From the Savannah to the Beach: Kenya’s Laikipia Plateau and Lamu Island

Today, you’ll have a private tour of some of Nairobi’s most fascinating spots. This begins with a visit to an elephant orphanage founded by Dame Daphne Sheldrick, the widow of famous national park warden David Sheldrick. Together, the couple combated ivory poaching in Tsavo and rescued vulnerable elephants, rhinos and antelopes. The centre takes care of orphaned elephant calves, offering them care and rehabilitation until they are independent enough to be reintegrated into the wild herds of Tsavo. After spending some time with the adorable baby elephants, you’ll continue your day with a visit to the house-museum of Karen Blixen. Here, you can immerse yourself in the fascinating world of this pioneering woman whose autobiographical novel My African Farm was adapted into the romantic film drama Out of Africa. Then it’s on to the Kazuri Beads Factory, which employs nearly 300 Kenyan women. These skilled artisans make clay beads by hand that are then sold all over Europe. After this full day exploring the Kenyan capital, head back to your hotel for a massage or a dip in the pool before dinner.

Today, you’ll take a short flight to Laikipia. On the way, look out of the window to soak up the wild and wonderful landscapes that lie in the shadows of the Aberdare Range and Mount Kenya. The Laikipia Plateau itself is made up of cedar forests, acacia savannahs, plains and grasslands. Together, these make for an environment that’s unique in Kenya, and a truly spectacular place to discover. You’ll spend three nights in a cosy lodge in the heart of the Borana Wildlife Conservancy, which is entirely dedicated to preserving the area’s wildlife and offers panoramic views of the Samangua Valley, the Liuwa Plain and the Ngare Ndare Forest. When you arrive, take in the surprisingly green landscape from the comfort of your private veranda, cool off in the pool or head to the spa before enjoying a meal of organic produce supplied by the estate’s farm. Meals are served in the dining room, but for a truly magical experience, you can also dine in the bush or even in a treehouse.

The Borana Private Reserve has high standards when it comes to wildlife conservation. It’s home to thousands of elephants along with rhinos, giraffes, gazelles, lions and leopards. In addition to its exceptional wildlife and landscapes, Laikipia also offers the opportunity to meet with the Masai, Samburu, Turkana and Pokot ethnic groups. During these next two days, you’ll have two safaris per day, but how you want to enjoy them is up to you. Opt for a classic 4x4 safari, or try traversing the plains on horseback, by mountain bike or on foot, each method as exhilarating as the last. You’ll also have the option of visiting the reserve’s farm, which supplies the area with fresh produce.

Today begins with a short flight back to Nairobi. You’ll then board a Cessna Caravan plane to Lamu Island, which takes just over an hour. Get your camera ready as you approach the island to capture some beautiful shots at low altitude. When you arrive, you’ll take a private transfer to your accommodation for the next four nights, which will be right on the ocean. After relaxing by the pool this afternoon, enjoy a sunset cocktail before dinner in the hotel’s seafood restaurant.

Visiting Lamu isn’t just about spending time in an idyllic archipelago in the Indian Ocean surrounded by beaches and mangroves, though you’ll undoubtedly do plenty of that during your three full days here. It’s also an opportunity to discover the Swahili culture, belonging to a multicultural group of African, Arab and Indian Ocean peoples. Lamu Old Town is the oldest Swahili settlement in East Africa. Once a flourishing port, it’s now a haven of peace full of beautifully preserved architecture that you’ll see during a private tour. Most of the old town dates from between the late 13th century to the mid-19th century, with a few older monuments such as the mosques. It’s characterised by narrow streets and stone houses with carved wooden doors, and its mixture of Swahili, Arab, Persian, Indian and European structures.

After your private tour, you have the rest of your time in the archipelago to spend at your leisure. Explore the town on the back of a donkey, go fishing on the open sea, or spend a day on the water floating along the Tana River Delta. If you’re interested in exploring the ocean further, take a dhow (traditional boat) to the archipelago’s other islands or sandbanks for a spot of swimming, or try some watersports such as snorkelling or kitesurfing. If you’re after some foodie recommendations while you’re here, your local Concierge is on hand to tell you where to sample the best cuisine on Lamu’s islands.