Borana Lodge

Every cottage at Borana Lodge is unique both in décor and view, all are luxurious, comfortable and authentic with a stunning view over the surrounding hillside and horizon. High thatch roofs and wide windows feature in all the rooms, allowing the space to be filled with natural light and a sense of bringing the outside in. Rooms 1 and 4 come complete with a grand four poster double bed, and rooms 2 and 3 have chunky wooden framed, queen size twin beds.

All the rooms have a feel of natural materials with features of stone and wood with the addition of colourful bedding and authentic patterned rugs. A lounge area with a cushioned sofa is included in the room, close to a fireplace which guests can use to keep warm on one of the chillier evenings. In the spacious ensuite bathrooms guests can bathe with a view of the valley. Each room has a private veranda and seating area so guests can wind down after a days activities with an outstanding view of the wild of Kenya.

Rooms 5 and 6 at Borana Lodge make up the first family cottage. A spacious lounge which is shared between a large twin bedroom with floor to ceiling windows affording views straight over the valley, and a double bedroom, complete with a private sundeck. A sizeable bathroom is shared between the two rooms making this the perfect cottage for families. A shared veranda between the two rooms is the ideal place to relax as a family and private dining can also be arranged.

The other family cottage offered at Borana Lodge encompasses room 7 and 8. This cottage offers a more exclusive stay with private access and a refreshing plunge pool. There is a spacious shared dining and living area with comfortable sofas and a warming fire place. Upstairs there is a twin room with folding wooden and glass doors onto a small balcony area overlooking the luscious valley. The ensuite bathroom includes a deep bath which guests can soak in whilst looking over the Hyena Valley Dam.

The spacious double room is downstairs and has a large ensuite with a claw-footed stand-alone bathtub and large folding doors which overlook the cottages private plunge pool in which guests can enjoy a cooling dip whilst simultaneously enjoying the breathtaking views.

Located in the main area of the lodge, the dining area is covered by a thatch roof, and open sided so guests can enjoy the breathtaking surroundings whilst enjoying tasty and innovative meals cooked by the team of chefs. Dinner can be served in the garden, under the stars allowing guests to place themselves within nature, with Mount Kilimanjaro in the distance. Tea and coffee are brought to individual cottages at sunrise as a gentle wake-up call before a day full of activities. Guests can relax by the campfire and enjoy a drink from the bar before or after dinner and listen to the sounds of the bush.

Al fresco traditional bush meals are served at Borana Lodge. Enjoy freshly cooked meals and chilled drinks whilst taking in the sights, smells and sounds of the valley and surrounding hills.

Due to the Dyer families love of horse riding, guests can saddle up and explore the Borana Conservatory on horseback. The horses are patient and easy to ride and have been trained to be patient with new and unexperienced riders. Become part of the wildlife and ride next to zebra, giraffe, elephant and impala.

In custom built 4×4 safari vehicles, explore the Borana Conservatory in comfort. All drives are led by a knowledgeable, trained guide who will be happy to impart their wisdom about the local animals and flora. Guests may see giraffe, zebra, buffalo and impala, or – if arranged – night game drives give an opportunity to spot some of the nocturnal animals, such as leopard, galago or porcupine.

Guests have the opportunity to explore the conservatory on foot with an experienced guide and armed ranger. These excursions offer a more intimate way to explore, and guests can appreciate the smaller things such as animal tracks and prints and micro-ecosystems. The guide will be able to enlighten you on traditional uses of fauna and flora in medicine.  Special walks for children can also be arranged at the conservatory.

Due to the hilly and mainly dry terrain this is a perfect spot for mountain biking. It is advised that guests be confident in off-road biking and adult bikes, plus one bike suitable for a child, are provided at the lodge. This activity is perfect for the adrenaline seeking guest and is a unique way to explore and see the Borana Conservancy.

Borana Lodge boasts a large swimming pool which is ideal for guests to relax and cool off in or for families to splash around and have some fun. With a view over the valley, spending time in the pool won’t infringe on spending time taking in the spectacular views – as guests can do both at once. Guests can visit Borana Lodge’s own farm – called Waitabit Farm – located on Ngare Ndare River’s eastern bank. Borana Lodge gets most of its fresh produce from this farm and this visit is the perfect way to bridge the gap ‘between farm and fork’. This is an excellent activity for the whole family.

Rhino conservation is a huge part of Borana Conservancy’s legacy. Guests can learn more about the importance of conservation and the rhino population in the conservancy by heading out with the scouts in the morning to help track the rhinos.

There are a variety of ways to immerse yourself in the local culture at Borana Lodge. Accompany the mobile clinic while it’s visiting local communities for an opportunity to meet members of these communities. Guests can visit a local school which is part of The Borana Education Support Program and will also have the opportunity to visit a traditional Maasai village. An elder will guide you around the village showing you their customary ways and traditions. The Maasai community are keen to share their culture and will encourage you to take part in a traditional tribal dance to end the visit.

The Ngare Ndare forest is 13,000 acres and full of wildlife. From large mammals, such as elephants to small birds, such as the little egret and yellow-billed stork to butterflies. There is a canopy walkway hanging 40 feet above the ground which ends in a viewing platform that offers unparalleled views of a natural spring and the dense forest. If you are lucky you may come across a natural pool of clear azure water from the glaciers on Mount Kenya which are the perfect place to swim and cool down in.

Borana Lodge doesn’t just co-exist with the local communities and environment – it positively impacts both the planet and people. It has achieved the long earned title of being a “Global Ecosphere Retreat®”, which is “one of the worlds highest sustainability standards for privately protected areas.” All the retained earnings from the lodge go towards supporting and implementing conservation activities. Kenya Conservancies Association and Northern Rangelands Trust are close partners of Borana Lodge and work to secure “over 70,000 sq km of community owned conservation landscape.”

The Executive Director of The Long Run, Delphine King, commented that “Borana is the quintessential example of what The Long Run stands for. Particularly in its approach to making conservation a long-term viable option through business resilience, strong community connections, and providing a habitat for the region’s most endangered species.”

Borana Conservancy is a non-for-profit organisation which is dedicated to protecting the planet, specifically to sustainable conservation of crucial habitats and wildlife. They have a holistic approach allowing them not just to support the local ecosystems but also to help propel local livelihoods. Borana Conservancy states that their “mission is to provide a sustainable ecosystem, in partnership with our neighbours and community, for critically endangered species on the brink of extinction.” Borana Conservancy also helps in the local community with a mobile clinic to reach over 500 people each month.

The result is one of East Africa’s most sustainable lodges; the whole property now runs on solar energy, under-utilised boreholes provide water via solar pumps, and 98% of waste has been diverted from landfill.