The Collection

family safaris

We are pleased to announce that as of 22nd September travellers arriving in the UK from Kenya no longer need to enter hotel managed quarantine. All travellers are required to prove a negative Covid 19 test (PCR, LAMP or antigen) taken within 72 hours before departure from Kenya, complete a passenger locator form and book and pay for a Covid 19 test to be taken upon arrival in the UK. After arrival in the UK, passengers that have not been vaccinated or have been vaccinated outside approved vaccination programmes in the UK, Europe or USA will still need to quarantine at home or at an allocated residence for 10 days and take a COVID-19 test on or before day 2 and on or after day 8 for early release. 

UK travellers headed to Kenya must be in possession of a valid COVID-19 negative PCR test certificate conducted within 96 hours before travel and complete a COVID-19 Travellers Health Surveillance Form. Passengers must self-isolate for 7 days upon arrival and are required to take a PCR test four days after arrival.

As these travel regulations change frequently, we recommend contacting our reservations department or your travel specialist for the most up-to-date information.

Tortilis Camp wildlife elephant herd with calves

The National Wildlife Census 2021 carried out by the Ministry of Tourism and Wildlife has published a positive outlook for Kenya’s elephant population. The national elephant population has increased from 32,214 elephants in 2014 to the current population of 36,169 in 2021. This represents a 12% population increase over seven years which is testament to the productive anti-poaching efforts by government and conservation partners.

Special Offers

Double Discount web thumb

The Elewana Collection is offering travellers a double discount on circuit itineraries. Take advantage of a 30% saving on nine plus nights (increased from the standard 15%) and 20% discount on six nights plus (increased from 10%) for bookings at any of the portfolio bush and beach properties (excluding Arusha Coffee Lodge). The offer is valid for travel up until 30th June 2022 and is subject to availability. This rate is for new bookings only and cannot be combined with any other special offers.

In The Community

shanga photography workshop

Three Shanga team members recently participated in a four-day workshop to learn the fundamental principles of photography including composition, lighting and camera settings, as well as post-production editing. The team, which included Calvin, Jackson and George, focused on three main photographic subjects - glass products, textiles and faces - utilizing donated cameras and a second-hand laptop. Local conservation and documentary photographer, Roshni Lodhia, led the workshop. The enthusiastic learners spent the morning in a classroom setting and the afternoons taking images around Shanga for a day filled with discovery, discussions and a lot of laughter. 

“I was thrilled when I was asked to design a photography workshop for a team of Shanga staff. As a conservation and documentary photographer based in Arusha, this was my chance to share the skills I'd learned over the years“ noted Roshni Lodhia. “Empowering Shanga staff to learn an additional skill like photography is fantastic for both their personal growth and for Shanga to have an internal photographer.”

George, Jackson and Calvin were equally enthusiastic about the workshop, noting that “Roshni listened to our ideas and her compassion for teaching made us better students.” In addition, all were really impressed that Roshni “constantly showed different techniques to produce better photos.”

Developing new skills through training is an essential component to Shanga’s business model and the team consistently strives to find new ways to improve talents in-house, rather than using external specialists, in order to make Shanga a success. 

Shanga was the recipient of Minor Hotel’s Best Sustainability Award Winner in 2019, which included a monetary award for the organization. Part of these funds, which were donated in late 2020 to Shanga, were used towards the photography training.

From Our Conservation Partners

Elewana Loisaba Lodo Springs landscape

The Loisaba Conservancy is planning to break ground next month on the first stage of fencing that will pave the way for rhinos to return to the conservancy. This pivotal conservation partnership between Loisaba Conservancy, Kenya Wildlife Services, The Nature Conservancy and San Diego Zoo will pave the way to reintroduce rhinos almost 50 years to the date that they last roamed the region.

Inside Information From The Team

kilindi 4

We spoke to General Manager Andre Joubert about why Kilindi is the perfect spot for a relaxing beach break.

Why is Kilindi such a great spot for a beach holiday 

As Kilindi is situated in the north-west region of the island, it is less affected by the dramatic tide changes experienced in other areas of the island. The stretch of coast and beach from Kilindi to the northern tip is widely considered to be the best for experiencing the tropical beauty of Zanzibar. None of the beaches are private in Zanzibar but Kilindi has access to its "own" patch of beach, which is removed from other resorts in the area, so there is little to no disturbances from the locals or other tourists.    

What would be your perfect day at Kilindi

The perfect day at Kilindi will start with a slow and leisurely breakfast in the comfort of your private villa, whilst overlooking the ocean and watching the local fisherman head off or return from their morning catch. Mid-morning relax and enjoy one of our signature couples (or singles) Spa treatments to fully rejuvenate, with some time to relax around our main pavilion pool before lunch. After lunch, guests can soak up the sun and perhaps enjoy some kayaking, paddle boarding or just relaxing on the beach. Before dinner, guests will come and enjoy a cocktail or two at our main pavilion whilst watching the sunset over the Indian ocean before finally making their way back down to our beach for a secluded lobster BBQ dinner under the stars.

What seasonal products might guests expect from the menu

The seafood is incredible, expect prawns, lobster, crabs and plenty of fresh fish. We serve in-season fruits for breakfast and salads with may include bungo, mango and even chili.

What local attractions should guests visit on a trip to Kilindi

The absolute "musts" are to take a trip to Stone Town to do the historical tour through the slave museum, the food markets, craft stores and observe centuries of diverse cultural influences on the architecture. This can be made into a full day tour with a Spice Tour visit to farms and markets to explore and discover the unique culinary flavours of Zanzibar. 

For adventure seekers and ocean lovers, one could set sail on a traditional Dhow boat to observe the coastline in the beautiful light of the sun setting. The Mnemba Atoll which is a 1hr boat ride from the hotel is considered the most famous conservation area in Zanzibar for diving, providing crystal clear water, marine life and spectacular drop-offs. It is also well known for encounters with dolphins.

Tell us what weather travellers can expect at Kilindi over the next six months

Because the island is situated just 6 degrees south of the equator, temperatures are warm all year round. From October through to March guests can bask in balmy temperatures around 30°C.

News You Can Use

Sand River Masai Mara scenic sundowners firepit

Elewana is committed to ensuring guests enjoy a hassle-free experience during their stay and we are happy to now offer on-site COVID-19 testing at our properties in Amboseli, Masai Mara, Lewa Conservancy and Diani Beach in Kenya and Zanzibar in Tanzania.

Where testing is not possible in-property, our team is happy to guide and support guests with booking tests, facilitating payments, as well as assisting with transport to the nearest testing centres.

For the latest updates on COVID-19 travel protocols in Kenya and Tanzania, please reach out to our reservations team to discuss the latest requirements and your testing needs at the time of booking.

Elewana Loisaba Tented Camp Accommodation Aerial views

Safaris have always been well suited for social distancing, allowing travellers to enjoy the wide-open spaces of breath-taking destinations in Kenya and Tanzania. Thanks to rigorous protocols employed at all of our Elewana properties, now is a great time to consider a safari adventure. Our team ensures guests are able to travel safely thanks to rigorous health, hygiene and safety standards and once on safari, you’ll enjoy the spectacular spacious wilderness and incredible wildlife encounters. You’ll no longer worry about anything other than whether to go on a game drive, settle in with a good book or leisurely soak in the pool watching the world drift on by. To find out more about how to book your safari safely and securely, get in touch with us at This email address is being protected from spambots. You need JavaScript enabled to view it..

Video

loisaba conservancy video

“𝐖𝐞 𝐚𝐫𝐞 𝐠𝐮𝐚𝐫𝐝𝐢𝐚𝐧𝐬 𝐨𝐟 𝐰𝐢𝐥𝐝𝐥𝐢𝐟𝐞 𝐚𝐧𝐝 𝐩𝐫𝐨𝐭𝐞𝐜𝐭𝐨𝐫𝐬 𝐨𝐟 𝐧𝐚𝐭𝐮𝐫𝐞. 𝐀𝐬 𝐥𝐨𝐧𝐠 𝐚𝐬 𝐭𝐡𝐞 𝐦𝐨𝐨𝐧 𝐬𝐡𝐢𝐧𝐞𝐬, 𝐟𝐨𝐫 𝐨𝐮𝐫 𝐞𝐲𝐞𝐬 𝐭𝐨 𝐬𝐞𝐞. 𝐀𝐬 𝐥𝐨𝐧𝐠 𝐚𝐬 𝐭𝐡𝐞 𝐬𝐮𝐧 𝐫𝐢𝐬𝐞𝐬, 𝐚𝐧𝐝 𝐰𝐞 𝐬𝐭𝐢𝐥𝐥 𝐛𝐫𝐞𝐚𝐭𝐡. 𝐖𝐞 𝐰𝐢𝐥𝐥 𝐩𝐫𝐨𝐭𝐞𝐜𝐭 𝐭𝐡𝐢𝐬 𝐥𝐚𝐧𝐝"

Staying at Elewana Collection's Loisaba Tented Camp, Loisaba Star Beds and Loisaba Lodo Springs helps ensure Loisaba Conservancy remains a catalyst for conservation, wildlife research and community development.

A film by Martin Buzora.

Events

Elsa s Cottage View from private veranda

We’re pleased to be participating at ATTA Global Travel Week in London from 27th – 30th September, where our UK sales and marketing representative, Liz Harper, will be on-hand to chat about all things Elewana. For more information and to set up a time to chat, please contact Liz Harper at This email address is being protected from spambots. You need JavaScript enabled to view it..

Sighting of The Month

Black leopard mother

Safari-goers in Loisaba Conservancy and Serengeti National Park were treated to some of the most incredible and rare wildlife sightings this past month. Guests in Loisaba Conservancy spotted a heart-warming moment with a leopard caressing her cubs, while the elusive melanistic serval cat was seen in Serengeti National Park.

leopard video sep 2021

These sightings remind everyone at Elewana that every day on safari is a new discovery, one never knows what they might see!

Media