Kenya’s Fairmont Collection of Hotels and Resorts has introduced a once-in-a-lifetime wildlife experience beyond the Great Migration, offering an extraordinary journey across three iconic Kenyan destinations: Nairobi, Mount Kenya, and Masai Mara. This extraordinary adventure promises to immerse guests in Kenya’s breathtaking nature and wildlife, connect them with the local community, celebrate the properties’ heritage, and create unforgettable memories.
The Great Migration, a monumental spectacle where around 2 million zebras, wildebeests, and antelopes cross the Mara River from Kenya to Tanzania, attracts travellers from around the globe. With its proximity to the Fairmont Mara Safari Club, this awe-inspiring event is just a quick day trip away.
Nils Rothbarth, Cluster General Manager of Fairmont Kenya Hotels & Resorts, expressed his excitement, stating, “Kenya and the Great Migration are on the bucket list of luxury travelers in East Africa, and we are delighted to welcome guests to witness this magnificent phenomenon during the ultimate stop of our luxury Fairmont 3-stop safari in Kenya. Along with spotting the Big Five, we want travelers to embrace the history of our properties, from Hollywood to Kenya, and engage in an educational journey through conservation.”
The three-stop safari trip encompasses multi-night stays at Fairmont The Norfolk, Fairmont Mount Kenya Safari Club, and Fairmont Mara Safari Club, offering various packages tailored to guests’ preferences and the desired length of stay. Whether guests prefer air transfers provided by Bongo Expedition or a Landcruiser experience, the Fairmont Collection ensures unrivalled service excellence. Designed for families, solo female travellers, groups, and honeymooners, guests will enjoy a unique and unforgettable trip in a safe environment, emphasizing privacy and luxury.
The journey begins at Fairmont The Norfolk, a luxurious property located in Nairobi. Guests can enjoy the exotic garden and observe the Big Five at Nairobi National Park. The adventure then continues to Fairmont Mount Kenya Safari Club, nestled at the base of Mount Kenya, the second-highest peak in Africa. This location allows guests to witness wildlife up close, including elephants, buffalos, hyenas, gazelles, the rare golden zebra, and the critically endangered mountain bongo. The grand finale of the safari takes place at Fairmont Mara Safari Club, where guests can fully experience the spectacle of the Great Migration near the Mara River, which borders Kenya and Tanzania.
Fairmont The Norfolk
Fairmont, The Norfolk in Nairobi, welcomes guests with 125 luxurious rooms, a heated outdoor swimming pool, an intimate spa, and multiple award-winning dining facilities. Its central location in the CBD area provides convenient access to Nairobi’s culture and heritage. The property’s proximity to Nairobi National Park, home to black rhinos and African lions, allows guests to connect with wildlife. Built-in 1904 and recently refurbished in 2022, Fairmont The Norfolk also boasts a magnificent garden where guests can observe butterflies, bees, and over ten rare exotic bird species.
The recently reopened Tatu restaurant at Fairmont The Norfolk offers a dining experience featuring the finest cuts of meats, fresh seafood, and vegetarian options in a warm contemporary African-themed setting. For a relaxing evening, guests can unwind with a cocktail at the beloved Cin Cin Bar, featuring internal designs intricately engraved or embroidered with the Big Five. The bar offers a scenic view of the exotic garden and an extensive collection of premium alcoholic beverages.
Fairmont The Norfolk also provides excursions with professional guides, allowing guests to explore Kenya’s art and cultural hub. Iconic venues such as the Karen Blixen Museum, Giraffe Centre, and the David Sheldrick Wildlife Trust await visitors, along with local art galleries and shopping streets offering unique artifacts.
Fairmont Mara Safari Club
At Fairmont Mount Kenya Safari Club, guests are treated to a stunning setting at the base of Mount Kenya, where relaxation and adventure intertwine. With 100 units ranging from cottages to villas and suites, surrounded by scenic gardens, guests can enjoy the spa, heated pool, golf course, and mountain adventures such as hiking, plane or helicopter tours, and horse riding safaris. The club also offers activities to support wildlife conservation and provides opportunities to learn about local wildlife from conservation experts.
Fairmont Mount Kenya Safari Club has a fascinating history, as it was built in the early seventies by the renowned Hollywood celebrity William Holden. In a private conservancy, guests can observe wildlife up close and contribute to wildlife protection efforts through donations, animal adoptions, or tree planting. The Mount Kenya Wildlife Conservancy’s efforts to restore the mountain bongo population are noteworthy, with the opening of the first Mountain Bongo Sanctuary and the birth of Fanaka, the first bongo calf born in the wild Mawingu Sanctuary.
Apart from wildlife conservation, guests can immerse themselves in the natural beauty surrounding Fairmont Mount Kenya Safari Club. A newly opened pathway on the property allows wildlife, including elephants, buffalos, various bird species, gazelles, hyenas, warthogs, and the rare golden zebra, to access the slopes of Mount Kenya. This proximity offers guests a unique opportunity to observe wildlife in its natural habitat.
With two exquisite restaurants and bars boasting stunning views and locally sourced fresh ingredients, guests can savour culinary creations and traditional Kenyan dishes. From enjoying a picnic breakfast with grazing bongos to indulging in cocktails by the Likki River while relishing traditional Kenyan Nyama Choma (marinated grilled meat and vegetables) cooked on an open fire, guests are immersed in nature.
Fairmont Mara Safari Club presents an intimate tented lodge experience with 38 luxury tents in the Ol Choro Oiroua Conservancy. This conservancy, belonging to the Maasai community, strictly controls the number of safari cars, ensuring intimate game-viewing experiences. Situated on the banks of the Mara River, guests can dine while overlooking crocodiles and hippopotamuses. By embarking on an early morning or night game drive, guests will witness the strategic point of the crossing during the Great Migration at the boundary between Kenya and Tanzania. Thrilling activities such as footwalk tracking, hot air balloon safaris, river crossings, and guided hikes or village tours by Maasai Chiefs provide guests with unparalleled connections to wildlife and cultural experiences.
Ol Choro Oiroua Conservancy, the first community-led conservancy in Kenya, offers guests the opportunity to interact with the local Maasai community. The families hosting guests are passionate about sharing their culture and love for their land. By working hand-in-hand with the lodge, these families have also contributed to crafting many of the decorative items found within the hotel. The conservancy fees collected by Fairmont Mara Safari Club directly support educational and female empowerment projects, wildlife protection, Masai pastoral culture, and the overall well-being of the community members.
This extraordinary 3-stop safari adventure from the Fairmont Collection of Hotels and Resorts offers an unrivalled experience transcending the Great Migration, allowing guests to explore Kenya’s breathtaking nature, engage with local communities, and create lifelong memories. From Nairobi’s urban oasis to the majestic Mount Kenya and the marvel of Masai Mara, guests will discover the true essence of Kenya’s wildlife, culture, and heritage.
Written by: Anne Keam
