Introducing Kenya
A wonderful introduction to the beauty and wildlife of Kenya, perfect for a first time visitor
Personalised journeys from start to finish
Every trip helps support Conservation
Every detail taken care of
Itinerary highlights
-
Keep your eyes peeled for the prolific birdlife among volcanic mountains
-
Enjoy an exclusive safari experience in the Mara Conservancies
-
Game drives in the company of some of Africa's best wildlife guides
-
Take advantage of unique experiences only allowed in conservancies
What's included
-
All accommodation including all meals
-
All internal flights and transfers
-
Full support from your travel designer and concierge before, during and after your trip
-
Expert guiding at each camp or lodge
At a glance
This is a unique trip that is perfect for a first time visitor to enjoy Kenya‘s most captivating landscapes and diverse range of wildlife with a large dose of luxury and pampering in each destination.
Begin with a night in Nairobi before flying into Lewa Wildlife Conservancy area. Here you’ll find some of Africa’s best rhino safaris. Spend your days looking for wildlife on game drives, horse riding, camel trekking, bush walks as well as archaeological site excursions and lectures on the history of conservancy, which this catchment is known for
Your next stop in the world famous Masaai Mara. An area famed for its amazing wildlife and sweeping open landscapes. We’ve suggested lodges in the Conservancy areas that border the national park, as these offer a far more exclusive safari than those in the national park and support local communities. Enjoy some of the best game viewing in the world as well as the opportunity for bush walks and night drives.
Example trip itinerary
Nairobi
Transfer
Arrive in Nairobi
Transfer
Private transfer from Nairobi airport to Nairobi hotel
Accommodation in Nairobi
- 13 rooms
- Restaurant
- Library
Overlooking Nairobi National Park, Ololo Lodge is a welcoming hideaway in the African bush on the banks of the Mbagathi River, where guests are made to feel instantly at home. A beautifully restored colonial farmhouse lies at the centre of the lodge, where guests are invited to unwind with a glass of wine as they drink in the views.
The 13 suites are spacious and luxuriously furnished, from the airy Terrace Room with its marble bathroom and private terrace, to the safari-style tented cottages. Or you could climb the spiral staircase to The Tower Room which boasts breath-taking views out over the park towards the Ngong Hills.
Run by an Australian family, Ololo Lodge is all about relaxing and enjoying the comforts of home away from home. At The Kitchen at Ololo, home-style meals are simple and fresh, using seasonal produce from the lodge’s own gardens. The menu changes daily and guests can dine out on the vine-covered terrace or in the garden under the acacias.
Keep a look out for lion, giraffe, leopard, rhino, hippo, zebra and buck on a personalised or group game drive in Nairobi National Park, or add a little extra magic with a visit to the nearby Elephant Orphanage or the Giraffe Centre.
- Outdoor pool
- Health club & steam room
- Restaurant
- Bar & lounge
Set between the Ngong Hills and Jamhuri Park, the Hemingways Nairobi is a boutique hotel far removed from the bustle of the capital. Expect excellent service and delicious food in this all-inclusive establishment.
Choose from one of 45 lofty rooms furnished in a classic style; vaulted ceilings and balconies are complemented by exposed timber, cotton drapes and neutral tones. The two, 240 square metre themed-suites improve upon this with well-appointed living rooms, study and dining areas, opening to large terraces. All rooms have views either of the rolling hotel lawns or the Ngong hills in the distance.
Dining at The Brasserie, you can enjoy a contemporary European menu boasting some of the best steak in Kenya and a relaxed ambiance. Head to The Dining Room for a more formal atmosphere and modern cuisine of local providence.
- Seven rooms
- Swimming pool
- Bar
Karen Gables is a homely Cape Dutch style guesthouse in the green suburb of Karen (named after Karen Blixen whose old farm, now a museum, can be found close by).
The home has seven rooms and suites, one of which is a twin, as well as communal lounges, bar and dining area. Outside, find a pleasant pool and lush gardens.
Overnight in Nairobi
Begin your trip with a night in Kenya's busy capital, Nairobi. If you have time for a little exploring, the city has a handful of intriguing attractions to discover. Otherwise, simply unwind after your long flight and make sure you're completely relaxed before heading to Lewa Wildlife Conservancy tomorrow.
Transfer
Private transfer from Nairobi hotel to Wilson airport
Transfer
Flight from Nairobi to Lewa
Transfer
Transfer to your lodge in Lewa
Lewa Conservancy
Accommodation in Lewa Conservancy
- 12 safari tents
- Family house with two rooms
- Swimming pool
- Safari guides are Silver and Bronze level Kenya Professional Safari Guides Association certified, and they also receive training directly from the Conservancy to the “Lewa Standard”.
Mount Kenya lies just to the south of Lewa Safari Camp and the Lewa Wilderness Conservancy itself contains abundant game. Black rhino are a strong reason for visiting this camp, which can be found wandering around in isolation and are thrilling to behold.
The camp has 12 safari tents, each with a thatched roof and private verandah to enjoy your gin and tonic. The main boma has a cracking fireplace to warm up on the chilly evenings and during the heat of the midday sun you could make the most of the swimming pool in the pretty gardens of the lodge.
The 62,000 acre conservancy has a strong management programme for the protection of these creatures which helps them thrive in an historically harsh environment. A stay here has a strong educational theme to it, where you can gain a real understanding of the work the Lewa Wilderness Trust are doing to keep the conservancy running. You will also be directly contributing toward the community and a walk through the archaeological site nearby takes you back in time to a time when pre-historic man roamed these lands.
- Nine cottages
- Tennis court
- Horizon saltwater swimming pool
- Massages
- 4x4 day and night game drives
- Camel and horse riding
- Fly camping
Family run and cared for, this lodge invites you to be a part of the lives of the Craig family who will host you during your stay here.
A beautiful retreat surrounded by trees and located within the 62,000 acre Lewa Wildlife Conservancy, Lewa Wilderness has just nine individually decorated cottages with private sitting areas and verandas looking over the vast landscape. The fire places in each room add to the homely feel of the place and for those who want to be outdoors more often than in, the tennis court and swimming pool are ideal ways to get some energy out.
The reserve is home to some wonderful game, and helps the conservation efforts of black rhino that browse the region in larger numbers than elsewhere in East Africa. Lion, leopard and elephant can often be seen sipping from the small wooded valley river that flows past the lodge throughout the year and provides an excellent source for prime game viewing.
If you are feeling more adventurous than most, ‘Walking Wild’ is an activity that lets you explore the wild and remote Lewa Wildlife Conservancy in the safety of a team of expert guides. Sleeping a maximum of eight, you head off on a genuine mobile safari lead by camels and each tent has its own private toilet and shower ‘room’ that adds a ‘glamping’ element to this remarkably wild experience. Three to five night options are available.
- Four Luxury Tents
- Sirikoi Cottage: secluded two bedroom cottage
- Sirikoi House: exclusive three bedroom private house
Sirikoi is a beautiful lodge surrounded by 7,000 acres of the private Lewa Wildlife Conservancy.
Conservation conscious individuals will love this place. There is a very strong theme of community and wildlife conservation and the lodge boasts claims to assisting the growth of buffalo numbers in the area. The big five roam freely and with over 100 rhino you are highly likely to tick them off on a stay here. Bird lovers can enjoy over 350 species including the Somali ostrich and the fantastic Kori bustard.
Each of the four luxury tented rooms have a private veranda overlooking a waterhole that attracts a lot of game; this lodge is ideal for some relaxing game experiences. Each room has its own sitting area and provides a great space to spend an afternoon completely uninterrupted except by the creatures converging below. The Sirikoi Cottage has enough space for five to live comfortably and for true exclusive use, Sirikoi House is also on offer. This three bedroom entirely private house has a main dining and sitting room, large veranda and exclusive use of its own vehicle.
-724x420-cc.jpg)
-724x420-cc.jpg)
Days on safari in the Lewa Conservancy
Take in Kenya’s stunning Lewa Wildlife Conservancy and some of Africa’s best rhino safaris. Your time here will be spent enjoying day and night game drives to spot the varying wildlife, horse riding, camel trekking, bush walks as well as archaeological site excursions and lectures on the history of conservancy, which this catchment is known for.
Horse Riding
Riding on horseback through the bush, accompanied by an experienced guide, will give you an unparalleled opportunity to explore the wilderness in its most natural form, without the sound of a car engine or the sight of a road. Many game species allow horses to approach very close, so you may ride next to animals such as giraffe, zebra, impala, waterbuck, eland, ostrich and baboons. Combined with the stunning scenery and varied terrain, this is a riding experience not to be missed. Your horse will be be matched to you based on your level of confidence, whether an amateur or experienced rider.
Quad biking
This expedition takes you on quad bike or buggy through the rugged wilderness of northern Kenya, where true adventure off the beaten track awaits. The safari follows tracks through muddy, rocky, dusty terrain, where nomadic tribes of northern remain true to a traditional way of life.
Transfer
Flight from Lewa to Mara Conservancies
Transfer
Transfer to your lodge in the Mara Conservancies
Mara Conservancies
Lodges and Camps in Mara Conservancies
- Ten Spacious Safari Tents
- Bar
- Curio Shop
Right on the Mara River in the heart of the reserve, Governors’ Il Moran Camp has just ten very spacious safari tents, upping the the exclusivity and privacy compared to other camps on the Mara.
The camp itself is hidden deep in the forest and attracts a few foraging warthogs who nuzzle for grubs in the neatly kept lawn. Each of the tents have their own veranda where you can sit and relax, listening to the grunt of the hippos and watching the odd stalking crocodile slip through the water. The tents are all primly decorated and are extremely comfortable, with beds that you can easily fall into after a nice long day enjoying the rich variety of game in the area.
The bar is an enticing spot for those ice cold midday beers, as too is the boma area after the sun sets. Three game drives a day will maximise your game experience and if you feel like a wander, a knowledgeable guide can take you on a very interesting game walk to try and spot the ‘small five’ after you have ticked off the big ones!
- Nine tents
- Morning and afternoon game drives
The interiors are spacious with comfortable beds and each tent enjoys river views from the veranda. The rear of the tent leads to a tented bathroom with a flush toilet, a sink and a safari shower.
A team of safari chefs prepare fresh and tasty home-style meals for guests during their stay. Meals are enjoyed out on game drives, by the water’s edge under the shade of an African Pepper tree or by candlelight in the open mess tent higher up the bank.
The area plays host not only to an extraordinary concentration and diversity of wildlife but also to one of mother nature’s greatest spectacles: the annual migration of millions of wildebeest and zebra across the Serengeti/Mara eco system. Even when the migration is not here, there is plenty of resident game to ensure that even in low season it is still one of the finest wildlife locations in Africa.
Rekero’s bush guides are widely recognised to be among the best in East Africa. They undergo a long period of professional training beyond the learning of guiding skills to fully understand the complexity and demands of delivering quality service at the very highest level. Game drives in the park are all done in the company of these experts who can also share their culture in this extraordinary setting.
- Game drives in the Maasai Mara
- Bird watching (excellent due to the river location)
- Star gazing
- Family friendly
Location is everything at Sala’s Camp. Nestled in the Maasai Mara National Park, but in a very remote southern-central corner of it on the tranquil banks of the Sand River, Sala’s boasts the most private of safari experiences within the reserve’s borders. The camp works in close conjunction with various wildlife projects in the area, so you can be sure your visit is making a difference.
The camp features 11 tents including two family tents and two honeymoon tents. All feature private plunge pools and en-suite bathrooms with hot showers, running water and flushing loos.
Sala’s enjoys wonderful views across the northern Tanzanian corridor and Serengeti National Park, and it is one of the first camps in the Mara to witness the Great Migration. Your daily game drives are personalised to guests, depending on what you would most like to see, and the Mara River for the famed river crossings is only a 25-minute drive away.
The food is impossibly sophisticated for your surrounds, all in all holding true to the camp’s philosophy of combining tradition with elegance. Sala’s is also a wonderful camp for families. All children receive a welcome pack with games, paint sets and quizzes about the wildlife and the camp and kids can play in the shallow Sand River under the watchful eye of a Maasai askari.
Three nights the Mara Conservancies
The Mara Conservancies surrounding the Masai Mara National Reserve offer visitors the ultimate safari: the lowest tourist densities; incredible day and night game viewing; walking safaris; and authentic cultural interactions. But above all, these Conservancies are managed according to a model that protects the delicate eco-system and benefits the landowners themselves – the Maasai people.
Visit the Craft Studio and Maasai Manyatta
This experience will allow you to gain an even deeper impression of the Maasai culture, beginning with a visit to the Angama Mara Craft Studio. This studio allows local Maasai ladies to come and showcase their traditional beading techniques, beading bespoke items and also giving you the opportunity to try your hand at at this art form or have one of the ladies bead an item of your clothing. Following this, you will pay a visit to Maasai Manyatta, giving you the chance to learn more about the every day lives of the Maasai and their rich culture.
Horse Riding
A fantastic alternative to the traditional game viewing experience, a horseback safari is an excellent way to explore the vast, game-rich plains of the iconic Masai Mara. Your eyes are drawn to prolific elephant, buffalo and plains game and, if you are lucky, perhaps you will even spot predators in the distance. Many of the horse safari rides in the Masai Mara are on short grass plains, allowing many opportunities for canters and gallops. Inhale the dust and survey the expanse as you gallop after zebra, canter next to wildebeest and trot next to towering giraffe. Blissfully cut off from the outside world, this experience is a magnificent opportunity to immerse yourself in the wild.
Transfer
Transfer from your lodge to the airstrip in the Mara Conservancies
Flight
Light aircraft flight from Mara to Nairobi
Transfer
Private transfer from Wilson Airport to Nairobi International
We design private journeys for people who wish to go beyond the typical and experiencing something truly special. Our amazing team of travel designers, concierges and local guides work together to create unique journeys that get deep under the skin of where you’re visiting.
Other trips you may be interested in
Get in touch
Introducing Kenya
How we work
This is a unique trip that is perfect for a first time visitor to enjoy Kenya‘s most captivating landscapes and diverse range of wildlife with a large dose of luxury and pampering in each destination. Begin with a night in Nairobi before flying into Lewa Wildlife Conservancy area. Here you’ll find some of Africa’s best rhino safaris. Spend your days looking for wildlife on game drives, horse riding, camel trekking, bush walks as well as archaeological site excursions and lectures on the history of conservancy, which this catchment is known for Your next stop in the world famous Masaai Mara. An area famed for its amazing wildlife and sweeping open landscapes. We’ve suggested lodges in the Conservancy areas that border the national park, as these offer a far more exclusive safari than those in the national park and support local communities. Enjoy some of the best game viewing in the world as well as the opportunity for bush walks and night drives. | Whats included?
|
Days 1-2 |
Nairobi |
|
Flights & transfers
Arrive in Nairobi |
|
| Private transfer from Nairobi airport to Nairobi hotel | |
|
Accommodation in Nairobi
•
Ololo Lodge - $$$$$
Overlooking Nairobi National Park, Ololo Lodge is a welcoming hideaway in the African bush on...
•
Hemingways Nairobi - $$$$$
Set between the Ngong Hills and Jamhuri Park, the Hemingways Nairobi is a boutique hotel far...
•
Karen Gables - $$$$$
Karen Gables is a homely Cape Dutch style guesthouse in the green suburb of Karen (named...
|
|
| Overnight in Nairobi Begin your trip with a night in Kenya's busy capital, Nairobi. If you have time for a little exploring, the city has a handful of intriguing attractions to discover. Otherwise, simply unwind after your long flight and make sure you're completely relaxed before heading to Lewa Wildlife Conservancy tomorrow. |
|
|
Flights & transfers
Private transfer from Nairobi hotel to Wilson airport |
|
| Flight from Nairobi to Lewa | |
| Transfer to your lodge in Lewa | |
Days 2-5 |
Lewa Conservancy |
|
Accommodation in Lewa Conservancy
•
Lewa Safari Camp - $$$$$
Mount Kenya lies just to the south of Lewa Safari Camp and the Lewa Wilderness Conservancy...
•
Lewa Wilderness - $$$$$
Family run and cared for, this lodge invites you to be a part of the lives of the Craig family...
•
Sirikoi - $$$$$
Sirikoi is a beautiful lodge surrounded by 7,000 acres of the private Lewa Wildlife...
|
|
| Days on safari in the Lewa Conservancy Take in Kenya’s stunning Lewa Wildlife Conservancy and some of Africa’s best rhino safaris. Your time here will be spent enjoying day and night game drives to spot the varying wildlife, horse riding, camel trekking, bush walks as well as archaeological site excursions and lectures on the history of conservancy, which this catchment is known for. |
|
| Horse Riding Riding on horseback through the bush, accompanied by an experienced guide, will give you an unparalleled opportunity to explore the wilderness in its most natural form, without the sound of a car engine or the sight of a road. Many game species allow horses to approach very close, so you may ride next to animals such as giraffe, zebra, impala, waterbuck, eland, ostrich and baboons. Combined with the stunning scenery and varied terrain, this is a riding experience not to be missed. Your horse will be be matched to you based on your level of confidence, whether an amateur or experienced rider. |
|
| Quad biking This expedition takes you on quad bike or buggy through the rugged wilderness of northern Kenya, where true adventure off the beaten track awaits. The safari follows tracks through muddy, rocky, dusty terrain, where nomadic tribes of northern remain true to a traditional way of life. |
|
|
Flights & transfers
Flight from Lewa to Mara Conservancies |
|
| Transfer to your lodge in the Mara Conservancies | |
Days 5-8 |
Mara Conservancies |
|
Lodges and Camps in Mara Conservancies
•
Governors’ Il Moran Camp - $$$$$
Right on the Mara River in the heart of the reserve, Governors’ Il Moran Camp has just ten...
•
Rekero Camp - $$$$$
Rekero is a peaceful nine-tent camp that lies in the heart of Kenya’s Maasai Mara, on the...
•
Sala’s Camp - $$$$$
Location is everything at Sala’s Camp. Nestled in the Maasai Mara National Park, but in a...
|
|
| Three nights the Mara Conservancies The Mara Conservancies surrounding the Masai Mara National Reserve offer visitors the ultimate safari: the lowest tourist densities; incredible day and night game viewing; walking safaris; and authentic cultural interactions. But above all, these Conservancies are managed according to a model that protects the delicate eco-system and benefits the landowners themselves – the Maasai people. |
|
| Visit the Craft Studio and Maasai Manyatta This experience will allow you to gain an even deeper impression of the Maasai culture, beginning with a visit to the Angama Mara Craft Studio. This studio allows local Maasai ladies to come and showcase their traditional beading techniques, beading bespoke items and also giving you the opportunity to try your hand at at this art form or have one of the ladies bead an item of your clothing. Following this, you will pay a visit to Maasai Manyatta, giving you the chance to learn more about the every day lives of the Maasai and their rich culture. |
|
| Horse Riding A fantastic alternative to the traditional game viewing experience, a horseback safari is an excellent way to explore the vast, game-rich plains of the iconic Masai Mara. Your eyes are drawn to prolific elephant, buffalo and plains game and, if you are lucky, perhaps you will even spot predators in the distance. Many of the horse safari rides in the Masai Mara are on short grass plains, allowing many opportunities for canters and gallops. Inhale the dust and survey the expanse as you gallop after zebra, canter next to wildebeest and trot next to towering giraffe. Blissfully cut off from the outside world, this experience is a magnificent opportunity to immerse yourself in the wild. |
|
|
Flights & transfers
Transfer from your lodge to the airstrip in the Mara Conservancies |
|
| Light aircraft flight from Mara to Nairobi | |
| Private transfer from Wilson Airport to Nairobi International |
