Author: Lucinda Morris

Ol Malo and Conservation

Posted on by Lucinda Morris

We are often asked about Ol Malo’s contributions to the community and conservation. Chyulu Francombe clarifies this beautifully:

‘The Samburu Trust works in an ecosystem trying to balance all the many parts – The People (education, medical, women groups/ the arts) – The Wildlife (Warrior Scouts, conservation fees) – The land (grazing and open water reservoirs)

The key thing for guests to understand is that Ol Malo is a family business and we support through tourism by employment, conservation, and most importantly we are a base for the Samburu Trust projects to be seen by guests. The Trust is a not for profit who’s projects are funded by donations and the Samburu Trust shop. Other than Julia Francombe whose full time life involves running the Trust,  all of us other  ‘Francombes’ give our time for free helping with the running of some of the projects where needed (i.e the medical side / anti-poaching flying and animal rescues / open water reservoir construction / taking guests to the shop and school etc). 
Ol Malo and the Trust have a symbiotic relationship but the Trust does depend on donations, people aren’t donating by staying here.
With regards to Conservation, the ranch supports Ntepes a Community Based Organisation (CBO) across the river from Ol Malo, we give grazing during droughts and they protect the elephants who love that area for the acacia seed pods and natural salt deposits. Likewise alongside the Trust we support the communities on our other two boundaries and then the Trust is involved in over 1 million acres with CBOs and warrior scouts doing a huge amount for conservation of all species, anti-poaching, and the scouts provide a unique link between KWS (Kenya Wildlife Service) and the communities.

Ol Malo and their Samburu Neighbours

Posted on by Lucinda Morris

We love this short clip showing the wonderful colours and sounds of the Samburu. The video was shot at Ol Malo and highlights the strong relationship between the Lodge and its Samburu neighbours.  Ol Malo offers an unrivaled cultural experience, genuinely Kenyan.  Watch it here: https://youtu.be/w-fF4FZPqPU

Savanna Lodge boasts about refurbishments with NEW images

Posted on by Lucinda Morris

Savanna Lodge has undergone an extensive refurbishment including adding new plunge pools to the Luxury Suites, changing the design of the tented roofs of the Executive and Luxury suites and upgrading and redecorating the main lodge area.

Take a look at the images and download to update your files and website:

New Savanna high res images

Hemingways Hotel and Residences update

Posted on by Lucinda Morris

Firstly, thank you for your patience – we know that you are as excited as we are about the ‘new look’ Hemingways Watamu.  The rebuilding works are progressing well and whilst it has been a huge project we are on course for a completion date in November 2017.  So what’s new?
Hemingways Watamu Hotel
Our new boutique hotel comprises 39 guest rooms (reduced from 74), located on three floors of the North Wing block of the property, overlooking the Marine Park.
A new porte cochère, hotel reception and raised walkway winding down through landscaped gardens to the hotel terrace has been designed. The restaurant and bar roof structures have been retained, however the circular super-structure of each has been altered to create an open plan design – but dont worry, the iconic bar remains in place! The reception area structure has been removed and transformed into an open plan coffee garden looking out onto the terrace/ocean to the south and new landscape gardens to the north. The existing terrace and pool areas have been completely redesigned with an additional new water feature, complete with beautiful landscaped gardens incorporating a sandy beach effect.  A second new pool has been constructed behind the North Wing block of the property and is surrounded by beautiful gardens and adjacent to this can be found the stunning new spa and gymnasium.

Hemingways Private Residences
The 21 luxury apartments have been designed and constructed by the same team that built Hemingways Nairobi which was completed in 2013 and is now rated in the top 5 hotels in Africa.  They represent coastal luxury at its very best,  comprising 3 x 1 bedrooms, 16 x 2 bedrooms and 2 x 4 bedrooms, all of which are ocean facing and have large terraces. These stunning apartments will all have access to the amenities of the 5 star Hemingways Watamu Hotel.

In a nutshell…..

– 39 Bedrooms and 21 Private Residences all with fantastic ocean views
– New open plan restaurant – but the iconic Bar remains in place
– New reception and raised walkway through landscaped gardens
– New Gede themed open plan coffee shop and garden looking out onto the terrace and Marine Park
– New water features on the terrace – including an infinity “night sky” shallow pool overlooking the beach
– New second swimming pool behind the North Wing surrounded by beautiful gardens
– New spa and gymnasium adjacent to this new hotel pool
– Reinstated sea defenses that fit together like Lego and aligned at 45°

You can download the 2018 rates here: Hemingways Watamu rack rates 2018

 

 

The Hemingways Collection releases 2018 rates

Posted on by Lucinda Morris

Its the moment you have all been waiting for – Hemingways Watamu rates have just been released! Due to open in the last quarter of 2017, the building works are going well and are expected to complete on time.

We have also issued 2018 rates for Hemingways Nairobi and Ol Seki Hemingways Mara and are delighted to confirm that there is no rate increase from 2017!

Please download the rates here and contact us with any questions.

Hemingways Watamu rack rates 2018

Ol Seki Hemingways Mara 2018 Rates

Hemingways Nairobi 2018 Rates

Hemingways Collection Special offers 2018

6 ways to LOVE Kenya – Ol Malo style!

Posted on by Lucinda Morris

Its 2017, a new year, lets experience the world in as many different ways as we can. See it through other peoples eyes, between the animal’s ears and from above like a bird. Appreciate the little things in life, the glue that binds the natural world.

Here are 6 reasons why you should take yourselves to Kenya and add Ol Malo to your itinerary.

1. By Helicopter, through the eyes of a bird
Nothing beats soaring above beautiful Kenya. Within minutes you could be enjoying a view too staggering to imagine and only the winds of gods whispering around you. Or with a morning to explore, you could be miles from civilization passing over awe inspiring scenery, catching Nile perch for lunch, watching pink flamingos swarming below you and even if you were to take the same trip over and over – every day is different. On the last day of 2016 Andrew and guests saw a melanistic serval cat leaping across a river.

2. Between two ears
All levels of riders from kids on leading rein, beginner adults, happy hackers to 3-day eventers enjoy moving un-noticed among the wild herds. Gently, or at speed enjoying the sure footed-ness of a Kenyan homebred, guests can watch towering giraffe browsing above you or elephant through two pricked ears. Horseback has to be one of the best ways to explore Kenya. Last week we had a wild dog pup come within a meter of a horses’ nose, just checking us out!  Add in an Ol Malo Nomad horse safari and you’re alone in the wilderness, your belongings on a camel, traveling by trusty steed and living life as a Nomad.

3. On foot, through the eyes of a Samburu
Work off those 3 course meals… follow a bouncing Samburu stride! Stop tripping over those rocks like a town clown and learn to weave in and out of ‘wait a bit’ bushes like a London-er walking down Oxford street in rush hour. Feel that adrenaline rush as you climb a rock and watch peaceful elephant families rumbling below you. Learn about stitching ants and the tracks of last nights’ visitors on the path.

4. Sitting treetop height – riding a camel!
Swaying at treetop height, no need to concentrate on your footing on the back of a camel. Appreciate their character and hardiness and get close to the game. We’ve even seen lion from camels!

5. 4 x 4
Of course vehicle is always an option, but lets do them Ol Malo style viewing from the roof seats and add in a night drive…we’ve seen lots of aardvark lately!

6. From your balcony or lounging by the pool
Take a break, whilst sipping your morning tea or an evening sundowner scan below you … we’ve seen all sorts from our vantage point on the cliffs, standoffs between elephant and wild dog, cattle and elephant sharing the water trough, good things come to those who wait.

Hemingways Watamu rebuilding project progress report

Posted on by Lucinda Morris

We are delighted to report that the building works at Hemingways Watamu are coming along nicely! There will be 39 boutique hotel rooms with an additional 15, two and four bedroom apartments to make up Hemingways Watamu Private Residences.  The project is on target to open in September 2017.  We will keep you updated, but in the meantime, take a look at this short video showing a mock up of the Hemingways Watamu Residences apartments: https://youtu.be/rasNUtVCrIM

The Dulini Collection refurbishment plans

Posted on by Lucinda Morris

We are very excited about the forthcoming plans to upgrade and refurbish the three Dulini Collection Lodges in the coming months, so that each displays the high standards that the trade and guests expect from the Dulini brand.  Here are some of the details you need to know but please do not hesitate to contact us if you would like further information:

Leadwood Lodge:
The new safari vehicles have already arrived and are fully equipped with binos, ponchos, camera mounts etc. We are currently upgrading all the soft refurbishments throughout the lodge and the rooms and putting the finishing touches to the landscaping which is taking place around the lodge. Looking to the future months, all the plunge pools to be heated by the end of January 2017 and the Leadwood entrance will be upgraded by the end of February 2017. As the work is largely cosmetic, there will be no closure dates for the lodge. Don’t worry, no guests will be disturbed whilst we are very quietly continuing with our work (but they will be impressed with the finished product!).

River Lodge:
Similar to Leadwood Lodge, the smart new safari vehicles are in place and being enjoyed by our guests. And the soft refurbishments are also well under way, with some attention to the landscaping surrounding the lodge.  Its going to make a huge difference to the main lodge area and we look forward to sharing some images with you.  The plunge pools will also be heated by the end of January – in plenty of time for our ‘winter’ guests.  The majority of works to be carried out at River Lodge will take place from 18th February when the lodge will close for 6 weeks, until 31st March.  Its an exciting project and guests will be enjoying brand new bathrooms which are going to be totally rebuilt, extending to an outside shower.  We will be closing down 2 suites entirely so that the lodge will run at a maximum of 6 suites (and will have the knock on effect of only allowing 6 people per vehicle). A gym and lap pool is being built along with a walk in wine cellar and an upgraded lodge entrance.  Watch this space for more photographs and information!

Dulini Lodge:
To maintain our high standards and to ensure that all three lodges are enjoying a ‘facelift’ at the same time, Dulini is replacing all its soft furnishings, which is currently well under way. The wooden floors in all the bedrooms will be replaced as well as the external decking.  To allow for this, there will be a short closure of two weeks between 13 June and 1 July 2017.

We very much look forward to sharing photographs with you when it is all completed!

 

 

Webinar – Dulini Private Game Reserve

Posted on by Lucinda Morris

Want to know more about the two new lodges that have joined the Dulini Private Game Reserve collection? We are holding a webinar on Wednesday 1st June at 4pm – register by clicking on the link below and we look forward to telling you more!

https://attendee.gotowebinar.com/register/4917280257015720194

Dulini Private Game Reserve Acquires Leadwood & River Lodge

Posted on by Lucinda Morris

Dulini – The Quintessential Collection

DULINI PRIVATE GAME RESERVE ACQUIRES TWO ADDITIONAL LUXURY LODGES TO CREATE A PORTFOLIO OF THREE PRESTIGIOUS WILDLIFE PROPERTIES

Dulini Private Game Reserve is proud to announce the growth of its portfolio of private, luxury lodges in the Sabi Sand Game Reserve.
The exceptional safari experience offered by Dulini is to be extended by the inclusion of two spectacular lodges: Leadwood and River Lodge.

Originally managed by &Beyond and marketed as Exeter Leadwood and Exeter River Lodge, the beautiful river-front properties, find themselves in the hands of passionate new owners. Our intention is to bring the same intimate hospitality and level of luxury to the market, as that which has made Dulini the safari destination of choice since having been acquired in 2013.

This exclusive portfolio, offers an additional 18 beds to the market under the banner of “The Dulini Quintessential Collection.” The prestigious product of six luxurious suites at Dulini is now expanded by the compliment of three suites at Leadwood and six suites at River Lodge.

 

PAST, PRESENT AND FUTURE

It is with gratitude for their professional management of Leadwood and River Lodge in the past, that the partners of Dulini bid farewell to &Beyond, who are in the process of bowing out by the 31st of August 2016.  We are confident that this will be a seamless transition that will in no way affect reservations held or the guest experience.

Dulini Reservations will be honouring all obligations, all offers and agreements which are currently in place with the trade for bookings taken and confirmed by &Beyond for 2016. There are, however, three amendments to be noted: Any specials related to a combination of &Beyond lodges will no longer apply to any reservations which were not confirmed before the 16th of May 2016; terms and conditions for the honeymoon special will include a minimum stay of 3 nights; and the children’s policy limits the age to 8 years and over.

From the 16th of May 2016 all reservations for travel after 31 August 2016, will be handled by Dulini Reservations. Reservations for travel from today until the 31st August 2016 will be handled by &Beyond.

CURRENT RESERVATIONS:  Travel from today until the 31st August 2016 – andBeyond

FUTURE RESERVATIONS: Travel from the 31st August 2016 – Dulini reservations
Kelly Coates
Tel: +27 (0) 11 792 4927
Email: reservations@dulini.com

MARKETING MANAGEMENT OF DULINI
The marketing of The Dulini Quintessential Collection will be placed under the competent management of Karen McEwan and an extended team of international marketing representatives.
Karen McEwan
Tel: +27 (0) 13 750 0115
Email: marketing@dulini.com

DIRECTORSHIP OF THE DULINI QUINTESSENTIAL COLLECTION
Iain Garratt, an owner and the Executive Director of The Dulini Quintessential Collection, would be delighted to field any queries and receive your correspondence. He may be contacted as follows:
Iain Garratt                                                                                                     
Tel: +27 (0) 84 514 9169
Email: iain@dulini.com

APPRECIATION
We value the support of all our clients and would like to thank you for entrusting your guests to us. We anticipate the continuation of worthwhile business relations with you as the new season begins.

Two exciting new offers for Ol Malo

Posted on by Lucinda Morris

Stay 3, pay 2
and
Bride stays for FREE (valid for Honeymooners staying 4 nights or more)

– For all new bookings made during 2016 for stays before 20 December 2017, excluding the festive period of 24 Dec 2016 to 4 Jan 2017 inclusive.
– Applicable for Ol Malo House and Lodge only (excluding Ol Malo Nomad)
– Honeymooners must travel within one year of their wedding (proof may be required)
– Conservancy fees at $105 to be paid for free nights.
– Conservation Fees are nett and non-commissionable.
– These offers are not combinable

Savanna and Dulini release their 2017 rack rates

Posted on by Lucinda Morris

We are delighted to be sending you rack rates for both Savanna and Dulini Private Game Reserves in the Sabi Sands. Please click on the links below to download the pdf documents.
2017 Savanna Rack Rates
2017 Dulini Rack rates
Included in the rate sheets are our special offers which we are also highlighting below

Honeymoon offer: Dont forget that we also have a honeymoon offer for both lodges: The bride receives a 50% discount off her stay (minimum of 3 nights).

15% off for repeat guests: Savanna and Dulini Private Game Reserves are both proud of their reputation for impeccable service, first class guiding and exceptional game viewing and we are often rewarded with guests repeatedly returning to the lodges year after year. As a reward to both our loyal guests and Agents, we are delighted to announce that both lodges now offer a repeat guest special (booking through their Tour Operator) –  a 15% discount off their accommodation costs. There is a minimum stay of  3 nights for 2017 and we need the last dates of their stay at the lodge to confirm the discount.
This is not combinable with any other specials that may be running and will only apply to repeat guests accommodation and not guests who may be traveling in the same party.

Exciting redevelopment at Hemingways Watamu!

Posted on by Lucinda Morris

Hemingways Watamu investment project

The Hemingways Collection is pleased to announce the launch of an exciting investment project at its coast property, Hemingways Watamu.
Beginning in April 2016, the investment in Hemingways Watamu will significantly improve and revive this iconic hotel on the Kenyan coast and bring it up to the 5* standard of the other world renowned Hemingways Collection properties – Hemingways Nairobi and Ol Seki Hemingways Mara.

The property will be transformed into a 39 room luxury boutique hotel, all with exceptional sea views of the Indian Ocean, together with a private residential development on the seafront comprising 15 luxury apartments. Substantial upgrades and renovations will also be made to the communal areas including the restaurant, bars, reception, swimming pools, spa and gym with emphasis placed on optimizing the famous views of the Watamu Marine Park and exquisite landscaping throughout.

As a result of the redevelopment, Hemingways Watamu will be closed from April 18th 2016. The project is planned to last 18 months and we expect to receive new bookings from October 2017 onward. We look forward to sharing more information and detail on the project in due course and hope that you’ll be as excited as we are at the results.

Far Horizons introduces Villa Dar Zitouna, Marrakech

Posted on by Lucinda Morris

Beautiful Dar Zitouna is a fully staffed, luxurious 5 bedroom villa set in the foothills of the spectacular Atlas Mountains. Its exquisite interiors blend Moroccan and English Design with essential modern luxury – here no detail has been overlooked. The guest’s comfort is a priority from the best quality linens to the cosiest beds (all king-sized or twin). Wellbeing and relaxation overflows into our stunning subtropical gardens, home to a large private pool, the perfect place to unwind and appreciate the spectacular mountain vistas. Gusts can also enjoy the communal clay tennis court and hamman. It’s hard to believe that all of this is just 25 minutes from the bustling medina of Marrakech!

www.marrakechholidayvillas.com

New Villa launches in Tanzania – Mawimbi, Pangani!

Posted on by Lucinda Morris

Far Horizons Marketing is delighted to introduce Tanzania’s newest and most stylish private beach property, Mawimbi Villa. Located on the golden shores of the Swahili Coast and managed by the acclaimed Tides Lodge, this elegant sister property offers the perfect retreat for either a safari ‘add on’, or a family beach holiday.

Mawimbi is a private oceanfront retreat on the North Eastern coast of Tanzania. Meaning ‘tides’ in Swahili, Mawimbi takes on a figurative meaning to encompass the natural ebb and flow of life. Developed in harmony with its stunning coastal vistas and the rich nature that surrounds it, Mawimbi has evolved in the pursuit of laid-back luxury into the contemporary villa it is today.

Mawimbi Villa is a 5’000 sq ft house built by local craftsmen and completed in 2015. Two-storeys, with exceptional views of the Indian ocean, it is fitted with every modern convenience, its own kitchen, six bedrooms and well-appointed living space both in- and outdoors. The villa is decorated in a modern, coastal style that favours comfort, indulgence and wellbeing.

Fast facts:

– 6 spacious and beautifully decorated rooms (sleeps up to 12 people)
– Large Private 12 metre salt water pool
– Direct access onto the wide sandy shores of Ushongo’s golden beach
– Private Chef and three dining areas around the property
– Beach bar and restaurant 20 minutes stroll down the beach at The Tides Lodge
– Activities including kayaking, scuba diving, snorkeling, big game fishing
– From $240 per person per night (all inclusive)

 

 

Ol Malo’s 4 most romantic ways to spend your days

Posted on by Lucinda Morris

Ol Malo is the perfect place for a romantic getaway – here are our 4 favorite romantic things to do!

1. Taking top spot is a flight in our little helicopter to explore the secrets of the north. Ending the day with a sundowner on a rock in the middle of nowhere, but with a view to everywhere. Topping off the experience by sleeping out in our lightweight chopper camp under a blanket of stars, an experience of a lifetime that every couple should share! Andrew has played a discrete ‘goosberry’ to a number of proposals!!

2. At second place; spending a night in our little tree house overlooking a waterhole. Snuggling up, listening to Africa’s nightlife and star gazing to your hearts content.

3. Perfect for those who don’t like to stray to far from the comforts of the Lodge; Lounging in the love bath on the edge of the cliffs, whilst sipping on bubbly and watching the last of the sun’s rays warming the valley below.

4. Last but not least; a private dinner in the bush. Starting with a sundowner and sliding into supper. Surrounded by Africa.