The Ultimate African Safari Adventure with Fairmont Hotels
The Ultimate African Safari Adventure with Fairmont Hotels
Where? On safari in Kenya with Fairmont Hotels. We stayed in three different destinations including the Fairmont Norfolk in Nairobi, the Fairmont Mara Safari Club and the Fairmont Mount Kenya Safari Club.
When? June 2018
Why? Doing safari in Africa has always been on my bucket list of dream vacations. So when the lovely ladies at Citizen Femme invited me join them for a safari trip in Kenya, hosted by the luxury Fairmont Hotel Group I was over the moon! My travel buddies included the gorgeous Sheena from Citizen Femme and lovely fellow bloggers @theblondeflamingo (pictured below), @meg_legs and @andathousandwords
The Itinerary
Over our six night trip we spent the first and last night at the Fairmount Norfolk in Nairobi (the main international airport is in Nairobi so it’s a good idea to have a stop over here), two nights in the Masai Mara at the incredible Fairmont Mara Safari Club (where you’ll see the animals) and two nights at the Fairmont Mount Kenya, a peaceful retreat in the mountains.
This was a lovely itinerary with just about enough time in each destination, but you can tailor make yours to suit your needs. One thing I would recommend is to try and spend as much time in the Masai Mara as possible, perhaps three nights if you can, it’s a truly unique and magical experience.
The Masai Mara tribesmen came to greet us on arrival with a ceremonial dance.Pictured above, me, @theblondeflamingo on top of the car and @meg_legs on the ground.
Fairmont Mara Safari Club
Upon landing in the Masai Mara the first thing we saw after hundreds of miles of ochre, arid, desert land and savannahs was the much welcome and astounding sight of giraffes and zebras grazing by the side of the airport landing strip. And so our incredible adventure began.
Now named one of the ‘new wonders of the world’ the Masai Mara is one of the largest game reserves in Kenya. Globally renowned for having one of the best populations of lions, cheetahs, leopards and Zebras, it’s a magical, dream destination for nature lovers.
Where we stayed
A short jeep ride from the airstrip we were whisked to our luxury tented accommodation at the Fairmont Mara Safari Club. A village of 50 super luxurious tents surrounding a central reception (with good wifi!), bar, restaurant and swimming pool, each with chic, beautiful Masai Mara themed decor.
The tents are fitted out with four poster beds, toilet/bathrooms, hot water showers, full electricity, lamps, fridge, dressing tables and wardrobes. This might be outdoor living but expect to be totally pampered. And not a mosquito in sight!!
The location of the hotel is set in middle of the Masai Mara flanked on three corners by the Mara River where hippos and crocodiles come to bathe. The grounds are manned 24/7 by game keepers, but being this close to nature means you’re right at the heart of all the action.
Daily schedule
A normal day would include a pre-sunrise wake up call where your butler brings you coffee and a light snack to your room, then it’s time to get in the jeeps and head out to see the animals at sunrise. The morning is filled with searching for the big 5! Lions, cheetahs, zebras, giraffes and elephants. We happened to see 4 of them on our very first morning drive.
We’d then head back to the hotel for breakfast, some chill time, perhaps a swim and then in the evening we’d drive out for another sunset drive in search of the animals again. Driving around the savannahs in the open topped jeeps is one of my most peaceful and wonderful memories from the trip, I loved every minute of it. Take plenty of sunscreen, a hat and a camera, there’s lots of water and cold towels provided on board.
We spotted several lions on our trip, including this female lion above with her litter. We also saw zebras, giraffes (as pictured above) and a whole plethora of other rare and magnificent creatures such as hippos, rhinos, poombahs (water hogs), ostriches, the list goes on.
As well as our daily drives we also went to visit a traditional Mara village, where we got to see how they live, in mud huts and living from the fruits of the land. The local children were so adorable and were happy to pose for my photo below :)
After the incredible Masai Mara experience, which I can safely say is one of the most incredible trips I’ve ever been on. It’s incredible how close you can get to nature. Meeting the people who survive in these extreme conditions and the sheer vastness of the savannahs, makes you realise just how wonderful the world is and how small your problems are, it really puts life into perspective.
Fairmont Mount Kenya Safari Club
Set in over 100 acres of tropically landscaped grounds, the Fairmont Mount Kenya Safari Club boasts spectacular views over majestic Mount Kenya. Originally the holiday retreat of 1950’s Hollywood movie star William Holden, the hotel has retained its grandeur and you can see photos of past guests, including Sir Winston Churchill, Bing Crosby and Clint Eastwood as you wander through the airy colonial verandas. It’s like Africa’s Hollywood walk of fame!
One of the most unique things about this property is that the hotel lies on the equatorial line. One half of the hotel is north of the equator and the other in the Southern Hemisphere. On arrival you will be invited to an ‘equatorial ceremony’ where you can learn some fascinating facts about our planet and given a certificate to show you’ve stood on the equator.Water flows in different directions on either side of the equator, the ceremony shows the science behind the process.
Where we stayed
Rooms vary between the palatial suites in the main house and delightful, cosy cottages in the grounds. I had regular visits to my cottages private garden from one of the hotels resident peacocks, who would wish me good morning with a flamboyant display of his feathers.
Below: The girls and I having a tropical afternoon tea by the pool. Left to right: me, @meg_legs and @theblondeflamingo
Apart from simply relaxing and taking in the views there are a whole host of wonderful activities you can partake in at the hotel from pony treks with lavish outdoor breakfasts in the mountains, to cycling, golf, tennis, a visit to the hotels animal sanctuary where you can feed rescued wild animals, to enjoying meals in the fantastic restaurant and afternoon tea on the verandas.
The horse whisperer! Me taking the ponies out for a trek in the mountains :) After the morning pony trek we enjoyed a gorgeous al fresco breakfast high up in the hills! Below: Meg and I cheers our pineapple juices!
Time for a quick dip wearing my tribal inspired Bahimi Beachwear bikini.
Fairmont – The Norfolk in Nairobi
We stayed at the Fairmont Norfolk Hotel on arrival and departure from Nairobi. It’s a great place to stop over and relax before setting out on safari and likewise before flying home. The colonial hotel has excellent gym, spa and pool facilities and if you do stay more than one night, the Nairobi Giraffe sanctuary is worth a visit if you fancy getting up close and personal with these graceful creatures.
That’s all from the Fairmont Kenya Safari trip, I just wanted to say a huge thank you to Citizen Femme and Fairmont for organising such an incredible experience for me.
For more information or to book your own Kenyan safari trip, click here.
Thanks for stopping by, next stop Tenerife…
Well this has now moved closer to the top of my bucket list. Absolutely stunning pictures! It looks like you had an amazing trip!
thanks so much x
I totally did thank you x
I have bucketlisted this place after reading this blog. Looks Amazing. Thank you for sharing with us :)
You’re most welcome x
Great photos from your safari! Also, I really love your polka dot cold shoulder dress
That’s my fave too x
Wow! You ladies really had so much fun with the Safari adventure! Your photos are really nice! I have been longing to go to a Safari adventure too but really haven’t had the chance just yet. There’s a newly opened Safari Adventure Park here in our city and I’ve been planning to go there hopefully soon.
I’m so pleased you’re going!
Looks like you had a great time! Africa is also in my bucket list!
You must go!
Awesome experience you’ve gain from this. Loved the nature concept of this blog. I’ve enjoyed viewing your photos with some great animals and bird.
Thanks so much x
Wow, really nice photography at the African Safari, it makes everyone who sees this wanted to jump into the Safari land any sooner. I can’t believe that the girrafes are just so near to you. What an amazing trip you have. Thanks for sharing and will certainly queue in my travel bucket list.
They came so close! it was an amazing experience x
This is the kind of adventure that i like to see myself and my kids enjoying.
You so should, kids would love it!!
You visit Africa just at the right time, just before our very cold winter weather started. Kenya is such an amazing place, and I am glad you got close to the animals. The Fairmont Hotel group is great, and we always enjoy staying with them
Oh i’m pleased I missed the cold!
Such a fun experience! And the glamping-like environment is something else! :)
I loved the glamping!
Looks like the Fairmount Hotel treated you, bloggers, very well. The last time I was in the jungle was in Sabah, Malaysia and we literally ran into an orangutan in the bush. That was exciting.
Wow, that hotel is absolutely stunning. That was quite the experience you got.
thanks very much x
Oh my gosh, this looks like an incredible trip! So many gorgeous photos too…definitely a lot of memories worth holding on to!
thanks so much x
What a very interesting post! How about that bed? LOL :-) Sp cool! Thanks for sharing
haha It was cool!
What an incredible experience this look to be. I am sure it is one of those once in a lifetime moments too. You got some stunning pictures.
Wow this is amazing trip. I never been to African Safari but I think we will have best time together in there.
You must try it, it’s great!
I would really love to have the possibility to do this experience. It seems so beautiful and authentic. Love all your shots
Thanks so much x
OMG this is incredible! Can we swap lives for like a month? lol! I can’t wait till my little ones are a little older so we can travel like this!
Hahah if you like ;)
This looks like a beautiful adventure! What an amazing time. Thanks for sharing :)
Thanks so much x
Wow, I L.O.V.E some of your photos. The Masai tribesmen with the blu sky as a back drop loo amaaazing. And so does some of your Americas next top model-photo shoots :P So cool that you got to go on a Kenya safari!
What a lovely trip and blog post. Thank you!
Thanks xx
My husband and I are dying to go to Africa. Chances are we’ll have to wait until our three boys are grown to see Africa, but it’s definitely on my list!
I THINK THE boys would love it too!! Kids love safari!
This looks like fun! A safari is definitely on my upcoming travel itinerary!!!
Oh yes do !
Omg I’m SO happy for you to have this AMAZING experience!!!what an absolutely beautiful and inspiring trip!!!
How lovey thanks x
Brings back memories of my African Safari back in 2009. Back then there was no Instagram and I have lost all my photos of that trip, with my sister. Great you had an amazing time
Hi Doreen, glad I could help bring you memories back! Yes it’s a great trip for insta isn’t it x
Those are some gorgeously wonderful locations…getting serious photo op goals
Thanks so much x
Awesome piece !
‘One thing I would recommend is to try and spend as much time in the Masai Mara as possible, perhaps three nights if you can, it’s a truly unique and magical experience.’ -well said!
I have always considered that a wildebeest migration between Kenya’s Maasai Mara and Tanzania’s Serengeti National Park is a plus for anyone traveling to East Africa.
Thanks for sharing such a great content.
wow thank you x