Celebrate the timeless tale of Blixen’s love for Africa
Enjoy an intimate picnic on the crest of the Out of Africa kopje. Discover an old-world private picnic scene: checked blankets, comfy cushions, canvas safari chairs, a wicker picnic basket, sparkling wine on ice, coffee in a Stanley flask, elegant picnic food and of course, that view.
The film’s iconic poster was shot on the saddle between the hills on which one of our camps is built — the one we call the Out of Africa kopje. We set the scene with director’s chairs, folded blankets, picnic boxes, antique items and champagne on ice, a beautiful table laden with drinks and bitings — all with endless views of the Mara.
Enjoy an elegant dinner in the Angama Map Room, which will be set, evocative of the era, with white damask table linen, candles, and white roses, and music from the movie playing gently in the background.
If the evening marks a celebration such as a birthday or anniversary, guests are invited to honour the tradition of Karen Blixen, which was to tell stories about the person or couple over cognac at the dinner table next to the fire.
Enjoy the little details that honour the book and film, such as a lovely edition of Out of Africa in every guest tent. You will also find a copy of the enchanting Longing For Darkness: Kamante’s Tales from Out of Africa, by Peter Beard and Kamante, Blixen’s major-domo. Yet another nod to the film is the screen that stands next to the Blixen-inspired bathtub.
One of the most striking pieces in the Guest Area is a pair of plantation chairs identical to the one used on the set — Meryl Streep sits on this handsome wooden and wicker lounger made by Nairobi’s acclaimed furniture designer, Mark van Rampelberg. In the library, you will find a little yellow bi-plane similar to the one flown by Denys Finch Hatton, while a single red rose serves as a tribute to Karen Blixen (she was presented with one by a literary admirer every day towards the end of her life). It is the only flower in the lodge.
Who could forget the touching scene where Streep delivers a heart-wrenching eulogy at Finch Hatton’s burial? This is the same site featured at the end of the film, where the lions came to visit his grave a year later. All of this was filmed right here on our property, and guests can pay their respects at the beautiful moth tree, with a special commemorative plaque marking the spot.
CELEBRATIONS
Places and spaces to make the ordinary extraordinary
HOT AIR BALLOONING
Enjoy one of the iconic experiences of Africa, floating gently over the Maasai Mara in a hot air balloon
DISCOVER NAIROBI
Nairobi has changed a lot since Karen Blixen’s days – come explore Kenya’s vibrant capital with us
