Laikipia, Africa, sitting east of the Great Rift Valley and west of Mount Kenya, is known for its conservation efforts and luxurious safari tourism. It has also long been a hotspot for wealthy travelers and is considered one of Kenya’s best safari regions. Hidden among the area’s woodlands, grasslands and riverbeds is Segera Retreat, a luxury lodge covering 50,000 acres of African wilderness.
From the mind of Jochen Zeitz, former chief executive of Puma and an international environmentalist, comes Segera Retreat. But it's no ordinary safari camp. Boasting some of the world’s finest contemporary art and eco-chic accommodations, the property is one of the most elegant and impressive lodges in the country. Art plays a central part here, and Zeitz holds one of the largest collections of 21st-century contemporary art from Africa and the diaspora. New exhibits are showcased regularly in the property’s gallery (a converted stable) and pieces are curated by former director of the Rubell Family Collection in Miami, Mark Coetzee.
The property’s guestrooms are designed to offer luxury, privacy and modern convenience all under a thatched roof. Guests can stay in one of eight villas, including the stone-clad Segera House with a private garden, lounge, raised observation deck and salt-water pool. Each villa has its own unique character and comes with a private deck, lounge chairs and swinging beds, a great way to enjoy the beautiful scenery and lush landscapes. If that wasn’t enough, guests can soak in their own private tub outdoors carved out of an African-stone boulder.
Resting in the sculpture garden is the salt-water pool with comfortable loungers situated along its borders, a relaxing destination at any time of day. But if you’re really looking for a full pampering session, the spa offers a variety of holistic treatments and therapies that can be enjoyed en suite or the facility. Inside the wellness center is a Rasul Steam Tower, a salt-water swimming pool and a-state-of-the-art gymnasium where guests can also participate in a yoga session.
But Segera isn’t just about taking care of its guests; they are very dedicated to conservation and preservation of their beloved destination. Zeitz and his team are committed to protecting energy, water, wildlife, cultural traditions and communities through implanting such ideas as solar farms, biodiversity and research programs, and education centers. Travelers can have a hand in the efforts as well by participating in activities such as a game drive to witness how removing miles of game fencing has helped vital elephant migratory routes open up again across the EWASO Eco system.
If you’d rather sit back and enjoy a safari, the lodge has a vintage Land Rover or Rolls Royce convertible to do so. Brave souls can opt for a more up-close-and-personal experience with a walking safari, an option that takes away the noise of the engines that scare off animals.
Whatever your reason for wanting to visit one of Africa’s best safari destinations, Segera Retreat is bound to exceed your expectations. If you don’t believe us, check out more photos below (don't act like you're not impressed). Rooms start at $890/night per person during low season.
