The Hemingways Collection has introduced its new ‘Safari for the Weekend’ package – the ultimate safari taster weekend – with one night at Hemingways Nairobi and two nights at Ol Seki Hemingways Mara.
The package has been made possible, thanks to some well timed BA flights, meaning you can fly out on a Friday and be back at your desk – full of Kenyan adventure – on Tuesday morning!
The weekend begins at its beating heart, Nairobi, with its rich colonial history. Hemingways Nairobi is the place to stay, with heart-lifting views of the Ngong Hills and plenty of fresh air. Brilliantly placed for the domestic and international airports, guests can relax for an evening at the hotel, or discover the peaceful suburb of Karen, named after Karen Blixen, the author of Out of Africa, whose farm was just minutes from the hotel. Nairobi National Park and the David Sheldrick Wildlife Trust, famous for rehabilitating orphaned elephants, are also close by.
From the city, the next morning, fly just 45 minutes west from Nairobi over vast African plains to touch down at the heart of the Naibosho Conservancy, home to Ol Seki Hemingways Mara. A private enclave of just ten luxury safari tents, Ol Seki offers the most memorable of safari experiences. Each tent has outstanding views over the Mara plains, with wildlife strolling past throughout the day. Naibosho has one of the highest densities of lion in Africa, as well as an impressive population of giraffe and elephant; this is the ideal place to tick off the big five on daily game drives.
For the more adventurous, horseback safaris can be arranged to explore the exclusive wilderness areas of the Olare Motorogi, Mara North and Naboisho private conservancies, as well as the Maasai Mara itself. Being in a conservancy, there are some fascinating guided walks through the wilderness where guests have the chance to learn about the area, the Maasai culture and all the plants of the region and their traditional uses. There is also the opportunity for community visits to some of the local village homes for an introduction into the Maasai lifestyle, as well as visits to Olesere Primary School and Koiyaki Guiding School where Maasai guides are trained.
After an animal and culture-rich day, gather for sundowners by an open fire pit overlooking a nearby watering hole, before enjoying a delicious four-course menu prepared by Ol Seki’s head chef.
After two days of exciting game drives and Kenyan culture, it is another short hop back to Nairobi for your last day at Hemingways Nairobi. There will be enough time to treat yourself to a relaxing swim, spa treatment and a delicious three-course meal – ‘best steak in Nairobi’ – before making your way to the airport for your flight back home.
The Hemingways Collection offers a ‘Safari for the Weekend’ for three nights from $2,375 (approx £1,827) per person, including one night at Hemingways Nairobi on a B&B basis, plus a meal on arrival; two nights at Hemingways Ol Seki on a full board basis, including four game drives and conservancy fees, plus a cultural visit and bush dinner: return flights to Ol Seki from Nairobi; airport transfers; a guaranteed day room at Hemingways Nairobi and 3-course meal before international departure.
Flights with BA (not included) are Friday outward, LHR 10:25 arriving 21:00 NBO, and Monday return NBO 23:35 to LHR 06:20 (Tuesday).
