Kenya Safari
Discovering the Heart of Africa
A Kenya Wildlife Safari offers everything an adventurous spirit yearns for: magnificent game, primordial landscapes, and thriving indigenous cultures. We and our partners help you create a dream safari. A journey that takes you deep into the real heart of Africa: from archetypal, not–to–be–missed sights, and proceed to magical experiences in lesser known, out of the way places. As a special feature, we connect these gems with flights to save precious time and to give you a bird’s eye perspective of this marvelous part of the world. This Kenyan Safari is perfect for families, as at all locations our partners can arrange very special, exciting and meaningful activities for children. The lodges we recommend are owned or managed by Masai or Samburu people, and your visit will help fund projects that directly fund their communities and ecosystems.
This classic African wildlife adventure begins in Nairobi, from where you fly to the world famous Masai Mara National Reserve. Here you witness one of the most staggering wildlife spectacles on the planet: The Great Migration, when over two million wildebeest, zebras and antelopes migrate from the Serengeti National Park in Tanzania to the greener pastures of Kenya’s Masai Mara, crossing the crocodile infested Mara and Talek Rivers. Your base will be the lodge where Barack and Michelle Obama chose to stay with their daughters, because of its eco–friendly pedigree and its involvement with local Masai communities.
Beyond the Mara you venture further into the savannah, escaping the swarms of minivans crowding around lions and other animals, and into the wilds of Naboisho. This is the ancestral land of Masai herders who have set it aside as a land conservancy to protect its habitat and wildlife. Here your skilled Masai guides take you on a night game drives when big cats are hunting, and on walking safaris where you learn how to track animals (and how not to get to close to hippos and herds of elephants).
The Great Rift Valley stretches out beneath you as you fly north up to Samburu and the Kalama Reserve. After a short game drive you arrive in a stunning, remote camp owned and run by the local Samburu community. With only six huge bandas, each completely private, this is a unique lodge in a perfect setting. You wake up to see elephants, giraffe and hyena close to camp, and beyond them the vast savannah stretching to distant hills. Go on guided walks and game drives to see species unique to Northern Kenya; and go deep into local culture as you visit a school get shown around the village and learn about Samburu life and traditions. In the heat of the afternoon, relax by the pool, and by night listen to leopards panting and hyenas laughing as you revel in the isolation and beauty of this truly hidden place.
Day 1 — Masai Mara. On arrival at Jomo Kenyatta International Airport, take a small plane to Masai Mara, gazing down at the profusion of animals moving across the vast plain. Get ready to see elephants at much closer quarters on our afternoon game drive!
Day 2 — Masai Mara. Feel the thundering of thousands of hooves reverberate in your chest as you witness the spectacular wildebeest migration, one of the greatest wonders of the natural world.
Day 3 — Naboisho Conservancy. Head deeper into the heart of Africa for some up close and personal wildlife encounters, on a walking safari with our Masai naturalist guides.
Day 4 — Naboisho Conservancy. Look for big cats on the hunt during a night game drive and — with some luck — witness a lion kill.
Day 5 — Naboisho Conservancy. Have breakfast in the bush, watch elephant family groups gather in the shade beneath acacia trees, and end a perfect day with sundowners out on the savannah.
Day 6 — Samburu Fly up the stunning Rift Valley, and past the flanks of Mount Kenya. After a game drive from the airstrip, arrive in our exquisite and remote camp – a truly hidden place – and revel in the amazing stars.
Day 7 — Samburu. Go driving to see big game species unique to this part of Kenya as well as the many elephants in Samburu National Reserve. In the afternoon, get immersed in Samburu life and traditions at a nearby village.
Day 8 — Samburu. Take a game walk at dawn and have breakfast in the bush. On the final game drive, watch for big herds of reticulated giraffe, grevy zebra and packs of the rare wild dog. Have sun-downers by the pool soaking in the views.
Day 9 — Samburu to Nairobi. After a final alfresco breakfast, drive back to the airstrip and fly to Nairobi. Connect with your homeward flights, or continue on to one of our spectacular extension trips.
What about safety on this trip?
Where does the trip start and end?
Nairobi.
How do I get to Nairobi?
Nairobi is one of Africa’s biggest hubs with many flight connections to Europe. You can get direct flights with major carriers from London, Amsterdam and Frankfurt.
What are the physical activities on the trip and what level of fitness do I need?
Most activities on this trip are considered easy, with short walks and game drives in safari vehicles. Longer game-watching excursions on foot are optional.
What are the activities for children?
We can tailor the safari to the ages of the children, for example: finding and identifying animal prints with our Masai guides and taking plaster casts as keepsakes; making traditional bows and arrows; visiting a Masai school and village; helping Masai children herd goats and collect firewood; playing football with Masai children and learning about traditional Masai games.
Do I need a visa?
Yes. You can either apply for one online ahead of the trip.
Do I need any special insurance?
Medical insurance, including emergency evacuation, is highly recommended. We also advise you to purchase trip cancellation insurance.
Do I need vaccinations?
Your routine vaccinations (Tetanus–Diphtheria, Poliomyelitis, Measles, Mumps, Rubella) should be up to date. In addition if you are arriving from another country where yellow fever is endemic you will need proof that you have been vaccinated for it. Hepatitis A vaccinations are recommended.
What about malaria?
Malaria is endemic throughout East Africa, however we recommend safaris at relatively dry times when the risk is low. Despite this, it’s recommended to take prophylactic medication. Please consult with your travel clinic.
How does this trip benefit the environment and local communities?
- In the areas where we operate, traditional communities get direct benefit through significant land use and conservation fees and from employment as naturalists and guides.
- We have carefully chosen operators and partners who are actively involved in conservation and community development.
- We stay at safari camps which are built in a low–impact style and use environmentally friendly treatment of waste.
- Most of the camps we recommend are on conservancies, which have been set up with and benefit the local communities.
Trip Details
Trip Length
10 days, 9 nights
Dates
May through February
Accommodation
1 night luxury inn, 8 nights safari lodges
Begins/Ends Nairobi, Kenya
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We walk #milesforelephants to help protect these remarkable beings. Check the link in our bio for information on next February’s trek in Kenya. #africa #kenya #savetheelephants🐘 #africanelephantsofinstagram #elephantfamilies #walkforelephants #saveelephantsworld @spaceforgiants @elephantswithoutborders @elephantvoices @savetheelephants @wildaidafrica @biglifeafrica
After hauling our gear all morning, who can blame them for raiding our hand washing water? The soapier the better, it seems! Come and meet the camels on our next Miles for Elephants trek. See the link in our bio for details. #kenya #milesforelephants #adventuresforacause #adventuresforalifetime #wildtrek #africatrek #camelfriends #wildcampingkenya
Hopping aboard a camel isn’t everyone’s thing, but @kakranz tackled it with gusto! We’ll be walking Miles for Elephants in Kenya again next year. See the link in our bio for details.
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