This New Safari Camp Will Take You Beyond Kenya's Maasai Mara
andBeyond
Kenya has long been a dream destination for safari lovers with its sweeping savannahs and abundant wildlife, but the country's Maasai Mara—site of the great migration—is suffering from over-development and high game drive traffic with a seemingly unending stream of big-brand international hotels breaking ground.
This July, Suyian Lodge—andBeyond's most exclusive opening to date—will give travellers a good reason to look beyond the Mara and head to northern Kenya's Laikipia Plateau.
While the Maasai Mara is often the first name that comes to mind when thinking of a Kenyan safari, Laikipia offers a different and arguably more exclusive experience with not only the Big Five but also rare fauna like the black (melanistic) leopard. Stretching from the foothills of Mount Kenya to the edge of the Great Rift Valley, this plateau is made up of rolling grasslands, rugged escarpments and acacia-lined rivers.
Laikipia has already cemented itself as a hub for luxury safaris, with high-end lodges like Segera Retreat, Ol Jogi and Loisaba offering world-class experiences. However, the 14-suite Suyian Lodge is set to take luxury and sustainability to new heights.
Suyian Lodge is situated within the 44,000-acre, fence-free Suyian Conservancy, an untouched private reserve. The entire lodge is designed to have a minimal environmental footprint, employing solar energy, rainwater harvesting and a sophisticated waste management system. Beyond its green initiatives, the camp plays an active role in local conservation efforts, working alongside the Suyian Conservancy to protect endangered species, and guests staying at the lodge will have the privilege of participating in conservation projects, like tracking collared elephants with researchers to joining anti-poaching units on patrol. Guests will also have the chance to visit nearby villages to meet local Samburu and Maasai people.
Lastly, because it's an andBeyond camp, it will also be extremely luxurious: Expect Spacious suites, each with private pools and decks, soaking tubs, four-poster beds, and outdoor showers; while public spaces will include a chic bar and dramatic infinity pool.
Suyian Lodge's bar area
andBeyond
The pool at Suyian Lodge
andBeyond
Bathroom's in the suites
andBeyond
Guest suites
andBeyond
Try Our AI Features
Explore what Daily8 AI can do for you:
Comments
No comments yet...
Related Articles
Yahoo
3 days ago
- Yahoo
Why Rwanda needs to be on your bucket list: a first-timer's guide to ‘the Land of a Thousand Hills'
It may not be on everyone's radar as a bucket list destination — but there's plenty of reason why this tiny, landlocked country at the heart of East Africa deserves a spot on every discerning traveller's radar. From tracking gorillas in the northern mountains to experiencing Big Five safari in Akagera's eastern plains, there's lots to keep adventurous types occupied — and that's before you lose yourself in the thrum of Kigali, Rwanda's dizzying capital. Here's your itinerary for a whistlestop tour that encompasses all of the must-see sights. Days 1 - 3: Volcanoes National Park After landing in Kigali, most visitors' first port of call in Rwanda is Volcanoes National Park, known the world over as the go-to destination for gorilla trekking. This UNESCO World Heritage site borders neighbouring Uganda and the Democratic Republic of Congo: the only other destinations in the world where you can spot endangered gorillas in the wild. Whiz northwards from Kigali (the journey to the Virunga Mountains takes approximately three hours), and the dense cityscape quickly gives way to endless, undulating mountains draped in lush greenery: it's easy to see why Rwanda is dubbed 'the Land of a Thousand Hills'. As you wind through the rolling terrain, rice paddies give way to thick clusters of mango and banana trees, before gradually shifting into the rugged peaks of the Virungas. Settle in at Virunga Lodge, a legendary mountaintop retreat recognised as the very first hotel in the region dedicated to gorilla trekking tourism. Perched 7,000 feet above sea level, and flanked on either side by glistening lakes, 10 standalone villas are elegantly styled in Afro-chic decor: think rattan furnishings, four-poster beds swathed in linen, and spacious stone bathrooms. Evening performances by local dancers and musicians, massages to nurse your weary limbs after long hikes, and daily laundry are all included in a stay here. It's all about the thoughtful touches: each morning, hot coffee is delivered to your door by your personal butler, and after communal suppers at the open-air dining room, you'll return to your villa to find fires lit and hot water bottles tucked between the sheets. At sunrise each morning, you'll journey towards Volcanoes National Park in giddy anticipation of spotting gorillas in the wild. Visitors are organised into small groups of eight dependent on your preferred difficulty level, and led by an expert guide upwards into the park. The uphill climb is arguably the most gruelling part of the trek, but is rewarded by far-reaching vistas across rambling farmland and forest. When you finally arrive at the border of the national park, the terrain transforms entirely: you'll find yourself navigating through thick, untamed jungle (home to more than 200 different plant species) and clambering over slippery rocks to keep up with the seasoned team of trackers leading you towards the specific gorilla family you'll be tracking that day. Reaching the gorillas can take anything from thirty minutes to three hours: when you finally spot the elusive silverback leading his family through the jungle, the overwhelming feeling of relief and joy is indescribable. This is an exclusive experience (only 120 gorilla trekking permits are issued each day and guests spend only an hour observing their assigned gorilla family) — and that's reflected in the price; if you're able to shoulder the daily $1,500 per person park fee, a three-night stay will allow you to experience more than one route through the mountains, and multiple opportunities to spot gorillas in their natural habitat. A visit to the Dian Fossey Fund is also a must; founded in honor of Dian Fossey, who is often credited with saving gorillas from near-extinction, the museum showcases her role as the pioneering force behind Rwanda's conservation efforts. Today, thanks to her work, approximately 1,063 gorillas inhabit the vast massif that spans Rwanda, Uganda, and the DRC, with about half the population residing in Rwanda alone. In the years to come, expanding the acreage where these majestic animals can roam freely remains a top priority. Days 4 - 5: Kigali From Volcanoes National Park, it's a three-hour drive to Rwanda's capital, Kigali. We're transported by Rwandan tour operator PTS, and our lively driver, Pacifique, keeps the ride engaging by enthusiastically pointing out local landmarks along the way. After a few days spent within the secluded depths of the rainforest, returning to the chaos of the city almost feels like an assault on the senses. The stillness of the mountains is replaced by the blare of car horns, and motorcyclists weave deftly between the colourful market stalls and glossy skyrises. Among the shiny new-builds sits The Pinnacle, an uber-luxe stay that's recently opened in Kigali Hills: the city's answer to Beverly Hills' 90210. There are just nine bedrooms at this private members' club come hotel, each kitted out in colourful interiors inspired by the owners' varied travels: expect artworks sourced from across east Africa, and expensive-feeling fabrics in every room. All boast deep bathtubs, complimentary minibars that you're encouraged to raid, and clever tech for adjusting the lighting and curtains. There's everything you could possibly imagine to keep you entertained, from the super-sized swimming pool to the gym, library, private cinema, and games room that even has its own bowling alley. It might be tempting to hole away inside, but there are plenty of thrills (of the culinary and cultural variety) stretching out at your doorstep. Slurp tropical smoothies and local coffee at Indabo Cafe's Kiyovu location, before browsing the hand-woven textiles at neighbouring Go Bananas and admiring local artworks at David Mugire's gallery. For lunch, stop by Repub Lounge for typical Rwandan fare (where you'll feast on karanga, fragrant ginger rice, and fresh plantain) before losing yourself among the stalls at Kimironko Market, and foraging for souvenirs and hand-crafted jewellery at Abraham Konga Collections. Art enthusiasts can spend the afternoon browsing the galleries at Inema Art Center. Of utmost importance for any first-time visitor to the capital is the Kigali Genocide Memorial. This is a country profoundly shaped by division and colonialism — yet a remarkable resilience has emerged over recent decades, significantly transforming Rwanda's social fabric. The Memorial's exhibits, centered on the 1994 Genocide Against the Tutsi, offer a deeply moving and essential insight into the nation's past and its journey toward healing. Another must-visit is Nyamirambo Women's Center, an NGO founded in 2007 to tackle gender-based violence, discrimination, and inequality; through education and training, over 6,000 women have been equipped with hairdressing, sewing, and styling skills. The centre offers guided walks through Nyamirambo neighbourhood, where you can witness firsthand some of the women in action. Close the day with dinner at La Creola, a buzzy bar and restaurant that serves Rwandan-fusion cuisine, or dial it up a notch with the chef's table experience at Kozo, where executive chef Sakorn Somboon's atlas-spanning career results in an exquisite tasting menu blending Asian and African flavours. Day 6 - 8: Akagera National Park After 48 hours of city exploring, round off your week in Rwanda by heading east to spot untamed wildlife in the rolling savannahs of Akagera National Park. In comparison to the well-trodden safari routes through Kenya and neighbouring Tanzania, Rwanda remains a relatively under-the-radar safari destination. This sprawling national park on the cusp of Tanzania is the only location within the country where travellers can experience Big Five safari, with lions, leopards, elephants (and more!) roaming the vast swathes of savannah and marshy swamp. Your safari experience is almost entirely dictated by the lodge you stay at, and for the ultimate sleepover, you'll want to bed down at Wilderness Magashi. Located in a private concession amid the park's northern plains, this is undoubtedly the most luxurious camp within Akagera. With only eight tented bedrooms (all primed to face the sunrise and dangling above glistening Lake Rwanyakazinga), a stay here feels entirely secluded from other travellers, yet tantalisingly close to wildlife: it's not uncommon to spend entire game drives without encountering a single other vehicle in the bush, but you'll wake to the grunt of hippos wallowing in the lake directly beneath you. An all-inclusive stay includes expertly crafted breakfasts, lunches, and dinners, along with afternoon nibbles, sundowners served in the bush, and two guided game drives each day. Depending on the season, your adventures might include boat cruises across the lake (glide through hippo-infested waters and spy crocodiles snoozing by the lake's edge) and drives through dense bush in pursuit of zebras, giraffes, and rhinos. Every detail of the guest experience is seamless: the whipsmart team learns each guest's name within minutes of arrival - along with your coffee order and cocktail of choice — and there are homemade cookies in your bedroom to welcome you, along with hot water bottles to warm the bed. As if the experience could be any more spoiling, the lodge is soon expanding to encompass Wilderness Magashi Peninsula: a clutch of super-luxury villas, each boasting private pools and far-reaching views across the peninsula. The details Nightly rates at Wilderness Magashi start from £673 per person sharing, including all meals, twice daily scheduled camp activities, park fees, laundry and local drinks Lead in rate for Virunga Lodge is £845 all-inclusive per person sharing Rooms at The Pinnacle Hotel start at £1,890 a night based on two people sharing Getting there: RwandAir flies daily from London Heathrow to Kigali with return fares including all taxes and charges starting from £679 in Economy Class and £2,300 in Business Class
Travel Weekly
5 days ago
- Travel Weekly
Abercrombie & Kent sets opening date for Kenya lodge
Abercrombie & Kent has set a June 1 opening date for the Kitirua Plains Lodge in Kenya's Amboseli National Park. Located on a 128-acre private reserve adjacent to the park, the property will have 13 standalone suites with views of Mount Kilimanjaro. There will be 11 standard suites and two two-bedroom suites, each incorporating natural textures and woven details into their design. A&K called Kitirua "a deliberate departure from traditional tented safari camps" and one of its "most architecturally adventurous properties to date." Guest experiences will include game drives, cultural visits with Maasai communities, hot air balloon excursions and gatherings at the lodge's outdoor boma area. The lodge will also offer a spa, gym and swimming pool. Located in the heart of elephant country, the lodge's suites provide a "front-row seat to one of Africa's most iconic landscapes, where herds of elephants roam freely through a timeless wilderness," A&K said. Bookings for the Kitirua Plains Lodge are open. Guests are able to experience the lodge as part of A&K's Tailor Made journeys or Small Group Journeys. Rates start at $1,658 per person, per night for stays of seven nights or longer during the lodge's opening June through October 2026 season.
Yahoo
13-08-2025
- Yahoo
Swiss-Belhotel signs for new hotel in Masaki, Tanzania
Swiss-Belhotel International has signed an agreement with Astra Capital to open a new five-star hotel in Masaki, Dar es Salaam, Tanzania. The Swiss-Belhotel expansion is set for the first quarter of 2027, reported TradeArabia. The property will feature 72 rooms and suites, two restaurants, a bar, a spa, a swimming pool, and conference rooms. Retail spaces will also be available for lease. Astra Capital owner Joel Makanyaga said: 'We are glad to collaborate with Swiss-Belhotel International, a globally respected brand known for its operational expertise and commitment to delivering exceptional guest experiences. "Together, we look forward to creating a destination that reflects the vibrant spirit of Dar es Salaam and offers a memorable stay for both local and international guests.' Masaki is a prominent district in Dar es Salaam, known for its mix of residential, business, and leisure activities. Swiss-Belhotel chairman and president Gavin Faull stated: "We are proud to partner with Astra Capital and Joel Makanyaga on this exceptional project in Tanzania. Swiss-Belboutique Masaki Dar es Salaam represents our commitment to bringing the Swiss-Belhotel International standard of excellence to new and exciting markets." The hotel aims to cater to both domestic and international guests, as well as the local community. Swiss-Belhotel senior vice-president Laurent Voivenel said: "Swiss-Belboutique Masaki Dar es Salaam will bring a fresh and distinctive approach to upscale boutique hospitality in Tanzania. Its location in Masaki is ideal for both business and leisure travellers." In October 2023, Swiss-Belhotel International expanded its presence in Kenya by signing its second property in Nairobi. "Swiss-Belhotel signs for new hotel in Masaki, Tanzania" was originally created and published by Hotel Management Network, a GlobalData owned brand. The information on this site has been included in good faith for general informational purposes only. It is not intended to amount to advice on which you should rely, and we give no representation, warranty or guarantee, whether express or implied as to its accuracy or completeness. You must obtain professional or specialist advice before taking, or refraining from, any action on the basis of the content on our site. Error in retrieving data Sign in to access your portfolio Error in retrieving data Error in retrieving data Error in retrieving data Error in retrieving data
