OL JOGI, KENYA

Hidden in the Laikipia region of the Kenyan Highlands lays one of Kenya’s most prestigious reserves, Ol Jogi. The legendary estate is home to the Wildenstein family, and is hidden within 58,000 acres of the most dramatically beautiful landscape, teeming with wildlife roaming over the lush terracotta earth of the Kenyan Highlands. It also runs one of the most integrated and innovative wildlife conservation programmes to protect the numerous species, including Black and White Rhino, roaming the area.

This luxury retreat is spread over seven sophisticated cottages sleeping up to fourteen, enveloped in the landscape with sweeping views over a watering hole to Mount Kenya. The main house is the focal point for entertaining, where you can indulge in culinary experiences created by the resident French Chef or simply relax in the cinema room, Hamman or spa and yoga room. Ol Jogi is a mixture of refined elegance and a rustic chic influence of Eastern Africa. The thatched cottages reflect the style of the Maasai and Samburu villages that dot the landscape. The main house is infused with open living relaxed charm and decorated with eclectic elegance full of classically crafted furniture, antiques, fine art and sculpture and pieces of Africa with zebra skins and tribal art.

The main attraction lies in the magnificent wildlife and stunning scenery that encompasses the property with the beauty and soul of Africa. The land is home to large herds of elephants, antelopes, reticulated giraffe, Grev’s zebra, leopard, lion and cheetah as well as three species of primates and a myriad of bird species. However it is the rhino project that is particularly close to the mission of Ol Jogi’s conservation project, there are currently sixty-four black and white rhino that are monitored by the dedicated wildlife team.

Guests are encouraged to experience the magnificence of Safari, through game drives, nature walks or horseback safaris, steeping back in time and feeling echoes of the Out of Africa era riding through the vast plains of the reserve. To finish off a day of safari through the wilderness, a sumptuous meal can be served al fresco, watching the sun sink below the endless plains and eternal skies of this beautiful country.

As well as observing the incredible species that inhabit this land, guests can also get close to these beautiful creatures at the Wildlife Rescue Center. Located in 500 acres of the reserve, it was originally set up to care for orphaned or injured animals but was soon also a home for ‘problem’, or just disruptive, animals, such as a lion with a penchant for raiding cattle in surrounding communities.

An intrinsic part of this centre is the Conservation Education Programme that hosts around 7000 school children per year to educate and let them experience wildlife and conservation. This is vital for the future generations of Kenya to learn about the important role of conservation in maintaining this unique ecosystem and the environment.

To experience Ol Jogi https://oljogi.org/

Photos of Courtesy of Ol Jogi