Koija Community Starbeds, a lodge located in the Naibunga Lower Community Conservancy in Laikipia County, was ranked among the best global destinations for tourists.
According to luxury cruise experts, Panache Cruises, Koija was among the best destinations for those seeking to escape to a location without internet connectivity or phone signal.
The location is ideal for tourists searching for a digital detox mechanism- whereby they would unwind and explore diverse cultures within the specified location.
Koija was hailed as one of the most unique overnight stays for all local and international tourists.
Located 278 kilometres from Nairobi's Central Business District (CBD), the lodge consists of four ensuite bandas raised on wooden platforms.
The bandas, which resemble manyattas, are assembled by the Koija community using locally available materials.
Each banda overlooks the Ewaso Nyiro and is partially covered, giving tourists an opportunity to enjoy the sky at night.
In addition, the unique beds are fitted with wheels for those seeking to push them out to the deck to sleep outside. Each banda can accommodate a maximum of two people.
"Its starbeds are in the heart of the Kenyan countryside, surrounded by a wonderful landscape and the magical starry sky up above. No one would even want the distraction from their phone if they could even get a signal," read part of the ranking.
The lodge rates are around Ksh4,000 per person per night and Ksh2,000 for each child aged 12 years and under.
James Cole, founder and managing director of Panache Cruises, affirmed that the ranking aims to achieve a complete digital detox.
“When you go on holiday, it’s now become standard to upload pictures of your travels on social media – but with a completely unplugged trip away, it instead becomes mandatory to take in the memories for yourself and look at the stunning landscapes and exotic wildlife through our own eyes, rather than through a screen.
"Getting away from technology and hectic schedules is a great stress-buster – the Valley of Flowers in India is full of some of the world’s most exotic and endangered animals, and Antarctica is truly one of those destinations where you can completely escape from the chaos of everyday life," Cole stated.
Other destinations ranked alongside Koija included Antarctic Sound (Antarctica), Svalbard (Norway), Sinharaja Rainforest (Sri Lanka), Valley of Flowers (India) and Mumbo Island (Malawi).
