Masai Mara & Laikipia: A Kenya Safari

Welcome to Kenya. As you begin your Kenyan safari, keep your eyes open for your first wildlife sighting as you fly directly over Nairobi National Park into Nairobi. After clearing customs, you’ll be transferred to the lush green suburbs where you will be accommodated at Hemmingways Nairobi, a luxury property near world-class shopping and restaurants. Settle in and enjoy a delicious dinner before drifting off to sleep.

This morning, head to the domestic airport where you will take a quick flight to the Masai Mara. You’ll be met at the airstrip and game drive on your transfer to camp. Kicheche Mara is your destination, a classic tented camp hidden in a beautiful valley in a prime wildlife area of the Mara North Conservancy. In the afternoon, set out with your guide for a game drive in the conservancy, which is rich with game and extremely private, you’ll feel as if the African savannah is all your own. Then, enjoy sundowners in a scenic spot before returning to camp for dinner and overnight.

This morning, head into the Masai Mara Game Reserve for a full day game drive. Notice the wildebeest and zebra amassing as you approach the river. Here, they cross the crocodile-filled waters in search of tender grass. You will have stops for a hot breakfast and picnic lunch in shady spots in the reserve. Return to camp for an afternoon rest before high tea. Perhaps you will venture out to a nearby village to learn about the Maasai way of life or simply relish the gorgeous surroundings at camp. Dinner under the stars and a glowing campfire end a wonderful day.

Start your day with a truly once-in-a-lifetime experience, a hot air balloon ride over the plains. Observe the wildlife and landscape from your silent floating balloon for about one hour. Then indulge in a champagne breakfast in the bush. Your afternoon can be spent relaxing, reading, or resting before leaving camp on a nature walk with your expert guide. Seek out the small wonders that get overlooked when in a vehicle and track wildlife through the bush. Rest your head after a delightful dinner and an exhilarating day.

Leave the Mara behind on a morning flight to Laikipia, in northern Kenya. Upon arrival, you meet your guides and camel caravan who will escort you through the bush over the next few days. Stride across this arid landscape, noticing the wildlife great and small along your route. Arrive into your bush camp in time to freshen up and enjoy dinner.

Following a hearty breakfast, set out on foot once again. Spend about five hours walking slowly over terrain in search of wildlife tracks. Also appreciate the flora and birds that you find on your meanderings. You will take small breaks for snacks and hydration. You may choose to ride a camel for part of the journey. They are fitted with comfortable padded saddles. Arrive at camp in time for a late lunch. Cool off with a refreshing dip in the river before evening falls.

An early start ensures that you will see as much game as possible, walking across the vast plains and mixed woodlands. Herds of zebra, oryx, and Grant’s gazelle mingle in the landscape. Your leisurely pace has you arriving in camp around lunch time. In the afternoon, explore the area for the perfect sundowner location.

This morning, transfer to the airstrip for a quick flight to the Namunyak Wildlife Conservancy and Sarara Camp. Perched in far Northern Kenya, this is a conservation success story and one of the most private safari experiences in Kenya. Arrive into camp for a late lunch and spend the afternoon relaxing by the infinity swimming pool, watching elephant and other game as they come to the watering hole below. After high tea, set out with your guide for an early evening game drive, enjoying elephant and giraffe in great numbers. As the sun sets look for the resident leopard near the river. Return to camp for dinner and overnight.

This morning, you will experience one of the most sacred and exclusive cultural experiences in Kenya, the Singing Wells. Drive a short distance to the dry riverbed. Here, permanent wells are maintained by families and passed down from generation to generation. This water gives life to cattle and goats on which these local communities survive. You’ll quietly observe the men and boys sing to their herds, who know each unique song and only drink when called for.

Next, game drive to the Reteti Elephant Sanctuary, a pioneering community project which rescues orphan elephants and uplifts the local people. You will have the chance to meet the Samburu people invested in this wildlife initiative and spend time in their communities. The day comes full circle as you watch the cattle from the singing wells return to the boma for the evening. Return to camp for an in-room massage and relaxing evening.

Fly back to Nairobi and reflect on all you have experienced on your Kenya adventure, then connect to your onward flight home.