The Hemingways Collection: Ol Seki MaraBespoke Hospitality in the Realms of the Safari

Photo Credit: Hemingways Ol Seki Mara

Written by Katie Wilson, EP Business in Hospitality.

Named after the famous author, explorer and fisherman, Ernest Hemingway, who travelled throughout Kenya, the original Hemingways Collection opened in November 1988 on the Kenyan coast in Watamu.

The Collection expanded in 2012 with the addition of a luxury boutique safari camp, Ol Seki Hemingways Mara. Evolving once again in 2013, with the opening of the Collection’s flagship property, Hemingways Nairobi. This was the first of its kind as five star luxury boutique hotel in Nairobi, which is now renowned as one of the finest hotels in Africa.

Today, Hemingways Collection has five unique properties in some of the most sought after locations in Africa. Each hotel prides itself on their remarkable team of hospitality professionals who are all connected by their shared vision to create the best luxury boutique hotel collection in Africa.

Located in the heart of the Naboisho Conservancy which borders the Maasai Mara Reserve, Hemingways Ol Seki Mara limits entry to clients actually staying inside the area and provides an incredibly private safari experience. Ol Seki Mara strives to tailor each and every day to suit the desires of their guests, culminating in an unparalleled adventure in the realms of the safari.

Small and exclusive, Ol Seki Hemingways Mara hosts a maximum of 20 guests, offering a choice of luxury tents, accompanied by breathtaking views and warm Kenyan hospitality. These low-impact structures are camouflaged by the landscape and are fashioned for sustainability.

Each stylish tent has been designed to with secluded privacy, spacious accommodation and comfort in mind. Locally sourced fabrics and furniture, writers’ desks and large day beds create a cosy yet luxurious atmosphere, full of local vibrancy and character.

En-suite bathrooms can also be found in each tent, complete with elegant flush toilets and hot running water blasting through rain showerheads, so guests can enjoy an immersive experience surrounded by the beautiful nature and wildlife of the safari, without having to compromise on comfort.

Ol Seki Mara is also home to an expansive family suite, The Simba Private Villa, a self-contained penthouse in the bush with a private driveway. Complete with kitchen, dining room, living area and two large en-suite bedrooms.

With a fully stocked bar and fridge in the kitchen, guests can decide the level of service they require. A butler can always be present to pour drinks and make coffee as required, or staff can stay in the background to give guests the freedom to help themselves to the amenities.

The camp is named after the Ol Seki tree (known in English as the sandpaper tree), which in the local Maasai language, means, “blessed”. It is a peace tree, and the branches are used to settle disputes.

What’s more, the creation of Naboisho, which means “coming together”, has brought peace between agriculture and wildlife in the conservancy and has helped to forge a harmonious relationship between the local Maasai and tourism enterprises in the area.
 
Given the location within one of the world’s most diverse and finely balanced eco-systems where wildlife, local communities and tourism partners all co-exist, The Hemingways Collection are proud to be an integral part of participating member and silver award winner of Eco Tourism Kenya which promotes responsible tourism practices.

Each location within the Collection is continuously striving to reduce their footprint for the benefit of the land and our neighbours. Whilst being environmentally responsible, Hemmingways Collection directly contribute to the livelihoods of local communities through employment opportunities within the camp.

Over 60% of camp staff are local Maasai, some of whom have never had the chance to go to school. The hotels provide training and offer the opportunity to develop professional skills which they use to support their families.

The Mara Naboisho Conservancy was established not only to conserve the environment and wildlife, but also to protect and empower the local Maasai community. When guests stay at Naboisho, part of the conservancy fee is channelled back into the community. This makes the project more sustainable as it improves access to healthcare, clean water, and empowers women, thus strengthening and uplifting the community.

The people, the land and the wildlife are all inextricably linked, and so The Hemingways Collection strive to protect, preserve and celebrate each aspect of this wonderous part of the world.

At its heart, Ol Seki Mara thrives on the harmonious co-existence with nature, the local people and the wildlife of Kenya. The camp remains as a jewel in the Hemingways Collection, showcasing the ways in which bespoke hospitality, celebration of the local community and immersive experiences can go hand in hand to culminate in a truly unforgettable adventure.