Kenya Elephant Animal Salt Lick Lodge

Salt lick safari lodge is an –all night game viewing lodge. This lodge is especially memorable for its imaginative structure. A complex of rondavels sits on stilts over a series of water holes. These two story towers, topped by peaked thatch roofs, are connected by open air bridges-creating an African fantasy reminiscent of medieval fortress.

You walk across a draw bridge which will be pulled up at night. The curved walls, the natural stone, the horn trophies, the air of general excitement and commitment, all predict an unusual experience ahead. You climb the stairs to the dining room and terrace, and then find your room by traversing the outdoor walk way connecting the room towers. The curved rooms are simply comfortable with twin beds, easy chairs and en suite bathrooms. Those on the top floor have the advantage of dramatic soaring thatch roof. Most rooms have large windows and you often see animals from your own room.

Salt lick jungle lodge has been built with game in mind-you can see animals in all directions and from many vantage points. Unlike most of the other night game viewing lodges, which are built in forested areas, salt lick commands some spectacular open views. You might see elephants while on the walk way from your room. There are game viewing terraces on the ground and upper levels, and you can cross through a carpeted underground tunnel to a blind that puts you among the animals. Fantastic!

The lounge has an unusual free-standing stone fireplace-you can pop in for a quick warm –up during your night vigil. Candle lit dinners are served buffet-style in the ring shaped dining room. The stone chimney from the ground floor lounge fireplace lances through the central space to the high peaked roof above like a sleek piece of modern sculpture. Hot and cold drinks and snacks are available all night long. It is fun to be locked up in salt lick.

Hilton Safari Camp-Kenya mammal animal camps

Perfectly at home in the thick forest on the banks of Bura River, 24 forest green tents are a slice of Eden under canvas. Green shade and the refreshing sound of rushing water envelop every tent site with coolness and privacy. Birdsongs and the flit of bright feathers are everywhere. Each tent has twin beds with forest green Hilton blankets, safari chairs, verandas and en suite bathrooms with flush toilets. You go back in time for your wood-heated hot water and the soft glow of hurricane lamps at night.

Pathways through the trees and wooden bridges over water wind from site to site in an undefined circular way. They lead back to the heart of the camp, the fanciful James Stewart House, a natural tree sort of house, contrasted for the movie “A tale in Africa” starring James Stewart, as you may have guessed. It is the gathering place, where you can have small snacks and drinks night or day. You dine with sounds of Africa around you and the stars overhead-often a Kenyan barbeque and other Kenyan ethnic dishes are served buffet style. Night sounds are terrific, you hear lots of animals over the water and bird sounds. However, an electrical fence and spear –carrying night guards ensure that you sleep securely.