CURATED BY Denise Tavera May
Kenya is a magical destination; Angama is a magical experience. Even the name – meaning “suspended in mid-air” in Swahili - is a bit mystical.
Cesar and I had the privilege of visiting 2 of the 3 Angama properties and we returned enamored. A short flight from Nairobi started off our adventure.
Our first stop was Angama Mara in the Masaai Mara. The only lodge perched above the Mara with endless views, 1,000 feet above the plains. This one-of-a-kind location sets it apart from all others. As we drove up to the lodge we passed giraffe, baboons, buffalo and countless impala.
Although most come for the Great Migration, the abundance of wildlife here can be viewed year-round. During our 2 night stay in mid-November, we saw the Big Five: lion, leopard, African elephant, Cape buffalo and rhinoceros. Bird watchers can search for the over 470 species found in the Mara,
This amazing property is split in two with a north and south camp, each with 15 en-suite Tented Suites. Enter your room through a foyer which reveals floor-to-ceiling glass exterior wall opening to your private deck. The view takes your breath away! You almost miss all the details that make these accommodations so personal. From a huge walk-in shower to a claw footed tub to a coffee station with a Keurig and French-press.
Bottles of both Gin & Scotch, along with a fully stocked mini bar, encourage you to sit in the rocker on your deck and take in your surroundings. I was welcomed by a hyrax sunning itself, completely unbothered by my presence. This small furry animal is an herbivore found in both Africa and the Middle East.
The details are where Angama shines – emerge yourself in the Maasai culture, pick your own fresh vegetables from the Shamba (garden), float over the Mara in a hot air balloon or spend time in the Photographic Studio for a tutorial or schedule a photo shoot – camera & lens rentals can also be arranged. You’ll return home with amazing pictures as well as a passion for ensuring this land is maintained and protected.
There is even an opportunity for your own Out of Africa experience. Angama welcomes couples, singles and families to lose themselves in a destination full of beauty and culture.
During the migration, July-October/peak August-September, Angama Safari Camp comes to life. There are only 4 tented camps giving guests the unique opportunity of being inside the Mara and as close to the migration as possible. You’re the first to reach crossing sites and last to leave. These tents are all fully equipped with working, private bathrooms. All your meals are onsite and access is privileged. This is an experience like no other.
Guests can also opt to visit during non-migrations and stay in the camp on the Angama Mara property with full access to the lodge and all its amenities.
After an unforgettable stay in the Mara we continued on to Amboseli, home of the Super Tuskers! Most visitors will start here and end in the Mara, it’s an easy 3.5 hour drive to Nairobi. We flew from the Mara and took an hour transfer to the Kimana Sanctuary. After a short drive through Amboseli National Park, viewing a flamingo colony and spotting some lions, we arrived to the staff welcoming us as if we were family.
Angama Amboseli offers 10 guest suites, all with spectacular views of Kilimanjaro. Located within Kimana Sanctuary, this is the first community conservancy in Kenya, owned by 844 Masai families.
Eash suite envelopes you in comfort and beauty, every detail thoughtfully considered to make your stay unforgettable. The grounds include a pool, indoor and outdoor spaces, fire pit for roasting marshmallows, Game Room, Art Gallery and Weaving Studio as well as a Photographic Studio. There is even a viewing tower built for watching elephants, this is of course, home to the Super Tusker.
We were thrilled to see Craig, the oldest Super Tusker in the world. Angama Amboseli’s location with Kimana is set within the elephants path as heards move in procession throughout the Sanctuary. We sat and watched him walk through the lush vegetation, enjoy some time in the river and continue on his way to his next destination. His tusks weighing over 100 lbs. each. Pictures don’t do him justice.
Our stay included sunset cocktails in The Mnara (viewing tower), barbecue & pizza oven lunch in Kimana Sanctuary, game drive to view Craig and countless delicious meals. There was so much more to see and do including walking safaris, hot air ballooning,
