Borana Lodge

A scattering of stylish stone cottages in the heart of rhino country, Borana Conservancy.

Billed as one of Kenya's most exclusive lodges, Borana is a serene place on an authentic working ranch. For something different, why not explore the wilderness and see its animals on horseback?

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Jonty

Eve

Kristin

4.9 out of 5 stars Average guest rating

About Borana Lodge

When the grandfather of the present owners of Borana arrived in this spot, 17 miles (27 kilometres) north of the equator and 6,000 feet (1,830 metres) above sea level, he simply fell in love with its isolation and wildness. Now his descendants have built a lodge on the land that he adored. Made of local, sustainable materials, Borana Lodge sits subtly on this malaria-free landscape, with panoramic views across the Samangua Valley and the Lewa Plains to the Ngare Ndare Forest and Mount Kenya beyond. Inside, all is luxurious and plush. A perfect breakaway location in a splendid setting.

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From $860 person/night

Lodge

8 Rooms

Laikipia, Kenya

What you'll love

The feeling that you're welcome to do anything, from chilling in your suite to exploring the wilderness and even accompanying an anti-poaching patrol.

Insiders tip

You'll definitely want to spend no less than three nights here - and after that, it will feel like home and you'll never want to leave anyway!

Something to think about

Although plenty of wildlife calls the area home, the hilly and often bushy landscape can sometimes make game viewing a little trickier. That said, when you do find what you were looking for, you'll have the moment entirely to yourself.

The property

The communal areas overlook a lake that is a popular watering hole for wildlife, so there is constant activity – the antics of the young elephants are always amusing. Meals incorporating fresh produce from the ranch and wines from around the world are served in the dining room. Settle back to enjoy the view through the huge windows in the lounge. Outside, enjoy the largely indigenous garden and the infinity pool with a view second to none.

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The rooms

Borana's accommodation is in eight secluded stone-and-thatch cottages, four with large double beds and four with queen-sized twins. All have verandas (some private, others shared) that overlook the dam. The cottages are entirely secluded and have private views from both bedroom and bathroom of the valley below, and a fireplace that is set every night. The bathrooms are spacious, with showers cleverly set into the rock face.

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Activities

Horseback riding

Fishing safari

Bush Walks

Game Drives

There's no shortage of activities to suit everyone. Day and evening game drives, horseback and guided walking safaris, mountain biking, really good birding, fly fishing, joining an anti-poaching team, a visit to a permaculture farm and even, weather permitting, paragliding! Or simply spend a day at the lodge, enjoying the pool with its Samangua Valley backdrop. If you're exploring though, look out for African wild dog, spotted and striped hyaena, zebra and antelope galore and a number of cat species.

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Reviews

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NaN out of 5 stars

About Laikipia

Laikipia

A patchwork of pretty reserves where conservation and communities are just as important as safaris.

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Wildlife in Laikipia

Elephant

Abundant

Giraffe

Abundant

Hippo

Occasional

Black Rhino

Occasional

White Rhino

Rare

Lion

Occasional

Cheetah

Occasional

Leopard

Occasional

Hyena

Occasional

Wildebeest

Occasional

Buffalo

Abundant

Zebra

Abundant

Warthog

Abundant

Wild Dog

Rare

Meerkat

None

Show all wildlife

The greatest conservation success of the region remains with the black rhino, almost half of Kenya's entire population can be found in this area. Laikipia is a real up-and-comer on the African safari circuit, with an impressive diversity of unique species, not to mention home to the famous Big 5. Encounter elephants, big cats (often collared for research purposes), buffalo, Grevy's zebra, numerous antelope and more recently, an increasing wild dog population. Laikipia consist of a mix of high altitude grassland, dotted with rocky outcrops, low lying bush and patches of riverine forest.

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