more comfortable bathroom arrangements than were available to the hunters of earlier years!
The tents are large and comfortably furnished, each with a double and a single bed, solar-powered electric lights, and en suite bathroom with shower, washbasin and flush toilet. Meals are taken under the shade of an Acacia tree and after dinner we can sit around the campfire and listen to the sounds of the African night. The camp is staffed by members of the local Maasai community apart from the management couple who act as your hosts throughout your stay. Apart from big game like elephant, lion, leopard, cheetah, giraffe and zebra, there are several less common species such as caracal, African wild cat, civet, gerenuk, lesser kudu and striped hyena. |
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Tortilis Camp, Amboseli ****
Tortilis Camp with 15 tents is set on a gentle slope at the edge of Amboseli National Park, Kenya not far away from Masai Villages.
Each tent has a spectacular view of Mt. Kilimanjaro from the privacy of it's own veranda.
The tents have been designed for comfort with traditional safari chairs, chests and beds, with private bathroom, hot water and electricity supplied by solar panels.
The dinning room and the bar offer a good view of animals at a nearby waterhole.
The camp has been kept small to ensure that each guest receives high quality and personalized services.
Also available at the camp are guided game walks for guests wishing to explore outside the park. |
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Lake Baringo Club **
On the shores of Lake Baringo, 285 kms northwest of Nairobi, Lake Baringo Club nestles amongst palm trees, green lawns and the clashing pinks, purples, reds and oranges of bougainvillea obviously thriving in the hot steamy days that characterise so many of the Great Rift Valley's lakes of Kenya.There is never a dull moment at the Club. Morning and evening bird walks, always accompanied by our resident ornithologist, give visitors the opportunity to see several magnificent birds of prey, noisy, restless 'bush' birds and the numerous species frequenting the shore.There are plenty of small motorised boats for hire, all captained by knowledgeable bird enthusiasts.
And there is so much to see on the Lake - hippo and crocodile at close quarters, a bejewelled assortment of kingfishers, local fisherman sorting the day's catch, and of course the scenic beauty of a Rift Valley Lake. Our daily visit to a local tribe's manyatta (village) is always popular with guests. |
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Lake Bogoria Hotel **
Lake Bogoria Hotel is set in the acacia trees surroundings of the floor of the Great Rift Valley of Kenya next to Lake Bogoria and its hot springs and against the backdrop of the eastern wall of the Great Rift, and the Tugen Hills in the west.
This birdwatchers paradise gives you all the privacy that you require and keeps you in touch with the current events.
A satellite dish and television connection offers free access to news, information and entertainment 24 hrs a day. |
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Lake Elementaita Lodge ***
The English settler Lord Galbrain Cole built Lake Elementaita Lodge on a hill overlooking Lake Elementaita, former Kekopey Ranch, in 1916. Still it retains the features atmosphere of an early colonial home.
The buildings are in red brick with shady terraces, internal courtyard panelled walls and a sitting room with a library and log fire.
The original building houses the lodge's social areas - dining and sitting rooms, bar and conference room.
The hotel has a huge private estate, now a wildlife reserve, stretches away to the hills in the Great Rift Valley of Kenya.
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Lake Naivasha Country Club ***
Previously known as Lake Hotel, the attractive Lake Naivasha Country Club, sited in 55 acres of lakeside gardens, began life in the 1930's as papyrus thatched chalets.
Lake Naivasha is one of Kenya's Great Rift Valley's jewels, reflecting the tranquil beauty of an African sky and the surrounding mountains, is temporarily distorted as flocks of graceful flamingos and pink-backed pelicans settle on the water.
This fresh water lake is a haven for bird watchers, nature lovers, and artists and for those seeking a peaceful scenic retreat.
Accommodation is either in rooms, cottages or suites, all furnished with their own individual theme.
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Shimba Hills Lodge ***
Set deep in the heart of an ancient tropical rainforest of Shimab Hills at Kenya Coast, Shimba Hills Lodge has been constructed in the indigenous timber, blending perfectly with the luxuriant forest vegetation.
All rooms are comfortably and uniquely furnished some with the gnarled trunk of tree providing a natural centerpiece overlook the waterhole.
Double and triple rooms have access to toilet and showers while suites have en-suite facilities.
The open bar and dining room allow unrestricted game and bird viewing at all times while an elevated walkway extending well into the forest gives peace-seeking visitors a few rare moments alone with nature. |
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Taita Hills Lodge ***
Taita Hills Lodge, west of Tsavo National Park in Kenya, is located on the 28,000-acre Taita Hills Game Sanctuary. Both local and international tourists, due to its close proximity to the Indian Ocean and Mombasa town, frequent the Lodge. A wide variety of game can be viewed in their natural habitat including lions, elephants, leopards, giraffes and cheetahs to name a few.
It has spacious bedrooms with full-size beds and attached bathroom. A hunting-motif dining room graciously displaying the warmth and heritage of East Africa. A circular high ceiling lobby and lounge, with its great stone fireplace and a three-story-high chimney.Outside, the pool is pleasant for daytime swims as alternate relaxation. Highly trained chefs prepare international and local cuisine.After dinner, the African traditional dancers entertain the guests with beautiful African rhythms and dance routines. Other forms of entertainment at the lodge include a 9-hole golf course and tennis courts.
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Voi Safari Lodge ***
Voi Safari Lodge, one of the oldest lodge in Kenya is set on a red rock bluff overlooking a water hole and a large expanse of Tsavo East National Park.
It curves along the edge of the cliff thus providing a marvellous view from everywhere dinning room, terrace, pool, and bedrooms. Natural rock has been used to construct the walls and floors with gourd lamps and wooden animal carvings in the open lounge and bar.
Each of the rooms has an entire wall of windows, private bathroom, and shower. The walkway leading to the pool is made of bare rock leading through gardens to the viewpoint at the edge of the cliff.
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Lake Nakuru Lodge ***
Situated in the southeast ecological niche of the Lake Nakuru National Park, the Lake Nakuru Lodge is an oasis of comfort and excellent service, with views of the Lesser Flamingo dotted with the Greater Flamingo for which Lake Nakuru is famous. The park situated in the Great Rift Valley of Kenya is also home for rhinos and Leopards.
The lodge blends well with its surrounding and the animals often browse peacefully close to the gardens.
Accommodation is either in family rooms, cottages or suites. |
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Bushtops ****
Bushtops is beautifully situated on a hillside just outside Kenya's Masai Mara Game Reserve famous for its annual Wildebeest Migration.
This cosy former hunting lodge overlooks a natural salt lick which is just a hundred yards away that attracts a spectacular array of animals. Bushtops with its sweeping views has retained the ambience reminiscent of bygone pioneer days. This is reflected in an array of wildlife photographs and memorabilia stretching back many decades since the Cottar family (the owners of Bushtops) were among the early settlers to the area. |
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Governors Camp ****
The setting in the Masai Mara of Kenya is magical. So much so that almost a century ago it was reserved, exclusively, for Kenya’s colonial Governors and their royal visitors. Now Governors’ Camp nestles in the forest along the winding banks of the Mara River, it’s waters teeming with hippo and crocodile. The ideal place to watch the annual Wildebeest Migration.
Some of the 36 tents line the riverbank, with uninterrupted views over the Mara River, others have views across the sweeping plains. Created in 1972 Governors’ Camp set new standards in luxury for a tented camp. Today it’s still Africa’s best. Everything is under canvas, all tents have en-suit bathrooms with hot and cold running water and flushing toilets. |
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Keekorok Lodge ***
Dating back from 1965 and recently renovated, Keekorok Lodge is at the center of the Masai Mara National Reserve in Kenya and ideal to watch the annual Wildebeest Migration.
It can accommodate almost 200 guests. It is popular for those who prefer solid walls to tents and for its location.
It is one of the easier Mara lodges to reach from Nairobi by road. The lodge is sited on a shallow rise where one can see miles away and the sky stretched beyond the horizon to infinity.
The dining room is open to the terrace allowing fresh breeze and view.
There are no fences around Keekorok and it is not uncommon to see elephants and buffalos wander on to the perimeters of the grounds. |
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Mara Camp ****
Mara Camp is located on Koyiaki Group Ranch adjoining the Masai Mara National Reserve - west of Nairobi, Kenya.
Mara Camp is a seasonal tented camp. There are 6 spacious double tents with ensuite toilet and shower. Each tent has a private veranda.
Here they have re-created the safari camp of "Out of Africa". Where guests are looked after by attentive staff who bring steaming hot water for your canvas showers, prepare sumptuous meals and offer your favourite "sundowner" cocktail. Every comfort is assured, your every need catered for. |
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Samburu Lodge ***
Samburu Lodge was the area's first game lodge in Samburu Nation Reserve in Northern Kenya. This lodge has a beautiful setting right on the riverbanks, with the popular Crocodile bar almost overhanging the water.
The dinning room is open on the riverside with long tables, long lines, and the usual safari buffets.
The main lodge is polished stonework with high thatched roofs. Guests rooms are spread up and down the river in various sizes of cottages and bandas, with a mixture of decor styles. All rooms have ensuite bathrooms, and some with verandas overlooking the river.
Other facilities available are a gas station, shop for souvenirs and sundries, and a swimming pool. |
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Sarova Shaba Lodge ***
Sarova Shaba Lodge is a luxurious lodge set in "Born Free" country home of Elsa the Lion in Samburu Shaba in Northern Kenya.
Located on the banks of the Uaso Nyiro River, the lodge is described as the "Oasis in the Desert". Crystal clear water flows through the lodge culminating in ponds where Tilapia of all sizes is found.
The lodge has 80 rooms, 1 honeymoon suite and 4 junior suites and all face the Crocodile inhibited river.
There is a viewing deck above the river from where one can spot over 100 species of birds or watch the Crocodiles clamber onto sand banks for evening feeds.
An open air restaurant, which overlooks the river, waterfalls and pool, serves three sumptuous meals a day, while traditional Samburu dancers entertain you at the lounge bar every evening. |
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Samburu Lodge ***
Samburu Lodge was the area's first game lodge in Samburu Nation Reserve in Northern Kenya. This lodge has a beautiful setting right on the riverbanks, with the popular Crocodile bar almost overhanging the water.
The dinning room is open on the riverside with long tables, long lines, and the usual safari buffets.
The main lodge is polished stonework with high thatched roofs. Guests rooms are spread up and down the river in various sizes of cottages and bandas, with a mixture of decor styles. All rooms have ensuite bathrooms, and some with verandas overlooking the river.
Other facilities available are a gas station, shop for souvenirs and sundries, and a swimming pool. |
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Sarova Shaba Lodge ***
Sarova Shaba Lodge is a luxurious lodge set in "Born Free" country home of Elsa the Lion in Samburu Shaba in Northern Kenya.
Located on the banks of the Uaso Nyiro River, the lodge is described as the "Oasis in the Desert". Crystal clear water flows through the lodge culminating in ponds where Tilapia of all sizes is found.
The lodge has 80 rooms, 1 honeymoon suite and 4 junior suites and all face the Crocodile inhibited river.
There is a viewing deck above the river from where one can spot over 100 species of birds or watch the Crocodiles clamber onto sand banks for evening feeds.
An open air restaurant, which overlooks the river, waterfalls and pool, serves three sumptuous meals a day, while traditional Samburu dancers entertain you at the lounge bar every evening. |
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Naro Moru River Lodge, Mt. Kenya
This rustic "mountain" style Naro Moro River Lodge is set among trees along the banks of a rushing stream at the back drop of Mt. Kenya.
The lodge serves as the popular base for climbing Mount Kenya and offers a wide variety of accommodations. Rooms meander among terraced rock gardens that follow natural contours above the river.
There is a sense of sportiness and outdoor activity at Naro Moru. Many visitors come to climb the mountain; others come for bird watching or trout fishing. A peaceful forest path winds along the riverbank. |
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Samburu Serena Safari Lodge ***
Samburu Serena Safari Lodge is situated on the fertile banks of Uaso Nyiro River in the middle of Samburu Game Reserve in Kenya's rugged, semi arid Northern Province.
The lodge echos the robust rhythms of riverfront life and it has 62 rooms, including 8 family rooms.
All guest rooms have private verandas that overlook the river where crocodiles feed in full view. The surrounding terrain is renowned for rare game. |
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Maralal Safari Lodge ***
Maralal Safari Lodge is about two and a half kilometers from the town, overlooking a water hole where animals congregate for water, offers comfortable accommodation in the area of Northern Kenya.
You can sit on the terrace to watch the animals from surrounding Maralal National Sanctuary where visitors get a good opportunity to watch leopards on bait from the safety of a hide.
Also situated in Maralal is a tin-roofed bungalow converted into a national monument where Mzee Jomo Kenyatta was detained in 1961 before he was released to lead Kenya to Independence in 1963. |
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Shimba Hills Lodge ***
Set deep in the heart of an ancient tropical rainforest of Shimab Hills at Kenya Coast, Shimba Hills Lodge has been constructed in the indigenous timber, blending perfectly with the luxuriant forest vegetation.
All rooms are comfortably and uniquely furnished some with the gnarled trunk of tree providing a natural centerpiece overlook the waterhole.
Double and triple rooms have access to toilet and showers while suites have en-suite facilities.
The open bar and dining room allow unrestricted game and bird viewing at all times while an elevated walkway extending well into the forest gives peace-seeking visitors a few rare moments alone with nature. |
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Taita Hills Lodge ***
Taita Hills Lodge, west of Tsavo National Park in Kenya, is located on the 28,000-acre Taita Hills Game Sanctuary. Both local and international tourists, due to its close proximity to the Indian Ocean and Mombasa town, frequent the Lodge. A wide variety of game can be viewed in their natural habitat including lions, elephants, leopards, giraffes and cheetahs to name a few.
It has spacious bedrooms with full-size beds and attached bathroom. A hunting-motif dining room graciously displaying the warmth and heritage of East Africa. A circular high ceiling lobby and lounge, with its great stone fireplace and a three-story-high chimney.Outside, the pool is pleasant for daytime swims as alternate relaxation. Highly trained chefs prepare international and local cuisine.After dinner, the African traditional dancers entertain the guests with beautiful African rhythms and dance routines. Other forms of entertainment at the lodge include a 9-hole golf course and tennis courts. |
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Voi Wildlife Lodge ***
Nestled in the heart of elephant country, Voi Wildlife Lodge is located in the Savannah grasslands of Tsavo East, Kenya, just 5km off the main highway connecting the Capital Nairobi to Mombasa.The lodge is ideally placed for visitors wishing to combine a 'bush' and 'beach' safari holiday in Kenya with its accessibility to Tsavo National Park and its close proximity to the coast.
Designed to blend unassumingly into the surrounding environment, the lodge boasts a natural waterhole often attracting big game, including elephant, lion, cheetah, buffalo as well as a rich variety of birdlife. The lodge offers a variety of activities for families, including a children's outdoor recreation area, swimming pool and jacuzzi, two badminton courts, a volleyball court as well as table tennis and a pool table. There is also a Discovery Area complete with a mini-library, TV and DVD facilities.
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Mfangano Island ****
Mfangano Island Camp is situated on the unspoilt island of Mfangano in Lake Victoria in Kenya and occupies an entire secluded bay on the western shores of the island. The camp is ideal for bird watching and Nile Perch fishing.
The camp is set under ancient fig trees. There are six rooms all having stunning views of Lake Victoria and have en-suite facilities and private verandas. In the center of Mfangano Island Camp is a cozy sitting and dining room both open to the lake and are decorated in beautiful ethnic style.
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Mt. Elgon Lodge **
Mt. Elgon is the second highest mountain in Kenya. It is 15 million years old compared with the youthful Mt. Kilimanjaro (1 million years old), the staggering age of Elgon becomes apparent. Millions of years of erosion have worn down the massif, which is thought to have once towered over all other African mountains.
It is also one of the most impressive, with vast areas of untouched forest concealing over 400 elephants whose most famous gathering place is in the batfilled Kitum Cave to which they troop nightly to forage for salt encrusted on the cave walls.
Only 500 m from the gate on the slopes of Mt. Elgon the Mt. Elgon Lodge is situated allowing a panoramic view over the land below. The lodges is an old farm house converted into a simple, charming lodge with 14 ensuite rooms. The main building is a reminder of the colonial day passed by. |
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Rusinga Island, Victoria ****
Rusinga Island located in Kenya part of Lake Victoria has got a camp that caters for tourists. Flying there just to spend your holiday or to do some bird watching or Nile Perch fishing is amazing.
There are spacious cottages set up and which can accommodate about 16 people. Delicious menus are served alfresco with fresh organic salads, fruits and vegetables.
Also, for those in the Mara a retreat to the Island to do fishing can be done flying in by two shifts, one in the morning arriving before breakfast and another after lunch.
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