Whisk your loved one away on Valentine’s Day. Here are some of the most romantic destinations in the country
- Desert Rose
For a treat like no other, sweep your true love off to the far north of Kenya for a stay at the exquisite Desert Rose. The camp situated along the slopes of Mt Nyiro, is miles from civilization and has sweeping views over the dramatic deserts of northern Kenya.
With only five cottages, each entirely secluded from the others, the camp offers complete privacy to all who stay there. All the cottages, as well as their furniture and individually designed adornments, are handmade.
Meals crafted from organic produce can be served on the deck of the guests’ cottage. In the unlikely event guests can tear themselves from the incredible views, activities include safari drives, and nature walks and visits to Turkana and Samburu villages.
Desert Rose [Courtesy]
- Betty’s Suite
As if the island of Lamu wasn’t romantic enough – there’s Betty’s Suite. On a rooftop overlooking the shimmering seas, Betty’s Suite offers complete privacy, breath-taking views and all the little touches that make a place stand out.
The spacious deck ends in an infinity pool that drops off as if into the sea below. The bedroom opens onto the veranda and even the inviting bath has a view across the channel. The suite is designed in sleek Swahili style and furnished with antiques that evoke the times of the trade routes.
The cook serves delectable seafood and other local delicacies. Should you ever wish to leave your suite, we recommend a dhow cruise along the channel as the sun is sinking behind the dunes.
Betty’s Suite [Courtesy]
- Ol Donyo
In the heart of the Chyulu Hills, peaks so loved by Ernest Hemmingway that he named them the Green Hills of Africa and penned a whole novel about them, is Ol Donyo Lodge. All six suites and one villa not only have their own private plunge pools, but have roof terraces where romantic star beds give guests the chance of sleeping under the stars.
Meals can be served in the privacy of the guests’ suite or in the expansive dining area. The wealth of activities includes game drives, hiking, horse riding, mountain biking and animal tracking. There’s even the option of fly camping for those who want a truly secluded experience.
Ol Donyo [Courtesy]
- Lentorre
Head across the sleek white salt plains of Lake Magadi, then continue south across southern Kenya’s dusty swathes of dry desert, and you’ll find Lentorre. An oasis of luxury, this secluded camp has six expansive cottages ensconced on the escarpment with views all the way to the horizon.
Each of the spacious cottages is self-contained with the bedroom, lounge and even bathroom opening up onto views of the plains. The expansive decks all have their own private plunge pool in which guests can wallow while watching the plentiful game strolling across the front of the lodge. If you can drag yourself from your pool, head for a viewpoint for sunset.
Lentorre [Courtesy]
- Borana
Set amidst the rolling hills and sweeping plains of Borana Conservancy on the edge of the Samangua Valley, Borana has views of the glaciers gleaming on the peaks of Mt Kenya. The eight cottages are individually designed and totally secluded, giving the guests who stay their total privacy.
The cottages were built from local materials, filled with little luxuries and embellished with local artists’ work. Meals are created from local produce and inspiration. While a holiday here would be impeccable enjoying the views from your cottage, there’s a plethora of things to do. Activities include game viewing, mountain biking, horse riding and entering into life on a functioning ranch.
Borana [Courtesy]
- Loisaba Starbeds
For something completely different why not treat your loved one to a night under the stars? Loisaba’s star beds are exquisite four-poster beds raised high on platforms under the starry skies.
The attached sitting area has a thatched roof and bathroom. Imagine lying high above the bush listening to the coos of nightjars, the howls of hyenas and the hooting of owls as you sink into plentiful pillows and gaze into the night sky.
It’s understandable if you loathe to leave such a place, but there are plenty of reasons to get out and explore Loisaba: day and night game drives, horse riding, camel trekking, mountain biking, walking and fishing are all on offer.
Loisaba Starbeds [Courtesy]
- Elsa’s Kopje
Named after Elsa the lioness of Born Free fame who was raised by hand from a cub by Joy and George Adamson, this camp evokes romance and legend. Set on Meru’s lush forested slopes, this collection of exclusive cottages is a haven of peace.
Each of the eight designer cottages has complete privacy and arresting views.
The camp, eco-friendly and the winner of multiple awards is surrounded by giant baobabs and doum palms.
You could do game drives to view Meru’s rare species of game, or for the ultimate romantic extravagance, why not take Elsa’s Honeymoon Suite, a triple-level cottage with spacious sitting room and breath-taking bedroom?
Elsa’s Kopje [Courtesy]
- Saruni Samburu
Perched on a rocky escarpment Saruni Samburu has jaw-dropping views across Samburu’s stark red rocks to the snowy peaks of Mt Kenya and sacred Mt Ololokwe.
The four spacious houses are the ultimate in luxury and open onto formidable views that tempt guests to loll on the plush four-poster bed or sip a gin and tonic on the expansive deck and gaze across the savannah.
Each house is designed for elegance and exclusivity and decorated with antique chests, Afghan rugs and handcrafted furnishings. The only real reason we can think of to leave your elegant suite would be to stroll to the Samburu Wellbeing Space for peace massage or spa treatment.
Saruni Samburu [Courtesy]
- Richard’s River Camp
This camp, designed as a dreamy private home, spares nothing in its attention to detail. Set in the game-rich Mara North Conservancy bordering the world-famous Maasai Mara National Reserve, the camp overlooks the Njageteck River, its tents viewing the animals that come to the river to drink.
The seven spacious tents are adorned with handpicked furniture and eye-catching art chosen from a collection that spans years. African antiques, local art, evocative lanterns and the décor of the bush all adorn this wilderness paradise.
For the ultimate indulgence, do a game drive as the sun sinks towards the horizon then treat your loved one to a candlelit dinner in the bush under Africa’s expansive skies.
- Sasaab
High above the banks of the Ewaso Nyiro River, Sasaab commands breath-taking views across Samburu’s arid yet stunning landscape. The nine luxurious open-plan cottages are designed in sophisticated Moroccan style with whitewashed arches and sleek furnishings.
Sasaab [Courtesy]
All are completely secluded; all have private plunge pools on their expansive verandas from which guests can gaze across the stark and thorny land as far as the horizon.
Even SpaSaab, the lodge’s state-of-the-art wellness centre, has extensive views; treat your loved one to an afternoon at the spa, some pampering with Liz Earle’s organic skincare products, then retire together to your cottage to stargaze in harmony.
