Elewana Newsletter

The solo traveller offer has now been extended through May 2025, allowing individual adventurers to enjoy per person sharing rates for single occupancy - a savings of up to 33%. 

Available across all Elewana properties (except Arusha Coffee Lodge), this offer is valid for travel until May 31st, 2025. The offer may be combined with the return guest discount and can be applied to up to three rooms per booking.

Please note that this offer is not valid during Easter weekend (April 19th-21st, 2025) and is available for new bookings only, subject to availability. Terms and conditions apply.

Experience more of East Africa's wonders with our extended Pay 3/Stay 4 offer, now valid for travel until May 31, 2025. Book a four-night stay at any of the following Elewana properties and enjoy a complimentary night.

The offer can be applied at a single property or combined across multiple participating properties. Please note that the offer is not valid during Easter weekend (April 19th-21st, 2025). Available for non-resident bookings only, this offer applies to new bookings and cannot be combined with other special offers. Subject to availability. Terms and conditions apply. 

Make the most of your East African adventure with our circuit discount offer, which now includes Elewana’s newest property Serengeti Explorer.

Enjoy a 10% savings on bookings of six nights plus, 15% off for nine nights plus, and an impressive 20% off bookings of 12 nights plus. These discounts are valid across all seasons, including game package and full board rates, and apply to all properties in our portfolio. Circuit discounts are not combinable with other offers except the return guest discount. Terms & conditions apply.

As a token of our appreciation, returning guests receive a 5% discount on their bookings, which can be combined with other special offers including circuit discounts. Additionally, our valued guests can enjoy 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.

Air France has resumed operations to Tanzania after a 28-year hiatus, introducing three weekly flights from Paris-Charles de Gaulle Airport to Kilimanjaro International Airport with a stopover in Zanzibar. The route operates every Monday, Wednesday, and Saturday, offering additional travel options for Elewana guests traveling through CDG.

Turkish Airlines will increase its flight routes to key destinations in Tanzania starting this summer. The Istanbul-Kilimanjaro-Zanzibar-Istanbul route will increase from 4 to 5 weekly flights from March 30, 2025, and further expand to daily service from June 13, 2025.

Similarly, the Istanbul-Zanzibar-Kilimanjaro-Istanbul triangle routing (replacing the nonstop Istanbul-Zanzibar service) will operate 5 times weekly from March 30, 2025, increasing to daily service from June 9, 2025. Overall, Kilimanjaro will see its weekly frequencies double from 7 to 14 by June 2025, significantly enhancing connectivity for travellers to Tanzania.

After receiving confirmation from the Tanzania Wildlife Management Authority (TAWA), we are pleased to share that there will be no changes to the Wildlife Management Area (WMA) fees for 2025. For bookings made between January 14 and February 15, 2025, Elewana will fully absorb any cost adjustments, ensuring there is no impact on our trade partners or guests. Looking ahead, please note that the revised WMA fees will take effect for all bookings from 2026 onwards.

We will continue to keep you informed and provide any necessary updates and truly appreciate your partnership and ongoing support. If you have any questions or require further clarification, please get in touch with our reservations team.

On February 7th, Loisaba Tented Camp had the privilege of hosting 40 students and 5 teachers from the Ol Moran Secondary School in Laikipia for an exclusive tour of the property. The students enjoyed a hearty lunch in camp before camp manager Luke guided them through both guest-facing and back-of-house operations. The tour concluded with a short informative talk about career opportunities in the hospitality industry, generating enthusiastic questions from the students. Luke noted “It was honestly such a wonderful experience for me to meet and host the students from Ol Moran…they had such good energy!”.

Following this, on February 14th, Loisaba Star Beds welcomed 40 more students and 3 teachers from Ilmotiok Primary School, all members of their local wildlife clubs, for a similar property tour. The camp managers discussed the conservation efforts that each property is involved in and the role that we, as custodians of the land, play in conserving these precious ecosystems.

These school tours form an important part of our sustainability efforts, helping students understand the value that tourism plays in conservation and introducing potential career pathways. We are dedicated to ensuring that younger generations are aware of the opportunities available to them, especially those with whom we share the land.

The Lewa Wildlife Conservancy annual report makes for an uplifting read with details on the conservancy’s success with conservation and community projects helping over 100,000 local people over the last year. 

The report details the success of the conservancy’s rhino conservation work culminating in their ability to translocate 12 black rhinos to the Loisaba conservancy in 2024. Lewa celebrated 33 rhino calf births last year bringing the total population to 273 (130 black and 143 white rhino).

Lewa’s education programme goes from strength to strength with just over 9,000 students benefiting from a variety of opportunities including bursaries and daily nutritious meals plus infrastructure projects to provide dormitories, water tanks, teachers housing and kitchens.

The community development programmes continue to encourage women’s enterprise and sustainable agriculture and agroforestry. Healthcare also remains a priority with almost 40,000 patients served across four Lewa supported clinics. 

To read the report in full click here

Located within the world-famous Lewa Conservancy, which is home to a thriving population of black and white rhinos, Elewana Kifaru House is a charming haven for guests wanting an intimate stay on safari. Taking its name from the Swahili word for rhino, the property boasts five charming, colonial-styled thatched cottages which are nestled in an oasis of vibrant green lawns dotted with young acacia trees. Guests also have access to a comfortable main sitting room, well-stocked bar and elegant dining area which extends to a large, comfortably furnished terrace. 

Guests can enjoy sunny breakfasts al fresco or afternoon tea while watching the latest happenings at the water hole, along with a picturesque infinity pool which offers magnificent views over the distant plains. Aside from exhilarating game drives, where guests are almost certain to spot rhino, the property also offers guided bush walks, horseback riding, and night game drives. There is also the opportunity to visit the Lewa Conservancy headquarters to learn more about conservation from the wonderful organisation. Families can book the family cottage with two separate en-suite bedrooms – a double and a twin. The property is also available for full buyouts upon request.

Could you give us a brief overview of the artist in residence programme at Kilindi?

As one of the artists in residence at Kilindi, I had the unique opportunity to immerse myself in Zanzibar’s natural beauty and vibrant culture while creating artwork inspired by the surroundings. The resort’s peaceful atmosphere, with its lush foliage and ocean views, provided the perfect setting for creativity. I found inspiration in Zanzibar’s rich fishing culture—the traditional wooden dhows gliding across the water, the rhythm of the tides, and the daily life of the local fishing communities. Observing these elements firsthand and translating them into sketches and paintings deepened my connection to the place and its communities.

The residency allowed me to not only develop my own artistic practice but also share my creative process with guests, fostering a deeper appreciation for art and the beautiful environment. One of the most fun aspects of the AiR at Kilindi was painting daily alongside some of the guests, listening to their stories and being able to encourage and nurture their artistic talents.

Beyond fostering creativity, and a more important point in my mind, the AiR program played a role in highlighting Kilindi’s commitment to conservation and community engagement. The hotel supports various sustainability initiatives, local school projects, wildlife conservation, and collaborations with local artisans and fishing communities. As an artist in residence, part of the role was to help share these initiatives with guests through artwork and interactive sessions that deepened their connection to the local environment. By weaving conservation and culture into the creative experience, the program encouraged guests to appreciate not only the beauty of Zanzibar but also the importance of preserving it.

I’m a creative conservationist and artist with a passion for connecting people with nature and culture through art. I have been drawing and painting from a very young age, studied art while attending university, and focused on archaeological illustration and primatology in my Masters studies. My work is rooted in capturing the beauty, energy and movement of wildlife in the moment. Using various mediums of pencil, ink, watercolour, and oil pants, my art style is gestural yet representational, aiming to evoke emotion and a sense of presence. Through my work, I strive to highlight the beauty of the natural world, the importance of conservation, and the connection of communities and wildlife.

Nature is my greatest inspiration—the rhythm of wildlife, the play of light on the landscape, and the interactions between animals and their environment. I’m also deeply influenced by my travels, the inspiration of other artists, the people I meet, and the stories that unfold in wild spaces. There’s something magical about capturing fleeting moments in a sketch, especially in the African wilderness, where life moves with an organic flow that’s both unpredictable and deeply harmonious.

I am truly grateful for my creative talent, and I believe in using my talents to help others, whether human or otherwise. We all have a responsibility to take care of each other and our planet, and it makes my heart happy to share my experiences and discuss the role of art in conservation.

Why is Kilindi such a great spot for artists?

Kilindi is a dream location for artists. Nestled on Zanzibar’s pristine coastline, it offers a perfect blend of tranquillity and inspiration. The ever-changing light over the ocean, the sound of the waves, the vibrant colours, the lush tropical foliage, and the blend of Scandinavian and Omani architectural elements—fuels artistic expression. It’s a place where time slows down, allowing artists to truly absorb and translate their surroundings onto canvas or paper. I was taken by Kilindi’s management and team who are dedicated to offering wellness and creative experiences for their guests. Whether in the lobby or in the guest rooms, you may find some drawing and painting supplies to follow your creative path while you are there. 

What advice would you give aspiring artists?

Keep sketching, keep observing, and embrace imperfection. Art is about seeing the world in a unique way, and the more you practice, the more confident you become in your visual language. Don’t be afraid to experiment and let go of the idea of perfection—sometimes the most spontaneous strokes capture the most truth. And most importantly, get outside! Nature is the best teacher, offering endless lessons in composition, movement, and form.

A little bit about what Art Workshops in Africa does:

A Conservation-Based Artist in Residence (AiR) program at lodges and camps across Africa is designed to merge art, conservation, and community engagement into a unique guest experience. These residencies provide artists with the opportunity to briefly reside and create in breathtaking wilderness and cultural settings while actively supporting the property's conservation and community initiatives. 40% of profits from the AiR programs is donated to wildlife conservation organisations and community programs.

How the Program Works:

• Artist Immersion in the Landscape – The artist resides at the lodge or camp, drawing inspiration from the surrounding wildlife, landscapes, and cultural heritage. Daily life includes sketching and painting on location, capturing the essence of Africa’s wild spaces.
• Conservation Storytelling Through Art – Through their work, the artist highlights the property’s conservation projects—whether it’s anti-poaching efforts, habitat restoration, or wildlife research. They may create visual pieces that tell the story of local conservation challenges and successes. Some works may be sold or auctioned, with proceeds supporting conservation initiatives.
• Community Collaboration – Many lodges and camps work closely with nearby communities. The artist may engage with local artisans, document traditional crafts, or lead art workshops for local schools, fostering creativity and cultural exchange.
• Guest Engagement & Workshops – A key part of the residency is connecting guests to conservation through interactive artistic experiences. This could include guided sketching safaris, painting sessions inspired by the landscape, or live demonstrations where guests witness art in progress. These activities offer guests a deeper, more personal connection to the environment.

Keep an eye on this newsletter for announcements of new dates for Artist in Residence programmes across the Elewana Collection.