Press

“Into Africa

…where met by the representatives from the camp, we made the short game drive across to what must be the most ridiculously luxurious accommodation on the Mara: Ol Seki.

High up on a rocky outcrop, in the heart of Eastern Kolyaki, sits tented nirvana. Taken over just over a year ago by Cathy Giovando and comprising a handful of “tents”, each with en suite bathrooms complete with flushing toilet and shower, double beds in fine linen, sofas and armchairs, and sizable private views of the conservation area, it’s little wonder that the opulence of Ol Seki has seen it become the retreat of choice for the likes of Edward Norton and Evangeline Lily (no, not together. This is not Heat magazine). And that’s before I even mention the latest addition to the camp: the luxury suites. With immaculate timing, the opening of the suites pretty much coincided with our stay, thereby exposing us to levels of camp-luxury beyond even the dreams of Elton John, including our own private dining areas, epically expansive viewing platforms, and a crack team of staff on-hand constantly to attend to our every whim.

With all this on offer, you might wonder why you just should ever leave the camp, but with day and night game drives, sundown safaris, hot air balloon trips, bush breakfast featuring the world’s finest omelettes courtesy of chef Evans and visits to the local village available to give you a real taste of Maasai life, it would be a criminal waste of life-experience to spend all your time merely viewing the Mara from the comfort of your tent… no matter how extreme that comfort is.

Once out on game drives you’ll also discover another unique aspect of Ol Seki – thanks to its remote location, you’re highly unlikely to be bothered by other tourists cluttering up the place, guaranteeing you an utterly private way to hunt down the Big Five. An excellent starting point for any safari, our drives here delivered not only all the usual suspects of dik-dik, Thompson’s gazelle, topi, zebra and wildebeest galore, but also a few extra treats such as jackals, puff-adders, tawny eagles and even a prowling lioness, who broke cover momentarily in the middle-distance before vanishing again amongst the acacia trees one morning during bush breakfast. Such a demonstration of the local skills of nature’s perfect stalker over al fresco bacon and eggs has to be experienced to be understood and requires the utmost in nerve and British resolve… I almost dropped my cup of tea.

With such a perfect hostess, location and committed staff, it proved difficult to leave Ol Seki, but leave we had to – nature was calling… “

SmartLife, August 2009 (original)

“Serengeti Style

At Ol Seki Safari camp (on the outskirts of Kenya’s Masai Mara game reserve) there are no bricks and mortar. Just a luxury library (left), dining and sleeping tents and two sensational circular canvas suites, all decorated in contemporary whites. Think cream awnings, sofas, armchairs, plus wooden floors, Colonial furniture, fine linen and a to-die-for circular wooden deck on which to sit and watch the elephants. It’s like sleeping in a Big Top in the bush after Conran has visited wearing his Colonial spectacles.”

Country and Town House, March 2010 (original)

“Safari chic

Naibor and Ol Seki are intimate, stylish camps featuring imaginatively designed tents, set in truly stunning locations. Both are perfect for honeymoons, seeing the migration and have excellent family accommodation. Your incredible safari in the Maasai Mara can be easily combined with the beaches of Lamu or Zanzibar. Heavenly.”

Scott Dunn, 2009 (original)

“Ol Seki Mara Camp

Offering total privacy and seclusion, each luxury tent at the Ol Seki Mara Camp boasts a breathtaking 270-degree panoramic view of the famous Maasai Mara. With their combination of traditional colonial décor and modern amenities, guests can relax in total comfort whilst still being provided with a genuine Safari experience. Big 5 game viewing can be enjoyed in true isolation within the pristine surroundings of the Koiyaki area, with the camp offering private day, night, and sundown safaris. Visits to the local Maasia Village along with guided game walks ensure that guests truly experience the nature and culture that this stunning place has to offer. A selection of international cuisine and literature is available from the dining and library tents, enabling guests to unwind at the end of the day while overlooking the completely unspoilt African Savannah and the abundance of wildlife that it has to offer.”

The Chic Collection (original)

“Go free (it's easy)

We all know brides are special, and it seems travel companies agree. Many offer ‘bride stays free’ deals – try Google-ing the term. Turquoise (turquoiseholidays.co.uk) offers seven nights at 20 Degrees South in Mauritius from £1199pp (saving £330); Luxury holidaysdirect.com offers seven nights at The Residence in Mauritius from £1204pp (saving over £800); and To Escape To (toescapeto.com) has a four-night safari at Ol Seki Mara Camp in Kenya for £1170pp (saving £850pp).”

Cosmopolitan Bride, November 2009 (original)

“Bush & Beach Escapes

The words ‘exhilarating’, ‘exciting’, ‘ relaxing’ and ‘utterly romantic’ come to mind when combining the Ol Seki Mara Camp experience with a stay at Kizingoni Beach along the coast of Lamu. This once-in-a-lifetime honeymoon journey starts with a trip to the Kenyan bush where couples stay on a luxurious Ol Seki tented camp situated north east of the Maasai Mara Game Reserve.

The thrill of seeing the big five is heightened by an optional balloon ride at sunrise, night game drives and walks across the plains.”

An Essex Wedding, May/June 2009 (original)

“Cool Camping

At the new honeymoon suites at Ol Seki Mara Camp (olseki.com) in Kenya, each luxury tent comes with its own game vehicle, vieving deck and private chef. With a bride-goes-free offer until 15 December 2009, suites are from £450 per night. Flights to Kenya from £320 (dialaflight.com/Kenya)”

You & Your Wedding, November/December 2009 (original)

“The Ol Seki Suites, Ol Seki, Masai Mara, Kenya

Friendly camp famous for its good guiding, great food and utterly chilled-out atmosphere.”

Tatler, June 2009 (original)

“De safari a todo lujo

Experimenta un safari en Kenia mientras disfrutas de cada lujo que se te ocurra... en un campamento de película. El exclusivo campamento Ol Seki, en el país localizado en el oriente africano, inauguró el mes pasado dos espacios sólo para VIP: Ol Seki Suites. Perfectas para familias o parejas que quieran disfrutar de una luna de miel impresionante, las suites incluyen personal de servicio, cocina y deck, entre otros atractivos, todo enclavado en un campamento de la tribu massai mara. Las suites están compuestas por tres espaciosas carpas interconectadas. Consigue más información de este lugar exquisito en Olseki.com.”

CARAS, September 2009 (original)

“Κένυα - Σαφάρι στην Αφρικανική Σαβάνα

Χτισμένο πάνω σε ένα υψωματάκι με θέα την υπέροχη κοιλάδα Isupukiai, το πολυτελέστατο camp Ol Seki προσφέρει στον επισκέπτη του μια μοναδική εμπειρία ανάπαυλας μετά από μια μέρα safari για παρατήρηση της άγριας φύσης. Κάθε μία από τις έξι συνολικά σκηνές του camp είναι στημένη πάνω σε υπερυψωμένη ξύλινη πλατφόρμα και περιέχει ένα διπλό κρεβάτι και ένα καναπέ που μετατρέπεται σε μονό κρεβά- τι, κομοδίνο, καρέκλες και τραπεζάκι, ραφιέρα, μπάνιο με λεκάνη με καζανάκι και νιπτήρα με τρεχούμενο νερό, καθώς και ντουζιέρα. Υπάρχει παροχή ηλεκτρικού ρεύματος επίσης για φόρτι- ση κινητών, φωτ. μηχανών και υπολογιστών.

Το camp παρέχει κάθε μέρα εκδρομές για πα- ρατήρηση των άγριων ζώων (game drives) από το χάραμα μέχρι πριν το μεσημέρι περίπου και μετά από το απόγευμα μέχρι το σούρουπο, με χρήση οχημάτων 4x4 και με την καθοδήγηση έμπειρων οδηγών. Τέλος αξίζει να σημειώσουμε ότι το Ol Seki στηρίζει τις γειτονικές κοινότητες καλύπτοντας τα έξοδα για τις σπουδές των νέων καθώς και τη σχολή Koiyaki για επαγγελματίες ξεναγούς-οδηγούς για σαφάρι. Όλες οι δραστη- ριότητες του Ol Seki χαρακτηρίζονται από μια οικολογική προσέγγιση και μια ενεργή συμβολή στη διατήρηση του φυσικού περιβάλλοντος.”

Departure blvd (original)