Vogue once described Abercrombie & Kent as “purveyors of the exquisite” , and nowhere is that more true than in Africa, where the company’s diverse safari offerings marry pampering luxury with pure adrenaline. Exhibit A: the A&K Exclusive Tented Camp in Kenya. The Vogue review: A&K Exclusive Tented Camp There are good holidays, and then there are trips of a lifetime.
Abercrombie & Kent’s pop-up luxury safari camp – in Kenya’s Maasai Mara – is very much of the latter ilk. Set up, exclusively, for each party of guests, at locations so deep in the world-renowned national park that hyenas have been known to perform raids on the outdoor kitchen, the custom-built tented village allows guests to truly immerse themselves in the vast wilderness of the savannah, without scrimping on the finer things in life. Here, you can spend your days chasing big cats on game drives before coming home to hot showers, three-course meals and a fully stocked bar.
And once your stay’s complete? The camp’s taken down without a trace, the environmental impact minimal. While the rules for safari dressing might demand neutral tones and sensible fabrics, the décor here is colourful, patterned and inspired by shweshwe prints. Almost totally designed and created by local makers, the tented village features canvas villas complete with hotel-standard beds, running water, hot showers and electric charging points.
There’s a cosy open-air lounge and dining room, as well as a fire pit for whiling the night away. Privacy is one of the best things about this safari. Aside from your party, the camp’s staff and your own safari guide, you won’t see a soul while at base.
In terms of the usual clientele though? It’s worth noting that Abercrombie & Kent’s trips are a favourite of the royal family. Whatever you want. Genuinely.
The camp team of experienced and attentive staff design menus in advance to cater for all dietary requirements, preferences and whims. Vogue was served everything from hearty British dishes to brilliant Indian cooking – the latter of which was served as a hot buffet in the picnic area of the Mara. The culinary highlight? A cooking class celebrating traditional Kenyan dishes such as ugali.
Head to Olonana Lodge , just outside of the park, to recharge for a couple of nights after your camping trip. This rustic-chic hotel has the friendly vibe of a ski lodge, along with a swimming pool and sumptuous suites with terraces overlooking a hippo pond. A sunrise hot air balloon safari over the Mara, during which we flew over the treetops surrounding the Mara River, getting a rare glimpse of a baby rhino.
Before you go: Episode three of the first season of David Attenborough’s Dynasties on BBC iPlayer. It follows the Marsh Pride, the most famous family of lions to live on the Mara. Fingers crossed you spot them while you’re there.
Early morning game drives can be a chilly affair; pick up a neutral-toned chore jacket to stay warm. Radio Four’s Sounds of the Maasai Mara is a gentle first introduction to the savannahs and forests of the national park..
