Loisaba Star Beds by Elewana — Hotel in Laikipia County

We recently celebrated a milestone birthday at Loisaba Starbeds (Shalini’s 50th birthday), and from the moment we arrived, it felt truly special.||The lodge sits on a hill within the Loisaba Conservancy, and offers a truly intimate safari experience. One of the biggest advantages of being in a conservancy is that sightings are limited to a maximum of three vehicles around any of the cats – lions, cheetahs and leopards. This creates such a peaceful, respectful atmosphere for both guests and wildlife – no crowds, no noise, just the opportunity to watch these cats without them being hassled. Over 3 game drives we were so lucky, we saw a leopard in the evening sun, a cheetah resting on a termite mound and a family of lions as they began stirring for what looked like a night of hunting. ||As mostly vegetarians (pescetarian when travelling), we often find food choices limited, but here we were wonderfully cared for. Chef Balcha went above and beyond to create fresh, flavourful meals every day. Philip, the lodge manager, handled everything with such calm professionalism and kindness – even when a couple of small issues arose, he resolved them beautifully. He even accompanied us on a bush walk (we saw elephants and hippos whilst on foot – much too close for comfort for Shalini)! Our guide, aptly named Lucky, remained calm and in control the whole time!||The absolute highlight was the Starbed experience itself. As night falls, your bed is rolled out onto an open deck and you fall asleep beneath the stars. Listening to the sounds of the bush whilst snuggling up in bed is simply magical. It was also the first time that Shalini got to really see the Milky Way – really quite awe-inspiring. ||The team made Shalini’s birthday unforgettable. We enjoyed a bush breakfast beside a tranquil waterhole lined with palms – it was surreal as it was unlike any of the Loisaba landscape. In the evening, we were treated to a private bush dinner on the lodge grounds, complete with a roaring fire, lanterns, candles, cake and the staff singing and dancing to celebrate with us. It was heartfelt, joyful, and beautifully done.||Our rating: 9 out of 10|For the location, warmth of the staff, quality of food, and that one-of-a-kind chance to sleep under the Laikipian sky. Loisaba Starbeds is pure magic – the perfect blend of wilderness,...

Loisaba is a private conservancy and Elewana is the only lodge operator in the park with three different lodges spread across the conservancy. We have stayed at all three and this was our second stay at Star Beds, the smallest, most intimate camp with only four "rooms". But don't let the small size of the camp fool you - the experience here is big! Star Beds is Samburu themed and Elewana hires folks from the local Samburu community. We enjoyed seeing John again (whom we met last year during our stay) and meeting Lebanayo - both live just outside of the Loisaba Conservancy. ||||We were also thrilled to see Philip the manager again. Philip runs a great team but also fosters a relaxed sense of fun at Star Beds. The small team works long hours but are generous with their time. Chef Januaries creates incredible meals that integrate traditional Kenyan food, and eating under a sky full of stars is magical. Especially when the little genets stand up next to you! ||||The "rooms" are open sided thatched roof shelters, but with luxurious rain showers, flush toilets, canvas wardrobes and outlets to charge your electronics! The fully netted beds are wheeled onto the deck at night, kitted with hot water bottles and so comfy that you'll doze off even if you're trying to stay awake to see the Milky Way sweep overhead. The high-end shampoo, conditioner, soap and lotion are infused with herbs that smell great and naturally repel insects. Salad, our room steward, kept everything picture perfect for us.||||The great thing about Loisaba is that you can stay at all three lodges if you want but keep the same guide - that way they know what you've seen and what you haven't. It's a seamless transition and each lodge has a different feel - but they are all great. We requested Benson Gitau to be our guide as we had become friends the year prior when we stayed 7 nights at Loisaba. Benson is a terrific guide, knowledgeable, friendly and fun. During this stay, there was a leopard who took an impala within sight of our room. It was incredible to listen to the drama in the morning when hyena's sadly stole the impala from the leopard - all while we were safe and snug in our star bed. We had incredible game drives and saw the big five easily within the first couple of days.||||I know that it's a place were we...

A Magical Experience Under the Stars – Beyond Expectations

Staying at the Loisaba Star Beds was one of the most unforgettable experiences of my life. From the moment we arrived, the service was impeccable—warm, attentive, and personalized in a way that made us feel completely at home while still immersed in the wild beauty of Kenya.

The staff were truly outstanding, not just in their hospitality but in their passion and deep knowledge of the local culture, wildlife, and ecosystem. Every conversation with our guides and hosts added rich context to the landscape around us. They shared insights about the Samburu traditions, the surrounding conservancy, and the wildlife that made every moment feel meaningful and connected.

Of course, the views are absolutely breathtaking. Sleeping in an open-air bed under a vast blanket of stars, surrounded by the sounds of the African bush, is something that simply can’t be described—it must be experienced. Waking up to a sunrise over the hills, with giraffes in the distance and the soft calls of birds, felt like stepping into a dream.

And then there’s the food—absolutely fantastic. Every meal was a delight, with fresh, locally sourced ingredients prepared to perfection. Whether it was a hearty breakfast with a view, a gourmet lunch in the bush, or a candlelit dinner under the stars, the culinary experience was a highlight in itself. The chefs clearly put thought and heart into every dish, offering both international and locally inspired options that were beautifully presented and full of flavor.

The star beds themselves are incredibly well-designed, combining rustic elegance with total comfort. Every detail, from the positioning of the beds to the locally crafted furnishings, has clearly been thought through with care.

If you’re looking for a truly unique, luxurious, and soul-enriching safari experience, Loisaba Star Beds is a must. It’s not just a place to stay—it’s a place to reconnect with nature, learn deeply from those who know it best, savor every bite of an exceptional meal, and be cared for by some of the kindest and most knowledgeable people...