Campi ya Kanzi is a unique destination. A place to have immense wilderness all to yourself. With just 16 guests and no other camps in the area, here you get a sense of how Hemingway must have felt in Africa nearly 100 years ago.

Campi ya Kanzi, a truly unique ecotourism camp is located in southeastern Kenya. With spectacular views of Mt. Kilimanjaro and plenty of activities to keep everyone happy and entertained, from young kids to the mature traveler, this is a must-visit for those keen on exploring one of Kenya’s finest private sanctuaries.

Our founder, Leora Rothschild, and her daughter recently had a chance to explore everything that Campi ya Kanzi has to offer. We asked them to name their favorite things about this property, but they couldn’t narrow it down to just a thing or two!

So, here is the full list of what they LOVED about their time at Campi ya Kanzi in Kenya.

Walking in Ernest Hemingway’s Green Hills of Africa:

In many game parks across Africa, it’s not possible to leave vehicles and explore the bush on foot. One of the things we love about Campi ya Kanzi is the freedom to walk for hours in these rolling green hills. One of Leora’s highlights was a walk into the cloud forest with more than 1,000 different tree species, and visit a tree that is estimated to be 400 years old.

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Walking in the bush, which is very safe when escorted by armed, experienced guides, is a highlight for many while on safari. Walking offers you a chance to view tracks, spoor and plant life in a much more intimate way than if you were in a vehicle.

Connect with the local, rural community:

Campi ya Kanzi is run hand in hand with the local Maasai. In fact, there are very few camps in Africa where you get to experience this genuine connection between Maasai warriors, the wilderness and the passionate owners Luca and Antonella.

This is why they developed the Maasai Wilderness Conservation Trust (MWCT), a community Trust, deeply rooted in the community of the Maasai tribe.

The property and trust works to support the local community, and one way they do this is by supporting local health and medical needs. There is a small, rural hospital near the lodge where guests can visit. When Leora and her daughter were there, they arrived moments after a healthy baby was born. Having the opportunity to share in the joy of the family and midwives is something they will remember forever.

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Horseback riding:

Riders of all levels will love exploring the bush by horseback! Aisha got to explore the bush for the very first time from the back of a horse, Lucrezia patiently showing her the ropes, this was a highlight for her. After working up an appetite, they were met with a surprise bush breakfast. It doesn’t get better than this!

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Home cooked meals:

As a small, family-owned property, the owners, Luca and Antonella Belpietro, have crafted a very specific and unique experience. From sourcing nearly all goods locally and employing local Maasai to build the lodge, vs bringing in contractors from Nairobi to the incredible good work being supported via the Maasai Wilderness Conservation Trust, their dedication and beliefs are evident when visiting Campi ya Kanzi.

And this dedication definitely carries over to the meals! Every meal is home-cooked to perfection, with plenty of Italian influence thanks to the owners. Dining at Campi ya Kanzi is a definite highlight!

Excellent views of Mt. Kilimanjaro:

Have we mentioned the views? Sure, while Mt. Kilimanjaro rests in Tanzania, the best views of the mountain are actually from Kenya, and specifically Campi ya Kanzi. So avoid the crowded public parks to spend quality time in this little haven, every walk promising exciting views of the majestic mountain.

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Sleepouts under the stars!

As Luca will tell you, “fly camping at Campi ya Kanzi is a tribute to a bygone era, a blend of old Africa and modern comfort in a pristine, timeless landscape. Who needs five stars when you can sleep under a billion?”

If you’re up for an adventure, don’t miss the opportunity to sleep out under the stars, away from the main lodge for one night. Track game on foot with a Maasai guide and enjoy one of the lodge’s famous three-course dinners under the stars.

Eye to eye with Africa’s wildest elephants

Spend a little extra time and include a visit to Tsavo’s orphaned elephants. From camp you will fly into Ithumba and spend the day interacting with the elephants, returning to Campi ya Kanzi the following day.

Does this sound like something you might like? Have a look at this fabulous itinerary and then give us a call to start customizing your next family adventure!