Nomad_Africa_Edition12

sai Mara for overall safari experience. a sanctuary for over 80 mammal
species including black rhino, elephant, lion, leopard, grevy
Zebra, reticulated giraffe, aardwolf, wild dog and a wealth of
african game, laikipia’s biodiversity is globally unique.
after Tsavo, laikipia is Kenya’s most extensive wildlife haven, forming
part of the much broader 56,000-km2 ewaso ecosystem. all of
the ‘Big Five’ mammals can be found here, with the ewaso elephant
population healthy in numbers, half of all the endangered Black rhinos
found in Kenya in laikipia and as many as 250 lions.
The ewaso ecosystem hosts the largest populations left on earth of
various other endangered mammals, including grevy’s Zebra and
reticulated giraffe, the only remaining viable population of Jackson’s
Hartebeest, as well as an expanding population of the globally
endangered african Wild Dog.
laikipia has a diverse range of tourism facilities for travellers of all
varieties. There is a choice of small lodges, tented camps, ranch
houses, community lodges and resorts/hotels. Based in natural
wildlife areas, they focus on selling wilderness-based tourism. currently,
there are over 40 accommodation facilities in the laikipia
area, many of which have been awarded tourism awards both overseas
and in Kenya.
There is one property, however, that has long been a part of the
landscape in laikipia and called Mount Kenya, affectionately known
as laikipia’s lady, its neighbour. Travelling some 30 minutes by vehicle
south-east of the airport and you arrive at the famous Fairmont
Mount Kenya Safari club. it is here where the true value of Mount
Kenya is discovered.
Set with the backdrop of magnificent views of majestic Mount
Kenya, the Fairmont Mount Kenya Safari club resort is set in over
100 acres of perfectly landscaped gardens.
Then known as 'Mawingo', the Kiswahili name for 'the clouds' that
so often skirt the slopes of Mt Kenya, it was born of a love affair, and
one that had all the ingredients of an epic romance - a stunning
older woman, a dashing aviator and, for their playground, all of
africa.
it started as a home and over the years the property changed hands
a few times. it wasn’t until 1948 when Mawingo was bought by abraham
Block that the house was extended and turned into an inn. in
1959, the film star William Holden stayed there with his friends ray
ryan and carl Hirschmann. Succumbing to Mawingo's charm, they
bought the property and turned it into the 'The Mt Kenya Safari
club'.
The exclusive retreat has a reputation for relaxed elegance and
comes with quite the intriguing history. Several to the world's most
famous names, be they royalty, film stars or merely the rich, have
graced the walkways at this secluded haven, boasting an appeal of
safari gear during the day and smart dress for dinner.
The club opened in 1959 and the list of who joined reads like an international
''Who's Who'', including Sir Winston churchill, who was
reputed to have been a founder Member, Prince Berhard of the
Netherlands, lord louis Mountbatten, author robert ruark, former
US President lyndon Johnson, conrad Hilton, Bob Hope, Bing
crosby, and a bevy of celebrities.
The lustrous allure of the club has never faded, with more recent
members to include His royal Highness the aga Khan, President el
Haj omar Bongo of gabon, President gafaar Numeiri of the Sudan,
Issue 12 | ...Celebrating the world’s richest continent | www.nomadafricamag.com | 25