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Loisaba Conservancy is a hub for applied conservation research in the northern  Kenyan landscape. Our research partners The Nature Conservancy, San Diego Zoo, Space for Giants and Lion Landscapes are constantly on the lookout for high quality images that can be used to identify specific individuals. As a result, Space for Giants and San Diego Zoo have developed a project to engage guests at Elewana Loisaba Tented Camp and Startbeds in a Citizen Science Initiative.

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The Masai Mara has had a year full of excitement. Of course as ever the Mara has played host to the remarkable wildebeest migration, an annual phenomenon of over 2 million animals following a clockwise loop of approximately 1,800 miles in search of rain and grass. This year the Mara has also displayed some dramatic weather patterns, which saw big storms and very heavy rainfall for a number of weeks.

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Mbazi Mchomvu works at Elewana Tarangire Treetops as a waiter but he also has a passion for growing vegetables and herbs in our very own Treetops Garden. His ‘green fingers’ have tended to a variety of fresh produce from carrots, lettuce, onions, beetroot, radishes and now green peppers, along with a number of herbs.

There is nothing better than sitting down to a meal knowing that what you are eating has been ‘home’ grown, it’s fresh and crisp and tastes delicious. The Elewana Collection tries to source local produce to support the local market, as much as possible.

Elewana Tarangire Treetops - Tarangire National Park

Situated in a community led Wildlife Management areas, known as Randilen, guests of Elewana Tarangire Treetops enjoy a secluded and private safari experience. The luxury tree-top rooms, elevated above the ground afford incredible views over the tops of surrounding marula and baobab trees. With a wide private balconies, each are lavishly furnished using natural materials that are blended with contemporary Africana décor, to provide guests with a unique and most memorable safari experience.

Encasing an impressive baobab tree, the spacious and tranquil reception, lounge and dining room overlook the swimming pool and a waterhole that sees a steady flow of wild animal visitors.

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Guests staying at our property in Amboseli, Elewana Tortilis Camp have been buying packets of Seedballs. So far this year it is estimated that approximately 8,325 seed balls have been purchased With an expected 63% growth success rate, this could equate to over 5000 potential new acacia shoots in the Kitirua Conservancy, which should be visible within the next few months. The General Managers had set a target to distribute 10,000 seed balls this year and it looks as though they will reach that easily.

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The school has received a generous donation from Afro Industrial Agencies LTD, one of Elewana's local suppliers, who have donated 24 litres of paint that has been used to bring colour to the new playground. The team at Elewana Tortilis Camp have been hard at work building a playground for the children, using old tires and fence posts but it is amazing what you can make with a bit of thought ....seems the kids are loving it so far - watch the video here.

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Elewana Collection team members, guests and local communities in both Kenya and Tanzania came together on the 15th September to make the areas in which we operate cleaner. This was part of a global initiative to sweep the planet cleaner by a green wave, as nearly 15 million people from 147 countries and territories joined in World Cleanup Day, the largest peacetime civic action in human history.

World Rhino Day is held on 22 September and celebrates all five species of rhino: Black, white, greater one-horned, Sumatran and Javan rhinos. With populations decreasing at an alarm rate many organisations  around the world are imploring governments to take action, with stricter poaching laws needed to combat the rhino horn trade. It is estimated that a rhino is poached every 8 hours, at this rate, rhino could become extinct in 15 years.

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The 7th Annual Aitong Free Medical Camp is proudly organized by the Land & Life Foundation, the charitable arm of Elewana Collection. The Foundation is  a non-profi,t focused on supporting communities living in and near the key conservation areas of East Africa. We strongly believe that securing land for conservation, protecting species and providing communities with benefits is crucial for survival of East Africa’s spectacular wildlife and habitats.

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The interim results of the 2018 World Luxury Hotel Awards voting process is finally concluded and we are delighted to announce that Elewana Loisaba Tented Camp and Elewana Kilindi Zanzibar are both winners.

We eagerly await the official announcement of the category details and information surrounding the final results, which will only be announced on Saturday, 10 November. The World Luxury Hotel Awards was established in 2006 and is the pinnacle of achievement in the luxury hotel industry offering international recognition as voted by guests, travellers and industry players alike. Over 300,000 international travellers vote each year, during a four-week period to select the winners.

We would like to thank the team at both Elewana Loisaba Tented Camp and Elewana Kilindi Zanzibar for their hard work and dedication, as each individual played a part to ensure we were nominated. We would like to thank all of you who took the time to vote and support the Elewana Collection team in winning this prestigious award not just at one but two beautiful properties so we have one winner in each country.

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Guests at Elewana AfroChic Diani were able to enjoy a rare moment when 138 baby turtles hatched and headed down the beach for the safety of the sea. 24th September saw the first of three nests in our hatchery come to life. The remaining two nest are due to hatch in the next two weeks completing season two.

There is always something so magical when you are able to witness new beginnings and the continuation of the circle of life. A tiny creature so vulnerable taking its first ‘steps’ in this world and the adventures that lie before it. Hopefully one day some of them will make their way back to this beach to lay their own eggs and ensure the continuation of their species.

Stay tuned for Hatchery updates.

Qatar-Airways

Qatar Airways has announced that it will launch direct flights to Kenya’s second city, Mombasa, opening up the country’s beautiful coasts to international travellers. The new four-times weekly service will be Qatar Airways’ second Kenyan destination, in addition to existing flights to Nairobi.

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On the 24th September JG Black Book, who Represent Elewana Collection in the north east of the  United States, were invited to attend the Kenya Airways's Black Tie Gala to celebrate their brand new daily non-stop connecting Nairobi and NYC launching 28th October. In attendance was the President of Kenya, as well as a few familiar trade and media faces. We're excited about this new flight as it gives Americans more access to East Africa for both tourism and trade. However, more importantly it connects our two worlds leading us to more understanding and compassion. We look forward to working with KQ to bring the best media and advisors to this region.

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The importance of digital technologies in tourism, providing opportunities for innovation and preparing the sector for the future of work, is at the centre of World Tourism Day 2018, to be celebrated in Budapest, Hungary (27 September 2018).

There have been some incredible crossing this month, as thousands of wildebeest move back and forth across the river, with moments of excitement and baited breath we 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.

Each year the crowds increase at the main crossing points to witness this great phenomenon and we need to be respectful, not only of others that have come to watch but more importantly the animals themselves. We all need to be responsible for our actions and ensure we do not disturb or harass the wildlife at any time. Our Guides are passionate about the wild spaces we operate in and understand the animals that live in these incredible places, so we request that when on safari guests listen to the their guide and do not request to move closer or get in the way of the animal(s) they are viewing for a better picture. Support us in reporting others that do not follow the Code of Conduct in the Parks and Reserves in Kenya and Tanzania. As custodians of this planet we need to look after and protect our wildlife and the environment they inhabit for the generations that will follow in our footsteps and make positive change.

  • 2nd September – wildebeest crossing Mara River.
    Guide (Elewana): Koskei
  • 4th September – guests witness crossing from Little Sand River, while enjoying lunch.
    Head of Guide Training (Elewana): Craig
  • 6th September – thousands brave the Mara River.
    Guide (Elewana): John
  • 9th September – thundering passed after crossing Mara River.
    Guide (Elewana): John
  • 12th September – Another Mara Crossing
    Guide (Elewana): John
  • 16th September – streams of wildebeest swim across the Mara River
    Guide (Elewana): John

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Photo credit: Amboseli from Ole Murera Junior