Kenya's longstanding relationship with the British royals goes back all the way to 1952, when a 25-year-old Princess Elizabeth was there when she learned of her father’s death and her subsequent succession to the throne.Prince William showed that it remains a special place for his family when he chose to propose to Kate Middleton, now the Duchess of Cambridge who is currently expecting the couple's second child, during a private romantic break to Lewa Wildlife Conservancy in the foothills of Mount Kenya in October 2010.
The handsome royal has frequently spoken about his passion for Kenya, referring to the country, which boasts breathtaking beaches and incredible safari experiences, as his "second home".We look at the luxury lodges on offer for wonderful treks and safaris that are fit for royals, engagements and the making of an experience of a lifetime.
Rutundu Log Cabins, Mount KenyaPrince William and his then-girlfriend Kate Middleton stayed in an isolated log cabin miles off the beaten track when the couple were enjoying a 24-hour stop over at the spartan Rutundu Log Cabins during their Kenyan holiday. Set in an area of pure wilderness and breathtaking beauty, these cosy cabins don’t have electricity but do have beautiful open log fires…
Lewa Safari Camp in Lewa Wildlife ConservancySprawling over the Laikipia plains, Lewa Wildlife Conservancy is a prolific wildlife conservancy and A-list favourite – it’s also a firm favourite with Prince Harry and where Prince William and Kate were staying when they got engaged. Guests are privy to some of the most spectacular wildlife viewing that Kenya has to offer: lion, leopard and jackal thrive on the rich diversity of prey that inhabits the area, and they even get to sip on G&Ts as they watch the sun go down and the lion cubs play, or perhaps baby rhino, elephants and giraffes.
Diamonds Dream Of Africa, Malindi The enchanting power of nature blends with the exotic style of Indo-Arab designs at Diamonds Of Africa to offer lucky guests a mesmerizing charm, which in Swahili, is called "bembeleza". Unwind in the Balinese chaise lounges on your room terrace, dine on the open air terrace and prepare for the day ahead at this five-star, all-inclusive resort on the sandy shores of Malindi.
Ol Malo Lodge, Laikipia Situated in the deserts of Samburuland, Northern Kenya, in the majestic setting of what was an overgrazed cattle ranch, this 5,000-acre holding bordering the tribal heartlands of the nomadic Samburu people has been transformed into a prime, and beautiful, conservation site.The exclusive, boutique property is home to just four bedrooms all individually decorated, blending traditional local style with luxurious hand-woven furnishings and thoughtful touches; a home away from home.
Lion in the Sun, Malindi Found in Malindi, north of Mombasa, this exclusive retreat was the famous dwelling of Italian magnate Flavio Briatore, where he would accommodate his wealth of A-lister friends including ex-girlfriend, supermodel Naomi Campbell, who celebrated 2013 New Year’s Eve there. Since 2007 he has preferred to turn the property into an exclusive retreat with a world-class Henri Chenot Detox centre – one of only six exclusive Henri Chenot Detox centres around the world.Just 16 luxurious rooms distributed in four villas, surrounded by a beautiful tropical garden and four seawater swimming pools, make for the utmost in privacy and exclusivity.
Muthaiga Safari Camp Muthaiga Safari Camp lies on the South Eastern border of the Masai Mara Game Reserve and is composed of seven tents and two villas.The tents are built amongst the trees ensuring privacy and each has its own private veranda with a spectacular view. Guests can enjoy themselves with game driving, a walking safari, day fishing trips at Lake Victoria, cultural community visits and scenic flights over the Maasai Mara, flying just 50 feet above the migrating herds.
