In The Community

Elewana’s Land & Life Foundation is committed to provide medical supplies and equipment, free medical camps and staff capacity building, addressing the core priorities of healthcare in Laikipia and the Maasai Mara.

For eight years, Land & Life Foundation have been supporting the Aitong Health Centre in the Masai Mara, providing much-needed supplies and holding free annual medical camps open to the Maasai population in the area. Last year, Land & Life held its annual medical camp in October partnering with Oasis Health, Elewana Elephant Pepper Camp, Kicheche, Safarilink Aviation, Saruni, Mara North Conservancy, Ministry of Health (Narok West) and NHIF, to treat 865 patients - a total of 4,520 patients treated free of charge to date.  The three-day medical camp was attended by volunteer experts from Oasis Health (three General Practitioners, two dentists, two Obstetrician/Gynaecologists, a paediatrician, clinicians, nurses, lab technicians and pharmacist from Aitong Health Center.

This year will be the eight annual medical camp and the focus will be on helping women in the Mara overcome barriers associated with cervical cancer screening. Did you know that in Kenya today, cervical cancer is the second most common form of cancer among women aged between 18 and 49 years after breast cancer?  Current estimates indicate that every year over 2000 new cases of cervical cancer are reported and over 1000 deaths from the disease in the country. Screening levels still remain low at just 3.2% among women aged 18 to 69 years compared with 70% of women in the developed world. We will teach them how to collect samples by themselves so that they do not shy away from getting the help they need.  Going hand in hand with this, in partnership with the Ministry of Health – Narok West we plan to provide Human Papillomavirus (HPV) screening and vaccination. Cervical cancer is by far the most common HPV-related disease. Nearly all cases of cervical cancer can be linked to HPV infection. In addition to these, we will provide other Obs/gynaecology services, dermatology, paediatrics, dentistry, general medicine and potentially free eye check-up. 

Please help us create awareness by supporting this initiative. As little as $10 will pay for sample testing for one woman. If you would like to learn more about our medical camp, please write to us on This email address is being protected from spambots. You need JavaScript enabled to view it..  We look forward to hear from you!

At Shanga we love visitors as they all leave an impact on our lives either great or small. This month saw us welcoming a group arranged by Edu Tours and what an adventure was had by all.

Edu Tours and Shanga have had a long term relationship, their focus is volunteering and educational safaris with medical professionals mainly from the United States. For the past few years the groups visiting us have been Physiotherapists.

To our excitement this year’s group of Physiotherapists that arrived on 8th August consisted of a Professor, a practitioner and 2 students from various parts of the United States. They spent almost 2 weeks with us, getting to know us, offering assistance for our staff with specific needs; and reviewing, updating and recommending changes to our regular exercise program. Our regular daily exercise program is done by all staff to commence our day. This program was put together by our Edu Tour group from 2018 and this year’s group were immensely impressed by how far we had come.

“Mgeni njoo mwenyeji apone”, loosely translates to; “Visitors come so that the host can get some relief.” Laurel, Ken (local alias is “Msumbufu”), Abby and Paul sort to do just this. Bringing relief to our staff members by further developing the right sort of physical exercises for all our abilities.

Each day they joined us in their Fluro-coloured scrubs that matched their smiles and enthusiasm. They all worked in ways to breakdown the confrontation that can be associated with doctors and other medical practitioners. Their manner and explanations demonstrated an empathy beyond expectations for the challenges that many of our staff endure.

The overall aim of this year’s visit was to continue our progress with moving better, reducing tension and pain that may occur during our day, and developing our individual strengths to give us more mobility in our day to day lives.

Our lessons from Laurel, Ken, Abby & Paul were that we all focus on our abilities to overcome any challenges we face with a smile and positive attitude. Everyone at Shanga chooses to be happy while being creative and productive.

A huge thanks to Laurel, Ken, Abby & Paul for your time, energy and expertise, the lessons you taught will last a lifetime.

Training & Guiding

David Machira joined the Elewana Collection 6 years ago when our Elewana Sand River Camp was just an idea and a dream. Once the lodge was built six years ago he was employed as head askari (guard). He has always been a pillar in our Sand River family and his hard work and dedication is inspirational. David has had one dream since joining us and that is to become a guide. After years of hard work and self-improvement, David is now joining our  guiding team. A massive congratulations to you David and well done on never giving up on your dream.

Elewana Collection prides itself on its fun, experienced and knowledgeable guides. Most guides come from the local area and have an intimate knowledge of their surroundings - what makes each season different from the last and how the local wildlife families interact, grow and change from one year to the next. All guides are minimum Bronze KPSGA qualification, (or comparable in Tanzania), and many have achieved the prestigious Silver or Gold level. Elewana Collection continually invests in Guide training to ensure we have the best guides in Africa. Our guides are trained on a regular basis to ensure they are at the top of their field, in our continued efforts to make sure guests have a superior experience when they stay at an Elewana property. 

The Guiding team comprise of passionate individuals that love the bush and its inhabitants, big and small and are compassionate about the communities in which we operate. David Machira is a shining example of the kind of individual that will fit perfectly into the Guiding team. Welcome on board and continue to soar as you follow your dream. 

SkySafari by Elewana

With itineraries for both Kenya and Tanzania with a variety of departure dates to choose from, Elewana’s intimate group sized safaris combine an exceptional experience with incredible value for money. Whether you are a solo traveler, a couple or a family, these unique experiences are the perfect, hand-held introduction to some of East Africa's most breathtaking reserves.

Each itinerary is serviced by Elewana’s customized Cessna Caravan aircraft, which offer business-class style seating for a maximum of 9 people. With direct flights from one lodge to the next, you will spend less time in transit and more time sipping sundowners and viewing wildlife. Whether you choose to discover Kenya, Tanzania or both, we can extend all of the SkySafari itineraries to suit your travel plans. 

1. Designed specifically to make it simple for you to book and enjoy the highlights of East Africa
2. Fly directly to your destination, saving time
3. Huge variety of wildlife species in a variety of natural environments
4. Staying in the exquisite accommodations of the Elewana Collection
5. A range of exciting activities to experience each destination
6. Our commitment to responsible tourism through the Land & Life Foundation initiatives
7. More weight allowance for luggage then scheduled flights, which only have 15kgs
8. Personalised service with dedicate SkySafari Guest Ambassador
9. Memorable experience against the backdrop of East Africa’s iconic parks and timeless landscapes.
10. Private luxury aircraft aboard SkySafari’s own 9-seater Executive-class Cessna Caravan

To make an Enquiry please complete this Enquiry Form or for more information, kindly contact This email address is being protected from spambots. You need JavaScript enabled to view it.

Trade Shows

The 31st edition of Virtuoso Travel Week took place this year from 10 – 16 August, drawing 6,515 travel professionals from 107 countries. Virtuoso confirmed that this year saw a record attendance for the event, and that 34 percent of the attendees were either new or have not attended within the last four years. 

At the event Virtuoso released an update on its network growth and new programs. The network says it now encompasses over 1,000 agency locations with more than 20,000 advisors in 50 countries, accounting for over $26.4 billion in annual sales. Sales for 2019 are forecast to grow overall by 10.9 percent, or by 15.3 percent for hotels; 23.8 percent for air; 11.5 percent for cruise; 10.3 percent for insurance/car/specialty; 10.2 percent for on-site ground tour operator sales; and by 3.2 percent for tour sales. 

James Haigh, Director of Sales & Marketing for Elewana Collection was in Vegas and attended nonstop meetings, networking events and functions, connecting with new Agents and catching up with those we have worked with over the years. “It was inspiring and energising to be a part of this phenomenal event and meet so many people in one place. Thank you to all those that took time to meet with me and I look forward to working with you over the coming years. I would also like to thank Virtuoso for putting together another incredible Travel Week”.

Elewana Collection has two properties listed with Virtuoso;

Please contact us should you have any questions or would like Information on Elewana Collection.

Travel Updates

Ethiopian Airlines, one of the fastest growing African carriers, has started three weekly services to John F Kennedy (JFK) Airport in New York via Abidjan.

JFK is the sixth busiest airport in the United States and an international gateway into North America.

A statement issued by the Airline quoted, Mr Tewolde Gebre Mariam, Group CEO of Ethiopian Airlines as saying: "It gives me great pleasure to launch flights to John F Kennedy Airport, our second station in New York in addition to Newark, connecting the North America's gateway with our extended network of more than 120 destinations globally."

He said the US is one of their most important markets owing to the presence of a large African diaspora and the promising multi-faceted relations between Africa and the USA.

The Group CEO said, the service catalyses trade, tourism, investment and people- to- people relations between Africa and the United States.

"With new JFK flight services, Ethiopia will be serving 24 weekly flights between Africa and North America," he said.

With the addition of the new thrice weekly service to JFK Airport to the already operating four weekly services to Newark via Lome, Ethiopian will operate to New York daily.

Source: Ghanaian Times (Accra)

Ethiopian Airlines has flights from Addis Ababa to Kenya (Nairobi and Mombasa) and Tanzania (Kilimanjaro, Dar Es Salam and Zanzibar) daily, making connections to East Africa more convenient from North America.

Air Tanzania has secured three landing slot for London’s Gatwick Airport, heralding in the news that they will soon be serving London – Kilimanjaro direct!

As revealed by African Business Communities, Air Tanzania has made moves to serve London directly from their hub at Dar es Salaam (DAR) via Kilimanjaro to Gatwick (LGW), every Wednesday, Friday and Sunday.

The route will be operated by the airline’s Boeing 787 Dreamliner (one of two that has been delivered). This will also be the airline’s first route into Europe, a bold move from the normally exclusively domestic carrier.

“The 787 Dreamliner will be the flagship aircraft as we renew and grow the Air Tanzania fleet. We aim to establish our long-haul capability by starting flights to Europe, Asia and the U.S.A over the coming years and the 787 is the perfect aircraft to achieve this ambition. Our hub airport at Dar es Salaam is well located to provide connections onwards across east Africa, capitalizing on the growing demand for tourism in Tanzania and throughout the region from intercontinental markets.” – Air Tanzania Statement

Safarilink launched an additional morning flight from Wilson Airport to the Masai Mara, landing at various airstrips where passengers then disembark and are met by their respective camps and lodges. The added daily departure operates as follows:

Elewana Collection has two properties in the Masai Mara;

We are very proud of Coastal Aviation's commitment to working towards a greener tomorrow. Through eco-friendly habits, partnerships and an exciting carbon offset program, Coastal Aviation has joined the fight to reduce harm to our planet.

CO₂ Emissions Offset in partnership with Carbon Tanzania, the airline will introduce a program allowing passengers to offset their Carbon emissions and balance the emissions for each flight.  

Sustainability Partnerships with The Kilimanjaro Project committed to re-greening the foothills around Mount Kilimanjaro and with WildAid in the protection and prevention of illegal wildlife trade/poaching.

Reduced Plastic Usage with effect from 1st August 2019, single use plastic water bottles are not offered to guests on board. Water coolers are available at Dar es Salaam, Arusha & Zanzibar airports for guests to refill their reusable water bottles. 

Please advise your guests to ensure they refill their water bottles at the lodge prior to their flight as infrastructure is limited at remote airstrips. There will be a small supply of water on board the aircraft for use in emergencies.

With immediate effect, the process of acquiring a visa on arrival at Kilimanjaro International Airport has been changed. All guests arriving are now required to:

• Queue for a Government Control Number
• Queue to pay for the visa at the bank
• Queue for immigration to confirm and issue the visa 

Special Offers

SkySafari is designed specifically to make it simple for you to book and enjoy the highlights of an  African safari in either Kenya and Tanzania and now we have made it even better. Take advantage of this special offer where the first guest in a double room/twin room is at contract rates and the second guest enjoys 50% off contract rate. Get the most out of your SkySafari by Elewana.

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DISCOVERY

Bask in the warmth of the sun beside a rooftop pool overlooking Singapore’s iconic skyline. Relax in a vividly topaz infinity pool in the middle of a remote African savannah. Whether tranquil getaways or a post meeting dip, the assortment of pools in the DISCOVERY collection provides an endless range of refreshing experiences to be admired and appreciated. 

Browse just a few of our perfect poolside respites and plan your next dip.

DIVE IN

Elewana DISCOVERY is a loyalty programme like no other. When you join, you’ll be rewarded with savings of 10% or more through Member Rates, along with hotel benefits such as complimentary internet access and bottled water. Your membership is extended across all Elewana hotels as well as more than 500 luxury hotels in the DISCOVERY collection. Become an Elewana DISCOVERY member today and start enjoying recognition and rewards around the world.

As a member of Elewana DISCOVERY, you’re entitled to special benefits during your stay, plus special Local Experiences - authentic activities meant to connect each traveller more deeply with their destination and make each stay unforgettable.

JOIN DISCOVERY

Media

There have been some incredible crossing this month, as thousands of wildebeest move back and forth across the Mara River, with moments of excitement and baited breath, guests watch as the predators move in and the wildebeest swarm and mass in number, getting ready to brave the murky waters and finally make a dash for the other side.

The sheer number of wildebeest in the Masai Mara this year is extraordinary making for some amazing moments, not only at the river crossings but across the plains as the daily circle of life plays out. In every direction there are wildebeest, zebra, hartebeest and a host of other plains game and camouflaged in the grass or dappled shadows of a tree, are the majestic or elusive predator’s; lions, leopards and cheetahs that are part of this phenomenal ritual that plays out every year.

Those that visit the Masai Mara and other wild and beautiful areas in Kenya and Tanzania, should be courteous, not only of others that have come to enjoy these iconic destinations but more importantly the animals themselves. We need to ensure we do not disturb the wildlife at any time. Our Guides are passionate about the wild spaces we operate in and understand the animals, sharing their knowledge of these precious places and their inhabitant so that when our Guest’s leave, they take with them memories to last a lifetime.

With so many incredible moments happening daily in the Masai Mara, Guests at Elewana Elephant Pepper Camp and Elewana Sand River have been witnessing some great events unfold, from spectacular river crossings, exciting hunts and the never ending magic that takes place while on safari. The excitement of waking up before the sunrises and heading out on an early morning game drive, the anticipation of what the day will hold, enjoying a bush breakfast surrounded by animals, alternatively experience the bush from a different perspective; either by foot, getting closer to nature on a bush walk or from the incredible heights of a hot air balloon, is unforgettable. A day is never complete without a sundowner, watching the sunset over this indescribable landscape, the colours, the smell, the sounds are a feast for the senses. The wildebeest migration should be experienced at least once in one’s life but the Mara is captivating and will draw people back again and again.

Videos of River Crossings in the Masai Mara this month;

River Crossing in Masai Mara 16/08/2019 - Elewana Guide Alex Kanuga	River Crossing in Masai Mara 22/08/2019 - Elewana Guide Logolie
River Crossing in Masai Mara 23/08/2019 - Elewana Guide Alex Kanuga	River Crossing in Masai Mara 16/08/2019 - Elewana Guide Lovoi

Internationally renowned fine arts photographer Klaus Tiedge, successfully traversed the boundaries between painting and photography, capturing the pure beauty and diversity of the African continent.

Klaus was an incredible inspiration for so many in the dealing with his cancer illness from when he got first diagnosed in April 2017. Throughout his journey Klaus kept a positive attitude towards life and living and besides conservative treatment he did not stop implementing new avenues of healing like special diets, qui gong, acupuncture and meditation. But it was also his work, pushing for new projects that kept him moving forward, even though the most difficult times.

He is loved for his humble and humorous spirit his love for the beauty of nature and life.

In honour of Klaus as a person and his remarkable work we would love to see his legacy to live on. All original photographs by Klaus Tiedge are continued to be available as limited edition prints and will from now on be released as an estate copy with an embossing stamp and authorisation by Sandra Tiedge.

Klaus's Journey Continues....

There is a tremendous amount of footage and unreleased images, which will be released to tell Klaus's Story. Follow his journey here as more is uncovered from the behind the scenes footage in the build up to the official launch of "Safari of my Life".

One of his favourite places was Amboseli National Park, where he stayed at Elewana Tortilis Camp and took many beautiful photographs and captured the true essence of this incredible place, which can be seen in the video links below;

• Safari of my Life - Behind the Scenes (Travel to Amboseli)
• Amboseli Tortilis Camp - An African Experience
• Amboseli Tortilis Camp - A tribute to the staff

He simply is an inspiration for all of us in so many ways.

Photo credits: Taro Croze Elewana Activities Manager at Elewana Loisaba Tented Camp, Elewana Guide Charles Wanna at Elewana Elephant Pepper Camp, Elewana Guide Jona at Elewana Tortilis Camp,  Elewana Guide Lekatoo Murara at Tortilis Camp Amboseli.