itinerary
Day 1: Nairobi, Kenya
Our Kenya safari begins in Nairobi, with a transfer from the airport to our boutique hotel in the quiet residential suburb of Karen on the outskirts of the city. This area at the foot of the Ngong Hills is named for Danish author Karen Blixen, also known by her pen name Isak Dinesen, who wrote the famous memoir Out of Africa chronicling her life on a Kenyan coffee plantation in the early 20th century. This evening, enjoy a welcome dinner with our Expedition Leader and a preview of our safari adventures ahead.
Days 2–4: Private Mara Conservancy—Nat Hab's Private Mobile Camp
Transfer to the airport for our flight to the famed Maasai Mara. Our first safari destination is a vast private conservancy offering unparalleled access to wildlife viewing. Nat Hab's own mobile camp features bush luxury in classic canvas tents, surrounded by all the natural wonders of the Maasai Mara ecosystem without the crowds. The conservancy model has been a boon to the region's legendary wildlife, creating buffer zones and protecting migration corridors while providing economic benefits to local landowners through responsible safari tourism.
On this private reserve, we experience the Mara’s spectacular wildlife in peaceful solitude, and our camp is one of just a handful located within its bounds. Strict limits on guest numbers mean unprecedented wildlife viewing without crowds, especially of the wildebeest migration that occurs in close proximity. The conservancy serves as a migration corridor for several hundred thousand animals between the Maasai Mara National Reserve and the Loita Plains to the east. A multitude of species flourishes here: great herds of antelope dot the grassy, rolling plains while stands of acacia woodland shelter prolific birdlife. Rich volcanic soils nurture a verdant landscape where we find more lions per square mile than anywhere else in Kenya. Impressive herds of elephant, giraffe and zebra also reside here. Our activities make the most of our unrivaled access to this vast, wild region. In addition to daily game drives, enjoy guided walks, bush picnics, off-road safaris and night drives in search of nocturnal wildlife—pursuits not permitted in the national reserve.
Days 5–7: Maasai Mara National Reserve—Nat Hab's Migration Base Camp
Scouting for prolific wildlife en route, transfer to the Maasai Mara National Reserve for another exhilarating vantage point on the wildebeest migration. The Mara is the northern portion of the Serengeti Plains, and we find excellent wildlife viewing in these endless grasslands. The reserve is named for the Maasai tribespeople, the traditional inhabitants of the area who still graze cattle here, and the Mara River that runs through it.
We stay at Nat Hab's Migration Base Camp, our private luxury mobile camp in an exclusive setting near the Mara River where wildebeest cross during the migration. Deluxe canvas tents are situated in secluded spot, with ample trees providing shade from the midday sun. Located in a wildlife hotspot, our campsite also provides easy access to the rest of the reserve, including the main river systems. Wildlife drives take us among myriad plains game—not only the thundering herds of thousands of wildebeest and their zebra companions, but also gazelle, impala, hartebeest, topi and giraffe. Predators follow in close pursuit, and the Mara is especially famed for its lions—we may see them hunting in the early morning or evening, or resting beneath acacia trees in the heat of the day. Hyenas also patrol the plains in some of the largest numbers in Africa. Optional hot air balloon safaris with a champagne breakfast upon landing are also available (additional cost) during our stay at Nat Hab's Migration Base Camp.
Days 8-9: Namunyak Wildlife Conservancy, Mathews Range - Sarara Camp
Private Charter flight to Kalama airstrip. Enjoy a private visit to the Reteti Elephant Sanctuary. The Reteti Elephant Sanctuary is situated in the remote Mathews Range, among Kenya’s second largest elephant population. The sanctuary is community-owned and takes in orphaned and abandoned elephant calves with an aim to release them back into the wild herds adjoining the sanctuary. A partnership between Namunyak Wildlife Conservancy, Samburu County Government, Kenya Wildlife Service, Northern Rangelands Trust, San Diego Zoo Wildlife Alliance, Conservation International, Tusk Trust, The Nature Conservancy and Save the Elephants, together with several individuals, has seen the Reteti Elephant Sanctuary established to be able to house and care for young elephants. All the keepers are from the local community and are formally trained in the care, rehabilitation and release of elephant calves.
Day 10-12: Loisaba Conservancy - Loisaba Lodo Springs
Private Charter flight to Loisaba. Loisaba Lodo Springs is set within a working cattle farm and wildlife conservancy that co-exist in harmony, a hallmark of the Laikipia region renowned for its innovative conservation approaches. The reserve boasts 57,000 acres, ensuring exceptional privacy: no other visitors will interrupt your sense of an endless expanse of wilderness. In Loisaba, we will also have the opportunity to visit SDZWA conservation field projects - perhaps even getting a chance to participate in some of the field work, like checking cameras or tracking animals. We also hope to visit neighboring community conservancies where we collaborate on coexistence strategies and the Chui Mamas Center.
Day 13: Nairobi / Depart
Fly back to Nairobi today, where day rooms await for refreshment and relaxation. Later, we'll share a farewell meal to close our Kenya safari tour before evening departures for international destinations.