Kenya Private Conservancies- Expert-Led, Owner-Run Safari Lodges
| There is a specific kind of magic that happens when you move beyond the typical and into the heart of Kenya’s private conservancies. My recent educational journey, hosted by the experts at Africa Inscribed and Bush & Beyond, was defined by deep conservation roots, community ownership, and the warmth of owner-operated lodges and camps. My group didn’t just see the landscapes and wildlife; we experienced it through the guides and tribes who call it home. This trip reaffirmed that the most impactful travel experiences aren’t just about the wildlife you check off a list, but the memories you carry home. Kenya is a place that stays with you long after the dust has settled on your boots. Whether it’s your first time in Africa or a long-awaited return, let’s dive into the gems I discovered to design you a journey with as much soul and intentionality as this one. REACH OUT TO LEARN MORE |
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| Nairobi National Park |
| Our journey began at Nairobi National Park, a place that never ceases to amaze with its “wild city” juxtaposition. Where else can you photograph a rhino against a backdrop of skyscrapers? We kicked off with a morning game drive before heading to the Sheldrick Wildlife Trust, the most successful orphan-elephant rescue and rehabilitation program in the world, followed by a vibrant farm-to-table lunch at Cultiva Farm. We rounded out the day with a final afternoon drive and sundowners in the bush, watching the sky turn lilac with a drink in hand — the perfect welcome to Kenya. |
 Where We Stayed: The Emakoko During our time in Nairobi, we stayed at The Emakoko, a stunning boutique lodge artfully built into the side of a valley on the Mbagathi River. While we started our trip here, I recommend it as the ultimate finish to a safari. Because it’s located within the park, your final transfer to the airport is essentially a 45-minute game drive. It is a more soul-soothing way to transition back to reality than a standard city hotel, allowing you to keep your “safari eyes” on until the very last moment. |
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| Masai Mara |
| Our journey continued into the legendary Masai Mara in southwestern Kenya, the heartbeat of the Greater Serengeti–Mara ecosystem. This iconic landscape, encompassing both the national reserve and its vital community conservancies, offered exactly the kind of “Big Five” theater we dream of. Our game drives were nothing short of spectacular; we were surrounded by vast herds of wildebeest, elephants, zebra, and antelope, while lions stalked through the tall grass. The vast wildlife and endless horizon reminded me why this remains one of the most celebrated safari destinations on earth. |
 Where We Stayed: Tangulia Mara We were hosted at Tangulia Mara, a property that holds a special place in the region as the first camp in the Mara to be entirely Maasai-owned and operated. Overlooking the Mara River, the camp offers a front-row seat to nature. I spent hours on my private veranda watching elephants and hippos gather just below. Because it is run by legendary guides, the experience here is deeply rooted in local knowledge and storytelling. It’s a rustic, authentic, and incredibly warm environment that makes you feel more like a guest in a family home than a lodge. |
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| Enonkishu Conservancy |
| Our exploration took us next to the Enonkishu Conservancy, a remarkable example of how conservation and community can thrive side-by-side. Once degraded farmland, this area has been beautifully restored through a collaboration between local Maasai landowners and conservationists. The landscape here is wonderfully varied, ranging from open grasslands to thick acacia woodlands and the winding Mara River. Our game drives were teeming with life: giraffe, zebra, and antelope were everywhere, alongside thriving populations of lions and hyenas. We also took to the trails for guided walks, which offered a slower, more intimate perspective and the chance to spot some of the region’s migratory birds. |
 Where We Stayed: House In The Wild Our time in Enonkishu was centered at House in the Wild, a boutique lodge that perfectly captures the “home away from home” feel that defines the Bush & Beyond portfolio. Tucked away on the banks of the Mara River, this family-owned retreat is laid-back and intimate, with beautifully designed cottages that feel like private sanctuaries. |
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| Ol Malo Conservancy Fringing the northern edge of the Laikipia plateau, Ol Malo serves as a wild, privately owned playground for those seeking an exclusive experience in an unspoiled natural setting. The landscapes here are truly awe-inspiring, often crowned by the distant, snow-capped peak of Mt. Kenya. My group was immersed in a “remote luxury” that goes far beyond the traditional vehicle safari. Highlights of our time here included spending the night in a treehouse and tents under the stars, the quintessentially Kenyan experience of a camel safari on the way to breakfast, and a helicopter journey to the otherworldly Suguta Valley for sundowners. |
 Where We Stayed: Ol Malo Lodge Our stay at Ol Malo Lodge felt like stepping into a private world carved directly into the cliffs. The lodge overlooks 5,000 acres of spectacular bush country with views that stretch all the way to Mount Kenya. Each room is a masterpiece of design, offering total privacy and its own veranda for soaking in the vast silence of the North Eastern Province. With many activity options, your days could be filled with everything from picnic breakfasts and river walks to night drives and barbecues under the stars. |
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| Lewa Conservancy Moving into the heart of Northern Kenya, we visited the Lewa Wildlife Conservancy, a pioneer in the world of responsible tourism and a UNESCO World Heritage Site. This isn’t just a park; it’s a gold standard for community-led conservation, serving as one of the most critical sanctuaries in Africa for both endangered black and white rhinos. The wildlife density here is staggering: it’s home to the world’s largest population of Grevy’s zebra, alongside robust numbers of elephants, lions, and the elusive wild dog. With over 400 bird species and a landscape that feels alive at every turn, Lewa offered my group a rare opportunity to see conservation in action while surrounded by some of the highest concentrations of wildlife in Kenya. |
 Where We Stayed: Lewa House Set on top of a hill with a panoramic view of the rolling landscape of the Conservancy, Lewa House is a charming seven-room property that feels like a family home. Along with the original thatched family cottages, the property features iconic earth-pod cottages that blend seamlessly into the hills, providing a cozy but sophisticated retreat. You can easily see that the owner’s passion for the land is evident throughout the property, from the farm-fresh meals to the guided walks. |
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| Namunyak Wildlife Conservancy Our journey reached its crescendo in the Namunyak Wildlife Conservancy, a breathtaking expanse nestled within the folds of the Matthews Mountain Range. This is one of the most remote and pristine corners of Kenya, where the landscape shifts from dramatic peaks to lush forest. We had the chance to see everything from giraffes and lions to the rare De Brazza’s colobus monkey on game drives. But the true magic of Namunyak lies in its silence and the profound sense of space. One of the absolute highlights was the Sarara Treehouses, where the rooms are elevated into the canopy, allowing you to fall asleep to the sounds of the forest. It is an immersive “star-bed” experience that truly redefines the meaning of a wilderness retreat. |
 Where We Stayed: Reteti House Nestled in the heart of the conservancy sits Reteti House, an incredible eco-lodge located only 10 minutes from the famed Reteti Elephant Sanctuary. The heart of the property is its spectacular open-plan lounge and infinity pool, both of which overlook a busy waterhole where you can watch elephants gather from the comfort of your sunlounger. It is a completely off-the-grid retreat that offers a profound sense of peace and intimacy, making it the perfect final chapter to a Kenyan safari. |
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