The estate’s restaurant and tasting room, housed in a converted orchid greenhouse, has become a beloved spot for both locals and visitors, offering sweeping views over the lush fields and a menu served family-style in a gracious, welcoming setting. Whether popping in for a tasting or celebrating something special, Kay & Monty is known for its warmth, generosity, and laidback elegance.

For guests wanting to linger a little longer, Country House offers the perfect home base. Once the original farmhouse, this beautifully restored five-bedroom homestead is now an exclusive-use retreat complete with a swimming pool, indoor fireplaces, spacious lounge and dining areas, and a large kitchen designed for cooking and connection. Tucked between vineyards and mountains, it’s ideal for relaxed getaways, small celebrations or memorable family holidays.

The surrounding area offers access to hiking and biking trails, horse riding, beaches, golf and wildlife adventures – all just minutes away.

Whether visiting for an afternoon or a long weekend, Kay & Monty Vineyards offers an invitation to embrace a slower, more generous way of living.

Part of the Rare Earth Retreats Collection

Kay & Monty Vineyards and Country House are proudly part of the Rare Earth Retreats portfolio– a privately-owned collection of exclusive South African escapes. Each Rare Earth property is thoughtfully chosen for its unique setting, immersive guest experience and deep connection to the land and community. From bush to beach, Rare Earth blends heartfelt hospitality with a commitment to preserving the stories and natural beauty of its surroundings.

Rare Earth Retreats

W: Rare Earth

Kay & Monty’s relevant links and information

W:Kay and Monty
T: Online or call +27 079 965 9779

Social media

Instagram: @kayandmonty
Facebook: Kay and Monty Vineyards

Country House relevant links and information:

W: Kay and Monty
E: Reservations
T:  +27 079 965 9779

The post Kay & Monty Vineyards: Relaxed Country Luxury on the Plett Wine Route appeared first on Luxury Safari Magazine.

In the spirit of crafting journeys rich in substance and soul, Ahnasa’s mother-daughter co-founders, Pana and Phera, set off on a 13-day immersion into Botswana’s heartland. Their mission? To experience the Delta as their guests would, firsthand, fully, and with eyes wide open to the magic that unfolds only when you’re truly present.

What followed was not your average site inspection. It was a beautifully choreographed dance through some of Botswana’s most exceptional properties, each with its rhythm, charm, and wilderness heartbeat. Their journey began in the Selinda Reserve with Great Plains Conservation’s Selinda Camp and Okavango Explorers, where luxury meets raw, unfiltered beauty. From there, they ventured to the Khwai Concession to stay at the warm and welcoming Khwai Leadwood, then moved into the iconic Camp Moremi in the Moremi Game Reserve.

Just when it seemed the Delta couldn’t possibly get more enchanting, they headed deeper into the floodplains to Wilderness Kwetsani, tucked away in the ethereal Jao Concession. Scenic interludes by helicopter added a whole new layer of awe, culminating in a flight to one of the Delta’s most exciting new openings: Atzaró Okavango by African Bush Camps, a property that feels like it was dreamed up by the Delta herself.

During their stay at the different camps, Pana and Phera soaked in the rhythm of each location, built genuine connections with the teams, and understood how every detail, from sundowners to safari guides, contributes to something much greater than a holiday: a transformation.

Botswana is a land of layered experiences. Mornings are filled with the golden hush of a walking safari. Afternoons that float by as you drift along water channels in a mokoro. Nights are alive with the thrill of spotting elusive nocturnal creatures under a starlit sky. Game drives, yes—but also soul drives, thrilling flights, and moments of stillness so profound they echo long after you’ve gone.

And those scenic flights? As much a part of the safari as the sightings below. From the sky, the Okavango reveals itself in full splendour: a living, breathing mosaic of shimmering water, palm-fringed islands, and wandering elephants, like brushstrokes on a canvas only nature could paint.

When asked what they took away from the journey, Pana and Phera didn’t hesitate:

“We didn’t want to leave. Not just because the wildlife was extraordinary (it absolutely was). Not just because the landscapes were among the most beautiful we’ve ever seen (and trust us, we’ve seen many). But because the Delta reminded us of something rare—that the world, when left wild and free, is still achingly beautiful. This is a place that touches something deep within you. It’s not a ‘someday’ destination. It’s a now destination. Because moments like this don’t wait forever. And memories like this? They’re not found. They’re made.”

At Ahnasa, we believe in magic grounded in meaning. Botswana has it in abundance. And we can’t wait to share it with you.

Company Contacts

Phera Jai (Co-Founder | Travel Designer)
E: Phera
T: +254 782 060 166 / +254 799 402 868
W: Ahnasa

Kalpana Jai (Co-Founder | Sales & Marketing)
E: Pana
T: +254 731 995 506

Sara Jamal (Travel Designer )
E: Sara
T: +1 724 984 7026

Social media

Instagram
Facebook
Linkedin

The post Ahnasa introduces Botswana to their portfolio appeared first on Luxury Safari Magazine.

When I spoke to Ahnasa Luxury Travel about seeking a stripped-back, slowed-down safari – one that felt more connected, more intentional, they knew exactly where to send me: Karisia Walking Safaris and Tumaren Camp in Laikipia, Kenya. Based within the Tumaren private conservancy, Karisia offers a rare kind of safari, where guests can embark on a multi-day mobile walking expedition through the wilderness, or stay at their permanent Tumaren Camp, surrounded by the vast open landscapes.

Many guests choose to do both, combining adventure with relaxation and whilst my limited time meant I fully embraced Tumaren Camp and everything it has to offer, I already know I’ll be back for the full multi-day mobile experience.
The Story Behind Tumaren

The landscape of Tumaren, now alive with wildlife, had not always been this way.

In 2005, Jamie and Kerry made a pivotal decision: they purchased the land, transforming Tumaren into a private conservancy and giving them the opportunity to shape its future. When they acquired it, the land was completely exhausted – overgrazed, poached, stripped of its wildlife. Instead of fencing it off, they restored it through partnerships – paying local landowners conservation fees for mobile safaris, collaborating with community ranches for rotational grazing, hiring former poachers as rangers, and ensuring that conservation was led from within, not imposed from the outside.

The result? One of the most successful rewilding projects in Laikipia. Tumaren is now home to some of the highest densities of endangered species like Grevy’s zebras and reticulated giraffes, as well as the lesser-known but equally vital species like aardwolves.

Yet what makes Tumaren special isn’t just the wildlife – it’s the way you experience it, which I found out first-hand.

A Camp That Breathes with the Land

As soon as we arrived at the camp the wildlife had already gathered, inviting us into their world. Reticulated giraffes moved with effortless grace, and Grevy’s zebras flicked their tails in the golden light. It was a scene so wild it felt almost scripted – except here, nature writes its own story.

Tumaren Camp itself is shaped by the land. Originally Kerry and Jamie’s family home, it remains deeply personal, from Kerry’s father’s bronze sculptures, the handmade bird feeders Jamie has placed throughout the camp for guests to catch morning glimpses of his favourite species, to the seven solar-powered tents that open to sweeping views of the conservancy. The décor is understated but full of character – locally woven rugs, hand-carved wooden furnishings, and open-air showers where oryx and giraffes occasionally wander past as you rinse off the dust of the day.

It’s luxury without excess – because here, immersion is the true indulgence.

The team, many of them Samburu and Maasai, greeted us not as guests, but as part of the family. Before I had even stepped fully into camp, I was handed a cool iced tea, a refreshing towel scented with local herbs, and the kind of knowing smile that said, “Slow down. You’re home now.”

And so, I did.

Finding Our Feet in a Land That Walks the Talk

Mornings arrived not with an alarm, but with the natural symphony of Laikipia – doves cooing, hornbills calling, the soft rustle of a breeze through the acacias. Tumaren Camp quietly champions birdwatching – so often overlooked on safari, yet the purest way to tune into the land’s hidden rhythms. I stepped out of my tent to sip coffee while watching the iridescent flash of sunbirds darting between branches, their calls and movements telling a tune: which predators passed through in the night, how the seasons shift, where the pulse of the wild beats strongest.

As the first golden light touched the landscape, we set out with camels in tow. Here, camels are not just a novelty but an integral part of life – used by the Samburu and Maasai for transport and as livestock in place of cattle, which can be more ecologically damaging. The team prioritises their welfare, with every effort made to ensure they are well-treated and respected. I even gave camel riding a try – more graceful in theory than in practice. As for milking one? Let’s just say it’s a skill I require more practice to perfect.

Unlike a game drive, a walking safari is about learning to read the land. In a vehicle, the engine drowns out the whispers of the bush. On foot, every sense sharpens. Every broken twig, every displaced stone, every imprint in the dust tells a story that you are a character in. It’s humbling. It’s empowering. It’s the reminder that there’s no shortcut to discovery.

Our guides, Gabriel and Tatiun, ensured every step meant something. Their understanding of the land was intrinsic, their presence a steady reassurance. Gabriel taught us to track – a skill passed down for generations, requiring patience and intuition. To the untrained eye, just marks in the dirt – to them, a full script of who had passed by, when, and why. We crouched over fresh lion tracks, tracing their movements. We never saw them, but we felt them. Their presence was in the air, in the patterns on the earth, in the way every hair on the back of my neck stood up. The experience of tracking – of knowing rather than just looking – is what makes walking safaris so electrifying.

By mid-morning, we arrived at a secluded breakfast spot. It was a moment of simple luxury – warm water and soap for washing hands, fresh coffee, homemade muesli, porridge, eggs, and bread straight from the camp’s kitchen. Everything here is thoughtfully sourced – what can be grown is grown, and what can’t be is sourced locally. Even the meat comes from nearby farms, ensuring the supply chain supports the communities around them. Every detail had been considered, not in excess, but in thoughtfulness, a reflection of how Karisia Walking Safaris defines hospitality.

Later, we turned our gaze upwards, scaling one of the many rock formations that dot the conservancy. Rock climbing has become an unexpected highlight for guests and staff – both young and old. The views from the top stretched endlessly, the sense of accomplishment only heightened by the land rolling out below us, untamed and endless.

A Different Kind of Luxury: Embracing Connection

Afternoons at Tumaren Camp are unhurried, shaped by the rhythm of the land rather than the ticking of a clock. Some guests retreat to the 20-metre pool, a tranquil front-row seat to wildlife wandering past. Others, like me, take the opportunity to sit with Samburu women at camp, learning the intricate art of beading.

Their hands move with practised ease, their laughter warm as they guide me through patterns that carry deep cultural meaning. Beading isn’t just decoration – it’s identity. Every colour, every design, and every technique tells a story of status, heritage, and personal journey.

Evenings are reserved for walks before sunset when the golden light stretches across the plains. One evening, we found ourselves face to face (well, face to knee) with a tower of reticulated giraffes, their impossibly long lashes blinking down at us as they plucked leaves from the acacias.

We ended our final night atop a towering rock formation, dinner under the stars, lanterns flickering, the Milky Way spilling across the sky in a celestial display that left us all momentarily lost in wonder; before listening to the stories of the land from the team.

That’s the magic of Tumaren. It’s not just about seeing – it’s about understanding. Although one thing I never quite managed to understand was how I kept losing every game of draughts to Tatiun—his strategy, it turns out, was as sharp as his tracking skills.

Walking the Talk: Conservation That Thrives Through People

What it means to truly conserve this little piece of the world cannot be underestimated. Unlike national parks backed by government funds, privately run conservancies like Tumaren sustain themselves entirely through tourism. Every guest who walks these trails isn’t just experiencing the wild – they’re directly funding its protection.

Karisia Walking Safaris has always been about immersion, whether you’re on a multi-day mobile safari that takes you deeper into the wild, out on a guided walk or game drive from the main Tumaren Camp, or trying out one of the many activities on offer; you become part of the story.

But more than that, Karisia has always been about people. The team; many of them local Samburu and Maasai guides who have grown up tracking wildlife since childhood; aren’t just leading safaris; they are the custodians of knowledge, the keepers of traditions, and the heart of what makes this experience so unique.

Beyond employment, Karisia’s reach extends deep into the community. They work directly with local primary and high schools, supplementing meals to improve nutrition and academic performance, and even supporting an ultimate frisbee team that has become a source of pride in the community. Teaching biodiversity and conservation to children is a priority, alongside the joy of simply reading to them, and the impact is tangible – when resources are scarce, the hunger for knowledge is even greater.

Karisia also provides seasonal dry grazing for livestock from the community ranches that share the land, ensuring that both cattle and wildlife can thrive. Unlike traditional grazing, where cattle are left to roam freely, here it is done with careful coordination – before the rains, in controlled areas, ensuring that the land has time to regenerate. This balance between livestock and wildlife is key to maintaining Laikipia’s fragile ecosystem.

This is what true conservation looks like. Not just protecting land, but creating a future where wildlife and people thrive together.

Taking the first step

Walking here isn’t just a mode of transport. It’s a metaphor. Just as walking forces you to slow down, to notice, to be present, it also mirrors the way conservation, community, and sustainability must be approached – step by step, with patience, intention, and respect.

For those ready to take a step towards a different kind of safari, Ahnasa Luxury Travel can help craft an experience that not only immerses you in the wild but leaves a positive impact long after you’ve gone.

And if you’re wondering how you can contribute? Bring a book – one you loved as a child, one you read to your own children. Imagine reading to a group of eager students beneath the shade of an acacia tree, sharing stories across continents, passing down knowledge in the oldest way we know how.

Because sometimes, the smallest steps make the biggest impact.

Company Contacts

Phera Jai (Co-Founder | Travel Designer)
E: Phera
T: +254 782 060 166 / +254 799 402 868
W: Ahnasa

Kalpana Jai (Co-Founder | Sales & Marketing)
E: Pana
T: +254 731 995 506

Sara Jamal (Travel Designer )
E: Sara
T: +1 724 984 7026

Social media

Instagram
Facebook
Linkedin

Written by Emma Blunt for Luxury Safari Magazine

The post Emma Blunt visits Tumaren Camp with Ahnasa: Where walking safaris began appeared first on Luxury Safari Magazine.

When Ahnasa Luxury Travel set out to craft my ultimate safari, they didn’t just look for luxury – they sought a narrative. A place where conservation and sustainability is not an afterthought but the beating heart of the experience. That’s why they brought me here – to El Karama Lodge, a safari written not just across the golden landscapes of Laikipia but in the warmth of its people, the pulse of its wildlife, and the thoughtful touches that make every moment feel both intentional and effortless.

Before there was a lodge, before there were sundowners or game drives, there was simply a family and a vision. Conservation has always been at the heart of El Karama’s story – long before ecotourism became a buzzword. Decades ago, Sophie and Murray Grant’s family began protecting this land, restoring its ecosystems, and proving that conservation thrives not through fences and separation but through coexistence.

What started as a working ranch in the 1960s became Kenya’s first private conservancy – El Karama – a model for how land, wildlife, and people can thrive together. And today, that legacy is woven into every part of the experience here.

From my own experience, I can say without hesitation that El Karama Lodge may be a place you come to for adventure, but you will return for the feeling of belonging.

Small is Beautiful, Small is Powerful

El Karama Lodge is small, yet mighty and true,
Where intimate moments shape the view.

In a world of sprawling, corporate safari operations, El Karama Lodge stands as proof that ‘small’ is beautiful, ‘small’ is powerful, and ‘small’ is the future of sustainable tourism.

Owner-operated and family-run, every decision here is made with intention. Growth is organic, driven by what benefits the land, the wildlife, the community, and the guests seeking an experience, not just a stay. Success isn’t measured in numbers; it’s seen in the strength of the people who work here, the way the landscape flourishes, and the lodge’s ability to grow without ever losing its soul.

And that sense of belonging runs deep. Take my guide, Robinson, as the perfect example. Born and raised on this land, he grew up watching his parents work at the El Karama Farm HQ. His journey began with tending cattle, before transitioning into guiding, a path that feels as much a calling as a career, his story a privilege to listen to.

Many of the team have been here since the beginning, and those who weren’t born in the conservancy come from the surrounding areas, their knowledge of the land woven into them through generations. If the bush is the theatre, the team are the storytellers – each with their chapter interwoven with the conservancy’s own – from Neambura’s warm smile at breakfast to the chefs who turn local ingredients into culinary magic.

The memories remain in the small, exquisite moments: A hot water bottle tucked into my lap on a crisp morning game drive or in my bed each evening; The way the team remembered my pre-bed tea order before I even had to ask; And their infectious laughter as they “hunted” me down on the running track when I casually mentioned needing some exercise – turns out, the chase is just as fun as the catch.

It is these quiet, personal touches that make El Karama Lodge unforgettable.

A Setting of Thoughtful Luxury

Even the setting stands in a world of its own,
Where nature and comfort are seamlessly sewn.

My home during my stay was Nilotica Private House – an exclusive-use retreat that feels like a world of its own. Slightly removed from the main Lodge’s eight cottages, it offers privacy for families or small groups, wildly immersive and designed for connection. Even the smallest corners invite pause and reflection – like the hidden swings, the perfect spot to ‘hang out’ after an exhilarating game drive, letting the bush wrap around me like a well-worn safari jacket as curious monkeys swung by to check out the latest visitor in their territory.

True to the Lodge’s ethos, luxury here isn’t about what’s added but what’s honoured. Riverbed-quarried rock shapes the bath and shower, while fallen trees from the conservancy become bedposts that cradle your rest. What can’t be repurposed from the land is sourced within Kenya – like Cinnabar Green’s organic soaps, quite literally ‘powered by plants.’

The Grant family’s authenticity is woven throughout – Sophie curates each space with warmth and character, while Murray’s bronze sculptures, cast from real animal footprints and skulls, offer conservation frozen in time. Every aspect of the lodge uplifts the community, from job creation to local artisans, ensuring tourism’s benefits stay rooted in Laikipia. Nowhere is this clearer than in the team itself; like Irene, who began in housekeeping, was trained in massage, and now masters her craft with hands that tell a story of opportunity, growth, and care.

I couldn’t have felt more connected to place and purpose.

A Safari Beyond Sightings

At El Karama Lodge, it’s not a safari race,
It’s feeling the wild at nature’s own pace.

No staggered encounters, no manufactured drama, no safari ‘checklist’. We sat, we watched, we listened. A herd of elephants moving through golden light on our evening game drive. A lilac-breasted roller flashing across the sky – nature’s own flying paintbrush. A jackal and her pups weaving through the grass as dawn breaks over our walking safari – a moment so pure, so unfiltered, I forgot the modern world existed.

And then, the gerenuk (the ‘giraffe antelope’) – or as I now think of them, nature’s ballerinas. It was my first time seeing these impossibly elegant creatures, their long necks and delicate frames like something out of a forgotten fable. We stopped the vehicle and just watched. One rose onto its hind legs, stretching impossibly high to nibble fresh leaves, defying gravity with effortless grace. Just when you think you’ve seen it all, the bush offers up another surprise.

Safari options here are plentiful – game drives and walking safaris in a conservancy home to four of the Big Five, plus endangered species like the Reticulated Giraffe and Grevy’s Zebra. Some drift off beneath a sky spilling with stars on a fly-camping adventure, lulled by the sounds of the night. Others explore on horseback, moving quietly as giraffes pause to watch them pass.

But safari at El Karama Lodge isn’t just about what you see – it’s about how you feel. I found my rhythm in quiet afternoons at Nilotica, cooling off in Kenya’s first eco-swimming pool as wildlife wandered past in silent companionship. I crossed paths with the lodge’s resident monitor lizard, sweated off another delicious lunch at the gym, and shared laughter (and fierce competition) over a game of Mancala with the team. Down at the stables, I spent time with the gentle horses before heading back for an afternoon of stillness, the hush of the bush settling into my bones.

El Karama Lodge also quietly debunks the myth that safaris aren’t for children. Here, the bush is a playground of imagination and discovery, in the form of the much-loved Bush School. And for parents? A rare gift – time to slip away for a spa treatment or a long, lazy lunch by the pool. This commitment to young minds extends beyond visiting families, with the lodge investing in the next generation of conservationists through school visits, mentorship, and internships.

Evenings unfold at secret sundowner spots, where I felt like I was in the live remake of The Lion King, watching the sky blush over the savannah before returning to camp. We gathered by the fire, where stories flowed as easily as the drinks in hand, laughter rising into the night air. And as the final embers faded, the bush settled into its rhythm – the nocturnal symphony of a land that never truly sleeps.

Food For Thought

What’s grown, what’s sourced, what’s served with grace,
Honours the land, this sacred place.

At first glance, the food might sound simple. But this is where El Karama Lodge shines – taking what can be grown from the land, and elevating it into something unforgettable.

Everything fresh is sourced within a strict 60-70 km radius or grown right here in their wild shamba, where the team uses drip irrigation to sustain crops through the dry months. Grass-fed beef and sheep from a neighbouring farm, hand-line caught fish from sustainable fisheries on the coast, vegetables from the conservancy itself – it’s all carefully considered, all designed to keep supply chains short and impact long-lasting.

But once again it’s the smallest touches that linger. The surprise bush breakfast on the banks of the river where hippos surface and sink whilst we watch our chef make breakfast right in front of our eyes; the flowers from the shamba that don’t just decorate the plate – they become part of the dish; how each meal begins with a smoothie-based shot of goodness and a different type of freshly baked bread; and watching the magic happen in the open lodge kitchen, where young explorers don aprons and bake treats alongside the chefs.

The ripple effect of this thoughtful approach extends far beyond the plate. Take Lucy, a trusted supplier for over 15 years. With her income from El Karama Lodge, she bought land, educated her family, and built a sustainable future. This is true sustainability – not just cutting waste or installing solar panels, but making sure every decision uplifts the people and places that make a lodge like this possible.

And the experience is still evolving. The Lodge’s Wild Shamba is being transformed into an interactive space where guests can plant, harvest, and taste the results under the shade of guava trees. A new experience that will celebrate slow, intentional cooking, and yet another reminder that at El Karama Lodge, everything is real, tangible, and rooted in the land itself.

Conservation Never Sleeps

Conservation thrives through action and care,
A hands-on approach that’s always aware.

Take the elephants. As they strip Boscia trees and push them over, the delicate balance of the woodland is shifting. To counter this, El Karama Lodge wraps Boscia trunks in wire to prevent debarking, safeguarding vital habitats for secretary birds and nesting species. They’ve also established pilot exclusion zones, giving young trees a fighting chance to grow, while a major riverbank restoration effort, powered by local school children planting Indigenous species along the Lodge’s internal riverfrontage, is bringing indigenous species back to life. This is conservation in action, where education and impact go hand in hand.

And it doesn’t stop at the fence line. They’ve designed leopard-proof, flatpack bomas for livestock – ingenious, modular systems that keep predators out while allowing sheep and cattle to graze freely. The concept has proven so effective that it’s now being adopted elsewhere, a testament to conservation that serves both people and wildlife.

Now, a new chapter is unfolding, with the Laikipia region being explored for its potential role in conservation’s next frontier – one that could see expanded habitats supporting keystone species (such as the black rhino) and ecosystem resilience. But, as always, the challenge isn’t just about land – it’s about people. Ensuring long-term success means balancing ecological needs with community collaboration, and navigating the complexities of shared landscapes.

Because, ultimately, conservation without people means nothing. El Karama Lodge understands this better than most. After all, that’s how they began – by creating something that worked for the land, for the people, and for the future.

A Story That Stays With You

As El Karama Lodge’s tale grows each day,
My chapter ends – until my next stay!

Each guest takes home their own version of El Karama Lodge’s story. Some take home the thrill of their first lion sighting, others the warmth of shared laughter over dinner or the quiet magic of a morning walk. Some are inspired by Sophie’s handcrafted linen, timeless and made for safari life, while others pack her cookbook, eager to recreate the lodge’s flavours. Many tuck away a handmade children’s book by Lavinia, a keepsake of the wonder found here.

For me what lingers longest is the feeling – of something rare, something deeply personal, something small yet as vast as the savannah itself.

If this is the kind of safari that speaks to you, Ahnasa Luxury Travel can craft it just as they did for me. Their expertise lies not just in finding the perfect places, but in understanding that the best stories aren’t just told, they are lived.

Company Contacts

Phera Jai (Co-Founder | Travel Designer)
E: Phera
T: +254 782 060 166 / +254 799 402 868
W: Ahnasa

Kalpana Jai (Co-Founder | Sales & Marketing)
E: Pana
T: +254 731 995 506

Sara Jamal (Travel Designer )
E: Sara
T: +1 724 984 7026

Social media

Instagram
Facebook
Linkedin

Written by Emma Blunt for Luxury Safari Magazine

The post Emma Blunt visits El Karama Lodge with Ahnasa: Where Small is Beautiful appeared first on Luxury Safari Magazine.

Once you set foot on its shores, Africa takes hold of you. The epic scale of wide spaces is inspiring, the diversity makes every moment special and the rhythm and sounds of the bush play with your senses as every day brings you a deeper sense of enchantment.

What is a safari?

The word safari conjures up images of wildlife, vast African savannahs, wide skies and 4×4 vehicles gliding across the plains.

Safari means “journey” in Swahili, the language of East Africa and is synonymous with Africa. It is a journey into the wilderness to observe free-roaming wildlife, with no hunting involved.

African safari travel typically provides revenue for local conservation projects and game parks, helping to protect habitats and wildlife. Safaris also play an important role in education and creating awareness about wildlife conservation as well as benefiting local communities.

Where to go on safari

When planning a trip to Africa, there is so much to look forward to but choosing the type of safari experience can be quite daunting.

There are 54 countries in Africa, 9 of which are renowned for world-class wildlife viewing including superb birding and photographic opportunities: Botswana, Kenya, Namibia, Rwanda, South Africa, Tanzania, Uganda, Zambia, and Zimbabwe.

Types of safari experiences

Game drive

You cannot visit Africa without doing a game drive. It is the epitome of an African experience and you should do as many as you can as they are the foremost ac9vity of every African adventure. While a safari is the entire journey, a game drive is a specific activity viewing wildlife in the comfort of a 4×4 open-sided vehicle. They are offered by every lodge in Africa and are led by qualified, experienced rangers who take you as close as is deemed safe to see the animals without disturbing them in their natural habitat.

Some of Africa’s greatest wildlife viewing activities in more detail

Walking Safaris

There is no African bush activity as rive9ng as an on-foot safari. Walking safaris offer the closest connection to the wilderness and animals as possible. Walking slowly through Big 5 areas gives you a different perspective compared to being in a game vehicle. You will learn about the many signs and tracks of the bush, to tell lion spoor from leopard footprints and even how to determine the freshness of elephant dung. Walking in the wilderness is an experience of feeling the African bush come alive.

Although there are many places to do walking safaris around Africa: the two men9oned are well known for their four to eight days trails.

Zambia – South Luangwa National Park is Africa’s premier walking safari des9na9on and is where walking trails originated. This remote location gives you a unique wilderness experience because when you walk in the wild you become part of the environment. This national park is centred around the Luangwa River and its tributaries with signs of leopards and other predators almost guaranteed. Untapped by man, the river’s natural ebb and flow of flooding makes most of the park inaccessible by road which keeps it a sanctuary for the large concentra9on of game. As ac9vi9es focus on the rivers, where the game congregates, especially during the drier months, walking safaris are oZen combined with boat trips to reach the more remote areas.

Walking trips are best from April to October as aZer that the temperatures rise considerably. There are numerous, comfortable accommodation options along the river including mobile walking safaris with bush camps. All offer a fascinating experience with each day bringing new scenes and a different experience for everyone. The guides are knowledgeable as Zambia has strict guiding examinations and consistently high standards.

South Africa – Kruger National Park is a world-renowned African safari des9na9on with only a fraction of it accessible by vehicle. There are seven different walking trails within the remote areas of the park where visitors walk out each day, in the morning for about 4 hours and again in late afternoon, accompanied by experienced rangers. Walking close to elephants, and buffalo herds and amongst the majestic baobab trees is an exhilarating experience.

“A#er a few hours of walking, we had the hair-raising experience of a leopard roaring as it leapt out of the bush towards us. The rangers’ rules were so quickly obeyed as we ducked behind him and his weapon. The emotion of that thrilling encounter stayed with me for years”.

You can encounter changing landscapes, from bushveld to riverine forests and perennial pans which attract an array of spectacular animals and birds. There is no hard climbing or rough walking through difficult terrain, but relative fitness is recommended. The walking trails stretch over four days, and each night is spent at a base camp in cosy huts where tales of the day are shared around a campfire.

Other walking areas

• Tanzania- Nyerere Na9onal Park (formally Selous), Ruaha Na9onal Park, Serenge9 Na9onal Park, Katavi Na9onal Park
• South Africa- Hluhluwe-Umfolozi Park, Marakele Na9onal Park, Phinda Reserve
• Zimbabwe – Mana Pools, Hwange Na9onal Park
• Botswana -Okavanga Delta, Mashutau Game Reserve, Makgadikgadi Pans
• Ethiopia-Simien Na9onal Park, Bale Na9onal Park
• Namibia-Damaraland, Namib Desert
• Malawi-Nkhotakota Wildlife Reserve
• Kenya – Chyulu Hills Na9onal Park

Gorilla and chimpanzee trekking

The forested mountains of Uganda, Rwanda and the Congo are home to the world’s last remaining mountain gorillas. More than half live in the Virunga Mountains, a range of ex9nct volcanoes that border Rwanda, Uganda, and the Democratic Republic of Congo. The remainder lives in the Bwindi Impenetrable National Park in Uganda.

Uganda and Rwanda have the leading conserva9on and sustainable programs around gorilla and chimpanzee trekking adventures that offer awe-inspiring experiences as well as good jungle retreats for a vaca9on getaway in some of the remotest parts of Africa. Coming face to face with an intelligent and thoughtful primate so closely related to us is unlike any other animal encounter in Africa.

These critically endangered animals are fortunately protected within national parks where organised, guided treks allow controlled visits.

To join a gorilla trek, you will need to be fit and equipped for the humid, muddy conditions of an equatorial rainforest hike as it is tough hiking terrain You also need to be in good health as gorillas are suscep9ble to human illnesses but do not have human immuni9es. This means that something like a common cold can be deadly to a whole family of gorillas.

The trek is led by a professional guide and tracker through the thick vegetation of the forest’s secret paths following clues that end up suddenly being amongst a gorilla family. It can take from 30 minutes to four hours to find a troop. Although so large they are incredibly quiet, so it is a surprise to suddenly find yourself with a family group. Gorillas have been nicknamed “gentle giants” because of their nonchalant demeanour. They live quietly and forage in small patriarchal groups led by dominant silverback males.

“We had been trekking in the Bwindi Impenetrable Forest and were resting when the tree next to us rustled and a large silverback male came slithering down. He got up and walked nonchalantly passed us to his family group! It took everything not to shout: It’s a gorilla! Right here!”

Rules of no flash photography and the maximum of only one hour with the gorillas are strictly adhered to. Other rules of not being near the primates, not mimicking their sounds, avoiding eye contact with the alpha male and having no direct contact are important and can make or break a trekking experience.

Differences /similarities between gorilla and chimpanzee trekking

Chimpanzee trekking is not much different as both apes live in similar areas and share the same traits although chimpanzees can only be found in the lower areas and even on the rainforest floor. The same rules apply although slightly larger groups are allowed with chimpanzees than gorillas.

The enormous difference is the trekking permit cost that would make you choose one over the other. For example, a half-day gorilla trek in Uganda’s mountain forests costs $700 per person per trek, compared to a chimpanzee permit in the lower tropical forests is $200. The same gorilla trek permit costs $1500 per person in Rwanda’s volcanic area.

If undecided on which of the two adventures to do and wondering how gorilla trekking compares to chimpanzee trekking it is highly recommended to do both. They both have different, breathtaking experiences and are worth the spend.
Chimpanzee trekking is exhilarating and exhaus9ng at the same 9me. Being omnivores, they are much more active, especially during a hunt as they swing effortlessly through the forest canopy. It is easier to find a chimpanzee troop as they have loud personalities; they grunt, hoot and scream making for exciting trekking. They are hyper-ac9ve while foraging so once you have found them it can be able to keep up with them on foot. They are known to be intelligent, social and at 9mes dangerous and violent.

“While quietly following a troop through the trees, one of the males suddenly picked up a rock and threw it overhand with such force that it bounced on the ground and hit my daughter’s ankle. Luckily no damage just shocked us with this sudden behaviour”.

Chimps are the only species who create and use tools, to pry insects out of 9ght spaces or crack nuts or hard fruits with rocks. Chimpanzees share 98.7% of their DNA with humans and share many of the same traits.

Places to see wild chimpanzees:

• Uganda – Kibale Forest, Budongo Forest Reserve and the Queen Elizabeth Na9onal Park
• Rwanda – Nyungwe Na9onal Park
• Tanzania – Gombe Stream Na9onal Park and Mahale Mountains Na9onal

The park is on the remote eastern shores of Lake Tanganyika in Tanzania. The chimpanzees of Tanzania were made famous through the studies of Dr Jane Goodall at the Gombe Stream National Park on the northern reaches of Lake Tanganyika. This is a very special place to trek chimpanzees as there are very few visitors other than occasional researchers.

Wildebeest Migration

Few travel experiences compare to encountering the legendary wildlife of the Serenge9 and the Masai Mara.
The annual wildebeest migra9on from the Serenge9 in Tanzania to the Masai Mara in Kenya is recognised as one of the “Seven wonders of the natural world”. It is one of the most sought-after experiences for wildlife and nature enthusiasts.

Many people think the Great Migration happens only once a year, however, it happens all year, with each season offering a unique wilderness experience. The migra9on is a constant circular movement of over a million animals across the Serenge9-Mara ecosystem. The 1.5 million wildebeest are joined by thousands of zebras along with gazelle and follow an age-old route in search of new grass and water. After the calving season in the southern part of Serengeti, the annual migra9on northwest starts at the end of the rainy season which is usually in May or June. They travel towards Kenya’s Masai Mara Reserve arriving any9me from July and staying there until late October returning towards the end of the year.

Along the way, high drama is always present, as thousands of animals are taken by predators or drowned in the drama9c river crossings. Thousands more are born later in the year replenishing the numbers and sustaining the circle of life.

Can the migration of river crossings be predicted?

Any wildebeest migra9on safari is very exciting, but it is also one of nature’s mysteries: 9ming is vital but there is no way to predict the 9ming of the animals’ movements. Everyone knows that the wildebeest and a smattering of zebra and gazelle will cross the Mara River – but no one knows exactly when. It is also known that the rain will trigger the wildebeest to move onto fresh grazing – but nobody knows exactly when the rain will fall.

Once on the move not even the wildebeest know when they are going to cross. Some arrive and swim over immediately, some arrive and spend days hanging around and grazing and some arrive and turn back to where they have come from. No one can predict the crossings and that is why it is best to have as much 9me on safari as possible if you hope to see a river crossing but it is not guaranteed. Your best chance of seeing a crossing may involve spending an entire day at a site where the wildebeest have massed.

“Crossings are unlike anything you’ve ever seen before. When they do decide to enter the river, it is an unbelievable sight and chaotic. The air crackles with suspense and we were all begging them to get across quickly before the crocodiles appeared.”

Both the Serenge9 and the Masai Mara are unique ecosystems with rolling plains abundant wildlife and enormous wide-open landscapes, so this makes them wonderful year-round safari des9na9ons. The astonishing density of wildlife like elephants, buffalo, giraffes, hyenas and the mara’s big cats: lion leopard and cheetah. Both reserves with their wide-open plains and mild climate mean that vegetation is never too dense to see animals.

Kenya is where “going on safari” started in 1895 when the Bri9sh Empire established the East Africa Protectorate. Nowhere in Africa has a more professional safari industry and with that comes a combination of infrastructure and service. There are hundreds of beautifully outfitted lodges and tented camps with excellent service. The industry in both Kenya and Tanzania has mastered the logistics of moving visitors between national parks for various safari itineraries, allowing you to witness one of nature’s greatest spectacles on the endless plains of the East African savannah.

Other safari options around Africa

Horseback safaris – There is a special kind of exhilaration that comes with game viewing while atop one or galloping alongside a herd of wild antelope. For horse lovers, these multi-day horse trails through the African wilderness are truly remarkable experiences as you make your way between camps or head out on different trails from a base camp. It is an extraordinary way to experience the African bush. Excellent safaris are offered in Botswana, Kenya, Tanzania, Zimbabwe, and South Africa.

Water-based safaris allow you to visit places that are inaccessible by land, and they focus on finding and getting close to water-dwelling animals. These safaris are far more calming and quieter than game drives and hikes. Sunsets on the water are usually spectacular and bird viewing is excellent. Some of the best des9na9ons include the Okavango Delta in Botswana, Bangweulu wetlands, Liuwa Plains and Lower Zambezi Na9onal Park in Zambia, Mana Pools in Zimbabwe, Niassa reserve in Mozambique and Liwonde Na9onal Park and Cape Maclear in Malawi.

Embarking on an African safari is literally escaping into another world. You are travelling into the wild, whether by foot, by vehicle or even in a canoe. African safari holidays play with all your senses as the animal and bird orchestra never quiets down. This all adds to an unforgettable experience and gets you away from your everyday routines and demands. Welcome the silence and solitude as you immerse yourself in the moment and let the unexpected astound you.

Regardless of age and preference, there is a safari that suits everyone so come and be humbled by the majesty of the African savannah.

Written by Diane McLeish

The post Planning your excitng African Safari appeared first on Luxury Safari Magazine.

Tucked away in the Cederberg Mountains, this private wilderness reserve and wellness spans 7,500 hectares, once farmland, now a testament to the patience of nature’s restoration. Four farms were merged to create what it is today, and while remnants of its past life still linger – patches of farmland, the ongoing battle against invasive plant species like boar Jackson – the transformation is evident. Indigenous species like the Cape Mountain zebra have returned, the land flourishes with over 300 plant species, and the happiness of the animals tells its own story. Something is humbling about seeing what happens when nature is finally allowed to catch its breath.

That sense of time slowing down began the moment we arrived. In our suite, a welcome letter rested on the desk, a thoughtful touch that immediately made us feel at home, alongside some delicious homemade treats and our very own Bushman’s Kloof caps. The room itself was a step back in time, blending old-world charm with modern comfort. Rich wooden furniture, delicate antique touches, and earthy tones reflected the surrounding landscape. The four-poster bed—raised high with steps leading up to it—was impossibly inviting, the kind of place you melt into after a long day exploring. Even before arriving, our pillow preferences had been noted, a small but telling detail in Bushman’s Kloof’s quiet luxury.

With only 17 rooms at the main lodge and the exclusive-use Koro Lodge for families with younger children, Bushman’s Kloof offers a more intimate kind of safari. Here, there are no roaring predators, no hurried game drives in pursuit of a sighting. Instead, mornings unfold gently, with the choice of a guided drive or a self-led walk through the wilderness. Walking alone in a game reserve isn’t something many places allow, but here, you’re part of the landscape – wandering past grazing antelope, watching zebra flick their tails, feeling the hush of the wild settling around you. It’s not about chasing the highs, but about exhaling into the rhythm of the land.

Evenings belong to the wilderness. Londi, our guide for the trip and a fixture at Bushman’s Kloof for over 16 years led us on drives where golden hour bathed the landscape in a soft glow. Baby antelope played in the long fynbos, their energy light and carefree, as if carried by the breeze. As the sun dipped lower, we were pulled up by a dam, glasses in hand, watching the sky burn with colour before fading into deep blue. On night drives, we craned our necks to take in the spectacle above – stars splattered across the sky, the Milky Way a luminous river stretching endlessly overhead. Every inhale carried the scent of the wild, every exhale a quiet surrender to the moment.

But the true history of Bushman’s Kloof is written in stone. The Cederberg Mountains is home to over 7,000 recorded rock art sites, with 120-130 found on this reserve alone. Some of these paintings date back 10,000 years, telling the stories of the San and Khoi people. Fine-line depictions of eland and trance dances, bold finger-painted herding scenes – art that isn’t just history, but a living record of belief, survival, and connection to the land. Unlike other historical sites, these can’t be protected under glass; the sandstone needs to breathe, left undisturbed. “Look, but don’t touch,” Londi reminded us. We didn’t need to. The energy in these places was tangible. The past lingers here like a breath held just beneath the surface.

On the walk to one of the sites, Londi stopped to show us how the San people used the land for more than just paint. A small plant, its leaves delicate in his fingers, became a demonstration of the first paintbrush – chewed at the end to create bristles. Others were remedies: fever medicine, headache relief, and antidotes for scorpion stings. Then, the first soap – an unassuming leaf that, when rubbed between my hands, transformed into a frothy lather, releasing a fresh scent as it cleaned my palms. This knowledge, passed down through generations, still lingers in the air here, waiting to be shared.

Afternoons stretched in lazy luxury. Some found solace in the cool retreat of the spa, where natural fynbos and rooibos-infused products soothed sun-warmed skin. After my massage, I drifted to one of the reserve’s pools, lying back as lilies floated on the water’s surface, the heat of the day coaxing me into a soft, dreamlike haze. Others sought adventure – archery, fly fishing, mountain biking, each activity moving at its own unhurried pace.

One afternoon, I chose the water. Canoes waited at the edge of the dam, their bright colours striking against the glassy surface. Paddling out, we moved through rippling reflections of the ochre cliffs, the only sound the occasional splash of an oar. The wind fought us as we pressed on, but determination (and a desire for discovery) kept us going. Then, tucked away behind a bend, we found it: a hidden cove, where a small sandbank rose like an island, untouched and serene. We pulled up, stretching out on the warm sand, the golden afternoon light wrapping around us. It felt like a secret place, a moment stolen from time. Even the baboons, ever the opportunists, seemed to approve – ambling along the shoreline, playing in the trees, always watching.

Dining at Bushman’s Kloof is an experience in itself; rooted in sustainability, and crafted with care. At the Makana, where dinner is served beneath a thatched roof and candlelit glow, much of what appears on the plate comes straight from the retreat’s gardens. Each morning, the chef walks through rows of herbs and vegetables, bowl in hand, selecting what’s needed for the day. Fish is sourced through the Abalobi app, ensuring direct support for small-scale South African fishers. Meat comes from local farmers, and anything left over – whether composted into the gardens or shared with subsistence farmers – never goes to waste.

But Bushman’s Kloof isn’t just about preserving the past; it’s about safeguarding the future. Conservation runs through every aspect of the reserve. The Cape Leopard Trust works to protect the elusive big cats roaming these mountains. The Sand Fish Project, an initiative started in 2014, has been working to restore a migratory fish species endemic to this region—once down to just eight making the journey, now steadily recovering. Even the endangered Clanwilliam cedar trees are nurtured here, grown from saplings before being reintroduced to the mountains they once thrived in, in collaboration with the Botanical Society and Western Cape Nature Conservation. Most importantly, education is prioritised through collaborations with local schools to show children the importance of ecosystems, flora and fauna, ancient rock art, and protecting these important lands.

Sustainability is embedded in the details: filtered borehole water eliminates the need for plastic bottles, greywater is recycled to irrigate the gardens, and glass replaces plastic wherever possible—even seemingly plastic items, like shower caps, are made from biodegradable cornstarch. The staff, over 100 of them, live here with their families in a close-knit village, their presence deeply intertwined with the land they care for. Every team member is given volunteer days each year to support causes they care about, reinforcing the idea that sustainability isn’t just about the land – it’s about people, too.

On our final morning, I took one last walk, following a path laid out by the reserve. Alone, with only the whisper of the wind and the occasional rustle of an animal in the brush, I breathed deeply, taking in the scent of sun-warmed fynbos. This is a place that doesn’t demand attention but quietly works its way into your soul. A place where nature is not just something to witness but something to be part of.

A place that, if you let it, will breathe life back into you.

W: Bushmans Kloof
T +27 87 743 2399
E: Reservations

Written by Emma Blunt for Luxury Safari Magazine

The post Where the Wild Breathes: Emma Blunt Slows Down in the Soul of Bushman’s Kloof appeared first on Luxury Safari Magazine.

Ahnasa Luxury Travel, with over a decade of expertise, crafts bespoke safaris that blend luxury with sustainability, offering exclusive experiences like El Karama Lodge – an intimate, eco-friendly retreat in Kenya’s Laikipia region where conservation, community, and adventure weave together as seamlessly as the untamed landscapes and abundant wildlife that surround it.

Step Inside El Karama Lodge

Nestled within a 14,000-acre private conservancy, El Karama Lodge is more than just a safari destination – it’s a home in the wild, designed for those seeking an authentic, immersive connection with nature. Specialising in family and small-group safaris, the lodge offers a truly personal experience, where adventure and sustainability go hand in hand.

The lodge features two main living areas, an eco-pool, eight beautifully crafted cottages, and a dedicated learning space, all brought to life by the Grant family, who built and continue to run this extraordinary retreat. Their deep-rooted creativity is woven throughout every corner of the lodge—from striking sculptures in shared spaces to artwork that tells the story of Laikipia’s rich heritage.

Nilotica Private House: Exclusive Safari Luxury

For those seeking the ultimate in privacy and exclusivity, Nilotica Private House is El Karama’s luxury private retreat. Sleeping up to eight guests across two elegantly designed cottages, this exclusive-use sanctuary offers breathtaking river views, a private infinity pool, and dedicated staff, including a private chef and safari guide. Whether enjoying a sundowner on the veranda or setting out on a tailor-made adventure, Nilotica provides an unmatched level of comfort and seclusion in the heart of the wild.

Commitment to conservation and community

With a firm commitment to conservation, El Karama operates 100% on solar power, implements advanced water storage and waste management systems, and is built using recycled materials. Supporting the local economy is at the heart of its operations, with farm-to-table dining sourced from local suppliers, ensuring both freshness and a positive community impact.

Beyond this, El Karama is a clear model for sustainable management and responsible tourism – prioritising long-term employment, education, training and livelihood opportunities, and using the lodge as a revenue stream for the conservancy, which is continually reinvested into the landscape for conservation. For every guest, this means the highest quality, low footprint wildlife experience.

Activities to last a lifetime

With every safari experience, wildlife sightings are a key highlight. Thanks to the options of game drives, night drives, bush walks, wildlife hides for game viewings, horse riding, and heli-safaris, there is no shortage of ways to get up close and personal with the incredible wildlife. The exceptional variety and density of wildlife means regular sightings of leopard, lion, cheetah, buffalo, hippo and elephant, as well as over 432 bird species, and more.

Beyond the wildlife, visits to the local shamba and farm, cooking experiences, school visits, learning about wildlife conservation research, yoga and even spa treatments for those who want the ultimate relaxation, are all available.

Kenya is calling

Guests become family at El Karama, so whether it’s sharing stories under the stars, witnessing breathtaking wildlife moments, or connecting with the people who protect this incredible landscape, you are sure to leave with memories to last a lifetime.

Let Ahnasa Luxury Travel Bring These Safari Dreams to Life! Get in touch to start planning your own tailor-made experience.

Company Contacts

Phera Jai (Co-Founder | Travel Designer)
E: Phera
T: +254 782 060 166 / +254 799 402 868
W: Ahnasa

Kalpana Jai (Co-Founder | Sales & Marketing)
E: Pana
T: +254 731 995 506

Sara Jamal (Travel Designer )
E: Sara
T: +1 724 984 7026

Social media

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Facebook
Linkedin

The post Ahnasa Presents: El Karama Lodge in Laikipia, Kenya appeared first on Luxury Safari Magazine.

A Passion-Driven, Women-Led Vision

What makes Ahnasa truly unique is the powerful mother-daughter duo at its helm. As a women-owned and led company, Ahnasa is driven by a deep, shared passion for conservation and transformative travel experiences. Despite being a small but mighty team, their influence in the luxury travel space is undeniable. Their hands-on approach ensures that every journey is intentionally designed, working with trusted suppliers and lodges that offer the best in exclusivity, alongside social and environmental responsibility.

With Ahnasa, luxury is always in the details!

The Art of Bespoke Travel: In-Action

At the heart of Ahnasa’s philosophy is a commitment to personalisation. Every journey is tailored to the desires of the guest, ensuring a deeply immersive experience that goes beyond the ordinary.

Luxuria Lifestyle is delighted to be able to experience this first-hand, with our own bespoke trip to Kenya, focusing on safaris at the intersection of exclusivity and sustainability. An exciting itinerary put together seamlessly by Ahnasa pairs two distinct yet complementary camps: Tumaren and El Karama’s Nilotica House, each offering a unique perspective on Kenya’s breathtaking landscapes, wildlife, and culture.

One of the main reasons Ahnasa chose these camps for this exclusive trip is that they have sustainability, conservation and positive community impact at the heart of their operations, something critical for this trip.

Ahnasa, with their expertise in the area, combined these camps also because of the logistical ease of moving from one to the other, another key element that was required for this short but exciting trip, to prioritise more time at each property and memorable experiences.

So let’s understand a bit more about the properties being visited:

Tumaren Camp

The first visit will be to Tumaren camp for two nights. Hidden within the vast wilderness of Laikipia, Tumaren is an intimate camp that epitomises understated luxury in the wild. This secluded retreat is run by the dedicated team behind Karisia Walking Safaris, offering guests a rare chance to explore Kenya’s wilderness on foot.

Tumaren Camp is part of a 10,500-acre conservation area that is managed by the Karisia team, who are all local to the area. It is an ideal retreat for multi-generational families looking for an exclusive and intimate safari experience. With its small, private setting, one group can easily take over the entire camp, ensuring a truly personalised and unforgettable adventure in the heart of Laikipia.

Activities are plenty, from guided walks to top-rope rock climbing, visiting the local markets and schools, and playing ultimate frisbee against a local team of primary school students. Of course, not to forget exciting game drives for wildlife enthusiasts!

Nilotica House, El Karama Lodge

The journey will continue at El Karama for two nights, a family-owned luxury eco-lodge set on a private conservancy renowned for its thriving biodiversity. This award-winning lodge is a pioneer in responsible tourism, combining high-end hospitality with a firm commitment to conservation and community empowerment.

Nilotica Private House, an exclusive-use area of the Lodge where we will be staying, offers unmatched privacy, luxury and stunning views of the surrounding conservancy which is perfect for families and small groups of up to 10 guests looking for that next level of exclusivity.

Guests at El Karama experience the ultimate in barefoot luxury, with stylish cottages crafted from natural, locally sourced materials, farm-to-table dining, and immersive wildlife encounters that support conservation initiatives. Whether tracking lions on thrilling game drives, visiting the lodge’s organic farm, or engaging with the local community, every element of a stay here is designed to inspire and educate. For thrill-seekers, helicopter trips and even horseback adventures are available to unlock new ways to safari.

A Perfectly Paired Safari Experience

By combining Tumaren and El Karama in this exclusive itinerary, Ahnasa Luxury Travel offers a rare opportunity to experience two contrasting yet consciously connected safari experiences.

What is Luxuria Lifestyle most looking forward to? Connection and Adventure! Ahnasa understands the need for this experience to be deeply immersive, allowing us to reconnect with nature, wildlife and people at a more intimate pace, whilst still having all the adventurous activities that make safaris so unique and memorable.

Stay tuned for our full review of both properties and experiences soon, and for those seeking to craft their own bespoke safari adventure, Ahnasa invites you to explore, dream, and discover with them!

Company Contacts

Phera Jai (Co-Founder | Travel Designer)
E: Phera
T: +254 782 060 166 / +254 799 402 868
W: Ahnasa

Kalpana Jai (Co-Founder | Sales & Marketing)
E: Pana
T: +254 731 995 506

Sara Jamal (Travel Designer )
E: Sara
T: +1 724 984 7026

Social media

Instagram
Facebook
Linkedin

The post Ahnasa Luxury Travel: Handcrafted Adventures with a Lasting Impact appeared first on Luxury Safari Magazine.

As the recipient of multiple prestigious awards, including Middle East & Africa Bespoke Sustainable Travel Company 2023, Leading Luxury Travel Agency Nairobi 2023, Best Bespoke Luxury Travel Company 2024, and Sustainable Travel Experts East Africa 2024, Ahnasa is synonymous with excellence, sustainability, and extraordinary adventure.

Our ethos is simple: travel should inspire, awaken the senses, and leave a lasting imprint on our guests.

The Vision Behind Ahnasa

Ahnasa was born from a deep love for Africa—a love passed down through generations, woven into every journey we create. Founded by mother and daughter, Pana and Phera, our story is one of passion, purpose, and an unbreakable bond with the wild. More than a luxury travel company, Ahnasa is a legacy—our promise to honor Africa’s breathtaking landscapes, its magnificent wildlife, and the rich cultures that make this continent so extraordinary.

For us, travel is not just about seeing a place; it is about feeling it. It is about the quiet thrill of tracking a leopard through the bush, the hush that falls as the first rays of sunrise bathe the savanna in gold, and the warmth of laughter shared around a fire beneath a canopy of stars. These moments are not just part of a journey—they are the essence of Africa itself. These are more than safaris; they are moments of pure wonder—crafted with intention, designed to inspire, and tailored to awaken something deep within.

To experience Africa with Ahnasa is to embrace something greater than travel. It is to step into a world where adventure stirs the soul, where luxury is effortless yet deeply meaningful, and where every journey leaves an imprint—not just on you, but on the land and communities that make Africa so special.

The Ahnasa Difference: Bespoke Travel, Crafted for You

Luxury is deeply personal, and no two travellers are the same. That is why every Ahnasa journey is a masterpiece of personalization.

● Exclusive, Private Safaris – Whether a romantic honeymoon, a family adventure, or a photographic expedition, we design tailored itineraries that cater to the most discerning tastes. Our handpicked collection of lodges, tented camps, and private villas ensures that every stay is one of unparalleled comfort and exclusivity.
● Expert-Led Expeditions – Travel with some of the best guides in Africa for an experience enriched with knowledge, storytelling, and deep insights into the wilderness.
● Private Aviation & Seamless Transfers – From scenic helicopter flights over Mount Kenya to private charters across the Okavango Delta, our journeys are designed for effortless travel with breathtaking views.
● Ultra-Luxury Experiences – Indulge in candlelit bush dinners under a canopy of stars, unwind in a spa retreat in the wild, or sip champagne as the sun sets over the Serengeti. Every detail is thoughtfully curated to elevate your journey.
● Cultural Immersion – We offer exclusive access to Africa’s rich heritage—spend a day with the Maasai, learn the art of beading from Samburu women, or share ancient traditions with the Hadzabe and Datoga tribes.

Where Luxury Meets Sustainability

True luxury is travel with a purpose. At Ahnasa, we are committed to ensuring our journeys give back to Africa’s wildlife, environment, and communities while having a lasting impact on our guests.

● Conservation Initiatives – Every guest contributes to Ahnasa’s Conservation Contribution, which we match to support vetted conservation projects across Africa.
● Eco-Luxury Stays – We work with lodges and camps that operate on sustainable principles, such as utilising solar energy, water conservation systems, and eco-friendly materials to protect Africa’s pristine landscapes.
● Supporting Local Communities – We partner with local guides, artisans, and conservation organisations to ensure our journeys create meaningful opportunities for the communities we visit.

Why Choose Ahnasa?

For the discerning traveller, Ahnasa offers an unparalleled blend of exclusivity, luxury, and authenticity. We go beyond the ordinary to curate one-of-a-kind adventures that are immersive, deeply personal, and truly transformative.

From the misty forests of Rwanda and Uganda, where mighty mountain gorillas roam, to the vast Laikipia Wilderness, the untouched wetlands of Botswana, the wild landscapes of Zambia, and the turquoise waters of the African coast—every Ahnasa journey is a story waiting to be told.

This is Africa as it was meant to be experienced.

Discover Ahnasa—where every journey is an art form, and every guest is a priority.

Company Contacts

Phera Jai (Co-Founder | Travel Designer)
E: Phera
T: +254 782 060 166 / +254 799 402 868
W: Ahnasa

Kalpana Jai (Co-Founder | Sales & Marketing)
E: Pana
T: +254 731 995 506

Sara Jamal (Travel Designer )
E: Sara
T: +1 724 984 7026

Social media

Instagram
Facebook
Linkedin

The post Ahnasa: Redefining Luxury Travel in Africa appeared first on Luxury Safari Magazine.

More than just a luxury retreat, Bushman’s Kloof is a sanctuary for biodiversity, a guardian of ancient rock art, and a leader in sustainable tourism.

A Wilderness Retreat Like No Other

Bushman’s Kloof sits within a 7,500-hectare private reserve, where rolling sandstone formations, deep gorges, and wildflower-covered plains stretch as far as the eye can see. The reserve is home to an astonishing variety of plant and animal life, including the rare Cape mountain zebra, aardwolf, and over 150 bird species. Visitors can explore this raw and untouched landscape through guided nature drives, hiking trails, and canoeing on crystal-clear rock pools.

For those seeking complete tranquillity, the lodge itself is an oasis of comfort. With just 14 Rooms and 2 Suites (plus the addition of 2 private Villas), guests are ensured an exclusive and intimate experience. The retreat also boasts an award-winning spa, where treatments incorporate indigenous botanicals, offering a holistic wellness experience deeply connected to the land.

Dining in the Wilderness

Bushmans Kloof offers an array of spectacular dining venues, featuring an array of dishes crafted from seasonal produce of the Western Cape. The Homestead and Makana boast delectable daily specialities with outdoor seating, whilst Kadoro is an intimate and secret dining option, and Embers is a dramatic natural amphitheatre under the stars. Private picnics, bush breakfasts and sundowners can be enjoyed in a variety of locations throughout the reserve.

A Living Museum of Ancient Art

One of the most remarkable aspects of Bushman’s Kloof is its status as a custodian of over 130 ancient San rock art sites, some dating back more than 10,000 years. Guided excursions allow guests to witness these sacred artworks firsthand, gaining insight into the deep cultural history of the San people.

Sustainability and Conservation at Its Core

Bushman’s Kloof is not just about luxury; it is a leader in sustainable hospitality. From its strict no-hunting policies, conservation programmes that are reintroducing endemic species, removing alien vegetation, and maintaining water conservation efforts, to its focus on championing community engagement initiatives that are both supporting and uplifting local rural communities.

For those seeking an exclusive, meaningful escape in the heart of nature, Bushman’s Kloof is a destination that truly embodies the essence of sustainable luxury.

Book here

The post Where nature meets luxury: Bushmans Kloof wilderness reserve & wellness retreat appeared first on Luxury Safari Magazine.