Lengishu

Lengishu is set into a ridge in the centre of Borana Conservancy in northern Kenya, which forms part of 90,000 acres of beautiful natural savannah. Looking out over the Laikipia plains and surrounded by hills, you can enjoy a wildlife holiday like no other.

Lengishu accommodates up to 12 guests, with six bedrooms in four cottages, which are separate to the main house, ensuring privacy and seclusion. There are two standalone cottages that are ideal for couples, while the other two are ideal for families or two couples on safari together, as they are joined by a shared sitting room.

Set overlooking the valley, the rooms, all named after birds, are airy and spacious, with an attractive less-is-more design and stylish neutral tones offset by splashes of red – reflecting both the owner’s Scottish heritage and the local Maasai community. The bathrooms feature freestanding copper bathtubs, and the floor-to-ceiling windows mean you can even do some wildlife spotting from the bath (!).

At the dining room in the main house, which has a soaring vaulted ceiling, two cosy fireplaces and glorious views, savour the delicious results of Lengishu’s farm-to-fork philosophy. The fresh ingredients that the experienced chefs use are grown organically and predominantly sourced from local farms such as Waitabit Farm, which is located within Borana Conservancy. There is a pizza oven on the veranda, offering breathtaking views while you enjoy a delicious pizza. Enjoy breakfast, lunch or dinner in the bush, and at sunset, make your way to the secluded sundowner spot.

Swim in the gorgeous infinity pool, have a workout in the gym or do some yoga while taking in the sun. Relax after a day on safari in the games room, which has a billiards table and a dartboard, or unwind with a massage courtesy of the in-house masseuse.

The wildlife-spotting opportunities here are simply fantastic, with the Big Five and more, as well as over 200 bird species, and there are plenty of wonderful ways to discover Borana Conservancy and beyond. Explore on foot, by safari vehicle or on horseback, go mountain biking through herds of zebras, swim in pristine lagoons, quad bike through sand rivers or take to the skies in an aeroplane or a helicopter (fly over the Suguta Valley or to Mt Kenya for the ultimate scenic trip).

Get a taste of Lengishu’s conservation work by joining an anti-poaching unit tracking rhinos on foot at dawn, spend a memorable afternoon with a pride of lions, and go on a night-time game drive around the conservancy to discover its fascinating nocturnal world.  

There are daily scheduled flights from Wilson Airport in Nairobi to Lewa Downs, a 1.5-hour game drive from Lengishu. Private charter flights are available from across East Africa to the Borana Conservancy Airstrip, a 15-minute drive from Lengishu.