Unfortunately, this camp is currently closed.
In Kenya's conservation capital, Laikipia, the private Mugie Conservancy does more than its fair share with projects to protect cheetah, African painted dog and lion. If you'd like to visit to see for yourself, you can't get much better than Mugie House. Set on 50,000 acres of acacia plains and olive forests, this is a grand manor house with a chandeliered dining room and luxurious bathtubs, as well as an infinity pool overlooking the waterhole where a hide provides close encounters of the best kind. When you're ready for adventure, there are guided bush walks to spot reticulated giraffe and sundowners on the plains - and you'll be pleased to know that the wildlife sightings are always astonishing and action-packed.
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Mugie House has tapped right into that Governors' charm we love, with crackling fires in immaculately-designed lounges, a stellar spa with treatments like 'Shea Perfection', and meals on the terrace with ingredients from Mugie's vegetable garden. The knick-knacks are all inspired by the Kenyan surrounds and you can pick up something similar at the gift shop. Take a dip in the curved infinity pool, where birds may flutter down to join you, and enjoy a game of snooker in between game drives.
You'll stay in one of eight hilltop cottages, which provide sweeping views across the plains to Mt Kenya from your canopied bed. The decor is bright and fresh, while achieving an old-world feel - the teal, brass bathtubs are uber tempting. Each with its own signature colour, the cottages are decorated in wildlife motifs, wicker baskets, and come with a cosy fireplace. Mugie's star player is the suite, which has a private plunge pool and lounge area, whilst the family cottage has rooms that can be doubles or twins as and a sitting area, plunge pool and large veranda.
Set out to explore the conservancy in Mugie's specially-designed vehicle, and track big cats, see Kenya's endangered plains game, and stop by the dam for a tasty picnic. As we hinted at, Mugie supports some amazing conservation projects so why not join the anti-poaching team on a morning spent collaring lions or monitoring African painted dog? Then, tread the soil on a bush walk where your guide will get you up to speed on the smaller details of the Laikipian landscape.
The luxury overtones are rather good, we'll admit, but it's the chance to join in with Mugie's conservation efforts that really steals your heart.
The Mugie Conservancy also has a nine-hole golf course in case you need a break in between wildlife-spotting excursions.
There's no internet in the cottages but if you need some screen time, the communal living room provides Wi-Fi.
Mugie House is owned by Governors' Camps, which collaborates with local communities and conservation organizations to protect wildlife. For over 50 years, they have supported conservation-focused research and empowered communities. Proud of their achievements, they look forward to future opportunities in community and wildlife conservation, inviting guests and partners to join their efforts. A contribution of $130 per guest, which is included in the nightly rate, goes towards the above goals.
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A patchwork of pretty reserves where conservation and communities are just as important as safaris.
