About PHILIPPA
From London, Philippa Asher is one of a few Ashtanga yoga practitioners in the world (and the only British woman), to be Certified by Sri K Pattabhi Jois, to teach the Ashtanga yoga method in his tradition. She has learned the Primary, Intermediate, Advanced A and Advanced B Series directly from Pattabhi Jois and Sharath (at the Krishna Pattabhi Jois Ashtanga Yoga Institute in Mysore, India) and shares the Ashtanga yoga system Internationally in studios and on retreats. When not in the studio, she teaches Online One-to-Ones and Sanskrit Counted Primary, Intermediate and Advanced A Series classes and pranayama.
Her approach to sharing yoga asana (from beginners to more seasoned practitioners) is serious, yet light-hearted and joyful. Her emphasis is on good technique, safe alignment, the synchronisation of vinyasa (Sanskrit-counted, coordinated moving/breathing sequences) with tristhana (alignment of breath, gaze points and movement), passing on the exact method as taught by Pattabhi Jois from the late 1990s and embracing the essence of Patanjali’s sutras on yoga and asana.
More Than Meets the Eye
YOUR ASHTANGA SAFARI
Day 1 - Nairobi
Fly into the hub of East Africa, Jomo Kenyatta International Airport, and enjoy a night at the nearby hotel Four Points By Sheraton Hotel.
Day 2 - 5 Laikipia
In the central highlands of Kenya, stretching from Mount Kenya in the east to the Rift Valley in the west is a 2.1 million acres of semi-arid grassland and bush savannah, known as the Laikipian Plateau.
This region serves as a portal to Kenya’s remote and wild Northern Frontier and is a patchwork of cattle ranches, conservancies and tribal lands that have been amalgamated under the umbrella of eco-tourism.
Ranchers and pastoralists encourage the practical co-existence of people, livestock and wildlife. The desire to truly understand the inhabitants of this natural environment is illustrated in the large number of research and community conservation projects within the area.
Straddling the Equator at altitudes of between 5,000 and 8,000 feet, this secluded region is incredibly scenic, comprising of magnificent escarpments which descent into open grasslands, basalt hills, remote kopjes and riverine forest fed by mountain rivers sourced on the slopes of Mount Kenya and the Aberdare’s. This diversity attracts considerable animal numbers and is home to the highest number of endangered species in East Africa.
Half of the population of black rhino, Kenya’s second largest elephant population, the fastest growing wild dog populations on the continent and the globally threatened Grevy’s zebra have all found their home in Laikipia. Not to mention a diverse and spectacular array of birdlife.
Ol Pejeta Conservancy
The Ol Pejeta Conservancy is a mosaic of grass plains, wooded grassland, Acacia woodland and evergreen thicket extending over 350 square kilometres. The Ol Pejeta Conservancy, East Africa’s Largest Black Rhino Sanctuary, is situated at the foot hills of the Aberdares and the magnificent snow-capped Mount Kenya. Ol Pejeta boasts an astounding variety of animals including non-indigenous chimpanzees and the Big Five (the endangered black and white rhino, leopard, elephant, buffalo & lion). The combination of amazing wildlife and stunning views across the open plains guarantees an unforgettable safari experience.
Where you stay - Sweetwaters Safari Camp
Perched within the 110,000-acre Ol Pejeta Conservancy, which features a higher wildlife-to-area ratio than any of Kenya's national parks, Sweetwaters Serena Camp is one of the most exclusive tented safari camps in the country. We are located on the Laikipia plains, 17 kilometres from Nanyuki and 217 kilometres from Nairobi. Transfers by road from Nairobi take approximately three to four hours; Nanyuki airstrip is 17 kilometres from the camp, and a meet and greet and transfer service can be provided (kindly let us know your arrival time in advance).
Embrace the awe-inspiring natural beauty of your surroundings, and set the stage for a visit you won’t soon forget. Sweetwaters Serena Camp offers a holiday experience unlike any other.
Framed by picturesque views of Mount Kenya, the sophisticated safari tented accommodation offers a tranquil respite in the wild, with ensuite bathrooms, free Wi-Fi and a private balcony or veranda.
Begin or end your day with a delicious meal and superb views at our light-filled restaurant, enjoy a guided game drive on the conservancy, indulge in a massage in our treatment room or simply relax by the pool.
With a dedicated event venue, modern facilities and exceptional planning services, the Ol Pejeta tented camp is one of central Kenya’s most stunning destinations for retreats with a difference. And the unparalleled location in Ol Pejeta Conservancy facilitates exploration and discovery of the spectacular wildlife for which this region is famous.
Your bush studio
ACOMODATION & DINING
The spacious tents combine the traditional ambiance of a safari camp with the comforts of home. They offer either a king bed or two twin beds with views of the wildlife water hole. Every tent is en-suite with a private balcony.
Whether you’re preparing for an exciting day in Ol Pejeta Conservancy or unwinding after an eventful afternoon, you’ll be delighted with the welcoming atmosphere of T
he Rhino Room.
Located in what was once the ranch manager’s house, our elegant restaurant features delicious international cuisine – punctuated by remarkable water hole views through floor-to-ceiling windows. In addition to the restaurant, Sweetwaters Serena Camp offers a cosy bar with a fireplace – The Watering Hole - perfect for relaxing with friends after an exhilarating safari.
We also provide one-of-a-kind dining experiences within the camp grounds.
Open for breakfast, lunch and dinner, the Rhino Room welcomes you with flavourful, locally sourced fare. Start your morning with our plentiful buffet-style breakfast, which includes a range of global dishes; highly nutritious, locally sourced plant-based and vegetarian breakfasts, lunches and dinners (with meat options available on request). Lunch is also served as a buffet, with dairy items and produce; vegetarian options are always available and meat options for those who would like.
The restaurant’s table d'hôte dinner menus feature a salad buffet, a soup, an entrée, dessert, cheese and biscuits and fine Kenyan tea or coffee. Much of our cuisine is sourced directly from the communities that surround the reserve. Complement your meal with a glass of wine or beer, a fresh-squeezed fruit juice or an herbal infusion.
Curated for You
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What's included
What's Excluded
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Dedicated retreat coordinator pre-during-post trip based in Kenya
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Airport transfer to your hotel on arrival
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1 x night Bed & Breakfast at Four Points Hotel by Sheraton (Nairobi)
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Vehicle transfer from Four Points Hotel by Sheraton (Nairobi) to Sweetwaters Safari Camp (Ol Pejeta Conservacy, Laikipia)
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6 x night full board accommodation at Sweetwaters Safari Camp including two game drives per day (day and night drives)
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6 x Ol Pejeta Conservation Fees
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Daily Ashtanga classes and workshops with Philippa
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Lululemon yoga mats, Kenyan designed cushions, blankets, blocks and straps for your classes
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In-camp activities including swimming pool, large grounds for walking, water colour painting.
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Transfer from Sweetwater Safari Camp (Ol Pejeta) to Jomo Kenyatta International Airport on day of departure.
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AMREF Emergency Evacuation Cover (required by all safari guests)
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Gift bag
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Visa
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International flights
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Additional Conservation Activities. Details here
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Bar drinks
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Spa treatments
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Any items of a personal nature
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Gratitudes (suggested at $10-15 USD per day)
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Other experiences on Ol Pejeta Conservancy (bookable direct with the camp)
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Dayroom on departure day
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Internal flight from Nairobi to Ol Pejeta (around 45 mins each way) approximately $500 USD return - on request
PRICING
Behind the scenes conservation
When you come for a safari at Ol Pejeta, you’re not just visiting – you are leaving a lasting legacy. This isn’t passive conservation, this is get-your-hands-dirty, on the ground conservation.
Help preserve the future of big cats by tracking lions with our rangers, or see if you’ve got what it takes to be a rhino bodyguard.
Follow paw prints through the bush on foot for the most enthralling safari of your lifetime, or get an all-access pass to the wilderness after dark.
*These extra activities are at an extra charge and can be booked directly at the camp on arrival.
