2019 rack rates now available for Savanna and The Dulini Collection

Posted on by Lucinda Morris

We have now released the 2019 rates for both Savanna Private Game Reserve and The Dulini Collection.  Just a couple of points to note, the Honeymoon offer can still be applied for stays of 3 nights or more for all lodge, however, it does need to be taken within 6 months of the wedding date.  Also we are delighted to announce that Leadwood Lodge will now be offering 4 stunning suits (formally 3 unless taken exclusively), however, we will maintain our policy of only having a maximum of 6 guests on a game drive vehicle.

You can download the rack rates and fact sheets below

2019 The Dulini Collection Rack

2019 Savanna Private Game Reserve Rack

 

Incredible new images for Ol Malo

Posted on by Lucinda Morris

Ol Malo has some stunning new images which will send you green with envy!  They capture the essence of Ol Malo; the excitement, sense of adventure, the luxury and amazing cultural experience offered by Ol Malo and the Francombe family.

Please download the images here:

New Ol Malo Images

Hemingways Collection 2019 rack rates released

Posted on by Lucinda Morris

Always efficient and offering the very best service to both our guests and the wonderful agents who book us, we are among the first to be releasing our 2019 rack rates.  Follow the links below to download.  You will be happy to hear that we are continuing our popular special offers for Ol Seki!

Hemingways Nairobi 2019 rack rates

Ol Seki Hemingways 2019 rack rates

Hemingways Watamu 2019 rack rates

Hemingways Watamu officially open!!

Posted on by Lucinda Morris

We are delighted and proud to announce that Hemingways Watamu Hotel and Residences has opened its doors once more after an incredible 18 month, $12 million refurbishment!   We are taking bookings NOW. We still have a few rooms available for Christmas although I am sorry, we are full for New Year, but if you have any last minute Christmas requests, it is the ideal place to go for some winter sun.

OPENING SPECIAL OFFERS
We have some fantastic special offers  for Hemingways Watamu which have just been launched:
– Stay 4, pay 3
– Stay 7 pay 5
The above offers are valid from January 5th to 19th December 2018
– Combine any two Hemingways Collection properties and enjoy a further 5% discount!

ITS MORE THAN JUST A HOTEL….
Hemingways Watamu Hotel boasts 39 beautifully appointed rooms, each of which offer delightful views of the Indian Ocean and the endless white sandy beach of the Watamu Marine Park.
The Hemingways Collection is also delighted to launch the new Hemingways Watamu Residences – 21 ultra lux, one, two and four bedroom apartments. All rooms are en suite but with a fully equipped contemporary kitchen as well as full access to all the hotel facilities, it offers the best of all worlds!

We have some wonderful new images to help you sell our stunning hotel.  Please click on the link below to download.

Exciting upgrades for The Dulini Collection during 2018

Posted on by Lucinda Morris

The Dulini Collection continually strives for perfection, to deliver the very best safari experience for our clients. Ensuring that the lodges are comfortable and stylish is as important as the fantastic service and game viewing experiences that we offer at each of the three lodges.  Dulini River Lodge is going through some extensive upgrades in early 2018 and Leadwood will also be getting a facelift later in the year.  More information below, including important closure dates.

 

Dulini River Lodge

The refurbishments at River Lodge are extensive and exciting! We will be closing from  1st February to 14th May 2018.  During this time, the following will take place:
– Soft refurbishments throughout the lodge and the rooms.
– Suite bathrooms will be rebuilt entirely; modernised, extended and will be opening into outside shower area
– A vast amount of landscaping will take place around the lodge
– All suite decks will be replaced
– Suite 7 and 8 will be closed.
– Suite 7 will be refurbished & will be used as an emergency room.
– Suite 8 will be converted to a gym with a lap pool
– A walk in wine cellar will be built.
– The entrance to the lodge will be upgraded.
– New main kitchen, workshop, laundry and water plant

 

Dulini Leadwood Lodge

During Closure from 28th September – 12 November 2018
The Arrivals area:
– Decking walk-ways are being introduced
– New design and landscaping
The Main Lodge area:
– New deck and thatch to the main lodge building
– The dining area will be extended
– Removing the stairs going into the lounge and expanding and harmonizing the whole lounge area and improving the layout.
– Building a gym
The Suites:
– All suites will be re-thatched
– All suites will have new decks built
Back of House:
– Upgrading the kitchen and the storeroom
– Building a new butlers station and staff area

 

Dulini Lodge

Already completed! Not to be left out, the stunning Dulini Lodge has already undergone some upgrades during 2017, including replacing all of the soft furnishings throughout the lodge and suites, replacing the wooden flooring within the rooms, new external decking in all suites and upgrading the plunge pools and outside area.

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