Kenya
A Haven of Design Excellence, Nature Connection, and Conservation Innovation in Kenya
Where Design Meets Nature in a Symphony of Safari, Wellness, and Conservation
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Overview
A secluded retreat in Kenya tailored for those who appreciate exquisite design and a deep connection with nature. It presents unparalleled safari experiences, top-notch wellness services, and innovative conservation initiatives. Carved into a hillside within the private confines of the Borana Conservancy in Northern Kenya, this property is not just a home; it is a breathtaking masterpiece that evolved over a meticulous ten-year span. Available exclusively for hire, this remarkable residence accommodates groups of up to ten adults and four children. Crafted by a collaboration of renowned architects and interior designers, this property opened its doors in November 2016, delivering world-class wildlife encounters, outdoor adventures, and wellness amenities amidst the awe-inspiring landscapes of Kenya. The property also champions a pioneering approach to conservation. Stands as a testament to design brilliance, with each element carefully designed to harmonize with its natural surroundings.
Highlights
Fly Camping
Adventurous and exclusive journey with Fly Camping – a unique experience in the heart of nature. Integrated into our walking safari, you'll be accompanied by an armed guide as you traverse the landscape, arriving at the Fly Camp by afternoon. This immersive adventure offers a firsthand insight into the ecosystem at ground level, surrounded by captivating wildlife encounters.
Charter a private jet to Kenya
For a seamless and luxurious travel experience tailored to your needs. Enjoy personalized itineraries, flexible departure times, gourmet catering, and dedicated flight attendants, ensuring a stress-free and comfortable journey.
Transportation
Facilitate additional transportation options for your guests throughout the week, ensuring convenient and seamless travel experiences during their stay. Whether it's arranging private car services, coordinating rental vehicles, or providing access to local transportation networks, offering diverse transportation solutions can enhance the overall convenience and comfort.
Game Drivers on Lewa
Game drives on Lewa in Kenya, Africa, offer an unparalleled safari experience, providing a window into the incredible biodiversity of this remarkable wildlife conservancy. Lewa Wildlife Conservancy is renowned for its commitment to conservation, and a game drive here is a journey into the heart of some of Africa's most iconic and endangered species.
Helicopter excursions with Latitude Adventures
An extraordinary exploration of Kenya's scenic wonders with Helicopter Excursions by Latitude Adventures in Africa. This unparalleled experience takes adventure to new heights, offering a bird's-eye view of Kenya's diverse landscapes, from the iconic savannas to the majestic mountains.
Horseback Safaris with Riding Wild
A unique and exhilarating adventure with Horseback Safaris by Riding Wild in Kenya, Africa. This distinctive safari experience allows you to explore the breathtaking landscapes of Kenya from a different perspective. Led by skilled guides, these horseback safaris provide an intimate connection with nature, allowing you to quietly traverse the terrain and witness wildlife up close.
Fishing trips to Lake Alice
An unforgettable fishing expedition to the pristine waters of Lake Alice. Nestled in a serene setting, this lake offers anglers a tranquil escape surrounded by nature's beauty.
Climbing Mount Kenya
The awe-inspiring journey of climbing Mount Kenya, a majestic and challenging ascent that promises a true adventure seeker's delight. As the second-highest peak in Africa, Mount Kenya stands as an iconic symbol of natural grandeur.
Yoga
Immerse yourself in the serene landscapes and cultural richness of this vibrant country while enjoying dedicated yoga retreats or resorts. Whether nestled along the coast, offering views of the Indian Ocean, or situated amidst the savannas with a backdrop of wildlife, these accommodations provide a peaceful sanctuary for yoga enthusiasts.
What's Included
What's Included
All Meals
All beverages, including quality house wines, spirits and liqueurs
Daily laundry service
Babysitting facilities for children
Game drives and wilderness walks including the big 5 drives, night drives, walking safaris, hiking, trail running & rhino tracking
Mountain biking with experienced guides
Bush running with experienced guides
Use of tennis and squash courts, croquet, boules, gym, yoga deck, hammam, and spa
Wifi, Sonos multi room music system, Apple TV and movies in the home cinema
Introductory spa and beauty treatments, five hours per day
All local taxes
Property: Hammam
Property: Spa
Property: Towels and Linens
Property: Flat Screen TV
Property: Office Workspace
Property: Cold Plunge
Property: Indoor Fireplace
Property: Massage Room
Property: Bathrobes
Property: Pet Friendly
Property: Tennis Court
Property: Terrace or Deck
Property: Outdoor Furniture
Property: Outdoor Dining Area
Property: Garden
Property: Outdoor Campfire Area
Property: Petanque Court
Property: Gym Facilities
Property: Home Cinema
Property: Alcohol Included
Property: Hot Tub
Property: Outdoor Pool
Property: Staffed Property
Property: Roof Terrace
Property: Enhanced Cleaning Practices
Property: In House Chef Included
Property: Mountain View
What's Not Included
Charter Jet
Optional: Yoga
Optional: Fly Camping
Optional: Game Drivers on Lewa
Optional: Horseback Safaris with Riding Wild
Optional: Fishing trips to Lake Alice
Optional: Climbing Mount Kenya
Optional: Heli Excursions with Latitude Adventures
Lewa Airstrip Transfers - est. $200 per vehicle one way per day
Optional: Premier Cellar wines, champagnes and spirits
Optional: Additional spa and beauty treatments
Optional: Personal trainer, tennis coach, yoga instructor, able to stay on property in staff accommodations
Optional: Staff gratuities
Optional: Fee for additional guests
Accommodation
Amidst the Festive Season
During the festive period, the 16th of December to the 10th of January, property requires a minimum stay of 5 nights.
FROM$13,000.00/night
Gallery
Harmony in Design
Where Design Meets Breathtaking Views.
The decade-long collaboration between renowned architects Alex Michaelis of London-based Michaelis Boyd and Nick Plewman of Johannesburg-based Plewman Architects culminated in the creation of Arijiju, a stunning retreat strategically positioned to capture the breathtaking views of sunrise, sunset, and Mount Kenya. Influenced by the acoustics of the surrounding valley, the location maximizes the enchanting sounds of the dawn chorus of birds. Inspired by Ethiopian rock-hewn churches and Le Thoronet Abbey in southern France, the architecture showcases vaulted archways, stone passageways, and a central courtyard, setting it apart in the area.
Trip Tips
Wildlife Safari Essentials
Pack lightweight, neutral-colored clothing for safaris. Bring binoculars and a good camera to capture the incredible wildlife. Comfortable closed-toe shoes are recommended for walking safaris.
Health Precautions
Consult your doctor for necessary vaccinations and anti-malarial medication. Carry a basic first aid kit and any prescription medications you may need.
Cultural Respect
Learn a few basic Swahili phrases to show respect to the local culture. Dress modestly, especially when visiting religious sites or rural areas.
Weather Awareness
Kenya has diverse climates, so check the weather of the specific regions you plan to visit. Layers are useful to adapt to temperature variations, especially in higher elevations.
Currency and Payments
The official currency is the Kenyan Shilling. Have some cash for small purchases, but credit cards are widely accepted in urban areas.
Travel Insurance
Purchase comprehensive travel insurance covering health, trip cancellations, and any potential safari-related incidents.
Responsible Tourism
Respect wildlife and follow your guide's instructions during safaris. Contribute to local economies by purchasing crafts directly from artisans.
Transportation Tips
Book flights in advance, especially during peak travel times. Utilize reputable transportation services for safety and reliability.
Cuisine Exploration
Try local dishes such as Nyama Choma (grilled meat) and Ugali (maize porridge). Drink bottled or treated water to avoid waterborne illnesses.
Connectivity
Purchase a local SIM card for your phone to have affordable local communication and internet access. Download offline maps and travel apps for navigation in areas with limited connectivity.
Reviews
You'll Be Staying Here
5 En-suites
Every bedroom at Arijiju is beautifully appointed and subtly different. That said, they all have in common a king size bed and impressive leather desks, deep copper baths and indoor and outdoor showers, huge lush towels and great pieces of furniture. Sandalwood candles, crystal wall lights, copper details and an edited palette of soft toned furnishings complete the sense of understated luxury. Hot water bottles and ragging fires keep guests snug on cooler evenings.
FAQs
When should I book my trip?
Six to twelve months in advance, if possible. A minimum of 4 months required. We suggest getting started as soon as you have a destination or event in mind — we can help sort out the details. Event tickets, the best hotels, and reservations at popular restaurants always sell out or book up quickly when a high-profile event is in town.
Are activities included in the package?
No. The only items included in the pricing for the package are listed in the "including" section.
We customize the trip for YOU from start to finish. Opulent Lifestyle will assist you with arranging any additional activities or services to make your experience special, relaxing, and enjoyable.
Are there specific requirements for this property?
Yes,
- Please note the property offers rates starting from $13,000 per night on an exclusive-use basis for up to six guests, with additional adults charged starting from rates of $1,000 per night per person. This includes all meals and beverages, Borana or Lewa airstrip transfers, babysitting and laundry facilities, game drives and wilderness walks, mountain biking and bush running with experienced guides, use of tennis and squash courts, gym, media room, home cinema, yoga deck, hammam and spa, five hours per day of spa treatments and all local taxes.
- During the festive period, the 16th of December to the 10th of January, we require a minimum stay of 5 nights.
- At all other times of the year, the minimum stay is 3 nights.
- Each of the five suites has a day bed that can sleep a child, and the two twin rooms can be made into triple rooms.
- The property can accommodate a maximum of 10 adults and 4 children
- Smoking is permitted in some areas of the property including the bar area, dining room, living room and the comfy fireside spots outdoors (which is preferable). Heavy smokers are asked to limit their smoking to outdoor spaces only, and it is forbidden to smoke in the bedrooms, offices, cinema or games room.
- Pets are allowed at Arijiju, however, it is at their own risk as there are leopards and baboons around the property. Pets are required to stay on the house premises and not chase wildlife around the property. Please note that the grounds keeper owns a dog that lives on the premises.
- Please note that while check-in & check-out times are at 10.00 AM, respectively, Arijiju will do their best to be flexible and accommodate bespoke requests. In such cases, this property manager asks guests to let them know as soon as possible if they need an early check-in/late check-out.
- Please note that guests must pay an additional $190 per adult per night ($95 per child per night) in conservation fees for the Borana Conservancy. 100% of the conservancy fee goes towards supporting local education, community and wildlife conservation projects. Please note Arijiju and The Borana Conservancy are not-for-profit.
Do you recommend travel insurance?
In a post pandemic world, travel has changed. We highly recommend travel insurance. After your initial deposit has been created we will provide you with recommendations on coverage options.
Cancellation costs vary, depending on the property owner, so will always recommend a policy that includes the ability to cancel for any reason. Note in most cases rentals may be considered non-refundable.
What happens if the services, accommodations, or amenities that were shown or booked become unavailable?
Opulent Lifestyle reserves the right to substitute similar services, accommodations, or amenities in the rare event that they become unavailable. This may occur due to circumstances beyond our control or if there was an error in the price, service, or amenity shown or quoted. Rest assured, we will make every effort to provide alternatives of comparable quality to ensure your experience remains exceptional. If you have any concerns or specific inquiries about substitutions, our dedicated team is here to assist you.