Created by well-known conservationist Oria Douglas-Hamilton down-river from her husband Iain's Elephant Research Centre, Elephant Watch has just three double tents under thatch with hand-painted four-posters, sand floors and outdoor bathrooms. The huge mess tent is hung with swathes of Samburu fabrics in bright oranges, blues and pinks, and the luxuriously padded daybeds and Dalí-esque chairs are fashioned from the twisted branches of acacia trees felled by elephants. Douglas-Hamilton's
considerable flair extends to the kitchen, which produces astonishingly
sophisticated meals (fresh pasta; cocktail-hour samosas; elegantly presented
puddings). Elephants are never far away, often within hot-breath-smell distance of your tent, and Samburu warriors escort guests after dusk and keep a watchful eye all night. A stay at Elephant Watch, with its expert guides, will probably be the start of a life-long passion for these extraordinary animals.
WHEN TO GO
Samburu is generally hot and dry; April-October is cooler, with some rain, and may be more comfortable
WHICH ROOM TO BOOK
Samburu is generally hot and dry; April-October is cooler, with some rain, and may be more comfortable
CONTACT
Elephant Watch Safaris, PO Box 54667, Nairobi, Kenya (00 254 2242 572; fax: 243976; elephantwatch@africaonline.co.ke; www.olerai.com). Tents £330 per person per day based on two sharing, including road transfers to the airstrip, all meals, drinks, laundry, activities and a donation to The Save the Elephant charity
|
