There is more reason than ever to take advantage of the great value that green and mid-season travel offers with Arusha Coffee Lodge now included in the circuit discount promotion. Guests can save up to 10% on bookings of six nights plus, 15% on bookings of nine nights plus and a generous saving of 20% on bookings of 12 nights plus.
The length of stay terms and conditions for Elewana bush properties has been changed from a minimum stay at one property for two nights to a more flexible option to stay either in one property for two nights or two Elewana properties for one night each.
Lewa has added e-biking to the wide array of activities whereby visitors can explore Lewa Conservancy during their stay. Electric bikes are a multi-sensory activity allowing guests to experience wildlife and explore the Conservancy in a new and unique way.
With the ease of an e-bike, visitors can venture out into the rugged terrain of Lewa and feel the exhilaration of conquering the hilly landscape. E-bikes are as easy as riding a bicycle and guests will be escorted by an Elewana guide and a ranger who will navigate the terrain to some of Lewa’s most scenic vantage points, making stops amongst points of interest and ensuring everyone stays on track and enjoys the surrounding wildlife. The routing and duration are tailored to guests’ schedules and a scrumptious bush breakfast or evening sundowner is often included. The activity can be booked directly at the camp.
Tortilis Camp is happy to offer guests a rare new opportunity to explore the bush after dusk with a night game drive. Led by Tortilis’ experienced and qualified guides, guests are immersed in the nocturnal wonders of wildlife, noting animal noises and sounds and catching glimpses of twinkling eyes. Night game drives also offer an opportunity to meet unusual and unique animals which only come out to play in the dark.
New Appaloosa horses will make their way to The Manor at Ngorongoro this August, allowing guests to enjoy beautiful horseback rides through the Shangri La Coffee Estate. Guests can explore the rolling hills and lush greenery which make the Manor so exquisite, as well as the vast variety of bird life that exists in the wild. For those who are lucky, they may even spot some Dik Dik or Hirax while on the trails.
The Manor is blessed with excellent stables and the property’s instructor will guide guests on an hour-long trek. Riding experience is not required.
Lisa de Lange has recently been appointed General Manager of Elewana Kilindi, bringing an extensive wealth of experience and expertise in the hotel industry.
With a proven track record as a seasoned hotel manager, she honed her skills in various renowned destinations including the United States, South Africa, Zanzibar, and Mauritius. Prior to returning to Zanzibar, she had the opportunity to spend five years in Zambia at a luxury hotel overlooking the majestic Zambezi River. She is dedicated to delivering exceptional guest experiences for guests at Kilindi through the development and leadership of a high-performance team, fostering a culture of excellence and achievement and positioning the property as a leader in the industry.
Zanzibar Revenue Authority has implemented a new infrastructure tax of $5 USD per person per day. This tax will be applicable to all new bookings at Kilindi Zanzibar from July 1, 2023, onwards. Kindly note, all existing and confirmed bookings before the dates of July 1, 2023, will not be affected.
With a room capacity of 68 well-appointed explorer rooms and six suites, there are an increased number of culinary options available at the new property due to open its doors in January 2024. A main restaurant will offer diners breakfast, a pool side lunch and dinner. A buffet breakfast will set guests up for the day with live mandazi cooking stations serving up waffles, pancakes, and local staples such as a Zanzibar pizza (and savoury crepes) Chipsi Mayai (an indulgent omelette with french fries). A range of fresh options will also be available including cold pressed juices, smoothies, a variety of fresh fruits and artisan breads including gluten free options.
The poolside restaurant is designed to be a relaxed experience with a changing daily menu using fresh ingredients. There will be a selection of salads, tapas, sustainably sourced fish, and home-made pasta plus pizza’s served hot from the on-site pizza oven.
Dinner will consist of a buffet serving a combination of dishes from Tanzania and further afield. Local sources ingredients will feature in fresh salads and vegetable dishes. There will be live cooking stations offering shawarma, taco’s, rotisserie chicken and a carvery.
Guests looking for a more formal option will be able to book a seat at the chefs table located in the property’s extensive wine cellar. A seven-course tasting menu will reflect local influences and ingredients, all carefully paired with wine from the well-stocked cellar with a particular focus on African wines.
An equally special experience will be the Boma dinner, allowing guests to enjoy Swahili cooking whilst enjoying Maasai storytelling and dancing, fireside. After dinner drinks can be enjoyed from the star gazing deck where dinners can learn about the various stars and planets under the mesmerising African night sky.
Throughout all the dining options at Serengeti Explorer the consistent ethos is that the experience should be informative with staff on hand to explain the origins of dishes and ingredients with menus embracing East African flavours and culture.
Located on the banks of the Sand River from which the property takes its name, Sand River Masai Mara is a charming property which reflects the look & feel of tented camps of the 1920’s.
The camp, which is within Kenya’s Masai Mara National Reserve and close to the Tanzanian border, has received major renovations in the past couple of years, including a new swimming pool overlooking the wildlife reserve and updates to outdoor dining experiences and the indoor restaurant and bar. Work is being completed in the next month to introduce new furniture in all lounges and dining areas, new lighting in rooms and public areas, new outdoor seating areas, new firepit areas and some new textiles in the rooms. With sixteen tented bedrooms in a secluded area of the National Reserve, guests enjoy a truly exclusive safari feel.
Thanks to its position which is quite literally on the Migration route, guests are often fortunate to be able to watch wildebeest and zebra crossing the Sand River from the comfort of their tent verandah. Game drives throughout the Masai Mara are always exceptional, thanks to the over 95 species of mammals and 570 recorded species of birds that call this National Reserve home.
All guests staying Tarangire Treetops receive a hand beaded bracelet on departure from Maasai ladies living in a nearby Maasai boma. Should they wish, they can also book a visit to this village to experience local life. As an extension to this partnership Shanga invited some of the ladies to the workshop in Arusha to learn new skills that they can in turn impart to other ladies in the boma. The training went so well that there are plans to extend the programme by sending a Shanga representative to the Boma to teach more ladies enhanced skills that will help them secure a livelihood.
While the recent drought had a devastating impact on the reproductive activity of elephants in Amboseli National Park, there is reason to be optimistic for the future.
Researchers at the Amboseli Trust for Elephant have reported a surge in male activity in the park. During the drought males were scarlessly seen. With all the activity at play between big musth males guarding females, medium-sized males trying to sneak in a mating while big males fight, and young males watching and learning, it is predicted that in about two years’ time there will be another elephant baby boom which is great news!
For more information and to support the Amboseli Trust for Elephants visit https://www.elephanttrust.org/
Elsa’s Kopje is known for its incredible flora and fauna, as well fantastic game drive experiences. Grace Leonard, General Manager for the property, shared more with us about why now is a great time to go on safari in Meru.
Our guests can expect to see the most amazing variety and quantity of birds. Meru National Park is excellent for birding with over 400 species of birds and the birds of prey are particularly plentiful and impressive. There are a number of special species that can be found like Pel’s Fishing Owl, Somalia Ostrich, Boran Cisticola, Hinde’s Babbler, Golden Palm Weaver as well as the Vulturine Guineafowl”.
Meru National Park is known for its diverse range of flora & fauna. The park is a haven for wildlife and offers incredible opportunities for wildlife viewing and nature exploration.
Some of the most prevalent species you can expect to encounter include:
Meru National Park is not as heavily visited as some of the more frequented parks in Kenya, therefore the likelihood of encountering other vehicles is generally lower compared to other destinations. Elsa's Kopje is the only lodge located inside the park which allows our guests to have a more exclusive or private experience with fewer vehicles around. Additionally, guests can explore the parks remote or less travelled areas which increases the likelihood of encountering fewer vehicles.
In addition to game drives, Meru National Park offers a variety of activities to enhance your experience and allow you to explore the park's natural beauty, including:
Night Game drives: The Night game drives are conducted by a specialised lodge guide accompanied by two Kenya Wildlife rangers equipped with red filter spotlights, allowing visitors to observe nocturnal wildlife and experience the unique behaviours and sounds of the park after dark. Please note this activity is offered at an extra cost.
Nature Walks: Guided nature walks provide an opportunity to explore the park on foot, accompanied by an experienced guide who can offer insights into the flora, fauna, and smaller aspects of the ecosystem. It's a chance to appreciate the park's landscapes, birdlife, and smaller animals up close. It is important to note that this activity is offered at an extra cost.
Birdwatching: Meru National Park is a paradise for birdwatchers, with over 400 bird species recorded in the area. You can embark on birdwatching excursions or simply indulge in birding while on game drives or nature walks.
School Visits: This can be an enriching experience that offers a different perspective on the region through interacting with kids at the local school and offering donations through Land & Life.
Bush Breakfasts and Sundowners: We offer the option of enjoying a bush breakfast or sundowner. You can have a delicious breakfast or enjoy drinks and snacks while surrounded by the beautiful landscapes and wildlife of Meru National Park.
Fishing: Meru National Park is home to rivers and streams where fishing is permitted. If you're interested in angling, you can try your hand at fishing for species like catfish and tilapia. However, it's important to follow local regulations and obtain the necessary permits.
Remember to always follow the rules and regulations of the park and prioritize the well-being of the wildlife and their natural habitats when engaging in any activities within Meru National Park.
Whilst other regions in Kenya are going though winter, we are approaching the dry season averaging at 26 degrees to 37 degrees centigrade. The Dry season typically falls between May and October. Here are a few notable aspects of the summer season in Meru National Park:
Wildlife Viewing: The dry season is an excellent time for wildlife enthusiasts, as the vegetation is relatively sparse, making it easier to spot animals. You can expect to see a variety of wildlife, including elephants, lions, cheetahs, zebras, giraffes, and numerous bird species.
Scenic Landscapes: The summer season in Meru National Park offers picturesque landscapes with lush grasslands and open savannahs. The clear skies and vibrant colours create a beautiful backdrop for photography and enjoying the natural beauty of the park.
Riverine Ecosystems: Meru National Park is characterized by several rivers, including the Tana River. During the summer season, these water sources become essential for wildlife, attracting animals to gather and drink. This can provide excellent opportunities for observing wildlife interactions around the rivers.
Mild Weather: Although the summer season can be hot during the day, it generally offers pleasant weather conditions. Mornings and evenings tend to be cooler, allowing for comfortable game drives and outdoor activities.
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Matador NetworkMaasai Mara National Reserve: How To Plan, Book, and Enjoy a 2023 Safari | Observer | Odyssey |
