Makena’s Hills Tented Lodge

Laikipia Nature Conservancy, Kenya

(Makena’s Hills Tented Lodge is situated on the extreme west of Laikipia on the 100,000 acre Laikipia Nature Conservancy, on the very edge of the Great Rift Valley, Humankind Cradle with stunning views of Lake Baringo. Makena’s Hills Tented Lodge is a private paradise, home to Kuki Gallmann - conservationist and international bestselling author - has a great variety of amazing wildlife and over 470 identified species of bird. Access is by a private charter flight to Engelesha airfield which is a 15 minutes drive from the lodge. The driving distance from Nairobi is approximately 270 Kilometers)

Makena’s Hills Tented Lodge, Laikipia Nature Conservancy Kenya

Makena’s Hills Tented Lodge

Makena’s Hills Tented Lodge; Makena’s Hills Tented Lodge is surrounded by a series of dramatic ridges, steep gorges, open savannah, valleys and plains. Makena’s Hills is situated on the extreme west of Laikipia on the 100,000 acre Laikipia Nature Conservancy, on the very edge of the Great Rift Valley. This private paradise, home to Kuki Gallman - conservationist and author - has a great variety of amazing wildlife and over 400 species of birds. Makena’s Hills is the location where the film “I Dreamed of Africa’ was shot and Kuki Gallmann’s daughter married. Makena’s Hills is a stunning partially tented resort which featured in Architectural Digest (Nov 2001).

Makena’s Hills Tented Lodge has six enormous Arabic desert style tents are fitted with either two queen size beds or a four poster double bed. Attached is a spacious dressing room /bathroom and private verandah and private massage bed. Facilities include a central reception area with two giant fireplaces, front terrace with a camp fire, dining room, bar, shop and swimming pool. Quality organic food is served. The central area with its 240 degree views over the rift valley and Laikipia escarpment has two fireplaces and a combined study, reading and dining area, producing a huge amount of space for guests to relax in. A superb rock swimming pool with an island is an ideal place to cool off. Nothing has been overlooked. Although she travels a great deal, Kuki Gallmann hosts clients when she is in Laikipia. Douglas Naji is the host and Andrew Marshall the manager.

At Makena you can see amazing wildlife: elephant, the largest population of Cape Buffalo on private land in Kenya, eland, waterbuck, lion, leopard, cheetah and over 400 species of birds make Ol ari Nyiro a rare and extraordinary place. The forest of Enghelesha, the only indigenous and protected forest remaining in the area, is home to the last remaining troupes of the rare and endangered colobus monkey. Here, you will discover endless hills covered in wild sage - leleshwa - whose leaves produce an exceptional healing essential oil, locally extracted. There are natural springs and waterfalls, including thermal hot springs. You can visit mysterious ancient caves and a sacred red hill of Ochre, Mlima Ndongo, where since time immemorial pilgrimages to collect the holy ochre were made.

Makena’s Hills Tented Lodge

Makena’s Hills Tented Lodge

Makena’s Hills Tented Lodge Accommodation Rates

Rates above are inclusive of the following:

* Laundry

* Game drives

* Airstrip transfers

* Fishing and guided walks

* Full board accommodation

* Picnics, sundowners and Gallmann Memorial Foundation activities

* Soft drinks, water, beers and local spirits (Excluding apart special spirits and special wines and champagne)

Rates above are Exclusive of the following:

* Tree Planting
* Cultural visits are 50 US Dollars per person per visit
* Massage 30 US Dollars per massage with certified locally extracted wild sage oils.
* Flight or road transport from Nairobi to Laikipia can be arranged by African Spice Safaris. As flight rates are subject to change, quotes will be given on request according to circumstances ie weight, passengers, pick-up point etc.

Notes

* Children under 12 years of age are charged 290 US Dollars Per Person Per Night

* Laikipia Nature Conservancy Fees Per Day is charged at 65 US Dollars Per Person

* Unless guests have own insurance, all visitors are requested to be covered with Flying Doctors Insurance. This can be arranged through African Spice Safaris
* Christmas Supplement is 50 US Dollars per person per day (Christmas season is 18th Dec to 8th Jan 2011)

* Late check-out after lunch is charged at 100 per person which includes lunch and activities
* Check-out time is 10.30am. However a late departure can be arranged

* Christmas Bookings – minimum 5 days

If you enjoy riding, you will be able to choose from over 30 horses at Makena not to mention a private herd of 100 camels. Special yoga and holistic stress healing sessions are offered to interested guests in addition to horse riding, camel walks, fishing (sixty-two man-made rain catchments, some of which are stocked with delicious tilapia, black bass and fresh water crayfish) and the most extraordinary scenic game drives and walks in Kenya. All this and much more make Ol ari Nyiro an exceptional place of awesome and unique appeal. The story that has developed here has already made it a symbol of survival, healing and hope to millions. The conservation activities of The Gallmann Memorial Foundation keep the flame glowing.

Ol ari Nyiro is renowned for its large populations of buffalo and elephants and its indigenous black rhino. Lions on a kill are practically guaranteed to guests who spend a few nights. The guides are trained in ethno botany and ornithology. Ol ari Nyiro is regarded as the richest and most varied botanical area in East Africa and is known as a bird watcher paradise with over 400 recorded species of birds. This is a unique sanctuary that has kept intact the very mystique of the Africa that has brought generations of travelers to the Cradle of Mankind. Makena’s Hills offers the very best in alternative safaris.

Makena’s Hills Tented Lodge Activities:

• A glimpse into the culture of the elusive Pokot people and visits to Samburu communities

• Fishing in one of the dams or streams for black bass and fresh water crayfish

• Swimming in the rock-carved pool or relaxing in the natural hot spring

• Romantic night under the stars in the comfort of a ‘moonlit cottage’
• Walking in the hills and plains with a local KPSGA trained guide
• Trained camels accompany guest on walks and picnics
• Visits to the newly discovered archaeological remains

• Aromatherapy massages, meditation and yoga

• Optional Extras: Scenic flights

• Games viewing and tracking

• Birds and botanical walks
• Horse riding