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<\/a><\/p>\nOn my return from a whistle-stop tour of the country I call home \u2013 Kenya, I appreciate all the special things about the country which make me want to return time and time again. I joined a fam trip with Kenya Tourism Board and was lucky enough to experience some truly remarkable properties. I was blown away with the luxury accommodation, but equally how there is such an emphasis on supporting and empowering the local communities and surrounding wildlife.\u00a0 Below is a quick round-up of my trip to give you just a taste of what I experienced.<\/p>\n
House of Waine<\/h2>\n
A former family home, House of Waine <\/a><\/strong><\/span>is a true \u2018home from home\u2019 and is a tranquil retreat in the city of Nairobi<\/a><\/strong><\/span>. I loved the well manicured gardens and was impressed by the service and cuisine. It had a lovely calming colonial feel and I woke up feeling rested and ready to take on an action-packed day in the Borana Conservancy.<\/p>\n <\/p>\n Borana Lodge<\/a><\/strong><\/span> is the only not for profit lodge in Kenya<\/a><\/strong><\/span> with all the profits going towards conservation and community projects, so guests will have a warm feeling knowing they are helping to fund important projects such as protecting rhinos in the area.<\/p>\n This place has so much to offer and I would definitely recommend this lodge for families and honeymooners. Game drives, horse riding, mountain biking and quad biking are just a few of the activities on offer, so it\u2019s just as well they have a calming spa for guests in need of some relaxation. A highlight for me was being driven out to a peaceful spot in the conservancy for sundowners \u2013 a perfect end to an action-packed day.<\/p>\n This camp is utterly luxurious and boasts some great views of the Mara River. Here, they do a lot of work with and for the community, particularly for education of young Masai girls and empowerment of (Masai) women in the workplace.<\/p>\n Tree-planting is just one of the activities at the camp. Guests pay $20 per tree planted.<\/p>\n Absolutely amazing. This place has the \u2018wow factor\u2019 from the moment you set foot in the colonial-style mess tent and take in the uninterrupted views of the Mara Plains. There are just 7 extremely tastefully furnished tents complete with copper baths and private balconies. Shaun and Amy were our hosts and made us feel hugely welcome and totally spoilt. This place is truly unique and I think it would be a perfect place for honeymooners wanting to experience something really special.<\/p>\n <\/p>\n A visit to the coast is a great way to unwind after going on safari, and my stay at the Alfajiri Villas<\/a><\/strong><\/span> was a very relaxing sojourn. There are just 3 villas here (cliff, beach and garden) each with 4 rooms and a personal butler for each villa. I really enjoyed my stay here and nothing was too much trouble \u2013 I can see why Alfajiri prides itself on offering exceptional service.<\/p>\n<\/a><\/p>\nBorana Lodge<\/h2>\n
<\/a><\/p>\n<\/a><\/p>\nSanctuary Olonana Camp<\/h2>\n
<\/a><\/p>\n<\/a><\/p>\nMara Plains Camp<\/h2>\n
<\/a><\/p>\nAlfajiri Villas<\/h2>\n
<\/a><\/p>\nKinondo Kwetu<\/h2>\n