Arijiju – A Hidden Sanctuary of Luxury, Wellness, and Safari in Laikipia
Overview
Carved quietly into the rugged hills of Kenya’s Laikipia Plateau, Arijiju is less a safari lodge and more a private sanctuary. With its low, earth-toned architecture that blends seamlessly into the landscape, Arijiju feels like a secret retreat known only to those who seek the rarest combination of wild adventure and refined living. It is a place where mornings begin with yoga as the sun lifts over Mount Kenya, days unfold with horseback rides or game drives across Borana Conservancy, and evenings end in candlelit courtyards scented with wild sage. For travelers who crave privacy, health, and connection to nature, Arijiju is not just a safari stay — it is a way of life.
Location
Arijiju lies within the Borana Conservancy in Laikipia, northern Kenya, on a private 97,000-acre expanse of protected wilderness that links directly to the Lewa Wildlife Conservancy, a UNESCO World Heritage Site. This prime location makes Arijiju a stronghold for rhino conservation and a gateway to some of East Africa’s most remarkable wildlife encounters.
Accommodation
Arijiju is an exclusive-use private house, designed for up to 10–12 guests in five elegant suites. Built into the earth using natural stone and inspired by Ethiopian monasteries, its design is understated yet striking, merging African tradition with contemporary luxury. The interiors are filled with bespoke furnishings, rich textiles, and curated artworks, while outside, landscaped courtyards, gardens, and terraces invite moments of quiet reflection.
Highlights include:
- Infinity pool overlooking the conservancy.
- A spa with hammam, sauna, and treatment rooms.
- Fully equipped gym and yoga deck.
- Private cinema, tennis and squash courts.
Experiences at Arijiju
Guests enjoy the perfect balance of wellness and wilderness. Activities include:
- Game drives & walking safaris to spot the Big Five, rare Grevy’s zebra, and endangered rhinos.
- Horseback safaris for a different perspective of Laikipia’s sweeping landscapes.
- Wellness experiences such as yoga, pilates, personal training, and spa treatments.
- Adventure activities like trail running, mountain biking, and helicopter tours.
- Cultural and conservation visits supporting Borana’s wildlife and community programs.
Rates
Arijiju is offered on an exclusive-use basis only, starting at approximately USD 10,000 – 15,000 per night, depending on season. Rates include accommodation, meals, game drives, guided activities, and full use of wellness facilities.
Recommended For & Length of Stay
- Best For: Families, groups of friends, wellness seekers, and ultra-luxury safari travelers.
- Recommended Stay: 4–7 nights to fully experience the house, its wellness offerings, and the surrounding wilderness.
Getting There
- By Air: Private charter or scheduled flights from Nairobi’s Wilson Airport to Borana or Lewa airstrips (approx. 1 hour).
- By Road: A scenic 4–5 hour drive from Nairobi through the central highlands.
Nearby & Similar Stays
- Sirai House – A contemporary private home in Borana Conservancy.
- Laragai House – A grand villa with a classic safari feel.
- Lengishu – A sustainable luxury home for exclusive-use stays.
- Borana Lodge – The flagship lodge of the conservancy, offering individual bookings.
Laikipia Luxury Safari Homes – Comparison Guide
| Property | Location | Size / Capacity | Style & Design | Unique Feature | Best For |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Ol Jogi | Private Laikipia Conservancy (58,000 acres) | Up to 14 guests (exclusive use) | Lavish, art-filled estate with palatial interiors | Rhino sanctuary, conservation immersion | Ultra-luxury groups, families, private celebrations |
| Arijiju House | Borana Conservancy | 10 guests (5 suites) | Earth-toned, monastery-inspired architecture | Award-winning architecture + wellness spa | Design lovers, wellness-focused safaris |
| Sirai House | Borana Conservancy | 12 guests (6 suites) | Elegant contemporary villa style | Helicopter on standby + wine cellar | High-net-worth groups, private safaris |
| Segera Retreat | Central Laikipia | 20 guests (various villas & rooms) | Art-filled eco-retreat | Zeitz contemporary African art collection | Couples, art lovers, conservationists |
| Lengishu House | Borana Conservancy | 12 guests (6 cottages) | Eco-conscious, sustainable stone & wood | Infinity pool + family-friendly layout | Families, multi-generational groups |
| Ol Lentille | Northern Laikipia | 16 guests (4 villas) | Private villas with Samburu influence | Cultural immersion + flexible exclusive-use | Cultural travelers, adventurous families |
| Enasoit | Central Laikipia | 16 guests (private lodge + tented camp) | Homely, rustic-chic retreat | Excellent wildlife viewing at waterhole | Families, friends seeking relaxed comfort |
Discover Other Luxury Accommodations in Masai Mara and the Kenyan Coast
here’s a curated list of high-luxury camps in the Maasai Mara and exclusive beach resorts on the Kenyan coast that pair beautifully with Ol Jogi for a seamless safari + beach itinerary:
🦁 High Luxury Camps in the Maasai Mara
- Cottar’s 1920s Safari Camp – Vintage luxury with award-winning guiding and private conservation experiences on a private Maasai community conservancy.
- Mara Plains Camp (Great Plains Conservation) – Ultra-luxury Relais & Châteaux tented camp in the Olare Motorogi Conservancy, offering big cat safaris and intimate exclusivity.
- Angama Mara – Iconic cliff-top safari lodge overlooking the Mara Triangle, with contemporary design, hot-air balloon safaris, and curated cultural experiences.
- Mahali Mzuri (Virgin Limited Edition) – Sir Richard Branson’s luxury tented camp in the Olare Motorogi Conservancy, known for dramatic views and modern tented suites.
- Sala’s Camp – A refined Safari Collection tented camp in the southern Mara, ideal for Great Migration river crossings and serene riverside settings.
🌊 Exclusive Beach Resorts on the Kenyan Coast
- Alfajiri Villas (Diani Beach) – Lavish private-use villas with personalized service, infinity pools, and oceanfront luxury—perfect for privacy after safari.
- The Majlis (Lamu Island) – Boutique luxury resort with Swahili-style villas on a private beach, ideal for combining culture, relaxation, and watersports.
- Manda Bay (Lamu Archipelago) – Exclusive barefoot-luxury lodge on a private island, offering sailing, fishing, and complete seclusion.
- Kinondo Kwetu (Diani) – A Relais & Châteaux boutique resort blending Swedish family-run hospitality with coastal chic, wellness, and horse riding on the beach.
- Ocean Spa Lodge (Msambweni) – A holistic wellness resort on a secluded beach with luxury villas, yoga, and Ayurvedic spa treatments.
✨ Together with Arijiju, these properties create the ultimate Kenya circuit: exclusive-use Laikipia estate → big cat safaris in the Maasai Mara → barefoot luxury on the coast.