Millionaire146;s Mecca

The property exudes an old world charm that is reflected in its architecture, style and character. The decor is a melange of rustic Africa and English adroitness, vividly represented by the luxurious cottages and elegant buildings set amid landscaped pools and gardens. Relics of Kenya8217;s past of settlers are carefully preserved in the club grounds.

The luxury cottages even have Roman baths and Swiss-style saunas. Inviting fireplaces are characteristic of all cottages, further accentuating the warm ambience. The picturesque cottages are conveniently close to each other, yet secluded enough for privacy. Tennis courts, heated pools, and the putting green 8212; where pretty peacocks and other exotic birds serve as impediments 8212; are among the popular distractions.

Everything at the Safari Club is about opulence and fine living. Black-tie dinners in the Kenyan bush are the ultimate in alfresco elegance. Dinners are truly an elegant affair at the Mount Kenya Safari Club. Children are not permitted to dine with adults and are served supper earlier to ensure that the refined ambience is maintained.

We were asked to dress in smart casuals barring jeans, mini skirts and sportswear. In fact, black-tie fine dining has only very recently given way to smart casual attire. The dining rooms are reminiscent of a truly bygone era. As we entered we found beautiful paintings embellishing the walls, further ahead were crisp linen-covered tables adorned by meticulously laidout cutlery. The butlers then took us through a plated service as the Kirinyaga Band built up the mood.

We had a choice of delectable cuisine accompanied by fine wines to complement it. Our grand dinner comprised sumptuous game consomme with diced impala, medallions of pork loin topped with fresh herbs among other delicacies. Not to mention the orange and cointreau sorbets that are an integral part of formal dining. Up ahead was a live pasta station with chefs tossing our choice of pasta as well as a lavish spread of salads. For the grand finale, there was the chocolate mousse gateau with a coffee bean sauce. For those of us who wanted to stay on and soak in the rhythm of the band there was a choice of fine teas and aromatic coffees to keep us company. After having stirred up some melodious notes the band eventually graduated to a thumping note until we broke into a spontaneous dance moving to popular African beats.

Dinners are usually served at The Mawingo which is a members8217; only dining room and at the Kirinyaga. There are also two eloquent bars 8211; the Mountain View Bar and Lounge where a troupe of magnificent Chukka dancers entertain guests every evening on the lawns. The other bar, the Trophy Lounge, has a very relaxed and friendly ambience and is ideal for a leisurely cocktail or a nightcap.

Although the Mount Kenya Safari Club is usually the retreat, post-safari, to just lounge and relax, for the compulsive safari enthusiasts, the Club also maintains its own privately owned game park spread over 25,000 acres of stupendous game density. Excursions and walking safaris accompanied by armed guards and guides are arranged for resident guests. A chimp sanctuary is managed by Jane Goodall and an animal orphanage is also administered by the Club. The Club has also acquired fame as a unique bird sanctuary for indigenous and exotic birds.

Among the most touching aspects apart from the glorious sunrise and melancholic sunsets, is the Club8217;s chapel. Set amidst its lush environs, the chapel exudes a sense of tranquillity and poise in its simplicity and silence. Marital unions of numerous celebrities have been witnessed here and the Club personnel spare no effort in organising the perfect white wedding for the couple. The chapel is to me the most serene hideaway at the property, and its sanctity is in my mind the most treasured memory of my sojourn at The Safari Club.

Courtesy: Express Business Traveller