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Loisaba Wilderness Lodge - Laikipia
Loisaba Wilderness is the same size as the Ngorongoro Crater and larger than many of Kenya's principal National Parks. To the north lie the grassy plains of the plateau; to the south, the plateau breaks into valleys, cliffs and escarpments that frame stunning views up to the snows of Mount Kenya. At their base lies a different riverine ecosystem on the banks of two major rivers, the Ewaso N'giro and the Engare Narok. The wilderness is a haven for more than 250 species of birds and 50 species of wildlife. Alongside all the more usual types, elephant, buffalo, grevy zebra and greater kudu abound; the area is also rapidly gaining a reputation for exceptional big cat sightings. Even wild dog, thought for many years to be extinct in the region are now appeared to be re-colonizing the area and are closely monitored in the area. Situated in the very heartland of the nomadic Samburu and Laikipiak Maasai people, Loisaba also offers a rare insight into cultures, traditions and a way of life that has stood the test of time.
Oryx Limited, a conservation enterprise established in 1997by Peter Silvester, Tom Silvester and Giles Davies, run the Loisaba Wilderness. All profits generated by tourism activities at Loisaba are dedicated to conservation of the 150 square kilometer private wilderness area, in addition to supporting community orientated health, education and enterprise programs outside its boundaries with the neighboring Samburu and Laikipiak Maasai tribes.
Loisaba is a fully integrated local community project employing a number of staff and guides from the neighboring Laikipiak Maasai and Samburu tribal communities. Consequently, Loisaba has quickly earned a reputation as one of the best places to gain an insight into these fascinating traditional cultures.
AfricanMecca guests visiting the Loisaba Wilderness have 3 accommodations options: Lodge, Star-Beds (beds under the open stars of the night), and Cottages.
Tell Me More About Loisaba Wilderness Lodge, Star-Beds, & Cottages Located In Loisaba Wilderness, Laikipia Region, as an African Safari Accommodation in Kenya
The Loisaba Wilderness Lodge
• The Loisaba Lodge has 7 rooms: 4 doubles and 3 twins. One room has a separate sitting room that can double as a further bedroom for a family group. Each room has an en-suite bathroom.
• Constructed from stone, local timber and thatch, the lodge is perched high on the edge of the plateau looking south towards Mount Kenya.
• Each room has large French windows that open onto a private deck cantilevered off the escarpment. The views are legendary, and a water hole a few hundred feet below draws continuous wildlife.
• All the furniture in the lodge is handmade at Loisaba.
• The lodge has a swimming pool, tennis court, and bocce court and croquet lawn.
• The spa offers massage and beauty treatment and a romantic open-air bubble bath, all with a tranquil view of the unspoilt Karissia Hills.
The Loisaba Wilderness Star Beds Of Kiboko and Koija
• The two sets of Star Beds are unique to Loisaba. The first and original set are located among a kopje of rocks
in one of the eastern valleys overlooking the 'Kiboko' waterhole.
• The second and recent set is located about 8 kilometers further south on the banks of the Ewaso N'giro River. These are cantilevered over the flowing river below and are reached by footbridge from the opposite bank. These are named "Koija" Star Beds and are part of an exciting new joint venture project that Loisaba has undertaken in partnership with the Laikipiak Maasai people from the Koija community.
• Both the Kiboko and Koija Star Beds comprise of 2 double sleeping platforms and one large family platform. Each double platform is designed for 1 or 2 people. The family platform accommodates 4 people (sharing bathroom facilities.) Each platform is ensuite and has a large camp-style shower. The platforms are sited to ensure complete privacy.
• Each Star Bed are dramatically designed, handcrafted wooden raised platform, and partially covered with a thatched roof. Homemade 'Mukokoteni' (uniquely designed bed on wheels'), can either be wheeled onto the open deck area for a night under the stars, or left under the shelter of the roof.
• All the beds have complete four-poster insect netting. The Star Beds are normally reached by one of many options; on foot, horse, camel or vehicle and with two sets now in place create a unique opportunity to travel between them both and the lodge as part of a Star Bed Expedition.
• Guests are guided and hosted by a team of traditional Samburu and Laikipiak Maasai warriors. Food is prepared in traditional camp kitchen, Barbeque style.
The Loisaba Wilderness Cottage
• A truly exclusive, self-contained private cottage built on the edge of the escarpment entirely from local stone and thatch.
• The location and architecture of the cottage are breathtaking, as are the furnishings, most of which have been designed and made at Loisaba.
• The Loisaba Wilderness Cottages comprise of 2 Bedrooms, 1 double and 1 twin (convertible to double) both with ensuite bathrooms with bath and shower.
• The cottage has its own staff, game-drive vehicle and a private, cliff-top swimming pool. The ultimate hideaway for small groups.
• The Cottage is a private house on Loisaba. Built entirely from local materials gathered on the ranch and thatched with Mombasa palm, the house commands a spectacular view over the Laikipia plains towards Mount Kenya.
• Two large ensuite bedrooms surround a duplex sitting room, bar and dining room. An eye-level swimming pool on the lip of the thousand-foot escarpment lies at the foot of the garden.
• Guests at the cottage enjoy the service of its own staff, cars and drivers: it is completely independent of the lodge, allowing guests all the facilities of the ranch with absolute privacy and exclusivity.
Nature Experience and Activitie
s At Loisaba Wilderness Lodge, Star-Beds, & Cottages Located In Loisaba Wilderness, Laikipia Region
• Wilderness Spa: Already offering a unique combination of remarkable wildlife, diverse activities and magnificent location, Loisaba has further enhanced guests' safari experience with the opening of the Loisaba Spa. While the initial attraction of a Kenyan safari is undoubtedly an unparalleled wildlife safari, the sheer indulgence of enjoying a soothing massage overlooking the vast Laikipia Plateau in between game viewing activities takes Kenyan safaris to a new level. Loisaba's "Mind, Body & Soul" concept encompasses the enriching experience a stay in the wild can evoke, one which affects visitors not only visually but also spiritually and emotionally vast tracts of wilderness alive with wildlife of every shape and form, local tribes continuing their traditional lifestyle little changed for centuries, and a majestic landscape sweeping down to the indomitable Mount Kenya. The Loisaba Spa offers guests the opportunity to relax and absorb this awakening of senses.
• Wildlife Blinds: Inconspicuously nestled in an outcrop of rocks in the valley below the lodge overlooking a rich natural spring, the lookout provides a rare opportunity to spend time with animals, and in particular some unusual nocturnal species, at very close quarters. The lookout can be visited for a few hours during both day and night. The blind is charismatically and comfortably furnished.
• Scenic Helicopter Rides: Guests at Loisaba have access to the 5-passenger Squirrel helicopter based at Loisaba on a private charter basis. A number of breathtaking excursions from Loisaba, both close and further a field, are possible that can be tailor made in conjunction with the pilot who will also serve as guide and host. The helicopter is exceptionally well appointed with air-conditioning, a CD music system and hand made picnic and cocktail set for 6 people. Guests can fish for rainbow trout on Lake Alice, 13,000 feet up Mount Kenya, land in the sand dunes of the northern deserts and watch the setting sun or fly up the side of Ol Olokwe's soaring cliffs and land on top of this sacred mountain for a morning breakfast. Longer expeditions using the helicopter to access extremely remote corners of the Northern Frontier are also possible. Whatever excursion is created, the experience will be unforgettable.
• Helicamping: The ultimate in wilderness adventure, Loisaba is the only operation in East Africa able to offer this rare and truly exciting overnight experience. Using the Loisaba helicopter, up to 4 guests can fly with their pilot together with lightweight camping equipment to a hugely diverse range of overnight destinations from mountain tops to desert floors all under an hours flight from Loisaba. Landing in otherwise completely inaccessible spots, tents or mosquito nets are hung from the rotor blades, a fire lit, a camp meal cooked and all is set for a genuinely unique overnight experience.
Other Activities Include:
• Walking safaris by guided by Samburu/Laikipiak Maasai warriors.
• Horseback riding safaris.
• Camel riding safaris guided by Laikipiak Masai handlers.
• Mountain bike riding.
• Day and night game drives in customized open-top Land Rovers.
• Bush breakfasts, lunches, dinners and sundowners.
• River rafting on Ewaso N'giro River (seasonal).
• Visits to authentic local tribal enkangs (villages).
• Visits to Loisaba Wildlife Research Camp / evening talks from researchers.
• Boma Rounds accompany Tom Silvester on evening wilderness patrol.
• Fishing.
• Bird watching.
• Tennis, Swimming, Bocce Ball and Croquet.
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