Arijiju: A Private Safari Hideaway in Kenya You’ll Never Want to Leave

The arrival at Arijiju? Showstopping.

The scenic drive to Arijiju is where it all begins–and by scenic, we mean “watch out for giraffes casually crossing the road.” If you’re lucky, the drive is where your safari unofficially begins, with glimpses of elephants, zebras and possibly a lion giving you the side-eye.

Then, just as you think you’ve entered the middle of nowhere, the landscape unfolds to reveal Arijiju. But it doesn’t announce itself with dramatic gates or flashing lights—this place is more subtle than that. The entire retreat looks like it’s been tucked into the earth itself, its flat-roofed stone structures blending seamlessly with the surrounding hills. It’s the kind of place where you feel like you’ve uncovered a secret, except the secret happens to come with world-class amenities and a staff that anticipates your needs before you do.

And the common areas? Well, Arijiju doesn’t really do “common areas” in the traditional sense—because nothing about this place is traditional. The architecture is inspired by ancient Ethiopian monasteries, which means arched stone corridors, vast courtyards filled with jasmine and wild basil and handcrafted furniture that makes you want to redo your own humble abode.

The main living spaces feel both grand and intimate. There’s an open-plan dining and sitting area with towering fireplaces, because even in Kenya, a good fireplace is essential. The air smells like a mix of warm stone, wild herbs and whatever the chef is preparing for dinner (spoiler alert: it will be excellent). There’s also a library in The Study stocked with travel books, a cinema room for winding down after a day of adventure and a games room where you can lose hours in a competitive game of table football or chess.

Outside, the infinity pool hovers over the landscape, fed by the property’s own well. It’s so perfectly placed that you might have to remind yourself to look up from your book because, oh, there’s an actual rhino wandering by. No big deal.

{gallery}

Sleeping has never felt this luxurious

Arijiju has five suites, but let’s be clear—calling them “suites” feels like an understatement. They are sanctuaries. Three of them are inside the main house, clustered around a courtyard filled with fragrant herbs, and two are private guest suites that feel like their own little escapes.
The design is a masterclass in understated luxury. King-sized beds dressed in impossibly soft linens, stone fireplaces for cozy nights, and enormous bathrooms with freestanding copper bathtubs positioned to take in the views. The walls are a mix of raw stone and plaster, giving the rooms a timeless feel—like they’ve been here for centuries, but also, somehow, like they were designed just for you.

Oh, and the views? You wake up to golden sunlight filtering through acacia trees, and if you sleep in too late, you might miss a zebra meandering past your window. Set your alarm accordingly.

{gallery2}

Every meal feels like a special occasion

Let’s talk about the food, because even in the middle of the Kenyan wilderness, Arijiju does not believe in average meals. The kitchen operates on a farm-to-table philosophy, meaning you’re eating fresh, organic produce, locally sourced meats and whatever deliciousness the chef has dreamed up that day.

Breakfast might be served on a terrace with a panoramic view, featuring just-squeezed juices, homemade granola and eggs from the happiest chickens in Africa. Lunch could be a vibrant spread of grilled meats, fresh salads, and fresher-baked bread still warm from the oven. And dinner? Expect candlelit feasts that range from classic Kenyan flavors to international dishes served under a sky filled with more stars than you thought possible.

Want to switch things up? Have a bush breakfast set up after a morning game drive or a sunset dinner on a ridge.

A space to become an upgraded version of yourself (yes, it’s possible…)

This isn’t just a safari lodge that happens to have a spa; it’s a full-fledged sanctuary where wellness is woven into the very fabric of the experience. The retreat’s hammam, inspired by North African bathhouses, is the kind of place where stress evaporates the second you step inside, with warm steam loosening every knot you didn’t even know you had. There’s also a rain shower for cooling off after a treatment, a wood-burning hot tub for soaking under the stars and an icy plunge pool for those brave enough to test their circulation. Treatments are tailored to each guest, using natural, locally sourced ingredients that make you feel as though nature itself is restoring you. A deep-tissue massage after a long day of game drives? Highly recommended.

For those who believe relaxation is best earned through movement, Arijiju offers one of the most impressive gyms you’ll ever see at a safari lodge. This isn’t some sad, forgotten treadmill in a corner—it’s a fully equipped fitness haven with weights, cardio machines and an outdoor setup that lets you work out with views of the wild stretching endlessly before you. There’s also a squash court, because nothing says “luxury safari retreat” like a heated match between game drives. If tennis is more your style, a clay court awaits, where you can perfect your backhand between lion sightings.

And for those who prefer a more meditative approach, the yoga shala is a dream. Open-air, perched in the landscape, and designed to make even the most restless traveler feel centered, it’s the perfect place for sunrise stretches or post-safari flow sessions. For runners, you’ll indulge in the safari of your own with routes belonging to the Lewa Marathon (that’s the one that’s considered one of the toughest in the world).

If you’re more of a “wellness through nature” type, Arijiju delivers that, too. The high-altitude air is crisp and clean, the kind that makes every deep breath feel like a reset button. Endless trails weave through the landscape, perfect for long runs or leisurely hikes where the only sounds are the rustling of the trees and the occasional grunt of a nearby warthog. Whether you’re training for a marathon or just want to clear your head, there’s something about moving through this landscape that feels deeply, instinctively right. And when the day is done, you can sink into the hot tub, gaze at the African night sky, and wonder why every vacation doesn’t come with a built-in wellness overhaul.

Wildlife and wilderness for your safari

A safari at Arijiju isn’t just about spotting wildlife—it’s about stepping into a world where nature still rules, and for a brief, glorious moment, you get to be part of it. Located within the Borana Conservancy, Arijiju offers access to a landscape teeming with some of Africa’s most iconic animals, all without the crowds of a typical national park. Morning game drives start with the golden light of dawn spilling over the acacia trees, a time when the savanna is alive with movement—lions returning from their nighttime hunts, giraffes stretching toward the treetops for breakfast and herds of elephants meandering through the grasslands. Your guide, who seems to have a sixth sense for wildlife, will take you through landscapes that shift from rolling hills to rocky outcrops, each turn revealing a new, breathtaking sight.  

Beyond the classic 4x4 safari, Arijiju offers the rare opportunity to explore the wild on foot, an experience that shifts your perspective entirely. Walking safaris, led by expert guides, allow you to notice the small details—the delicate imprint of a leopard’s paw in the dust, the scent of crushed wild basil underfoot, the distant call of a hornbill echoing through the valley. Here, you’re not just an observer; you’re immersed in the ecosystem, following the rhythms of the land. The experience is equal parts exhilarating and meditative, a reminder of how vast and untamed this world can be. If you’re lucky, you might even track a rhino, witnessing firsthand the vital conservation efforts taking place in Borana to protect this critically endangered species.

For those who crave an added dose of adventure, Arijiju offers horseback and mountain bike safaris, allowing guests to move through the landscape in a way that feels more primal, more connected. Riding alongside a herd of zebras or cycling past a grazing giraffe is an experience unlike any other—less like watching a wildlife documentary and more like starring in one. The horses at Arijiju are well-trained for safari riding, meaning even less experienced riders can comfortably take part. On two wheels, mountain bikers can cover impressive ground, tackling winding trails and open plains that bring you up close to the land’s untamed beauty. Both options offer a thrilling, nontraditional way to explore the conservancy while feeling entirely at one with your surroundings.

One of the most magical aspects of safari at Arijiju is the opportunity to witness wildlife in complete solitude. Unlike the busier parks where jeeps cluster around a lion sighting like tourists at a celebrity red carpet event, here, it’s just you, your guide and the vast, open wilderness. Sunset game drives end with sundowners in spectacular locations, where a simple gin and tonic somehow tastes better under the fading amber light, with nothing but the sound of the wind rustling through the grass and the distant roar of a lion marking its territory. There’s a deep, almost indescribable peace in these moments—a sense of perspective that modern life often strips away.

Packing for safari at Arijiju requires a little strategy, but nothing complicated. Earth-toned clothing helps you blend in (and keeps you from looking like a tourist fresh off the plane), while comfortable walking shoes are a must for those who want to step out of the vehicle and onto the land. A good camera is non-negotiable—this isn’t the kind of trip where your phone’s camera will do justice to the sight of a leopard draped over an acacia branch. And, of course, don’t forget a healthy sense of wonder. Because while Arijiju delivers all the luxury you could ask for, it’s the wild, unpredictable, utterly mesmerizing beauty of nature that truly steals the show.

Beyond the safari and luxury, Arijiju is deeply committed to conservation, working to protect the Borana Conservancy’s wildlife and landscapes in ways that are both impactful and forward-thinking. The conservancy is one of Kenya’s key strongholds for black and white rhinos, and staying at Arijiju directly supports their protection, with funds from each visit going toward anti-poaching efforts, habitat restoration, and local ranger programs.

The lodge operates with a strong sustainability ethos, using solar power, drawing water from a private well and integrating its architecture into the land so seamlessly that it feels like it’s always been there. Conservation here isn’t just about saving animals—it’s about creating an ecosystem where wildlife, landscapes and local communities thrive together. Guests have the opportunity to witness these efforts firsthand, whether by tracking rhinos alongside rangers, visiting local conservation initiatives or simply knowing that their stay contributes to keeping this slice of Kenya as wild and untouched as possible.

{gallery3}

Arijiju is the kind of place that resets your definition of what a vacation should be. It’s wildly beautiful, deeply luxurious and completely in tune with its surroundings. Whether you’re here for the safari, the food, the wellness, or just to float in that infinity pool pretending you’re in a nature documentary, one thing is certain: other vacations just won’t feel the same after this.