Loisaba Star Beds by Elewana: The Magic of the Star Beds
The defining characteristic of Loisaba Star Beds by Elewana is the accommodation itself. Each room is built on a rocky kopje (hill), designed to blend seamlessly with the natural landscape. The highlight is the handcrafted, wooden four-poster bed. Mounted on wheels, these beds are rolled out onto an expansive wooden deck each night. This allows guests to slumber directly beneath the vast African night sky, with nothing but a mosquito net between them and the constellations of the Southern Hemisphere.
Quick Facts: Loisaba Star Beds by Elewana at a Glance
Category | Details |
Location | Lewa Wildlife Conservancy, Laikipia Plateau, Kenya |
Accommodation | 3 Double Rooms & 1 Family Room (all featuring handcrafted "Star Beds") |
Sustainability | Solar-powered, "Ban the Bottle" initiative, community-owned land trust |
Primary Wildlife | Elephant, Lion, Wild Dog, Grevy’s Zebra, Beisa Oryx, Reticulated Giraffe |
Unique Feature | Handcrafted four-poster beds on wheels rolled onto open-air platforms |
Activities | Game drives, night drives, camel safaris, horse riding, anti-poaching dog visits |
A Sanctuary for Rare Species
The Laikipia plateau is renowned for its biodiversity, and the area surrounding the camp is no exception. It serves as a critical corridor for Kenya’s second-largest elephant population. Guests often wake to the sound of elephants drinking from the permanent waterhole located just below the kopje. The conservancy is also one of the best places in East Africa to spot the endangered African Wild Dog and the rare Grevy’s Zebra, alongside lions, leopards, and cheetahs.
Sustainability and Community Impact
One of the most impressive facts about the Loisaba Star Beds by Elewana is its commitment to conservation-driven tourism. The land is owned by the Loisaba Community Trust, meaning that every stay directly supports local Samburu and Laikipiak Maasai communities. The camp operates on 100% solar power and has eliminated single-use plastics through its “Ban the Bottle” program, providing guests with reusable aluminum bottles and on-site purified water.
Authentic Cultural Immersion
The camp is hosted and managed by members of the local Samburu and Maasai communities. This creates an atmosphere of authentic African hospitality that is hard to replicate. Guests aren’t just visitors; they are welcomed into a partnership of land stewardship. Cultural visits to nearby villages offer a genuine look into the traditional lifestyles, history, and vibrant dances of the people who have lived alongside this wildlife for centuries.
Adventure Beyond the 4×4
While traditional game drives are spectacular here, Loisaba Star Beds by Elewana encourages guests to step out of the vehicle. You can explore the undulating valleys on a mountain bike, take a walking safari guided by Samburu warriors, or experience a “silent safari” on the back of a horse or camel. These alternative activities provide a different perspective on the bush, allowing you to hear the sounds of the wilderness without the hum of an engine.
The Front Line of Conservation
Guests have the unique opportunity to visit the conservancy’s dedicated anti-poaching unit. Here, you can meet the four-legged heroes of Loisaba—the sniffer dogs Warrior, Machine, Memusi, and Nanyuki. Seeing these bloodhounds in action and learning about their role in protecting rhinos and elephants provides a sobering yet inspiring look at the realities of modern wildlife protection.
Private and Exclusive Vibe
With only four rooms, the camp offers an unparalleled level of privacy. There are approximately 4.8 kilometers of wilderness for every bed in the conservancy, ensuring that your safari remains exclusive and undisturbed by large crowds. Whether you are enjoying a sundowner on the rocky escarpment or a bush breakfast in the golden morning light, the sense of solitude is absolute.
Why the Location Matters?
The camp’s position on a rocky outcrop is strategic. It overlooks the Kiboko Dam, which acts as a magnet for wildlife in the arid Laikipia landscape. From your bed, you can witness the nocturnal dramas of the African bush—the distant roar of a lion or the gentle trumpeting of elephants—all while safe and comfortable in high-thread-count linens.
