Elewana Newsletter

The incredible Elewana circuit discount offer now includes the new Serengeti Explorer offering guests even more flexibility on savings on bookings of six plus nights plus when they combine beach and bush properties. Elewana’s circuit discounts offer a 10% saving on bookings of six nights plus, 15% off for nine nights plus and a huge 20% off bookings of 12 nights plus.

Circuit discounts are valid for all seasons, including game package and full board rates, and are not combinable with any other offer. Terms & conditions apply.

Returning guests receive a 5% discount on bookings combinable with other offers including circuit discounts. What’s more, these valued guests can claim a 20% off on spa treatments.

Please note that spa services are unavailable at Sand River Masai Mara and the Serengeti properties, and this offer does not apply to resident rates. Terms & Conditions apply.

As we reflect on a remarkable year, we would like to send a sincere thank you to all our partners and guests for their continued support. 2024 has seen some wonderful events including the introduction of 21 black rhino to the Loisaba Conservancy. The Land & Life Foundation has continued to make a difference in the lives of local communities with donations of new classroom equipment in Meru and building a much-needed borehole in Amboseli as well as ongoing sponsorship programmes.

Serengeti Explorer has welcomed its first guests, and we look forward to updating you on all the amazing activities and experiences this new property will offer guests in 2025 and beyond. We also have some exciting refurbishment plans across the portfolio including an imminent upgrade to Elephant Pepper Camp and Elsa’s Kopje. Please keep reading this newsletter for further information on these projects and all other news across the portfolio.

The highly experienced couple give us an insight into what guests can expect from the Serengeti’s highly anticipated new property

Can you tell us a little bit about your background and where you have worked previously

Michelle and I met in 1981 when we were both working in the same hotel, shortly afterwards we moved to Cape Town, where I continued my hospitality career with Southern Sun and the opening of the first 5-star hotel, Cape Sun in the region. Michelle always had a passion for ballet and after qualifying in Cheqitte and Royal Academy, dancing at SUCOVS, she started to give ballet classes.

We married in 1989 and continued working in hotels including the Fancourt, Umhlanga Sands until we moved to Botswana for the opportunity to raise our children in the bush. After managing several properties in Botswana, we purchased a houseboat on the Chobe and Zambezi rivers (Pride of Zambezi) which was subsequently sold to the Mantis Hospitality Group and I joined them as Director for Operation, Africa and Middle East, and Michelle as Group Services and Standards. We worked with Mantis, now part of ACCOR till October this year, before joining the wonderful team at Explorer by Elewana.

What skills are you most looking forward to bringing to your role as General Manager’s for Serengeti Explorer

We bring a combined wealth of experience, genuine hospitality, and an open-door policy when it comes to including staff in decision making. We are totally dedicated to providing the best service and creating a welcoming environment.

Tell us a little bit about the guest experience at Serengeti Explorer

Guests will embark on wonderful journey and adventure when staying at Serengeti Explorer. From game drives, sundowners, bush breakfasts to the gourmet meals in different venues. The Hide, which is the first in the Serengeti, will surpass any imagination with infra-red cameras, and monitors for guests to witness activities happening in real time. There is a beautiful infinity pool, gym and yoga classes and two bar areas overlooking the vast Serengeti plains where guests can enjoy our creative cocktails. There are Boma dinners and an exclusive Wine Cellar venue, offering a Chefs Table evening, for the gourmet enthusiasts and those who simply want a real treat.

Can you summarise what you think will be the highlights of a stay at Serengeti Explorer

It truly is one of the best locations in the Serengeti, combined with luxury offerings, extraordinary activities and best service and hospitality.

What are you most excited about regarding the opening

We thrilled about the Explorer Brand opening in Tanzania. There couldn’t be a more fitting location than the heartland of the Serengeti where age-old traditions thrive, and well-being is deeply in-grained in the way of life. Other lodges are a place to stay, our concept is to make a place where people belong - a community.

Land & Life Foundation achieved significant recognition at the Hospitality Awards ceremony in Paris on November 28th, winning the category for Best Social Responsibility Initiative for their groundbreaking Padmad initiative, focused on menstrual health. The ceremony, held under the High Patronage of French President Emmanuel Macron at InterContinental Paris – Le Grand, also saw Land & Life Foundation nominated as a finalist for Best Innovative Sustainable Action for the rhino re-introduction project at Loisaba Conservancy.

Meanwhile, Shanga gained international acclaim for its exceptional work empowering people with disabilities. The social enterprise was named amongst Africa's Top 100 SMEs at the Accelerate Africa Summit in Arusha, demonstrating excellence across crucial criteria including social impact, innovation, and sustainable business practices. This recognition celebrates Shanga's remarkable contribution to community development and inclusive employment. Shanga was also shortlisted for the prestigious Country & Town House Future Icons Awards 2025 in the Best Diversity & Inclusion Initiative category for their commitment to sustainable luxury, while creating meaningful opportunities for people with disabilities.

These accolades reflect the ongoing dedication of both organisations to creating positive change through innovative social responsibility and sustainable practices in East Africa.

Demonstrating their holistic approach to community development, Lewa Wildlife Conservancy hosted a transformative agricultural exhibition on World Food Day on October 16th. The event brought together over 30 industry partners to showcase innovative farming solutions specifically designed for arid regions. The comprehensive program offered farmers practical training across crucial areas including conservation agriculture, soil health management, and drought-resistant farming techniques. Participants also gained valuable knowledge about animal health management, renewable energy solutions, and effective post-harvest practices.

The exhibition, held at Munanda Primary School's demonstration plot, exemplified Lewa's integrated approach to community support, where conservation, education, and sustainable agriculture work hand in hand to build a foundation for long-term food security and economic stability in the region, while maintaining their commitment to environmental stewardship.

Group Training Chefs Wesley Petersen and Amie McNeice share their culinary plans to offer unforgettable holiday dining experiences across the collection's properties combining traditional festive favourites with unique East African touches.

What special dishes can guests look forward to during the holiday period across the Elewana properties?

Our festive menus are designed to create truly memorable dining experiences. Each property offers a unique interpretation of holiday classics, combining international cuisine with local influences. While guests will find familiar favourites like roast turkey and gammon, our talented chefs add distinctive touches that reflect East Africa's rich culinary heritage. We're particularly excited about our signature dishes that showcase both traditional festive elements and innovative cooking techniques.

What unique challenges and rewards come with creating festive fine dining experiences in remote safari locations?

Creating fine dining experiences in remote locations requires exceptional planning and creativity. We begin our festive preparations months in advance to ensure we can source specialty ingredients for our properties. This logistical planning allows our guests to enjoy a carefully crafted five-course meal under a canopy of stars, with the sounds of the African wilderness providing an unforgettable backdrop. Each property's unique location inspires distinct seasonal menus that connect guests with the land, its traditions, and the cultural heritage reflected in our cuisine.

Could you share some of the local ingredients and flavours that will feature in this year's holiday menus?

We're proud to showcase East Africa's vibrant flavours in our festive offerings. Our menus prominently feature tropical fruits like mango and baobab, while traditional spices such as cardamom and nutmeg add depth and complexity to festive dishes. These local ingredients not only enhance familiar holiday recipes but also tell the story of the region's rich culinary traditions.

What festive desserts are being planned for the Christmas Eve, Christmas Day and New Year's Eve celebrations?

The holiday season calls for truly special desserts. Guests can look forward to traditional favourites like Christmas pudding with brandy butter, handcrafted mince pies, and our signature Yule log. However, we've also created unique variations on these classics that incorporate local flavours and techniques. Throughout the day, guests will discover an array of sweet treats that celebrate both traditional festive baking and East African influences.

Are there any unique holiday dining experiences being arranged at specific properties, like bush and beach experiences?

Absolutely – the settings for our festive meals are just as special as the menus themselves. We're arranging intimate dinners under the East African stars, vibrant beachfront BBQs at Kilindi, and elegant sundowner cocktails at carefully selected viewpoints. Each location has been chosen to create an unforgettable backdrop for these celebratory meals.

Will guests with dietary requirements have special menu options available during the festive period?

We believe everyone should be able to fully enjoy their holiday dining experience. Our culinary team has developed thoughtful alternatives for guests with specific dietary requirements, ensuring they can participate in all festive celebrations. Each adapted menu maintains the same high standards of creativity and quality that define all our culinary offerings.