Wild at Heart: Finch Hattons offers unforgettable luxury safari adventures in Kenya

Keep your camera on standby.

In Finch Hatons Safari Camp in Kenya, a tower of preening giraffes can hit a position near your Land Cruiser.

Or a chopped elephant could put a trap of thirst by drinking in a private pool.

A property attitude, part of Sir Richard Branson’s limited edition portfolio, promises countless photo options, from Rhinos and crocodiles that wallow in natural resources in an oxpecker catching a ride on a zebra. Next to an experience outside this world.

Located in Tsavo West National Park about 150 miles west of Nairobi, the camp is named after the British aristocrat, aviators and returning hunters Denys George Finch-Hatton, best known as Karen Blixen lover in its memoirs, “outside Africa”. The handsome adventurer, who died tragically in a 1931 plane accident, was played by Robert Redford in the winning film of Oscar of the same name.

The famous property, founded more than 30 years ago, is everything worthy as its hero with the name. There are 14 luxury strained suites, each beautifully named with a private deck, ancient carpets, an old world writing table, bronze bathtub, king -size bed and maxi grass complimentary. And to be clear, in addition to their mosquito mosquito walls, these clumsy villas have no resemblance to the tents of the camps.

Two spacious two -bedroom suites accommodate family while the deluxe Finch Hattons suite comes with a lit pool, as well as a dedicated butler, vehicle and game guides. It is the perfect romantic concealment for the honeymoon and VIP.

The days begin early, as the animals are more active before the first light and the temperature is cooler before the first light. After coffee, tea and freshly squeezed fruit juice in the pavilion, vehicles depart immediately at 6am on the morning game discs. A morning cooked with the chef serve the fresco of al in Savannah or again in the camp.

Maasai’s highly learned Finch team is an expert in the discovery of wildlife, from Mythic Big Five – Lion, Leopard, Elephant, African Buffalo and Rhinoceros – up to hundreds of bird species. Also roving are the five ugly: polluted Hyena, Wildebeest, Vulture, Marabou Stork and Worthy Warthog.

While there is no guarantee of a large cat’s look at any safari, the rangers do their best to find roof predators. Guests are sure to see Tsavo’s “red stained red elephants”, buffalo, giraffes and zebra, which parade in the fields. One thing that visitors are likely not to encounter: 4 × 4. There are fewer households and tourists in Tsavo than, say, Maasai Mara, so you are likely to have bushes for yourself.

Our Ranger, Matthew, taught us about animal behavior, identified the traces and calls of birds (like the dove to the neck ring, which sounds like a cellphone) and also shared information about Maasai’s traditions and his village. He was very funny, leaving for example that a strict male babun was “acting as a branch manager”, so his passengers were always laughing.

It is worth getting up in the middle of the night to 4:30 am and grow on the chyulu hills, with breakfast on the ridge. As the day dawns, the sky is filled with fiery oranges and pink, and MT. Kilimanjaro stands magnificent in the distance. A walk of nature in the cloud forest with its sacred oscillations of Mugumo trees, naturally formed by air roots, ends unforgettable walks.

The afternoon game drives can also include a journey in the flow of Shetani lava, a dark, clumsy landscape stretching five miles, followed by Maasai’s Sundowners and Olympic Games in Savannah. Staff taught guests to throw up, play “Bush Bush” with a blower Club and shoot the arrows on a target. It was a magical evening.

Another view was a visit to a nearby Maasai village, where the guests were invited to enter a traditional LOT House made of wood, mud, cow manure and ash. A short rainy rainstorm made the visit even more memorable, as everyone accommodated together under umbrellas and tarps. While it is not necessary to bring money, guests may want to make a donation to the village or buy traditional handmade crafts and metal crafts.

When they are not on the game or falling in love with the acacia pool, guests can reserve body and face and massage treatments in Chyulu Spa, the largest Wellness Holistic center in East African Bush. The soothing space contains two treatment rooms, a hammam and a gym, while yoga classes are offered in an outdoor deck overlooking the pool of the object’s infinity.

The excellent farm restaurant in pen is better than many New York hot spots. Chef Executive Sudi Baha Helms Kitchen, which does everything in place, from ice -to -ice bread. Lunch and dinner begin with a delicious soup, often prepared with vegetables and herbs from the organic garden, followed by a choice of income and sweets. Visitors were looking forward to every meal.

In the evening, defenders could drink a gin and tonic (mixed with the price of the price of Nairobi Procroto Blue Dot Gin and a top of its botanical salts that increase the fragrance) in Karen Blixen Lounge. Or they could watch “out of Africa” ​​on a movie screen under the stars.

When it is time to call it one night, a handmade guard or two will accompany guests to their rooms, listening and looking at wildlife.

After all, the animals spruce free, as nature intended.

Room from $ 990 per person per night during the low season and $ 1,450 per person per night during the high season. A withdrawals include all foods and a selection of beverages, the return of Finch Hattons’ return air transfers, park fees and planned activities, including game discs and local excursions. To reach the property, the guests fly to Nairobi, then receive a statute or plane planned on the property plane.