Segera Retreat is a luxurious eco-lodge located in Segera, a 50,000-acre ranch on the Laikipia Plateau. Owned by JochenZeitz, a conservation-minded ecotourism trailblazer and ex-CEO of Puma, and managed by Jens Kozany, formerly of North Island, the retreat is a jewel in the highly respected Wilderness Collection’s crown. The property is an oasis of luxury set against the foothills of Mount Kenya, focused on conservation, community, and culture, with Wilderness’s 4 C ethos of community, culture, conservation, and commerce running through its entire operation. The retreat takes a keen interest in the local Samburu people, and the sumptuous gardens serve as a showcase for a significant number of Africa’s leading sculptors.

Segera Retreat is characterized by its own enormous and beautifully designed botanical garden, known as the Oasis, and its timber and thatch build consisting of Segera House, Villa Segera, one family villa that sleeps four, and five private villas. Shared areas include Paddock House, the reclaimed Stables, the Pool Bar and pool (saltwater), gym, spa, shop, and Rasul Tower (steam room). The shared areas feature timber frames, stone floors, and a color scheme inspired by the pale browns and greys of the primary building materials. These areas are marked by extensive decking, dry stone walls, low loungers, simple tables, chandeliers, exposed beams, open fires, and a wealth of spaces to relax, privately or in the company of fellow guests.

Food & service

Service could not be better, with guests lauding the unobtrusive attentiveness that typifies everyone who works at Segera, from restaurant floor staff to management to rangers. There is an excellent wine-cellar and the food is second-to-none.

Rooms

Equally fine, private and raised on wooden platforms, the private villas at Segera Retreat include a double bed, en suite bathroom, seating area, Jacuzzi and veranda. Less a ‘found object’ design than are some of the shared areas, the villas’ interiors have a more finished feel to them, though there is still no compromise here on the sustainability front. Replete with naturally treated woods, slate shower builds, open ceilings and plenty of space throughout, the look is simple and refined, the furniture antique and comfortable, the beds striking centre pieces.

Segera House is a two-bedroom wonder complete with its own kitchen, garden and swimming pool, and is perfect for families or small groups, while Villa Segera (one-bedroom but larger than the villas, possesses its own lounge, pool and hide) will suit honeymooners or couples looking for even greater privacy.

Activities

In keeping with its 4Cs approach, activities at Segera Retreat are broad, varied and designed to leave as slight a footprint as humanly possible. They include day and night drives, guided walks, visiting the 4C centre, cultural visits, helicopter safaris to various surrounding sights including Mt. Kenya, sundowners, gym and spa.
Segera emits creative energy and the kind of hospitality you find with favourite friends. It is a beacon for interesting minds, mavericks, art lovers and those looking for fantastic wildlife experiences, wellness, incredible dining experiences and new ways to engage with Kenya’s evolving culture.

Wildlife

Segera’s 50,000 acres are exclusively private and home to lion, leopard, cheetah, elephant, and buffalo, as well as endangered species such as reticulated giraffe, Grevy’s zebra, Lelwel’s Hartebeest, and African wild dog. Guests can seek out these species along with classic plains game and up to 150 bird species on daily game drives in open-sided safari vehicles with talented guides.

Impact-Conservation

The region has recently been the target of poachers, so a new anti-poaching team has been formed and equipped with a security patrol aircraft, which will carry out daily aerial patrols of wildlife rangeland in West and Central Laikipia.
The Zietz Foundation is researching ways for cheetahs and wild dogs to coexist with people, while monitoring the safety of two troops of Patas Monkeys, which are endangered in Kenya. Given the calibre of its owners, it will come as no surprise to learn that all materials are sustainably sourced, the lodge powered by solar energy, the water on a sust