Segera Retreat

Overview

Inquire for lodging prices

Type

Lodge

Standard

Very High

Rooms

Highlights

Extremely diverse property with multiple eco-lux villas
Headquarters to the Zeitz Foundation, a conservation non-profit
Game drives, walking, fishing, cultural visits, and more
Focus on sustainable tourism and working with the local community

Location

Western Laikipia Region
Central Kenya

Nestled between Mount Kenya and the Great Rift Valley, Segera is a luxury eco-safari retreat offering diverse experiences, abundant wildlife, and conservation initiatives.

Segera sits on 78 square miles (200 sq kms) of private land and is the home to the award-winning Zeitz Foundation. Zeitz is a non-profit whose mission is to create and support sustainable, ecologically, and socially responsible projects and destinations around the world to achieve long-lasting impact and sustainability through the holistic balance of conservation, community, culture and commerce (the 4Cs) in privately managed areas.

Segera House and private pool.

A visit to Segera automatically ensures a positive contribution to the livelihoods and traditional cultures of the local communities, who include the Maasai, Samburu, Pokot, Turkana, and Kikuyu ethnic groups. Unique opportunities are offered to learn about and interact with these indigenous peoples and their centuries-old traditions and ways of life.

Activities at Segera include game drives to see the diverse wildlife living in this part of Laikipia, as well as guided nature walks, cultural visits, scenic flights, catch-and-release fishing, and going on patrol with the private anti-poaching unit and their sniffer dogs.

Segera House bedroom.

Segera offers an assortment of guest accommodations, with several private houses and villas that are ideal for couples, families, or groups of travelers. Beautifully renovated horse stables form the core of the main area, while six large and luxurious villas rise on wooden platforms above a profusion of botanical life in the gardens.

The lavish new Segera Greenhouse, and the original Farmhouse Homestead, Segera House, and perfectly-positioned Villa Segera offer even greater privacy and luxury. Throughout the lush property and its gardens are selected paintings and other art from amongst Africa’s most inspiring artists. Segera also includes a spa, gym, pool, the wine tower, and the unique Nay Palad Bird’s Nest sleep-out. The sumptuous cuisine comprises Segera’s own free-range beef and organic vegetables.

The Segera bi-plane parked alongside Segera House.

Conservation at Segera

Segera supports traditional skills and sustainable business practices, particularly when the two can be combined, while maintaining an ancient way of life and developing alternative revenue streams for the local people. Commercial beekeeping initiatives provide an alternative source of income to Segera’s local communities and help conserve the environment, as trees with hives are unlikely to be used as a source of fuel.

Overgrazing, charcoal production and drought have led to a drastic decrease in Kenya’s forest cover, from 10% to 6% in the last decade alone. The Zeitz Foundation’s Tree of Life reforestation initiative aims to plant 1 million indigenous trees, with 90% of these seedlings being grown and planted by a new Vocational Training Academy for Forestry and Permaculture, creating new forest cover whilst providing education and long-term income-generating opportunities for our rural communities.

The initiative began with 100,000 seedlings planted into a rhino-shaped forest on Segera in May 2020, the first step in this ambitious goal to restore critical landscapes and preserve biodiversity for future generations.

The main pool and gardens at Segera Retreat.

Segera’s conservation projects not only help protect Laikipia's landscapes and wildlife, they are also an opportunity to create access to education and sustainable employment for its communities. In 2019, the Zeitz Foundation launched East Africa’s first All-Women Anti-Poaching Ranger Academy as a platform for female empowerment in this traditionally male-dominated industry.

Segera’s canine unit plays a crucial part in local conservation activities. The amazing bloodhounds have been skillfully trained to track suspects of poaching or criminal incidents, plus locate missing livestock or people. Segera’s Canine Unit has maintained a 100% success tracking rate and are certified as a professional Police Dog Unit. Their effectiveness is due to the constant training and care provided by the team of 6 handlers who have lovingly cared for them since they were only 3 months old.

To reduce energy consumption and fuel use, Segera is 100% solar-powered, with all electricity and hot water provided by solar panels, not only at the Retreat, but also in the staff villages and at the remote ranger stations.

Rainwater is harvested, filtered, and utilized throughout Segera. Further, the rainwater catchment systems installed at the various eco-schools built in the region by the Zeitz Foundation provide students with clean drinking water and irrigate the schools’ vegetable gardens.

No bottled water has ever been brought onto Segera since its inception; instead, reverse osmosis filtration is carried out on site to provide guests with high-quality drinking water, at the source, at the same time as completely avoiding any need for single-use plastics.

Wastewater at Segera is recycled through a specialist bio-waste system, ensuring that the water becomes clean and safe before allowing it to re-enter the natural environment in the Segera gardens.

Grevy's zebras and a reticulated giraffe seen at Segera.

About Laikipia

Laikipia is a middle-altitude plateau that lies northwest from the central Highlands of Kenya and covers over 3 700 square miles (9 500 sq kms). The land is a transitional zone between the lush and mountainous highlands of Mount Kenya and the Aberdare Mountains to the southeast, the Rift Valley to the south and west, and the arid, semi-desert Samburu region to the north. The plateau ranges in elevation from 5 600-8 300 feet (1 700-2 550 meters).

The Laikipia region has historically been used by humans for cattle ranching going back to the colonial era and there is still ranching in Laikipia. There are no national parks or reserves in Laikipia; instead, there is an assortment of private conservancies and group-ranches which together protect land and wildlife even to a higher degree than Kenya's national parks and offer some of the best wildlife experiences in the country.

Elephants in Laikipia near Segera Retreat.

The private and community-managed conservancies in Laikipia mostly operate as dual-use properties, with eco-tourism, research, and conservation co-existing with livestock ranching. Some of the original colonial ranches in Laikipia now operate as safari lodges, while still maintaining their ranching operations. In addition to traditional safari drives to look for wildlife, these ranches usually offer guests an opportunity to experience ranching activities and horseback riding.

Wildlife in Laikipia is diverse and abundant, particularly within the refuges, including Lewa, Ol Pejeta, and Borana. Animals that can be seen include healthy populations of plains species like black rhino, white rhino, elephant, reticulated giraffe, Grevy's zebra, plains zebra, buffalo, Grant's gazelle, Thomson's gazelle, Jackson's hartebeest, and others.

Laikipia's predators include cheetah, lion, leopard, African wild dog, black-backed jackal, and other small species.

The Laikipia Wildlife Foundation (LWF), a non-profit organization formed in 1992, oversees the region as a whole. Membership in LWF includes all private ranches and conservancies in Laikipia, as well as the community groups representing the diverse local tribes such as the Maasai, Kikuyu, Samburu, and Pokot.

The three main wildlife conservancies in Laikipia are Lewa, Borana and Ol Pejeta. All are located in central or southern Laikipia and each offers a superb safari experience and excellent accommodation. Visitors are able to see the diverse wildlife and learn about the conservation initiatives at each of the reserves

Northern Laikipia is remote and wild and the land becomes more arid. The ranches in the north offer a diversity of activities, from camel riding, mountain biking, hot-air balloon rides, rafting on the Ewaso Ng'iro River, walking safaris, and nature drives. Wildlife in the north is more sparse, but the experience of being in this wilderness is special. Ranches in the north include Loisaba, Mugie, Ol Lentil, Ol Malo, and others.

ROOMS INCLUDES & EXCLUDES CHILDREN FACILITIES ACTIVITIES

Accommodation

9 individual villas of varying size comprising 16.5 guest bedrooms as follows:

4x Garden Villas (1 bedroom each): The four raised Garden Villas have thatched roofs and wooden verandas looking out across Segera’s savannah plains and roaming wildlife. Luxurious interiors feature large stone showers, extra-large beds and billowing linen mosquito nets. Outside there are inviting outdoor baths and generous daybeds that can be turned into romantic overnight sleep outs. Each Garden Villa features one en-suite bedroom, a full range of deluxe amenities, an in-room bar, and access to Segera’s undulating salt-water pool.

Family Garden Villa (2 bedrooms): The raised Family Garden Villa has thatched roof and a wooden veranda looking out across Segera’s savanna plains and roaming wildlife. Luxurious interiors feature large stone showers, extra-large beds and billowing linen mosquito nets. Outside there are inviting outdoor baths and generous daybeds that can be turned into romantic overnight sleep outs. The Family Garden Villa features two en-suite bedrooms, a full range of deluxe amenities, an in-room bar, and access to Segera’s undulating salt-water pool.

Segera Greenhouse (2 bedrooms): This new 2-bedroom villa offers large private gardens and sunrise views of Mount Kenya. The luxurious contemporary en-suite bedrooms connect though a light-filled conservatory with kitchenette and dining room for family meals served by your personal Villa Attendant. Each bedroom and the conservatory have iconic glass exteriors with large doors opening onto a private veranda. This villa is perfect for a family or two couples traveling together.

Segera House (3 bedrooms): This double-story house features a dramatic Swahili door, an open-plan lounge, and 3 en-suite master bedrooms, perfect for a multi-generational family or 3 couples traveling together. A gallery links the 2 upstairs rooms with views down into the atrium-style lounge that opens onto a dining area and beautiful private pool. Elegant furniture with safari-inspired tones and natural materials create a relaxed holiday feel. A dining room with kitchenette offers comfort and space for in-villa meal experiences, curated by the chef and personal Villa Attendant.

Farmhouse Homestead (3.5 bedrooms): The original ranch homestead has been transformed into a contemporary family farmhouse with slick black floors and French double-doors that open from 3 bedrooms out onto a canopied outdoor lounge and private pool. The extra single bedroom is perfect for a nanny or additional traveller. Inside, a farmhouse kitchen, fireside lounge, and dining room make it feel welcoming. Beyond the euphorbia-edged garden, where you will see giraffe visiting daily, you will also wake up to spectacular sunrises and poetic views of Mount Kenya.

Villa Segera (2 bedrooms): This villa is perfect for honeymooners or families wanting absolute privacy. The 2 en-suite bedrooms are on stilts, connected by suspended walkways hovering above the open-air living and dining space alongside a private pool. The octagonally-shaped rooms give multiple views across to Mount Kenya, the Sugeroi river, and a waterhole in front of the villa. A glass conservatory with folding doors neighbors the private swimming pool and offers a kitchenette, contemporary lounge, and dining room for private culinary experiences during your stay, in addition to Segera’s many dining venues.

Room facilities include the following:

Balcony / deck.
Bath.
Complimentary Wi-Fi.
Dressing gowns.
En-suite facilities.
Fan.
Hairdryer.
Lounge area.
Mini-bar.
Mosquito nets.
Private Pool / jacuzzi (depending on villa).
Pure cotton linen.
Safe.
Sala.
Tea and coffee making facilities.
Veranda.

Segera Retreat can accommodate a maximum of 33 guests in total. Exclusive use of Segera Retreat is possible (subject to availability).

Includes & Excludes

Includes:

All meals.
All drinks, both non-alcoholic and alcoholic from a selected wine list (excludes owner’s selection of imported brands and champagne).
Retreat activities: drives (game/art), walks (guided/art), C4C, sleep outs, visit to a local homestead, and a variety of other community-based activities.
Laundry.
Wireless Internet.
Gym.
Local Government taxes. In the event of a change in local taxes or the introduction of additional taxes, the rates will be adjusted accordingly.

Excludes:

Conservation fee of US$ 175 per adult and US$ 85 per child per night (subject to change and must be prepaid).
Nay Palad Bird Nest Experience at US$ 1600 (low season) and US$ 1900 (high season) per night, subject to change and a surcharge to normal accommodation rate.
Wellness treatments in Segera Spa and Rasul Chamber.
Gratuities / tipping.
Special day trips and excursions.
Wines, spirits and champagne from the owner’s selection of imported brands.
Any applicable wildlife fee, park fee, reserve fee, concession fee, other land-use fee.

Single Supplement
A single supplement will apply for any room booked by a single traveler; please ask us for pricing.

Children

Located in a non-malarial area and with a year-round moderate climate, Segera is the ideal family safari destination in any season. With chefs who can cater to the needs of children and infants and experienced staff available to babysit any time (including afternoon nap times or evenings), parents can enjoy some time off, knowing that their kids are in the safest of hands - as well as sharing precious moments as a family.

Children of any age are accommodated at Segera Retreat:

Children between the ages 0-2 years stay free of charge with no conservation fee.
Children 3-12 years pay a reduced child rate for accommodation and conservation fee (ask us for details).
For families traveling with children under 2 years, private activities must be booked and paid for.

Children's activities include, but are not limited to:

Wildlife game drives with interactive wildlife and bird checklists.
Going on safari to learn about the many diverse species found on Segera and how to protect them in the future.
Wildlife tracking using animal tracks and droppings, mentored by Segera’s professional guides.
Fun and educational experiences., learning about wellness and nutrition, and where our food comes from.
Children can interact with the staff by helping plant seeds in the herb and vegetable gardens and helping to
water and harvest fresh vegetables.
Learning how to prepare a healthy nutritious meal for their parents or friends and assisting the chefs to prepare
scrumptious dishes using all the ingredients found on Segera.
Children can feed the free-range ducks and quails and collect fresh eggs for the Retreat Kitchen.
Learn about the traditional techniques that go into the making of Segera honey.
Segera’s professional guides can take children fishing at the Sugeroi River, with simple-to-use fishing rods and nets for catching delicious freshwater crayfish.
Community visits and engaging with students of the Zeitz Foundation Waterbank School and other local schools built by the Zeitz foundation to learn about the community and their customs, life in Kenya for local kids, the importance of water conservation, and most importantly to meet Kenyan pupils who are thriving through education.

Facilities

Segera Retreat, its gardens, and main area facilities are open for all guests staying in any of the villas.

Main area facilities include:

24-hour security.
Activity desk.
Centre for 4Cs (Conservation, Community, Culture and Commerce).
Paddock House for dining and relaxing.
Converted Horse Stables for dining and relaxing.
Library.
Common area salt-water swimming pool and bar in the gardens.
Curio shop.
Spa.
Gym.
Barbecue facilities.
Battery-charging facilities.
Disability services.
Internet access (Complimentary).
Laundry service (Complimentary).

Activities

Activities included in the rate:

Game drives.
Night drives.
Guided nature walks.
Bird watching.
Catch-and-release fishing.
Camel treks.
Cultural visit / tour.
Cooking courses.
Fine dining.
Game viewing hide.
Garden tours.
Gourmet picnics.
High tea.
Massages.
Sleep outs (at your villa).

Optional activities at additional cost:

Private activities are on offer (subject to vehicle availability which needs to be booked in advance).
Helicopter scenic flights.
Scenic flights in a bi-plane.
Nay Palad Bird Nest Experience.
Wellness treatments in Segera Spa and Rasul Chamber.

Great Good Fair Poor

When to Visit

Laikipia is generally a year-round destination, but the best time to visit is during the relatively dry season from June thru September. As with most of Kenya, the short rains on the Laikipia Plateau occur for about a month sometime between mid-October and mid-December. The longer and heavier rains occur from March thru May.

No period is completely without rain, but the wettest months are April, May, and November and the driest months are January, February, and September.

Temperatures are also fairly constant year-round, as the equator is located very close (just to the south). Temperatures during the day average 77-83°F (25-28°C), but to cools down quite a bit overnight and dressing in layers is a must for the morning activity.

Segera Retreat is open year-round.

Winter

June through September are the winter month and relatively dry, but rain is still quite possible. June and July experience static temperatures, averaging 77-79°F (25-26°C) during the day and dropping to around 48-50°F (9-10°C) overnight.

Temperatures increase slightly in August and September, averaging 80-82°F (26-28°C) during the day and 50-52°F (10-11°C) during the night. Some rains do fall in August and September.

Most days during the winter are clear to partly cloudy.

Summer

The runner months are October through May, which includes the short rains, which fall for about a month between October and December and the longer, heavier rains from March through May. April is the rainiest month.

October and November experience daytime temperatures averaging 74-76°F (23-24°C) and overnight lows of 54-55°F (12-13°C).

Mid-December through February is a period of low rainfall, which separates the previous short rains from the coming long rains. There are still some days with rain. Daytime temperatures reach 76-79°F (24-26°C) and overnight lows are 52-54°F (11-12°C). Days can be clear or overcast.

March through May are the long rain months, with April being the rainiest month. This is a period to avoid, as the rains can be heavy and persistent, although all-day rains are uncommon. The road conditions can become muddy and slippery. Daytime temperatures average 78-81°F (25-27°C) and overnights average a comfortable 54-55°F (12-13°C).