Gold for leopards 

Located 200 km north of Nairobi, with a spectacular view of Mount Kenya, we find a fabulous mansion, today converted into a luxurious hotel that continues to accommodate behind its walls passionate stories worthy of their time; remembering eccentric situations that happened inside it and created from a love story that should be written as a novel. The Mount Kenya Safari Club appears on the list of “must visit” upon arrival to the continent, and is one of the favorites in the international agenda of the beloved classics in hostelry around the world given its fame, history and recent engagement with the ecosystem which surrounds it, the animal conservancy center. Winston Churchill was its founding partner, among other well known celebrities such as: Conrad Hilton, Robert Hope, Bing Crosby, Lord Mountbatten, prince Bernhard of Holland, Onassis and Anwar Sadat which forged the fame of this place, associated today with exclusivity. The initial idea was to create a safari, dream that Rhoda Lewisohn didn’t take lightly. Choosing to set aside her exclusive life in Manhattan next to her millionaire husband and daughters (which was a scandal at the moment), to this adventurous woman her conduct seemed extremely normal. It was the 30’s and Kenya was synonym of Game Hunting, luxurious safari, adventures and memorable journeys. It was an atmosphere filled with elegance and distinction, built by refined characters and the elite of the moment.   Rhoda didn’t take long in hunting her first elephant, nor to fall in the arms of Gabriel Prudhomme, wealthy Frenchmen, much younger than her, and owner of an airplane. The affair ended with the abandonment of her banker husband to make room for the wedding ceremony with the influent Parisian lad. 

 

 

Just as romantic was the couple’s choice to begin their married life. Nanyuki, at the skirt of Mount Kenya was their dream. The delicious landscape was for sale, however, their happiness didn’t last too long, their dream could not be concluded.  Gabriel died in a trip to Europe. She, hart broken, made the decision to take his ashes back to France.   Mawingo means clouds in Swahili, and underneath them, at the hillside of Mount Kenya the construction for the mansion began. 

Mount Kenya is the sacred top of an extinct volcano. It has managed to bring spectators from all around the globe. Located at the skirts of this spectacular mountain, we find exceptional wildlife and vegetation, which contains a history as rich and evoking as the scenery that surrounds it.

 

 

 

 

 From here, it offers an enviable vision of Africa. With its privileged location, next to Mount Kenya national Park, considered world heritage by UNESCO in 1985. Next to, it Aberdare Park is found, in combination, these two promise an unforgettable safari experience.  

The rooms with chimney, adjoined bath with a shower that allows water to fall just like rain would, marble boudoirs and magnificent views of Mount Kenya create harmony next to the marvelous landscapes that surround you. This hotel offers several amenities, such as horseback rides for a couple or a group, a nine hole golf course, or a walk in the beautiful hotel gardens. Another option is to have lunch on the shores of river Liki, the gastronomy team will be at your disposition to prepare culinary experiences with a spectacular expression of the region.

 

 

Text: Leonor Villalfaña ± Photo: Fairmont Mount Kenya Safari