Arijiju, located in the Borana Wildlife Conservancy in Laikipia County, Kenya, is an African Eden, a magnificent piece of Africa, as beautiful and majestic as it ever was.
Imagine waking up and sipping milky Masai tea and gazing across 40 000 hectares of wild country.
Then imagine staying in a private safari villa that has been described as possibly “the most beautiful house in Africa” by Conde Nast.
All this with the added benefit that just by visiting Arijiju you are contributing to continued conservation and community care. It’s win-win-win.
So what is it that makes Arijiju such a perfect hideaway? Picture a secluded romantic getaway that is so beautifully tranquil that it feels almost monastic.
Arijiju is a bush hideaway that deeply respects the earth and treads so lightly its impact is negligible. Before building, the family camped on the site of the hill where the home was built to guage the correct angles of the sun and wind. This has led to natural climate control being optimised throughout. A living grass shades the hideaway from the hot African sun, keeping it pleasantly cool through the year.
Built from stone and earth, with inspiration from the rock-hewn churches in Ethiopia, vast wooden doors from Lamu and vaulted walkways that are reminiscent of ancient Arab architecture, Arijiju is in every way a truly unique home.
A sublimely beautiful, organic safari hideaway
Walls of hand-cut Meru stone and rustic materials epitomise the family’s love of conservation and sustainability. The African safari lodge, built from rock and grass, blends into the hillside completely and is solar powered. Inside, colours are also natural with raw stone walls and décor sans colour.
Floor to ceiling windows and glass doors bathe rooms in light, which showcases the varied textures within: soft throws on king-sized beds, leather desks, copper baths, crystal wall lights and roaring log fires create a deeply romantic and welcoming suite.
Three suites share a garden courtyard across from the living area, library, kitchen, games room and cinema. And there are two more down a private path.
Arijiju is about peace and wellbeing. It’s evident in the healthful cuisine that includes delicious salads, smoothies and fresh vegetable juices – all organic and revitalising.
And it’s also in the offerings at the thatched cluster of dwellings that house a spa, gym, hammam and treatment room – and there’s a yoga deck – all with green wilderness views and pure air to breathe. Remember, too, the infinity pool, which doubles up as a natural watering hole for families of resident elephant. All this, and you haven’t even left the house yet.
Reviewed by Keri Harvey
Edited by Dawn Kennedy