This classic Kenya safari itinerary takes you through the remote wilds of the Kenyan bush to private wildlife reserves and the Maasai Mara. You’ll fly between exclusive, small bush camps that are committed to wildlife conservation, benefitting local communities, and providing truly exceptional wildlife experiences.
Your expert naturalist guides lead the way on 4×4 game drives and walking safaris. A short flight from Nairobi brings you to Ol Pejeta, home to the two remaining Northern White Rhino and the only place in Kenya to see chimpanzees. Wildlife is prolific here, with a chance to encounter elephants, buffalo, and leopards as well.
Fly west to explore both the Maasai Mara National Reserve as well as the private Naboisho Conservancy. Both are renowned for their big cat sightings and impressive wildlife densities. In Naboisho, you’ll have the opportunity to visit a local village for unscripted encounters with local Kenyans who are directly benefitting from the conservation of wildlife in this protected area.
Toast the setting sun each day with sundowner cocktails and enjoy lantern-lit dinners under African skies. Consider a hot air balloon safari in the Maasai Mara or extending your time to include the white sand beaches of Zanzibar or Pemba or trekking to see silverback gorillas in Uganda or Rwanda.
Welcome to Kenya, East Africa’s most cosmopolitan city! You’ll be met on arrival and transferred to your hotel. Overnight Ole Sereni (classic) overlooking the Nairobi National Park or Hemingways (luxury upgrade) an elegant boutique hotel situated in Nairobi’s Karen neighborhood.
Commence the day with a visit to the Giraffe Center, a refuge for the endangered Rothschild Giraffe that you can hand feed. Next, head to the Daphne Sheldrick Trust and Elephant Orphanage, where you’ll meet the resident elephants and their keepers during their feeding and playtime. The Sheldrick Wildlife Trust is the most successful orphan elephant rescue and rehabilitation program in the world and one of the pioneering conservation organizations for wildlife and habitat protection in East Africa. Afterward, visit the Karen Blixen Museum home of the author of Out of Africa before departing for a quick flight to the Maasai Mara.
On arrival, you’ll be met by your driver and immediately head out on a game drive enroute to camp.
The highlight of the Masai Mara National Reserve is undoubtedly the annual wildebeest migration traversing the vast plains of the Serengeti and the Masai Mara ecosystem. It is known as the largest mass movement of land mammals on the planet – with more than a million animals following the rains. Large prides of lions, elephants, giraffes, gazelles and eland are frequently spotted in the reserve. Head out every morning and afternoon looking for resident wildlife like leopards and cheetahs from your silent electric safari vehicle (Emboo only). Spend time in one of the neighboring villages and learn about Maasai culture and traditions.
After a final game drive in the Mara, head for the airstrip and a flight to Kenya’s Swahili Coast. Famous for its gorgeous palm trees and its powder white sand lapped by glistening azure waters, Diani Beach is magnificently located on Kenya’s Indian Ocean shoreline. The area’s tropical waters and exquisite coral reefs provide an ideal environment for snorkeling, scuba diving, and boat safaris where you can witness rich and diverse marine life like sea turtles, mantas, barracudas and, if you are lucky, even the elusive and amazing whale shark.
The next three days are yours to enjoy, relax, and explore. Spend a day snorkeling at the nearby reef and marvel at the urchins, starfish and tropical marine life that makes these reefs home. Relax on the beach or at the private pool before enjoying a delicious locally-sourced dinner under the stars.
Fly to Nairobi in time to meet your international departing flight.
Holiday price increases apply from mid-December through early January; call for more details.
