Life & Work

Holiday hideouts only big money can buy

The number of wealthy Kenyans is definitely on the rise, and will continue as the economy grows.

A New World Wealth report that was released at the end of last month shows there are over 8,000 Kenyans of high net worth with a combined wealth of $31 billion, about 62 per cent of Kenya’s total individual wealth of $50 billion.

For these dollar millionaires, it is nothing but the best starting from where they live, what they wear, drive and where they wine and dine.

And as the rest of Kenyans scramble for hotel; rooms at the coast come holiday time, for these guys, it’s only the exclusive luxurious places in the country, where there is no scrambling for space that will do.

Kenya is well known as a major holiday destination catering for all pockets. But in the past few years, it’s the luxurious, secluded properties that are drawing attention from those with deep pockets.

The beautiful weather, wildlife and hospitality have seen the country attract millions of tourists including some of the world’s wealthiest business and showbiz people and the local high net worth individuals are not ignoring what is in their backyard.

Choppers have become a familiar sight in Kenya today, and hiring one to take them to their favourite destination across the country is no expense.

Taking a ride to the Mara for a business or leisure lunch has become a way of life for some of these individuals who feel nothing about paying Sh7,000 for a well-cured steak in an exclusive restaurant.

With Sh50,000 upwards one can spend a night in some of the most exclusive holiday destinations in the country, though most stipulate a minimum number of nights one has to spend there.

The wealth report shows the luxurious sector in Kenya is growing steadily having generated Sh17.2 billion ($200 million) in revenue, in 2013, a 60 per cent increase compared to 2007.

Though Kenya does not have some of the top designer shops found on the streets of western capitals or modern malls in the Middle East, there is clearly a hunger for luxury products as Kenyans increase their wealth.

“There are a large number of hotels and lodges that cater for high net worth individuals in Kenya and wealthy visitors,” said the report.

This is evident when it comes to the opulent but little-known gems across the country whose owners are happy to keep them that way – known by very few and whose fame is only spread through word-of-mouth.

One such place is one of British billionaire Richard Branson’s investments, Mahali Mzuri in the Masai Mara. For Sh50,740 ($590) one can enjoy a night full-board at the exclusive camp.

Sirai house in Laikipia plains is another exclusive destination accessible both by road and helicopter. The house has six double rooms and can only accommodate 12.

It is available for rental on an exclusive occupancy basis, with a minimum of three nights with prices starting from $50,000 per week.

Famous international names jet into the country, fly straight to the house and spend their time there without fear of being hounded by nosy journalists since they will have the whole place to themselves.

Even the Kenyans who want to get there have to book the whole place for a minimum of three days.

The Laikipia and Mount Kenya area is popular for its small exclusive getaways many of which are involved in conservation work. It is this area that Prince William chose to bring his then girlfriend Kate Middleton, in 2010, to engage her in an exclusive cabin on the mountain.

A rustic log cabin, far removed from the public, it is ideal for a quiet, romantic holiday like many others that are tucked away places in the area. Other than Sirai House the report also highlights Segera Retreat in Laikipia.

In the larger area is Elsa’s Kopje in Meru National Park, which opened its doors in 2012. Mugie Sanctuary, which sits on 49,000 acres in Laikipia, is home to the exclusive Ekorian’s Mugie Camp.

Maasai Mara is well known for its annual migration and attracting millions of tourists annually. Outside of the main reserves are major conservancies which boast exclusive properties that include Branson’s Mahali Muzuri, which features on the list.

The Mara is also home to Cottar’s 1920s Safari Camp. Sited on 6,000 acre private conservancy, the 10 tents can be enjoyed for Sh63,640 ($740) per person per night during the low season and Sh79,120 ($920) in the high season.

This excludes the Sh9,976 ($116) conservancy fee and guests are expected to book a minimum stay of two nights. For Sh459,240, a group or family of six can book the private house, whose minimum stay is three nights.

“Everything was over the top - the rooms in the main lodge, the food, the guides and spotters, the sun downers with bitings, and of course, the real reason for the trip, the daily excursions to see the beautiful animals up close and personal - first rate all the way. I would go back in a heartbeat,” says a tourist from Texas, Ed Smith, on Trip advisor – a website where guests can share their travel experiences.

In Samburu, one can enjoy one of the nine-rooms in Sasaab Lodge, in the Ngutuk Ongiron Group Ranch for Sh46,870 ($545) upwards per night sharing.

In Nairobi, the list features Villa Rosa Kempinski and Hemingway’s both of which were opened last year.

But the list is not exhaustive. There are many other places across the country that offers similar luxuries but which were not highlighted by the report.

In the Amboseli is Campi ya Kanzi, a luxurious tented camp in a group ranch whose prices range from Sh64,500 ($750) per person per night.

Though known for more mass tourism, the Kenyan coast has small little tucked away properties including Majlis Hotel, on Manda Island, in Lamu where, for Sh57,000, one can enjoy the 25-room hotel.

It’s in Malindi where Italian billionaire Flavio Briatore has put up the Billionaire Resort. Briatore has been known to holiday in Kenya for years and has already sold most of the property in his resort to wealthy investors.