Featured Properties

Elsa's Kopje – one of Kenya's Treasures

This iconic property is steeped in rich safari history and located on the site where George and Joy Adamson raised Elsa the lioness, and where Joy subsequently penned the novel Born Free. The film based upon the novel, staring Virginia McKenna, has been credited with being one of the most influential conservation films of its time (and one of our family's favorites).

Elsa's Kopje pays tribute to this pivotal period in safari history with an offering of elegant rooms, all uniquely decorated with breath-taking vistas across the wild and rugged Meru National Park. Guests can explore the surrounding park via day and night bush drives and guided walks. To relax there is a stunning infinity pool with a view and a serene massage sala, offering a selection of treatments that highlight local techniques and products.

Due to Elsa's being the only permanent property in Meru National Park, guests will enjoy the 215,000-acre National Park and rhino sanctuary on an exclusive basis. The area is well-known for large elephant herds, lion, birdlife, and more diversity of species than any other park in East Africa.

Elsa's Kopje is also known for its conservation efforts. To this end, the Born Free Foundation has recently introduced its "predator-proof bomas to the Meru Conservancy Area following on from the success of the reinforced livestock enclosures that are used in the Pride of Amboseli program to reduce human-carnivore conflict.

Since 2002, the African lion population is estimated to have declined by 36% on its historical ranges. In Kenya, lion numbers are estimated to be 2,600, down from approximately 10,000 lions in the 1970's and 80's (although happily there are signs that the population is starting to increase again).

One of the threats to lions is retaliatory and pre-emptive killing by pastoralists due to livestock predation. The boma program is designed to safeguard the local community's main source of livelihood, livestock, and in turn diffuse predator conflict. Since 2010 over 400 predator-proof bomas have been constructed in the Amboseli-West Kilimanjaro ecosystem with an estimated efficacy of 91% in reducing livestock predation at night.

On the Horizon.... 

Botswana's Tubu Tree Camp and Little Tubu Tree Camp

Tubu Tree and Little Tubu camps, situated on the Okavango Delta's predator-rich Hunda Island on the Jao Reserve, overlook floodplains dotted with water-loving wildlife. Elegant, with a modern look and feel, the new camps pay homage to their legendary legacy and exquisite natural surrounds. Located 20 minutes from camp, the much-loved Star Bed remains, offering a unique, immersive experience under the star-studded African sky. Click here for a 360-degree sneak peek.

The area is a haven for the "legendary leopards of Tubu." When the first Tubu Tree Camp was built there was a leopard seen regularly that was aptly named the Tubu Camp Female. She frequently hunted impala, kudu and bushbuck close to camp, staying in the vicinity for days to feast on her kill. A successful mother, she had seven litters and one cub during the Covid pandemic was stowed in the guest loo area at Little Tubu.

Later in 2021, the leopard went on to have another two female cubs that were, again housed in the ablution area – thankfully due to the pandemic the camp had no guests! At the height of lockdown, staff was treated to some fascinating moments with all three cubs together - the mother making kills for all of them, and the big male playing with the small leopards – eschewing what is considered typical leopard behavior. Then, at the beginning of 2022, the lioness had another cub – again using the guest loo area as a safe haven for a brief period.

The cub has often been spotted lounging near the thatched roof at the airstrip, lying on the wings of parked aircraft, reclining on the boat dock, or picking fights with honey badgers in the area. This leopard, and others, are frequently seen around camp and it is not uncommon to witness kills directly in front of both Tubu and Little Tubu.

Mara Toto Tree Camp

Mara Toto Tree Camp, scheduled to open on July 1^st, will be nestled into a forest canopy of ebony trees in one of the very few hidden places in Kenya's Maasai Mara. It will offer privacy and tranquility, serving as a haven for just eight guests at a time, making it ideal for entire families or groups of friends.

Constructed from canvas and wood, set on elevated decks, and boasting spacious living areas, it will exude an aura of exploration in its style, featuring lightweight canvas and campaign appointments. The presence of baths, showers, desks, and chaise lounges will create a feeling of home.

We visited the construction site of Mara Toto during our safari this April and the structures are very impressive – spacious, set high in the trees, with intimate views over the Ntiakitiak River.

Wilderness Bisate Reserve

Bisate Reserve, set to open September 2024, is located in the natural amphitheatre of an extinct volcanic cone – the word "bisate" means "pieces" in Kinyarwanda, describing how the cone was once whole but worn away by natural erosion. The lodge boasts dramatic views of the peaks of three prominent volcanoes, Mikeno, Bisoke, and the largest of them all Karisimbi, rising through the Afro-alpine forest.

This exclusive and luxurious lodge will boast four grand en-suite villas, each with spacious living areas, two fireplaces, viewing decks and private hot tubs. The villas take the shape of spherical thatched "pods" that maximize comfort, while retaining responsible environmental principles and reflecting the culture of surrounding rural Rwanda. The structures are richly textured on the interior where surfaces and screens are created from a variety of woven materials reminiscent of local "ibyansi" baskets.

Bisate is within easy driving distance of Park Headquarters, from where gorilla treks depart daily. Its vision of reforestation and rehabilitation means that each guest is invited to participate in the lodge's biodiversity conservation efforts, as well as engage with the local community.

Lemala Osonjoi Lodge

Lemala Osonjoi Lodge will open on the edge of the Ngorongoro Crater in northern Tanzania in March 2025. The main area will boast impressive views of the crater floor below and the communal heated swimming pool will sit behind floor-to-ceiling windows, with expansive views of the picturesque surroundings. Each suite will be furnished with plush bedding, soft lighting, and natural materials. Stay tuned for details later in the year.

Desert Rhino Camp Reimagined

From its humble beginnings 20 years ago, as a field station dedicated to helping protect Namibia's last remaining wild black rhino, a brand-new Desert Rhino Camp is beginning to emerge. Six contemporary canvas and stone suites offer a sheltered oasis, a place where intrepid travelers find comfort in one of the last untouched places on Earth. An important refuge for rhinos, DRC also serves as a desert sanctuary and escape for explorers.

Helicopter Excursions in the Greater Amboseli

Great Plains' new "machine" has arrived - a subtle red Bell 505 helicopter based at Ol Donyo Lodge in Southern Kenya. It is in position now and available for guests to enjoy on scenic flights through the incredible Chyulu Hills, Kilimanjaro and Amboseli. It is perfect for a breakfast hop into the hills or across the African plains, photographing along the way. The helicopter will also be used for conservation purposes and air transfers to and from from Nairobi.

Singita Ebony Lodge Re-Opens this Month

Singita Ebony Lodge, in South Africa's Sabi Sand Nature Reserve, is where the Singita story began 30 years ago. The lodge was recently closed to accommodate a refurbishment that includes changes to the architectural layout and an exciting update of the interiors. The combination of Adobe architecture and utilitarian tent-inspiration gives Ebony a grounded, yet laid-back feel. At the heart of the lodge will be the new Conservation Room, giving guests the opportunity to learn more about the living heritage of the area. The addition of a Bar-Deli means fresh food and beverages at any time of day and the new layout has created more seating options and greater access to the gardens, with views of the Sand River and beyond.

Slow Down in Cape Town

SLOW Walks & Hikes creates unforgettable walking experiences, where nature, a healthy dose of fresh air, and some "slow" magic come together on Cape Town's Table Mountain. Qualified local guides are passionate storytellers instilling an appreciation and connection to South Africa's most iconic city. SLOW offers a variety of routes catering to different fitness levels, including a challenging hike up its steep slopes or a leisurely exploration of the plateau using the famous cableway. Alternatively, one can opt for a picturesque contour path mountain walk that includes Kirstenbosch Gardens and a delightful wine-tasting experience.

A Floating Safari

In Kenya, NaiSabah, a 75ft, carefully repurposed traditional Omani dhow, has set sail.  Based in the warm waters of the Lamu Archipelago and designed for ocean exploration, NaiSabah has three air-conditioned cabins and can comfortably accommodate up to eight people. This ultimate expedition-style floating accommodation offers an exciting platform for family holidays, diving expeditions, fishing excursions, and conservation journeys.