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Once a landscape that was unsustainably farmed and over-grazed, the Enonkishu Conservancy is now an incredible story of rewilding. Alongside three other Maasai conservancies, the area is now a 45,000-acre fenceless wilderness with only a handful of lodges and camps to explore it. Sitting atop Kileleoni Hill (the highest point in the Maasai Mara), Wild Hill is one of those lodges - and one of the most exclusive safari houses on the continent. The exclusive-use villa has an equal focus on wellness, conservation and community initiatives, and with a full-service team, your safari is totally on your own terms. And did we mention the sensational views across the wildlife-filled plains?
From $2,350 person/night
The vistas across the conservancy and Maasai Mara beyond are breathtaking – enjoy them at sunset from your private deck with a glass of something chilled in hand.
This really is the place to engage with conservation projects and community initiatives, which Wild Hill is highly involved in.
There are various high decks, steps and pools so children need to be well supervised (babysitting can be arranged with prior notice) and the rooms are accessed along rocky paths so a degree of mobility is needed.
With interiors decorated by South African designer, Pullos Purdon, the house is as stylish as they come with furniture and pieces inspired by themes from around the world. There is a lofty, double-height living room that flows beautifully into the pool area - and there's even a hot tub. Meals are prepared with the freshest ingredients harvested in the Wild Shamba garden, and usually include local fish from Mombasa and fire-cooked steaks served in the boma under the stars. There's also a dramatic bar where you can enjoy inventive cocktails and fine wines.
Built using local stone, there are just five suites (or cottages) including a two-bedroom family villa. Each has a private deck overlooking the vast Mara plains. Neutral, earthy tones are complimented by glinting copper and silver, and unique elements add something special – you might find Zanzibari-style doors, gorgeous chandeliers of black beads or mother-of-pearl Omani mirrors. The giant beds are topped with bamboo-cotton linens and voluminous feather duvets, the cupboards are filled with artisanal treats, and shower gels are fragranced by Africology. On cold nights, a roaring fire and waiting bath will welcome you back to the room.
Wild Hill offers sensational game viewing in private vehicles helmed by all-knowing guides and you'll often be the only ones around for miles. Game drives are available both day and night and, as you're in a private conservancy (with access to three others as well), off-roading is possible. A donation of $30 allows you to visit the rhino sanctuary at the foot of the hill. In your down time, the spa offers an array of treatments and there's also a fitness centre with sauna and a cold plunge that will set you up for the day. Or, for something more gentle, a sunrise yoga session is blissful.
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The Masai Mara is Kenya's flagship conservation region: a place of rolling plains, bush scrub and acacia thicket— known for the seasonal great wildebeest migration, a mass movement of more than two million, wildebeest, zebra, kongoni, topi and gazelle. As exciting as this phenomenon is, there is so much more to this wilderness. Encounter elephants, buffalo, hippo, giraffe, crocodiles and a variety of cats including lion, cheetah, leopard and the shy serval during a stay in these parts.