Kicheche Laikipia Camp

At the heart of the camp, a spacious tent in a shady grove is where meals are served and you can relax. Don't expect city-slicker style, the luxury here is the comfort – with plush sofas and chairs, rich-red rugs, two fireplaces that are lit on chilly evenings. Dine at the indoor communal table or outside in the shade, and have a siesta in hammocks strung between the mature trees. Enjoy evening drinks and discussing sightings around the campfire.

A forest footpath leads to six guest tents, each raised just slightly above the ground to encourage an especially strong sense of connection with the surroundings. The tents are spacious with rustic furnishings – heavy wooden beds dressed with rusty-red and cream linens, cushioned chairs for watching the goings-on, and a large porch. Behind a partition is the bathroom, with double basin, flush toilet and shower with solar-heated water. The larger family tent has one double and two single beds.

So many ways to enjoy the bush! Game drives are obligatory, but night drives are exciting, as are bush walks, or the chance to practise your conservation skills by helping track and monitor lions. Do visit the rhino sanctuary, where the last remaining northern white rhinos are protected (book well in advance; additional US$40). The chimpanzee sanctuary houses vulnerable or injured chimps. Paddle the two-man canoe on the camp's dam; and mountain bike in an area with no dangerous game.