Loisaba Lodge stands at the centre of a 61,000 acre wilderness, which was originally owned by the late Count Carletto Ancilotto, who fell in love with it after visiting Kenya on safari in the early 1960s. The Lodge, which was the Count’s home, was built in the 1970s and, while considerably renovated, it remains very much as he planned it. No only did the Count love the Loisaba wilderness, but it was also his aim to preserve it for future generations. Thus, he ran it as a cattle ranching operation, rearing the superb Boran cattle of Kenya, 1,700 of which still roam the plains today.
The Lodge stands high on the edge of a plateau with long views south towards the glittering spires of Mount Kenya. It was constructed from local stone, cedar and palm thatch; and features seven rooms each with cantilevered decks soaring off the edge of the natural escarpment. A thousand feet below, verdant water-hole acts as a potent draw for the abundant wildlife with which this unique wilderness teems.
The Lodge has been simply presented in the traditional style, much of the furniture having been crafted in the ranch’s own workshops using acacia wood, which has been felled for us by the several hundred elephant, who also call Loisaba home.
Remote, romantic and evocative, the Lodge was chosen by Prince Bernhard and Princess Juliana of the Netherlands as the ideal place in which to celebrate their 60th
Location
The Loisaba Wilderness (150 sq km) is a privately managed, wildlife conservancy situated on the edge of the Laikipia Plateau, approximately 100 kms north of Mount Kenya. In size, the wilderness equates to that of the world-renowned Ngorongoro Crater in Tanzania; and, as such, is larger than many of Kenya’s national parks.
Accommodation
Each of our seven rooms has been individually designed so as to provide optimum panoramas from the timbered deck, where a double day bed is also provided.
Loisaba House
A magnificent mansion built on the very edge of the escarpment, Loisaba House has been built using entirely local materials; and the architecture, furnishings and facilities of the house are absolutely breathtaking. The house sleeps four people and has staff, a dedicated vehicle, and a private, cliff-top swimming pool. Guests are also welcome to use all the facilities of the Lodge.
Loisaba Cottage
A picturesque cottage, just half and hour’s drive from the main Lodge, this charming cottage sleeps four people and has staff, a dedicated vehicle, and private, swimming pool.
Dining and bars
We pride ourselves on the quality of our cuisine. All our dishes are home-cooked and many of our salad items, fresh herbs, fruits and vegetables are grown in our own kitchen garden, using only organic methods. In the event that you have particular dietary choices or requirements, please let us know so that we can plan our menus to suit you. Soft drinks, juices, wines, beers, and spirits are provided as part of your stay at the Lodge. Please advise your room attendant as to any requirement. Fruit and snacks are also provided in your room, and in the Pool Bar.
Child-friendly
Child-friendly pursuits: the wilderness abounds in child-friendly pursuits, ranging from camel riding to visiting our habituated ‘orphan’ animals. We can also organize ‘child-friendly safaris’, which take in visits to our beading workshops (where the children can make their own key rings), and our woodworking workshops (where they can make a traditional bow and arrow); as well as featuring some lion-tracking, and traditional bush skills. Alternatively, we can arrange visits to the local schools, or to the local village. Please consult your guide as to which pursuits would be best suited to your children.
Weddings and honeymoons
Loisaba makes the ideal honeymoon location, and we will be delighted to tailor a uniquely romantic and evocative safari especially for you. Highlights could include, ‘sundowners overlooking Kiboko dam’ followed by a bush dinner a deux; followed by night beneath the stars on a ‘Star Bed’, a champagne breakfast, a camel safari, horse-riding at dawn or, perhaps, a balloon ride.
The Lodge (and House and Cottage) can also be hired for a wedding, which can be tailored exactly to your needs. Should you wish it, we can also arrange for a guard of honour of Maasai warriors, a Maasai ‘Blessing’, and Maasai celebratory dancing and singing.
Wildlife highlights
The Loisaba Wilderness provides a much-needed haven for 250 species of birds and 50 species of mammal, amongst which, elephant, buffalo, Grevy’s zebra and greater kudu abound. It also promises sightings of those species that are only found in the north of Kenya, such as gerenuk. The wilderness is also rapidly gaining a reputation for big cats (a lion-tracking project has been instigated on the ranch); and the elusive wild dog, thought for many years to be extinct, is once again to be seen loping across Loisaba’s plains.
What to see and do
Wilderness walks
One of the best ways to experience the stunning diversity of Loisaba is on foot. You will be accompanied by traditional Samburu guides whose knowledge of local flora, fauna, cultural and history is unmatched. An armed ranger and expert tracker will also join you for added security. Due to the mid day heat and the behaviour of the wildlife, walks are usually taken in the early morning or late afternoon, but longer expeditions are easily arranged.
The ‘Game Drive’ experience
The very essence of the safari experience, a game drive offers the ideal wildlife-viewing opportunity. The range of wildlife on the ranch is extensive and includes huge herds of elephant; the rare and endangered ‘Grevy’s’ zebra, giraffe, kudu, oryx, silver-backed jackal, hyena, warthogs and much more.
A wildlife checklist and a bird checklist are provided in your room folder and you can, if you wish, ‘check’ off those you have seen during your stay.
Lion and hyena tracking
Loisaba is unique in that, despite that fact that it hosts an unusually high number of predators, it has one of the lowest predation rates in Laikipia. This, despite the fact that almost none of the predators have been shot in the last 18 years; and the fact that we use only traditional defence mechanisms. It is for this reason that Loisaba has been chosen as an area of study for the Laikipia Predator Project, which has established a research centre on the ranch, as part of its high-profile 15-year project dedicated towards examining the perceived conflict between wild predators and domestic livestock; and establishing more predator-friendly management techniques.
As part of this survey, a number of lions and hyena have been fitted with radio collars and can, when present on the ranch, be eco-tracked across the plains.
The ‘Sundowner Experience’
No safari experience would be considered complete, without the experience of sipping ‘sundowners’ as the sun drops dramatically below the horizon in a blaze of rose-pink and mango-gold; bathing the plains in the elusive ‘magic light’ beloved of photographers the world over. Traditionally ‘sundowners’ are staged in a particularly beautiful location, looking towards the setting sun; and timed to end with its setting, which takes place around 7pm.
Horse riding
Few experiences equal that of riding across the African plains; alongside frolicking herds of zebra; graceful giraffe; or dusty herds of African elephant. More especially, since on horseback, one can get much closer than usual to the wildlife. Our stable horses have, however, been reared in the bush, so are calm and entirely habituated to both the bush and the wildlife. You will also be accompanied on your ride by our experiences syces, who will act as your guides.
Camel riding
Camels are the traditional mode of transport in the dry lands of northern Kenya and offer an utterly unique safari experience. Each camel is led by its trusted guardian; and comfortable saddles are provided.
Mountain bike riding
Another excellent way of experiencing the bush, mountain bikes are ideal for the rough dirt (murram) roads of the ranch. Bike safaris are led by one of our professional guides.
The river rafting safari
For another exhilarating experience, spend a morning rafting sections of the Ewaso N’giro and Ng’are Narok Rivers in our 2-person inflatable rafts.
‘Doing the traditional cattle rounds’
Loisaba was initially established as a cattle ranch, under the direction of the late Count Ancilotto. Today, some 1,700 of the magnificent ‘Boran’ cattle who once roamed the ranch, continue to be farmed and, if you’d like to experience the feel of a traditional African cattle ranch, why not join Ranch Director, Tom Silvester, on his evening or morning 'boma' rounds. Tom has done ground breaking work on the use of cattle as an environmental management tool and this will give you an interesting perspective on the vital role it plays in our conservation story.
‘Gone fishing’…
Fishing can be arranged both on the banks of the rivers, and in some of our dams, where catfish, barbell and freshwater crayfish can be caught. Equipment, both modern and traditional, can be supplied together with drinks and a picnic.
Anyone for tennis?
Our hard-surfaced court is adjacent to the pool. Rackets and balls can be found in the pool house.
Bocce ball and croquet
Bocce ball is a version of the French game Petangue or boule, and was a favourite pastime of the late Count Ancilotto. A sanded playing area can be found between the tennis court and the swimming pool. The heavy steel balls are kept in the pool house. If you’d like insights on how to play, simply contact one of the staff. Croquet can be played on the lawn next to the swimming pool; the staff will be happy to set it up… and to show you how to play.
Village visits
Because we work so closely with the neighbouring community, from which most of our employees are drawn, our guests are always warmly welcomed at the nearby village. The village, which is essentially a small grouping of traditional mud and wattle huts surrounding a central livestock ‘boma’ (enclosure), is only 40 minutes drive from the Lodge, and offers a completely authentic insight into the life of the local community. Guests can enjoy a traditional ‘welcome’ ceremony, watch the traditional dance of the young warriors and maidens, step inside a traditional hut, and buy some of the colourful local handicrafts. Unlike elsewhere in Kenya, where photographing the locals can present a problem, the members of the Loisaba village are pleased to allow you to photograph them (and keen to see the results).
Shop
Our shop is located by the pool and offers a wide range of merchandise, much of which has been locally-made in our own community bead and wood-working workshops.
The swimming pool
Our swimming pool varies in depth from 1.2 meters to 2 meters. We regret that diving is not permitted. We must also request that children use the pool only under adult supervision. Pool towels and sun beds are provided, as is a pool changing room.
The Loisaba Spa
A small spa facility is provided within the grounds. It is manned by professionally trained beauticians and offers a broad range of treatments as listed below. The spa has been constructed in the traditional manner and features an open-air Jacuzzi.
The ‘Star Bed’ Experience
Loisaba is world-renowned for having originated the unique experience of spending a night beneath the star canopy on a ‘Star Bed’. Star Beds are charismatic, hand built double beds, cloaked in mosquito netting, and raised on wooden platforms, which are located either overlooking the Kiboko Dam or beside the Ewaso N’giro River.
Getting there
There are many ways in which the Star Bed experience can be tailored. Guests can, for instance arrive: on foot (having experienced a walking safari through the bush, led by our professional safari guides. They can also arrive on horse-back, by camel, by mountain bike or by quad bike.
Arrival at the Star Beds
Arrival at the Star Beds – at whatever time suits you; followed by ‘Sundowners’ (in camp or in the bush, your choice), supper (cooked and served by your team of Samburu warriors), drinks by the campfire.
And so to bed….
Right on the equator with no light pollution whatsoever, the Loisaba (Loisaba means ‘Galaxy’) star canopy is glorious indeed. The Star Bed is very comfortable (crisp linen, warm quilt, additional blankets, thick mosquito netting, hurricane lamps in WC and shower) and provided with torch and star maps. The shower and WC (flush) have hot water and towels and soap are provided. Early morning tea will be served by your warriors at a time to suit you.
The Star Bed Community Project
The Star Bed Community Programme is a partnership forged with the local community, which allows them not only to benefit from the revenue derived from the Star Beds, but also to contribute towards the conservation effort and to learn such skills as; driving, cooking, waiting, housekeeping and mechanics.
Additional activities
Loisaba ‘Quads for Classrooms’ - Putting the FUN back into philanthropy
The Loisaba Wilderness has always offered a natural adventure playground to both children and adults. And now we offer the ultimate ‘big boy’s toy’, the all-terrain ‘4-wheel quad bike’ Honda TRX 250, which makes the ideal vehicle for exploring the bush, off road and on; and venturing into those places that our Land Rovers cannot visit; due to the threat of environmental damage. We’ve been using quad bikes to administer the ranch for years, but these days we’d like to invite our guests to experience the exhilaration of this high-octane, high-adventure experience. We have 8 quad bikes (fully-compliant with safety standards: minimum age 16). You will learn how to operate one in just a few minutes under the expert instruction of our professional guides, one of whom will accompany you on your ‘quad safari’.
See the wilderness by helicopter
In the ‘Eurocopter EC1 30 B4 Squirrel’…the quietest helicopter in the world.
Northern Kenya is unrivalled in the diversity of its landscape, wildlife and culture. For instance, in descending from the magnificent peaks of Mount Kenya towards the legendary NFD or ‘Northern Frontier District’, you pass through six climatic zones in just 35 miles. In this harshly beautiful desert landscape, the helicopter is the optimum mode of travel, allowing unrivalled access to the remoter parts of the region, offering the ultimate ‘birds eye view’ of this breathtakingly spectacular landscape; and its stunning diversity of wildlife. Trips are arranged between you and your pilot, Captain Humphrey Carter, who will also serve as your guide and host. The ‘Eurocopter’ has a turbine engine and seats 6 passengers in leather-bound, air-conditioned comfort; all passengers are provided with headsets (chat or listen to music).
Note: Each flight will touch down on a remotely beautiful vantage point so as to allow you to absorb the panorama and refresh with a cool drink.
Suggested helicopter safaris
Fly down the magnificent Suguta Valley, through stunning pillars of ancient rock; land far above the rocky gorges of this magnificent arena. Land on a vast balancing rock 2000 feet above the northern desert floor and watch the sunset; or fly up the side of Ol Olokwi’s 3000 foot cliffs and land on top of this sacred mountain for breakfast.
Fly up and around the glittering peaks of Mount Kenya, land at Lake Alice, which lies on the flanks of the mountain; take in some fishing for rainbow trout, or walking; have a picnic.
Fly up to Lake Nakuru and enjoy the ultimate sighting of over 2 million flamingos.
Fly over beautiful Lake Naivasha, the geothermal plumes of stunning Hell’s Gate National Park, and up and around the crater of Mount Longonot, the inspiration of H. Rider Haggard’s book ‘She’.
Balloon safaris
Up, up and away in OUR beautiful balloon
Nothing matches the experience of floating high above the plains in a hot-air balloon. Silent and tranquil, the balloon can ascend and descend at will, thus allowing unprecedented wildlife-viewing opportunities. Our state-of-the-art Lindstrand 180 balloon, which is the only balloon to operate in the Laikipia region, is maintained solely for the use of our guests. It accommodates 6 passengers and is launched at dawn from a site close to the Lodge. Champagne and canapés will be served upon landing.
Average flight duration: one hour. Average distance: 10-15 kms.
The balloon pilot
Michael D McGrath has been flying balloons for over 25 years and has accumulated 4,000 hours of ballooning in over 17 countries. He has crossed the Swiss Alps, the Pyrenees, and the Scottish highlands by balloon, and participated in two round-the-world balloon flights. Mike has been flying balloons in Kenya since 1988.