Lengishu, Kenya

Lengishu gifts its guests a slice of the Kenyan highlands, all to themselves. A glorious exclusive-use home – perfect for families or groups travelling together – you’ll be treated to a totally private safari experience. From a swimming pool encircled by fever trees, where you can watch over zebra at their watering hole, to a magnificent rocky viewpoint for sundowners and an in-house masseuse. There’s really nowhere like it.

LOCATION

Lengishu lies just north of the equator, in the foothills of Mount Kenya. Built low from stone, and topped with a traditional makuti thatched roof, it blends beautifully into a ridge in the wilds of the 32,000-acre Borana private conservancy. Teeming with wildlife, you can spot the Big Five here – as well as around 300 species of bird. The property can be reached by a game drive road transfer from Lewa Downs airstrip in 1 hour 30 minutes. Or, for the ultimate arrival, land on Lengishu’s own helipad.

YOUR ROOM

Sleeping up to twelve guests, Lengishu has six spacious bedrooms with balconies – spread across four cottages separate to the main house (all east facing to ensure you catch the spectacular sunrises). In stylish neutral tones, you’ll find inviting four-poster beds, rugs handwoven by a local collective of Maoru women, tasteful antiques and wardrobes made bespoke in Kenya. Each room also has its own freestanding copper tub in the bathroom, set beside floor-to-ceiling windows for sweeping views over the plains. Take it from us, bath safaris are the way forward.

WHY WE LIKE IT

From the dishes on the menu your private chef cooks up to the nature and schedule of your game drives. Your experience at Lengishu is entirely customisable, for a safari experience that’s as laid-back or jam-packed as you’d like. Nissa, the head guide, is armed with 30 years’ experience and a remarkable depth of knowledge – so no matter your programme, you’ll be in expert (and very interesting) hands.

SUSTAINABILITY

Lengishu truly makes a commitment to the ecosystem of the Borana Conservancy – and the animals and people whose lives depend on it. The property is entirely solar powered, purifies and bottles all drinking water on site, operates a recycling system ensuring no waste ends up in landfill, and the kitchen uses organic produce sourced from nearby farms. They’re also responsible for one of the most successful rhino conservation efforts in Kenya.