Begin within Kenya’s Lewa Wildlife Conservancy where you stay at explorer-style tented Lewa Safari Camp, which offers excellent game viewing and guiding on the reserve’s wildlife-rich semi-desert terrain. Off-road driving on this reserve – which is home to 10 percent of Kenya’s black rhinos and more Grevy’s zebra than anywhere else in the world – ensures a wildlife experience second to none with activities such as fly-fishing and flying safaris also available.
The next leg of your Kenyan safari takes you to Elephant Pepper Camp in the Masai Mara National Reserve, where in season thousands of zebra and wildebeest migrate across the Mara plains. This eco-camp has a long-standing relationship with the local Maasai community and offers opportunities for interaction with the local people.
The last chapter of your journey finds you at the versatile resort Kinondo Kwetu at Diani Beach on Kenya’s southern coast. Aside from an array of water sports on offer, enjoy sunset horse rides on the beach, visits to a nearby Swahili village and special yoga programmes hosted by masters invited from all over the world.
Days 1-3
Lewa Wildlife Conservancy
On your arrival at Nairobi’s Jomo Kenyatta International Airport you are met and transferred to Wilson Airport from where you board a flight to Lewa Safari Camp, which is situated on the Laikipia plains within the Lewa Wildlife Conservancy. This pristine Big 5 wilderness area is inhabited by a rich diversity of animals, including at least 10 percent of Kenya’s black rhino population and the most Grevy’s zebra in the world. Game drives traversing the conservancy’s semi-desert terrain are in open-sided 4x4 vehicles and are permitted to drive off-road to ensure thrilling wildlife sightings. The camp’s passionate and knowledgeable guides share their deep understanding of Lewa’s habitats and its wildlife with you.
When not exploring the terrain of this incredibly game-rich conservancy, sink into an overstuffed couch in the lounge overlooking the floodlit waterhole or cool off in the azure swimming pool with a drink. Aside from spectacular 4x4 game drives you can also ride a camel, enjoy a flying safari over Chalbi Desert and Lake Turkana, or go fly-fishing at Lake Alice.
Your explorer-style tented suite is set beneath a thatched roof and offers complete privacy for an intimate safari escape in a one-of-a-kind location – British royals Prince William and Kate Middleton visited before announcing their engagement. Adjoining your large en suite bedroom – which is equipped with electricity and running hot water – is a furnished verandah affording breathtaking views over the Laikipia plains. The cosy fireplace is a charming place to relax after dinner and take in the nocturnal sounds of the African bush. Romantic candlelit dinners can be enjoyed with your loved on your tent’s private verandah, while you also have the option of eating in the panelled dining room if you want to be sociable.
Days 4-6
Explore the Masai Mara
After breakfast you are transferred to Lewa Airstrip where you board a flight to the Mara Shikar Airstrip in the Masai Mara National Reserve. After landing you are driven to Elephant Pepper Camp in the heart of the Mara North Conservancy, which borders the main reserve. Almost invisible under a canopy of pepper trees, this tented eco-camp is a luxury safari retreat that provides the opportunity to witness the annual Great Migration – from May to October – when hundreds of thousands of zebra and wildebeest traverse the Mara plains in search of fresh grazing lands and water. This intimate camp’s ‘tread-lightly’ philosophy is founded on its long-standing relationship with the local Maasai community and extends to its fully removable tent structures and reliance on solar-powered LED lighting.
Traverse the magnificent Mara plains of both the conservancy and national reserve in pursuit of the Big 5, and during Migration season enjoy a picnic lunch near a Mara River crossing and watch as thousands of ungulates attempt to make the journey across the water while predators lie hungrily in waiting. A guided visit to the semi-permanent huts of a Maasai village is an interesting cultural experience not to be missed. Your Maasai hosts are available at night to escort you around the unfenced camp and ensure your personal safety.
Your canvas home is one of just eight extravagant en suite tents that each have their own verandah furnished with a hammock overlooking the captivating wilderness. The attention to detail in your tent’s interior is remarkable and features 19th century campaign furniture, heavy teak dressers, polished brass ornaments and beautiful lanterns.
Days 7-10
Sun, sea & sand
After breakfast you check out before your transfer back to the Lewa Airstrip where you board your flight to Wilson Airport in Nairobi. From here you connect with another flight to Ukunda Airport where you are met and transferred to Kinondo Kwetu on Kenya’s southern coast near beautiful Diani Beach. Owner-run and managed, this versatile resort of traditional African-chic design is a secluded tropical paradise set among a forest and separated from its neighbours by rocky cliffs and exclusive-use Galu Beach. Enjoy water sports such as snorkelling, kayaking and deep-sea fishing, or feel free to do nothing but lounge around one of two inviting swimming pools. If you would rather laze inside, there is a vast lounge – decorated with African art, Arab lanterns and dark wood in a distinct Swahili style – which is completely open-fronted and adjoined by a thatched verandah affording magnificent sea-and-sand views.
This dynamic resort is protected by Kenya’s National Museum because the forests surrounding the property are considered to be sacred. Horse rides along the beach at sunset, village visits for cultural interaction, and special yoga programmes hosted by masters from all over the world, also set Kinondo Kwetu apart. A sunset sail on a traditional dhow is one of the most romantic things to do and, if you feel like exploring further afield, a boat trip out to Paradise Lost Island – home to intriguing Stone Age caves – is well worth the trip.
Day 11
Homeward bound
After a morning at your leisure followed by lunch at the hotel, you check out for your transfer to the airstrip and flight to Wilson Airport in Nairobi. From here you are transferred to Jomo Kenyatta International Airport for your connecting flight back home.
Inclusions
- 6 nights accommodation on fully inclusive basis
- 4 nights accommodation on full board basis
- Guided bush walks and game tracking
- Shared day and night game drives
- Park, reserve and conservancy fees
- Scheduled flights mentioned in the itinerary
Exclusions
- International flights
- Airport taxes
- All meals and drinks not specified
- Tips and gratuities
- Items of a personal nature
