This tailored safari takes you to two of Kenya’s most prolific Big 5 destinations, Masai Mara Game Reserve and Lewa Wildlife Conservancy. The wildlife offering is complimented with an endearing cultural experience with the indigenous Maasai, a tribe of tall nomadic warriors. Throughout the adventure, you will stay in some of Kenya’s most cozy safari lodges that are nestled in the heart of wildlife action.
Day 1. You arrival in Kenya’s Jomo Kenyatta International Airport
Once through with clearing your entry visa, you will find our driver in the waiting arena, ready to treat you to a heart-warming Kenyan welcome. He will transfer you to your hotel in Nairobi where you will be briefed on how your adventure is going to unfold over the next days. Before retiring to bed at night, you will be treated to a delightful dinner that is prepared with a Kenyan touch.
If you are a big fan of luxury, among the lodges where you can stay is House of Waine. It is a tranquil boutique hotel with gracious staff who will happily provide you with hot towels and cold drinks upon your arrival. Situated on a 2.5 acre private space, the hotel has 11 bedrooms, all of which have charming décor, and more importantly, the spirit of modern Africa. (Meals: Breakfast & Dinner)
Day 2: Safari to Lewa Wildlife Conservancy
Once through with your early breakfast, you will be driven to the nearby Wilson Airport ahead of your chartered flight to the Lewa Wildlife Conservancy. Set in full view of Africa’s second highest mountain, it is a 263 sq km Big 5 haven with rolling golden grassland and iconic flat-topped thorn trees.
On arrival, you will be welcomed by the ever-smiling team of Lewa Safari Camp, one of whom will take you to your luxury tent where you will spend two nights. Thanks to the lodge’s location in a stunning center, you will get outstanding views of game grazing. You will also take in views of Mountain Kenya as well as the country’s scenic arid lowlands. While the tents here have a thatched roof, private verandah and en-suite bathroom, the central areas have gorgeous gardens and a sunny verandah. There is also a swimming pool and a lounge with cosy log fires, a perfect setting for bonding with your loved ones.
Sprawling over the Laikipia Plateau, Lewa Wildlife Conservancy is Kenya’s second largest wildlife refuge. It is a non-profit making destination that started out as a cattle ranch in 1983. It is one of the few places in East Africa where you can’t fail to see rhinos in the wild. It has 65 black and 45 white rhinos that roam freely along with Grevy’s zebra, cheetahs and wild dogs. Another Lewa special is the sitatunga, a unique swamp-dwelling antelope.
Unwind at the camp and depart for the afternoon game drive after lunch. Look out for indigenous resident species like the above mentioned mammals, alongside Somali ostrich, beisa oryx, and long-necked gerenuk.
After beholding the sunset, you will return to the camp for dinner and a peaceful night in the wilderness. Overnight at Lewa Safari Camp (Meals: Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner)
Day 3: Game drive in Lewa
After an early morning game drive, you will fly to Masai Mara Game Reserve. Here, you will stay at Kichwa Tembo Lodge. Situated at a spot where riverine forest meets the sweeping plains, it is one of the best places to watch the awe-inspiring wildebeest as it is en route their course. It is famed for showcasing panoramic Masai Mara views and having an interior that is simple yet contemporary and stylish.
Day 4: Game Drive in Masai Mara
Spend morning and evening on game drives exploring this enchanting piece of paradise where the BBC’s Big Cat Diaries were filmed. In no exaggeration, it ranks as one of the finest reserves anywhere in Africa for abundant lion sightings. Here, it is not unusual to encounter as many as 6 prides in one day. Other great sightings to expect include the remarkable wildebeest migration, which usually crosses into the reserve from Tanzania between August- October. It is also a great place to have a hot air balloon, a perfect opportunity for you to get a bird’s view of Oloololo Escarpment (part of the Rift Valley Wall).
Overnight at Kichwa Tembo Tented Camp (Meals: Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner).
Day 5: Depart for Nairobi City
After breakfast, check out of your tent ahead of your transfer to the nearby airfield for a chartered flight to Nairobi. On arrival, you will be taken to Fairmont Norfolk for an overnight stay. Alternatively, you can be dropped at the airport if you prefer to flight out on this day.
