I
Dreamed of Africa is based on the best-selling autobiography of Kuki
Gallmann, the proprietor of the Mukutan Retreat. The I in that title is
her; the Africa is Ol Ari Nyiro; and the Dream is open to spectacular
interpretation of visitors at her private paradise in the Kenyan
highlands. The raw beauty of the Mukutan Retreat in Kenya is so
breathtaking, so pristine, so surreal that visitors may feel as if they
have walked onto the set of a movie. They have. In the film, I Dreamed
of Africa, audiences will be awed by the sweeping majesty of Ol Ari
Nyiro, the 100,000-acre ranch that envelopes the Mukutan Retreat and
takes center stage in the film starring Kim Basinger.
The History of Mukutan
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Born in 1943, Gallmann was raised just outside of Venice, Italy, but
always had a longing eye for Africa. Her dreams were realized in 1972
when she moved to Kenya with her husband, Paolo, and her son, Emanuele
In 1974 the family acquired Ol Ari Nyiro, a 100,000-acre cattle ranch in
the breathtaking Laikipia region of Kenya. For Gallmann, the sprawling
landscape spurred an understanding and appreciation for the equally vast
African culture.
But her fairytale existence was shattered by tragedy in 1980. Paolo was
killed in an automobile accident as he was returning to Laikipia. He had
carried with him a crib, specially built in the shape of a boat for the
child they were expecting. Despite the pleas of her relatives, Gallmann
chose to remain on the rugged land she had shared with Paolo. But
unthinkable tragedy would next strike Emanuele, just after his 17th
birthday. Gallmann had always been concerned about her young son's
passion for snake handling, and those fears proved warranted when he was
killed by the poisonous bite of a puff adder.
At that moment Gallmann, who formally became a citizen of Kenya in 1997,
could rightfully have abandoned Africa. But her resolve only
intensified. Her soul had been scoured, her understanding of the essence
of life elevated. And so began Kuki Gallmann's dedication to preserving
the mysterious continent that had so captivated Paolo and Emanuele.
Lodging
is
provided by three traditional dwellings, perched at the edge of the
gorge and patterned after native African rondavels. Each hut offers
luxurious accommodations with double beds, a fireplace and a private
veranda overlooking the cliffs. Each is dressed with Swahili and Lamu
furniture and built of local stone, papyrus and native woods.
The paradox of the Retreat is that it remains exquisitely civilized, yet
it is the very antithesis of civilization. There is no electricity in
the Mukutan; the obtrusive hum of an electric generator is forbidden.
Power is collected by solar panels, although most illumination is by
candlelight.
In fact, upon reaching the Retreat the last several hundred meters are
covered on foot to eliminate the sound of vehicles and preserve the
ancient silence of the Mukutan Gorge. The bellhops are camels, carrying
luggage to the cottage doors. Mukutan proprietor, Kuki Gallmann, has
painstakingly modeled the Retreat to be the penultimate African
destination. Every object is a hand-selected part of a perfect puzzle
that delivers the Africa of lore.
Suggested Itinerary
Mukutan is a wonderful addition to African Safari.
We suggest it be added at the end, so you can thoroughly enjoy the
incredible facilities, activities and peaceful ambiance of the Retreat.
This itinerary can be customized. Departures are daily.
Day Itinerary
Day 1
Nairobi
You are met on arrival at Jomo Kenyatta International Airport and transferred to
your hotel. Ngong House lies on the outskirts of Langata, on the land once
cultivated as Karen Blixen’s coffee estate. Paul Verleysen, the charming
owner, had the concept of a private home that would also offer exclusive and
personalized service to a small number of guests. His creation complies
perfectly with the self-imposed brief and, in addition, offers the ultimate
luxuries of space, light and true style. Accommodation is in five wooden houses
raised on stilts with peerless views of the misty Ngong Hills and the
surrounding countryside. Each “tree-house” has its own spirit and ambience
with private bathroom, tea and coffee making facilities, elevated views and a
separate bedroom and sitting room. Each room has a private verandah, which is an
ideal place from which to bask in the sun, take afternoon tea, observe the
teeming birdlife or gaze into the sunset. The lodge features its own swimming
pool and there are excellent golf courses and sports facilities nearby.
Activities include game drives into the National Park and countryside walks.
Ngong House is truly inspirational.
Lunch, Dinner
You
stay at Ngong House
Day 2
Arrive Nairobi, where you will be transferred to the
regional airport for your chartered flight to Ol Ari Nyiro Ranch in
Laikipia, on the edge of the Great Rift Valley, just one hour’s flight
north of Nairobi. Upon arrival at one of three airstrips, you will be
met and transferred to the exclusive Mukutan Retreat.
Days 3-5
Once settled in your private, luxurious suite, you can go game driving,
walking, fishing, bird-watching, horseback or camel riding to mention
just a few of the wide variety of activities on offer. Or perhaps,
simply relax by the panoramic, rock-carved swimming pool. Also included
is your personal host who will be standing by for your every need.
Day 6
Depart the Mukutan Retreat for a last game drive on your way back to the
airstrip where a private aircraft will be waiting to fly you back to
Nairobi.
2001 Cost per person sharing
$3990pp Air and Land (from NYC, please call for other cities)
$2985pp Safari only (includes flights within Kenya)
Includes:
roundtrip air charter from Nairobi, all meals, accommodations with
private facilities, game drives, airport transfers, laundry, all
available activities, resident hosts and government taxes.
Does not include:
International airfare, fees for visa, passport or vaccinations,
gratuities and airport departure taxes.
