Perched atop a rocky hill with panoramic views over the Laikipia Plateau and Mount Kenya, Borana Lodge offers an exciting off the beaten track immersion into true Kenyan wilderness. Family owned and run, the lodge is located in the heart of Borana Conservancy, a 35,000-acre private rhino sanctuary and working ranch. One of the earliest eco-lodges in Kenya, it is dedicated to preserving the pristine landscape, and abundant wildlife which surrounds it and all retained earnings go directly into conservation. With no fences between itself and the adjacent Lewa Wildlife Conservancy, it is one of the largest rhino conservation areas. From Borana, guests have the exclusive opportunity to explore this idyllic African setting with the assurance that they have it all to themselves.
ACCOMMODATION AND FACILITIES
Borana exudes the charm of a family home, and its natural, rustic and English country style décor is inviting and relaxing. Borana’s spacious cottages are built from local rock and cedar, with a thatched roof, open fireplace and private veranda from which to soak up the expansive views. In the communal area, a sparkling horizon pool overlooks a deep valley and guests can enjoy spotting the elephants which regularly roam through. Food lovers are in for a treat, with fresh, home-grown ingredients from the lodge’s organic gardens and meat and dairy produce from the next door farm.
GEOGRAPHY & LOGISTICS
Borana Lodge is located in the central highlands of Kenya, with the snow-capped peaks of Mount Kenya to the south, and a vista of desert and mountains to the north. It is easily accessible by air, with daily scheduled flights from Nairobi’s Wilson Airport into Lewa Downs airstrip, which is a one hour drive to the lodge. There is also an airstrip ten minutes from the lodge for privately chartered flights. Alternatively, it is just over four hours drive from Nairobi.
HIGHLIGHTS
Aside from soaking up the stupendous views from every corner of the lodge, guests are spoilt for choice when it comes to the activities on offer at Borana. From guided safari walks to mountain biking, horse riding to nighttime game drives, the variety of ways in which guests can choose to immerse themselves in the bush and get close to the wildlife is exceptional. There are lots of conservation experiences, such as tracking and monitoring the rhino with the anti-poaching rangers, as well as cultural visits to local schools and Maasai villages. Helicopter trips, fishing, paragliding and rock climbing are all possible. Guests can even partake in an invigorating morning jog through the bush, accompanied by an armed guard! Don’t miss having sundowners on Pride Rock (the very same rock that inspired The Lion King), and taking in the breathtaking panoramas.