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Homes in the Kenyan Bush - Farms and Ranches
Ol Malo
Ol Malo, meaning "the place of the Greater Kudu" is located on
the edge of Kenya's famed and wild Northern Frontier District and perched on the
edge of a cliff, giving you almost 360-degree views of this wild part of Africa.
Tastefully built out of natural rock and olive wood, guests enjoy an indescribable
view of the Northern Frontier deserts and Mt. Kenya.
Your hosts at Ol Malo are Colin and Rocky Francombe, who have
lived in Northern Kenya all their lives. They will be available to share their
personal insights and experiences of the people, the country and the wildlife
that makes up this private reserve. A working cattle and game ranch, Ol Malo offers
an unrivalled introduction into the dry, arid northern district of Kenya.
With only four luxury ensuite cottages, with huge homemade baths
and showers, the hospitality at Ol Malo is outstanding. The Francombe's offer
their guests a very personal and exclusive experience in this peaceful wilderness.
Day and night game drives are available, as well as game walks,
camel treks, horse rides and visits to the neighboring Samburu manyattas. Ol Malo
provides a unique insight into an area where people, livestock and wildlife have
coexisted for generations. Days at Ol Malo are as full or as unruffled as guests
prefer.
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Lokitela Farm
At Lokitela Farm you can experience the pleasures of farming
and the joys of being close to nature and wildlife, while meeting some unique
and interesting people. Lokitela Farm is on the foothills of Mount Elgon, the
largest but not the highest mountain in Africa.
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At just over 14,000 ft above sea level, Mt. Elgon straddles the
Kenya/Uganda border. Mt. Elgon caves are well known for their "salt mining" elephants
and the thousands of tongue clicking fruit bats that roost in them.
Lokitela is near Saiwa Swamp National Park, home to the Sitatunga,
a web footed antelope. The Lokitela area is home to the West Pokot as well, one
of the most remote tribes in Kenya, relatively untouched by the modern world.
An old Kenyan farm, Lokitela is the home of Tony and Adrianne
Mills who encourage visitors to enjoy this unique lifestyle to its fullest. Intensive
mixed farming is practiced, with milk and maize production as the main enterprises.
Conservation is also a high priority; 70 acres of this 874-acre farm has been
set aside for conservation and hosts over 350 species of birds and small mammals.
Visitors are taken to the charming Cherangan Hide, a truly beautiful
and tranquil place in remote Africa, amongst the people of West Pokot. Built on
wooden stilts along the eastern bank of the Suam River, here one can glimpse into
the culture and lifestyle of these fascinating Kenyan people.
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Ol Jolai
Set in beautiful thorn tree country with magnificent views of
the hills and the Aberdare mountain range as a backdrop, Ol Jolai is the private
home of Nick and Betsy Cowell, situated on the 58,000 acre Soysambu Ranch at Elmenteita
in the heart of the Rift Valley.
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Steeped in pioneer history, this Kenyan wildlife haven has over
400 bird species. A typical stay would include a game drive through the hills,
escorted bird walks and night game drives to spot a tremendous variety of nocturnal
game such as ant bear, porcupine, spring hare, African wildcat and the elusive
leopard.
Horseback riding is particularly special as the area offers some
wonderful riding through herds of plains game. Both Lakes Elmenteita and Nakuru
are world famous haunts to vast flamingo populations, Elmenteita being the main
breeding grounds for the great white pelican.
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Lewa Downs Conservancy
Based at the foot of Mt. Kenya and one of Kenya's private conservation
successes, Lewa Downs has been the Craig family home since 1924 when the Craig
grandparents came from England and began raising cattle.
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"Leave room for the wildlife" has been the Craig ethic since
the nineteen twenties. Lewa has taken the conservation message to heart. The ranch
has been incorporated in the Lewa Wildlife Conservancy and includes a rhino
sanctuary. In addition, Lewa supports local schools, clinics and a local furniture
making business to provide skills and work for the local people.
Endangered species abound in the Lewa Wildlife Conservancy. You
can explore the ranch in comfortable, customized vehicles, on horse, on camel
back, or even on foot, with a professional guide to provide extensive knowledge
about the local area, the people and the wildlife.
The family home accommodates 16 guests in comfortable thatched
cottages with ensuite bathrooms and verandas. The food is wholesome, ranch style
and organically grown. The wildlife experience on Lewa Downs suits guests from
all walks of life and all ages.
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