Borana Lodge

Location: Borana Lodge sits on the edge of the Samangua Valley in northern Kenya’s Laikipia region, within the 32,000-acre Borana Conservancy - one of the country’s leading private conservation areas. The setting is stunning: rolling hills, acacia-dotted plains, and views stretching across to snow-capped Mount Kenya on a clear day. It feels wild and expansive, yet deeply personal - this is a working conservancy where tourism, conservation, and community go hand in hand. The lodge’s hillside position means uninterrupted views and regular wildlife sightings from your veranda. It’s remote enough to feel special, but easily reached via a short flight from Nairobi or the Mara.

Rooms: Borana has just eight stone-and-thatch cottages, all built using local materials and cleverly tucked into the landscape to maximise privacy and views. Each one is different, but all are spacious, stylish, and full of character - with open fireplaces, handmade furniture, and large windows that frame the wilderness beyond. The bathrooms are generous, with deep bathtubs and solar-heated showers, and outside spaces include private verandas or decks for soaking up the sounds of the bush. A couple of the cottages work well for families, while others are more secluded - ideal for a romantic break. It

Amenities: Borana Lodge is the kind of place that quietly exceeds expectations. There’s a central lodge with a dining area, sitting room, library, and an open bar where guests are encouraged to help themselves - it feels more like a beautifully run home than a hotel. The swimming pool overlooks a well-frequented waterhole, and there’s a spa offering massages and wellness treatments. Meals are a highlight, made with ingredients sourced from Borana’s organic farm, and served either communally or privately depending on your preference. The service is warm, intuitive, and very personal - many of the team have worked here for years, and it shows.

Activities: There’s a huge amount to do at Borana, and it’s all tailored to your interests. Game drives are a big draw, with excellent sightings of lion, elephant, buffalo, and rhino - both black and white - and the flexibility of a private conservancy means you can explore off-road or stay out after dark. Walking safaris are a real highlight, as are horse-riding safaris for confident riders (Borana has its own stables). Mountain biking, conservation experiences, and cultural visits to local communities are also available, along with sundowners in spectacular locations. The pace is entirely up to you - adventurous, slow, or somewhere in between.

Sustainability: Sustainability is at the heart of everything Borana does. The conservancy operates on a model where tourism directly funds conservation, including the protection of black rhino, and supports neighbouring communities through education, healthcare, and enterprise initiatives. The lodge itself is powered entirely by solar energy, avoids single-use plastics, and uses water sourced and purified on-site. Guests are encouraged to learn about the conservancy’s work, and can get involved with behind-the-scenes conservation efforts - from telemetry tracking to anti-poaching patrols. It’s a brilliant example of how high-end tourism can actively contribute to the long-term protection of landscapes, wildlife, and livelihoods.