A (Virtual) conversation WITH Amanda and Henrietta from The Safari Collection Marketing team

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How did the safari collection come about?

The Safari Collection grew out of one family’s love for Kenya’s incredible wildlife and vast wilderness areas. A small, family-owned business, it was born in 2004 when the first property in the collection, Sala’s Camp, began life as a mobile safari destination. Tucked in a remote southern corner of the Masai Mara, it was a favorite spot for founders Tanya and Mikey Carr-Hartley to take their guests on mobile safaris. Their company is built upon the knowledge, love and respect accumulated over several generations of one family living and working in Kenya’s magical wild spaces.

Still very much a hands-on, family run operation today, the portfolio has expanded to include three more special locations in different parts of Kenya. These include Giraffe Manor in Nairobi, Solio Lodge in Laikipia and Sasaab in the Samburu region of northern Kenya.

What is The mission of The safari collection?

Conservation of Kenya’s precious wild spaces and diversity of species lies at the heart of The Safari Collection. By uniting high-end tourism with conservation and community, the company aims to share the magic of Kenya whilst helping to conserve Africa’s wildlife, ecosystems and cultures.

It’s all about meaningful travel and sustainable safaris that make a difference to people and planet.

what does a perfect day look like at Sasaab?

6 am - Awaken to the morning chorus and dawn light as you enjoy tea or coffee with homemade biscuit brought to you in bed.

6:30 am - Head out into the bush as the sun rises. It’s a magical time of day watching the giant golden sun make its first appearance over the horizon, the sky turning vibrant hues of pink, orange and gold. You never know what wildlife you might encounter…a lioness on the hunt, a pair of black-backed jackals sunning themselves or a majestic elephant herd on the move.

09:30 – Wilderness breakfast cook-out. Stop in a scenic spot for breakfast cooked to order on our customized vehicles – eggs, pancakes, fresh fruit - you name it. Continue on your game drive through the wilderness, stopping to photograph and watch animals at your leisure. Enjoy a cooling dip in your plunge pool (depending on which property you are staying at) upon returning to the lodge.

1:30 pm – Dine al fresco and re-energise with a nutritious and fresh homemade selection of salads, soups, breads and cheeses.

4:30pm – After a tea-time selection of homemade goodies, head out into the bush for another thrilling game drive. From the big five to the ugly five, the little five and the Samburu special five, game drives in Kenya are filled with fantastic wildlife sightings.

6:30 pm – Sundowner stop with epic views. Atop a rocky boulder, overlooking the river or maybe under an acacia tree in the middle of the savannah – sip your tipple of choice whilst gazing upon a spectacular African panorama.

7:30 pm – Canapes, fire-side drinks and fine dining. End your evening with a spot of star gazing from your private veranda where you can gaze up at the inky black, star-studded African sky, free from light pollution. Snuggle down in your cosy bed to the night-time sounds of the African bush – you might hear a hyena’s song or even a leopard’s call.

Do you have a famous menu item we can share with our clients?

Dawa ‘Medicine’ Cocktail -

If there’s one cocktail that speaks of balmy African nights and epic sunsets, then it has to be a dawa. Literally translated from Swahili, dawa means ‘medicine’. This deliciously sweet mix will certainly ease away any aches and leave you feeling relaxed!

It’s super simple to prepare. Simply muddle together good gin, fresh lime juice, runny honey and mint leaves with LOTS of crushed ice! Traditionally served with a wooden stick to mix up all that yummy honey that oozes to the bottom of the glass.

Charity of choice to support?

Giving back forms a key part of The Safari Collection’s ethos. That’s why we have ‘Our Footprint’ – a dedicated foundation which supports a diverse range of education, health and wildlife conservation projects across Kenya. We support initiatives that work with the communities living nearby each of our properties, as well as the conservation of threatened species including pangolins, Grevy’s zebras, giraffes, big cats and rhino. Details of all the projects we support and how guests can help to give back can be found on Our Footprint webpage (linked above) and on the Luxe and Nyx website - link in bio.

LUXE & NYx PICK - Giraffe Manor & the sheldrick wildlife trust.

Start your Kenyan safari with a two or three night stay at Giraffe Manor. this exclusive boutique hotel is set in 12 acres of private land within 140 acres of indigenous forest in the Langata suburb of Nairobi.

The historic manor house has extraordinary appeal, that harks back to the 1930s when visitors first flocked to East Africa to enjoy safaris. With its stately façade, elegant interior, verdant green gardens, sunny terraces and delightful courtyards, guests often remark that it’s like walking into the film Out of Africa: indeed, one of its twelve rooms is named after the author Karen Blixen.

One of the most fascinating things about Giraffe Manor is its resident herd of Rothschild’s giraffes who may visit morning and evening, poking their long necks into the windows in the hope of a treat, before retreating to their forest sanctuary. Enjoy daily breakfast with the giraffes - a bucket-list breakfast unlike anything in the world - and an unforgettable way to start your Kenyan Safari.

After breakfast, make your way to the Sheldrick Wildlife Trust (SWT) to visit and adopt orphaned elephants. SWT is the world’s most successful orphan elephant rescue and rehabilitation programme and the life-saving conservation work they carry out is incredible. Indeed, watching the babies enjoy their mud-bath and a game of football is truly extraordinary.

Luxe and nyx amenity -

On top of our standard amenities, all L&N guests will get a refreshing welcome drink upon arrival.

Ready to Book or Have Questions?

We can’t wait for you to experience The Safari Collection.

Visit us here or reach out - hello@luxeandnyx.com.

xx, The team at luxe & nyx