Nestled on the edge of Kenya’s Laikipia Plateau, Elewana Loisaba Tented Camp is where pristine wilderness converges with refined comfort. This luxurious safari retreat immerses you in expansive savannahs, acacia woodlands, and rocky outcrops teeming with wildlife. From its elegant canvas tents to its conservation-driven ethos, every element harmonizes to create an unforgettable safari immersion.
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Table of Contents
- Introduction
- Location & Setting
- History & Conservation Ethos
- Accommodation & Design
- Tent Layouts
- Interiors & Amenities
- Private Spaces
- Dining & Culinary Philosophy
- Seasonal Menus
- Sundowners & Picnic Safaris
- Safari Activities
- Game Drives
- Guided Bush Walks
- Horseback Safaris
- Mountain Biking
- Cultural Visits
- Stargazing & Night Drives
- Wildlife Highlights
- The Big Five & Beyond
- Birding in Loisaba
- Conservation & Community Engagement
- Ranger-Led Initiatives
- Community Empowerment
- Best Time to Visit
- What to Pack
- Booking, Rates & Special Offers
- Conclusion
1. Introduction
Imagine waking to the soft glow of dawn as zebras graze mere meters from your tent. Picture savoring a gourmet breakfast beneath acacia branches, with elephants ambling in the distance. At Elewana Loisaba Tented Camp, moments like these are woven into your daily rhythm. This blog unveils the camp’s story, its immersive activities, and practical tips to craft a safari sojourn that lingers long after departure.
2. Location & Setting
Elewana Loisaba Tented Camp sits on a private wildlife conservancy spanning over 58,000 acres on the Laikipia Plateau, northern Kenya. This semi-arid landscape blends open savannah, dense bush, and jagged rock outcrops, creating diverse habitats for predators and plains game alike. Accessible via a 45-minute flight from Nairobi, the camp offers seclusion without sacrificing convenience.
3. History & Conservation Ethos
Loisaba Conservancy was founded by the late Ian and Pattie Craig in 2000, championing a model where wildlife and people thrive together. Elewana Tented Camp aligns with this vision:
- Wildlife Protection: Anti-poaching patrols, GPS monitoring, and research collaborations safeguard elephants, rhinos, and other vulnerable species.
- Sustainable Practices: Solar power, rainwater harvesting, and responsible waste management minimize the camp’s ecological footprint.
- Community Partnerships: Revenue-sharing, scholarships, and skills training empower neighboring Samburu and Laikipiak communities.
This holistic approach ensures that every safari day supports both biodiversity and local livelihoods.
4. Accommodation & Design
Tent Layouts
The camp comprises ten luxury tented suites perched along the edge of a rocky kopje. Each tent sits on a raised wooden platform, oriented for optimal views across the plains.
Interiors & Amenities
Your tent fuses canvas walls with refined furnishings:
- King-sized or twin beds draped in crisp linens
- En-suite bathroom with flush toilet, double vanity, and bucket shower
- Fireplace for chilly mornings and evenings
- Private veranda with loungers and an infinity plunge pool
Private Spaces
For families or honeymooners, two interconnecting tents create a secluded suite, complete with shared lounge and dining pavilion. The design balances openness—through retractable windows and skylights—with intimate indoor-outdoor living.
5. Dining & Culinary Philosophy
Seasonal Menus
Elewana’s culinary team sources fresh produce from local farms and organic gardens. Menus shift with seasonal bounty:
- Breakfast: Fruit platters, freshly baked bread, omelettes cooked-to-order
- Lunch: Grilled fish or game, hearty salads, seasonal soups
- Dinner: Tasting menus featuring Kenyan flavors—nyama choma (grilled meat), sukuma wiki (collard greens), and decadent desserts
Sundowners & Picnic Safaris
As the sun dips below the horizon, savor cocktails and canapés amid termite mounds or atop kopjes. Picnic safaris include gourmet hampers: prosciutto-wrapped asparagus, artisanal cheeses, and sparkling wine under open skies.
6. Safari Activities
Game Drives
Twice-daily open-vehicle drives explore the conservancy’s 360-degree wilderness. Expert guides share insights on animal behavior, conservation challenges, and bushcraft.
- Morning Drives: Follow predators on the hunt; witness the plains awaken.
- Afternoon Drives: Track nocturnal species preparing for the night; enjoy sundowner stops.
Guided Bush Walks
Accompanied by an armed ranger, interpret the microcosms of the bush: insect tracks, medicinal plants, and hidden bird nests. Bush walks cultivate a deeper understanding of ecosystem intricacies.
Horseback Safaris
Available for experienced riders, horseback safaris offer unparalleled front-row seats to wildlife—zebras, giraffes, and antelopes graze within cantering distance. Certified guides ensure safety across varied terrain.
Mountain Biking
Traverse undulating tracks on mountain bikes, navigating open plains and escarpments. Adrenaline seekers delight in speed and solitude, stopping for wildlife encounters along the way.
Cultural Visits
Engage with Samburu and Laikipiak peoples through village visits:
- Traditional dances and folklore storytelling
- Hands-on crafts: beadwork and basket weaving
- Insights into pastoral lifestyles and water management
Stargazing & Night Drives
With minimal light pollution, the Laikipia sky dazzles. Night drives reveal aardwolves, genet cats, and elusive aardvarks, while guides point out constellations, shooting stars, and the Milky Way’s grandeur.
7. Wildlife Highlights
The Big Five & Beyond
Loisaba Conservancy is home to:
- Elephants: One of the largest populations outside national parks
- Lions: Pride territories overlap the camp’s northern boundary
- Rhinos: Black and white rhino tracking programs bolster numbers
- Leopards: Solitary and secretive, often spotted at dusk
- Buffalo: Large herds graze the Plains of Reteti
Beyond the Big Five, you’ll encounter cheetahs, wild dogs, hyenas, and over 200 bird species.
Birding in Loisaba
Bird enthusiasts can tick off:
- Secretary birds stalking prey
- Martial eagles soaring overhead
- Lilac-breasted rollers flashing iridescent plumage
- Ground hornbills parading across the plains
The camp’s resident naturalist offers guided bird walks and reference materials.
8. Conservation & Community Engagement
Ranger-Led Initiatives
Elewana Loisaba partners with Loisaba Conservancy’s ranger teams:
- Anti-poaching units equipped with drones, trackers, and canine scouts
- Wildlife monitoring programs collecting data on migration and breeding
Guests can join morning patrols to gain firsthand conservation experience.
Community Empowerment
Investments in local schools, water wells, and health clinics stem from safari revenues. Elewana’s “Safari for Scholarships” program funds higher education for youth in neighboring communities, cultivating future conservation leaders.
9. Best Time to Visit
Laikipia’s climate is semi-arid, with two rainy seasons:
| Season | Months | Highlights |
|---|---|---|
| Dry Season | June–September | Optimal wildlife viewing; crisp mornings |
| Short Rains | October–November | Lush landscapes; fewer crowds |
| Wet Season | March–May | Green vistas; challenging roads |
| Long Rains | November–December | Calmer camps; bird migration begins |
Peak safari conditions align with the dry season when animals congregate around water sources.
10. What to Pack
- Neutral-colored clothing (lightweight long sleeves and trousers)
- Good-quality binoculars and camera with telephoto lens
- Sunhat, sunglasses, and reef-safe sunscreen
- Light fleece or jacket for early morning drives
- Insect repellent and personal medical kit
11. Booking, Rates & Special Offers
Elewana Loisaba Tented Camp operates year-round, with rates varying seasonally. All-inclusive packages typically cover:
- Accommodation and three gourmet meals daily
- Two game activities per day (drives or walks)
- Sundowners, soft drinks, teas, and coffees
- Transfers from Nanyuki airstrip
Special offers may include honeymoon discounts, conservation-themed packages, or extended-stay bonuses. Booking directly through Elewana often unlocks the best flexibility and extras.
12. Conclusion
Elewana Loisaba Tented Camp transcends a typical safari lodge. It invites you into a living tapestry of wildlife, landscape, and culture, all guided by a strong conservation mission. Whether tracking black rhinos on horseback, sharing sundowners at sunset, or supporting community-led initiatives, your stay becomes part of a larger legacy—one that ensures this wilderness thrives for generations.
Embark on your Elewana Loisaba journey to discover the perfect fusion of adventure, luxury, and purpose—where every sunrise brings a new encounter and every tented evening echoes with the call of the wild.
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