05 August, 2016
Set on a 56,000-acre wildlife conservancy and ranch in northern Kenya, Loisaba Tented Camp is a chic property tempting travellers to a lesser-visited part of the country. Home to 260 bird species and 50 species of mammal, rocky outcrops hide coy leopards, over 800 elephants traverse the endless plains and endangered Grévy's zebras roll playfully in the dust. Lucky ones may even spot the ever-elusive wild dog. Loisaba is an important corridor for wildlife moving through the country and - with the human population continually encroaching onto wild land - much is being done to protect the local habitat, with community initiatives such as allowing local farmers to graze cattle on the conservancy.
But it's not just the wildlife which makes Loisaba special. Views across the mottled landscape stretch all the way to the sharp, snow-capped peak of Mount Kenya and the inky black night sky offers up billions stars - stay up long enough and the equatorial location means you'll be treated to both the northern and southern hemisphere's constellations in one night. Whether admiring panoramic views from your luxurious tent, enjoying a sun-downer cocktail from a mountain peak or crashing down dirt tracks with the wind whipping through your hair on a game drive, the remote splendour of Loisaba Tented Camp will leave you wanting more.
There are fourteen spacious ensuite tents at the camp, each with chunky wooden front doors, canvas sides and zip-down fronts that open on to the speckled pains below. The tents are simple and stylish. Statement African decór (much of which is South African) is teamed with chunky modern tables, European-style armchairs and wicker rugs. Each tent features a luxurious rainfall shower, while a decked area at the front boasts two elegant loungers, perfect for soaking up both rays and views. There's also a private residence on site for families.
Breakfast is served out in the sunshine in the open-plan guest area. Begin with a fresh fruit salad of mango, pineapple, passion fruit and watermelon before choosing from the cooked menu. Go for sweetcorn fritters with avocado relish - delicious.
The well-stocked kitchen prepares a perfectly packaged picnic lunch for you to take on your adventures, while dinner tends to take place back at the camp's sophisticated restaurant. A blackboard menu full of locally sourced produce has something to please all, with dishes changing daily.
An extensive bar in the centre of the camp will satisfy all your beverage needs. Some evenings will see management set up a pop up-bar on the front decking - all the better for enjoying the views. Alternatively, after a game drive you can take a trip to a remote location in the bush, where a makeshift bar and smiling waiters will be ready to team you up with a cocktail of your choice in time for sunset.
Activities on offer include horse riding and mountain biking, then cool off with a dip in the azure-blue infinity pool. You can also meet the resident sniffer dogs who help with anti-poaching efforts in the region.
Game drives, bush breakfasts - however you choose to explore, the camp will arrange it. Be sure to book a night in a star bed, where you'll sleep on outdoor deck with just a mosquito net between you and the universe.
Wandering around the Loisaba Tented Camp you'll bump into long-time residents, greater kudu - antelopes found only in northern Kenya who have taken a fancy to the lush grass and fresh flowerbeds.
