Lengishu

At once rustic and grand, Lengishu is a truly lovely structure of stone, thatch and compacted earth walls. Every detail has been carefully considered, from the orientation of each window to the placement of every pool umbrella. At the heart of the open-plan dining room/lounge is a built-in hearth, with a collection of sofas and chairs. A long dining table seats everyone comfortably (the chefs are professionals). Outside, a pool with a view sits on the edge of the hillside.

Rooms are organised in four separate cottages. The Master Suite sleeps two in a spacious bedroom with a king-sized bed and a luxurious en-suite bathroom. Room One, just off the main house, is made cosy by its wood-burning fireplace, wooden ceiling and floors; it also highlights the views with wide-swinging French doors and a private patio. Two further family cottages each accommodate four guests in either twin or double bedrooms with en-suite bathrooms, and private dining and sitting areas.

From game drives to horse riding, bush dining and easy ambles through the countryside, there are numerous ways to experience Borana and the adjacent Lewa Downs Conservancy. We suggest you follow your guide's recommendations about when and where to go. The dry season (July–October) is best for game, but good sightings are available year-round. For many, horseback safaris are one of the purest ways to see the bush – stables nearby have horses to suit both experienced and novice riders.