Situated in the golden plains of Laikipia, Segera Retreat is one of Kenya’s most extraordinary hideaways — a place where conservation, art, and barefoot luxury meet, quietly.
Fresh from his journey through Kenya, Jeremy Sutton shares his first-hand impressions of this remarkable private reserve. From the moment he stepped off the plane to the intimate wildlife encounters and thoughtful touches that defined his stay, Jeremy offers an insider’s look at what makes Segera an unforgettable retreat for travellers seeking both adventure and soul-soothing calm.
Q: What struck you most about Segera upon arrival?
Jeremy Sutton: Well, it’s a private reserve. Completely privately owned. You arrive on the airstrip, which is literally a stone’s throw from the lodge, so for convenience, it’s just amazing. You get off the small aircraft, and you’re literally already at the retreat.
Q: Can you describe the style of the villas and the overall atmosphere?
Jeremy Sutton — Segera used to be an old ranch, an old cattle ranch. You see that as soon as you arrive. One of the first things you see is an old cattle building that has been transformed into a lovely bar and art space. Segera is also kind of like an art installation as well. You’ll see plenty of contemporary pieces throughout the retreat.
But, you notice this as soon as you arrive—it’s rather striking and obvious in what it tries to evoke. The villas, well, there’s a variety of types. It has a more traditional Kenyan feel in its style and design, but they do have a couple of villas that are slightly more, kind of what I want to call New York Chick, if that makes sense. Floor-to-ceiling windows, reminiscent of New York’s townhouses, but with a touch of British Colonial. But they have a variety of different types of accommodations ranging from one-bedroom rooms to four-bedroom villas, all stylistically different apart from the layout.
Q: Segera is known for its conservation and community work — what did you experience firsthand?
Jeremy Sutton — Segera now has 21 Black Rhinos; they’re going to be having their very first white rhino very soon. They have an operational centre that tracks all their rhinos to make sure they’re okay—and I’ve been in there. It’s amazing. Really, really amazing to see. Segera also supports a number of local schools within the area and is involved with loads of community work as well.
Q: What activities did you participate in?
Jeremy Sutton — It’s all about the game drives. So, no helicopter flights—but they do have an amazing spa there. New products are going to be introduced to the spa very soon or going into next year. So yeah, lots to do from a wellness point of view.
Q: Any standout wildlife sightings or unique experiences?
Jeremy Sutton — We saw a cheetah with four cubs make a kill. Cheetah cubs don’t usually survive for long, but to see four was an absolute one-off. We also saw a lion cub of three-and-a-half weeks old, which in the wild is an absolute one-off.
Q: How was the food and dining concept at Segera?
Jeremy Sutton — At lunch, the staff come to talk to you about what you would like for dinner. They will discuss the menu with you, if it’s agreeable, they’ll go ahead and prepare the menu. But, if it’s not, then you state what you would like, and they’ll design a menu around your preferences. So, it’s a completely bespoke experience and catered for the individual.
Q: What level of service did you experience, and what small touches made a difference?
Jeremy Sutton — Very high-end. Nothing is too much trouble. And it’s the little details that stood out. There are hot water bottles placed at the foot of your bed by your feet. So, when you get into bed, it’s nice and warm already. My wife wasn’t very well when we arrived. It was a bit of a bumpy flight, and when the staff found this out, they made this beautiful mint syrup mocktail known to alleviate air sickness. So, again, Segera really touches on the fine details of what guests want.
Q: Who is Segera best suited for?
Jeremy Sutton — Segera is suited for a multitude of social dynamics. Whether you’re alone or with a group—it doesn’t matter who—you’re going to have a good time. But, multi-gen families tend to go there because of the retreat’s large number of accommodations that can handle big groups. You know those families celebrating big birthdays, big anniversaries, et cetera. But, they are great with silver-surfers, honeymooners, and babymooners too.
Q: What makes Segera different from other Kenyan lodges?
Jeremy Sutton — Segera is a private reserve. So, they’re one hundred per cent in control of their area. It makes it very unique that it’s completely private, essentially. You don’t see other vehicles, you don’t see anybody else. It’s a very personal and unique experience.
Q: How was the transfer experience from Amboseli to Segera?
Jeremy Sutton — We flew from Kimana in Amboseli to Wilson Airport in Nairobi. There was no direct option. So, we flew on a kind of commercial light aircraft, if that makes sense. And then we took a private charter from Wilson in Nairobi up to Segera. Segera has its own landing strip, and as I said, it’s a stone’s throw from the retreat.
Want to read more about Jeremy’s travels to Kenya? Then be sure to read about his trip to Angama Mara here.
See You At Segera
Jeremy’s stay at Segera reveals a retreat that goes far beyond the expected. With its rare wildlife moments, community-first philosophy, bespoke dining, and a level of service that feels genuinely personal, Segera stands out as one of Kenya’s most meaningful luxury experiences.
Whether you’re travelling solo, celebrating a milestone with family, or escaping on a romantic getaway, the retreat’s privacy and depth of character offer something truly singular. In a country full of legendary safari lodges, Segera remains a destination that quietly — but confidently — sets its own standard.
