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The Journey Begins!
Day 1 - Get In and Get Some Rest!
Upon your arrival at the airport an English-speaking Explore-Kenya representative will greet you at customs and immigration. The representative will be holding a clearly marked page board with your name on it as you exit the arrivals hall. This representative will walk you through your welcome package documents and itinerary, and they will answer any questions you may have.
The representative will also facilitate the visa process for you. After completing the visa process, you will continue to the baggage claim hall and passenger pick up. Here you will be met by your driver for a private transfer to your hotel.
After arriving at your hotel, you will have the option to visit local shop and restaurants or relax at your hotel.
Where you’ll be staying
- Fairmont Norfolk Hotel
- Deluxe Room
Day 2 - Close Encounters
Meet your safari guide this morning and set out on a game drive in Nairobi National Park. Kenya's oldest national park located just outside the city center is home to healthy populations of White and Black Rhino, Giraffe, Cheetah, Lion and Buffalo. During the morning hours, many animals are just beginning their daily activities and this provides for outstanding viewing and photography opportunities.
The David Sheldrick Elephant Orphanage is a world renowned rescue and rehabilitation initiative primarily focused on the well-being of elephants and rhino’s. Since 1977, the Orphan’s Project has assisted in the recovery and reintegration of more than 150 elephants, returning them to the wild herds of Tsavo. Today, stop in for a visit to the David Sheldrick Elephant Orphanage, found at the Nairobi Game Park Headquarters. Arriving in time to participate the morning feeding, which takes place between 11am and 12pm, you will have the chance to meet the elephants as well as other endangered animals like the black rhino. This shared visit does not require the fostering of an elephant, however, if you are interested in contributing to the orphanages efforts, please visit https://www.sheldrickwildlifetrust.org/asp/fostering.asp to learn more.
Make the trip to the Giraffe Center to learn about the world’s tallest terrestrial animal and to see these wonderful creatures up close and, if you so choose, to feed them by hand! After the Giraffe Center, visit the Karen Blixen Museum – a home once lived in by Karen – and made famous in the film “Out of Africa” featuring Meryl Streep and Robert Redford (consider watching the movie before setting out on your trip). After exploring this landmark, head to Kazuri Beads. An all-woman craft workshop renowned for making handmade ceramic jewelry and pottery, Kazuri – which means “small and beautiful” in Swahili – is a co-operative enterprise founded decades ago by an English woman who wanted to help single mothers become self-supporting. The clay beads, jewelry and pottery are as amazing as the story of its people, making Kazuri Beads the perfect place to round out your day in Nairobi.
A truly unique safari experience awaits you at Nairobi National Park. Set close to the city limits, this wildlife reserve offers you an opportunity to get close to African wildlife while enjoying the backdrop of Nairobi’s skyline in the distance. With your private guide by your side and traverse the wide-open grass plains of the reserve in search of game sightings. The resident species include giraffe, black rhino, lion, leopard, buffalo, cheetah, and hyena.
Where you’ll be staying
- Fairmont Norfolk Hotel
- Deluxe Room
Day 3 - Across the Plains
This morning you'll meet up with your guide and head off to the Ol Pejeta Conservancy. The drive from the urban center of Nairobi, through the fertile highlands, the semi-arid frontier of Kenya is breathtaking and it is a great way to see the Kenyan countryside. The drive takes approximately 4-5 hours.
Enjoy afternoon game viewing in and around the Laikipia region. The area has more endangered mammals within its borders than any other area in East Africa. Half of Kenya's black rhino resides here, along with other endangered and northern species: Northern white rhino, Somali ostrich, gerenuk, reticulated giraffe and silver backed jackal. Just imagine what you'll see!
Where you’ll be staying
- Sweetwaters Serena
- Morani Wing Tent
Day 4 - Call of the Wild
Enjoy a game drive in world-renowned Ol Pejeta. The conservancy is host to all members of the African "Big 5" (elephant, rhino, lion, buffalo and leopard), along with a wide range of rare species including the African wild dog, oryx, serval, Jackson’s hartebeest and Grevy’s zebra.
Famously, Ol Pejeta is one of only eight sanctuaries in Africa will more than 100 black rhinos, so spotting these critically endangered animals is also possible while exploring the region; have your camera ready!
Where you’ll be staying
- Sweetwaters Serena
- Morani Wing Tent
Day 5 - Big-Game Galore
With distant mountain ranges and snow-capped Mount Kenya as a backdrop, set out into the picture perfect landscape of Ol Pejeta on an awe-inspiring game drive. Known far and wide for the fantastic variety of wildlife that roam the lands, this region is home to more than 70 different mammals, and is now yours to discover.
Look closely to find unique species such as the Bat-Eared Fox who call this area home.
Where you’ll be staying
- Sweetwaters Serena
- Morani Wing Tent
Day 6 - A Change of Scenery
Today you have the option of visiting the Sweetwaters Chimpanzee Sanctuary; the only place in Kenya where these highly endangered and remarkably intelligent primates can be seen. The Sweetwaters Chimpanzee Sanctuary opened in 1993 in a negotiated agreement between the Ol Pejeta Conservancy, the Kenya Wildlife Service (KWS) and the Jane Goodall Institute. Here the animals are carefully nursed back to health and integrated into families. The chimpanzees live in two large groups separated by the Ewaso Nyiro River. Watch them romp and play, visit the local shop, or even sponsor a chimp!
Please Note: Visitors to the Ol Pejeta Conservancy has free access to the Sweetwaters Chimpanzee Sanctuary, which is open daily from 9:00am to 10:30am and 3pm to 4:30pm.
Your guide will pick you up at your lodge in the Ol Pejeta Conservancy and drive you to Nakuru. This excursion will past through the beautiful rift valley. The transfer will take approximately four hours.
Enjoy a picnic lunch (included in tour price).
Where you’ll be staying
- Mbweha Camp
- Luxury Cottage
Day 7 - Elusive Creatures
Meet your safari guide this morning and set out on a game drive in Lake Nakuru National Park. Set in the Great Rift Valley the National Park is best known for the thousands of flamingos that nest along the shoreline of Lake Nakuru.
In addition to the flamingo's the park enjoys healthy populations of hippo, lions, buffalo as well as endangered species including the Rothschild Giraffe, Black and White Rhinos. During your game drive be sure to visit the rhino sanctuary.
Enjoy a picnic lunch (included in tour price).
Where you’ll be staying
- Mbweha Camp
- Luxury Cottage
Day 8 - The Journey Continues…
Transfer between Nakuru and Mara park by road. Includes stops at souvenir shops and refreshment stands. During the rainy season this can be a long drive. Usually takes about 5 - 6 hours.
This afternoon, head out on an exciting game drive with your guide, keeping your eyes peeled for giraffes. Giraffes usually inhabit savannas, grasslands, and open woodlands. They prefer areas with plenty of acacia trees, an important food source, and can browse at heights that most other herbivores cannot reach.
While adults are nearly invulnerable to predation, lions, leopards, spotted hyenas and wild dogs prey on baby calves. Giraffes commonly gather together to eat or socialize for a few hours and then roam off to graze separately. Males establish social hierarchies through "neckings," which are combat bouts where the neck is used as a weapon. Based on these displays, dominant males gain mating rights to females, who then bear the sole responsibility for raising their young.
Where you’ll be staying
- Mara West
- Chalet
Day 9 - Masai Mara Game Reserve
Just like the wildlife, your day’s adventure will begin bright and early this morning. Alongside an experienced tracker-guide, set out for the day’s first game drive and discover the dazzling bio-diversity of the Masai Mara Game Reserve. The most recognized animals are known worldwide as the African Big 5, and this group includes the African elephant, Cape buffalo, rhinoceros, leopard, and the king of the beasts, the lion.
The term “Big 5” was first coined by big-game hunters as a way to acknowledge that these species were the most difficult and dangerous to track and hunt, however, in subsequent years the term has been adopted and re-purposed by the tourism industry and painted in patently positive light, focusing now on the preservation and protection of these magnificent creatures. Numerous other species of bird and wildlife also inhabit this dynamic region, including hyenas, gazelles, impalas, giraffes, zebras, vultures, cranes, eagles, falcons, and ostriches, many of which you’ll spot on this morning drive through the Masai Mara Game Reserve.
On today’s afternoon game drive, the possibilities for adventure are endless! Search for the Big 5 or expand your horizons to discover some of the regions lesser known animals. The Masai Mara not only has a rich mix of mammals both large and small, but is also host to an incredible array of birdlife that includes approximately 450 different species, from the fierce bateleur (or short tailed eagle) to the musical sooty chat.
Where you’ll be staying
- Mara West
- Chalet
Day 10 - Visit Kensington Hall
Start your morning at Mara West with a warm cup of Kenyan coffee or tea while you're given an overview of the current and future projects happening at Kensington Hall Secondary School for Girls, Oloosinon Primary School and the AMS Maternity and Community Health Center. The experience continues as you make your way by vehicle to the schools and health center a short distance down the road. Kensington Hall opened its doors in 2019 and we’re proud to report that enrolment numbers have been growing each year. This is the first secondary school for girls in the Trans-Mara region.
Your Mara West guide will lead you on a tour of the school, provide an overview of the education program and answer any questions you may have. Continue the tour by walking next door to visit the Oloosinon Primary School which has hosted over 600 students before concluding your experience with a visit to the AMS Maternity and Community Health Center. Established in 2008, the health center has become the primary medical facility in this community offering emergency services, ambulance transfers, outpatient services, child immunizations and assisting over 500 women a year in childbirth.
In June 2024 the health center will be officially opening its new upgraded facility to the community. You will have the chance to head inside for a tour of the brand-new facility. Upon conclusion of the tour, you can head out on safari with your guide or head back to camp for some time at leisure today.
We ask that everyone contributes a donation to the Mara West Foundation at the completion of this tour.
Where you’ll be staying
- Mara West
- Chalet
Day 11 - Until Next Time…
Your guide will pick you up in the morning where you will travel to the nearby airstrip for your return to Nairobi. This short domestic flight departs from Masai Mara and arrives at Wilson Airport in Nairobi, Kenya. Approximate flight duration is 45 minutes.
Please note, strict luggage restrictions apply to this flight: 1) Maximum weight allowance of 32 lbs (15 kg) is permitted per person. 2) Baggage must be soft-shelled. 3) Additional baggage allowance can be arranged at additional cost, please speak to your Destination Expert for more information.
When you arrive in Nairobi, you will have the opportunity to explore the local markets and shops so you can interact with the local vendors in search for the perfect handicraft or souvenir for yourself or your loved ones. Your guide will let you know what time you will need to be prepared to depart for the airport. Traffic can get tricky so it is recommended to be prepared to arrive at the airport early!
When you are ready to depart your hotel for the airport, a private transfer between your hotel and the airport is provided. Your guide will help you navigate the Jomo Kenyatta International Airport to ensure that you have stress free and timely departure. Remember to take plenty of pictures and share them with us!
Fairmont Norfolk Hotel(Days 1 - 2)
Fairmont Norfolk Hotel
The Fairmont Norfolk Hotel is situated in the center of the bustling city of Nairobi and has grown over time with the city. Surrounded by private tropical gardens, the 170 guest rooms and suites are comfortable with all the necessities of home. Dining is offered at a number of on-site restaurants, and the breakfast buffet is especially delightful.
Spend some time getting to know the city then escape to the tranquility of the hotel. At your pleasure, enjoy the wonderful swimming pool facilities, the health club, and the relaxing spa.
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Sweetwaters Serena (Days 3 - 5)
Sweetwaters Serena
A sheltered oasis, clustered around a water hole and set in the pristine calm of the private Ol Pejeta Conservancy, Sweetwaters Serena Tented Camp offers a charming blend of under-canvas ambiance and safari luxury. Located on the plains of Mount Kenya, the camp features luxury tents, each with their own private veranda overlooking the water hole.
The central Rhino Restaurant is housed in the former manager's house of this once colonial farm, and offers both regional and international cuisine. Also within the house is the Kashoggi Bar and lounge, which centers on a blazing log fire. The Waterhole Bar, built in the style of a game-viewing hide, overlooks the waterhole and offers unrivaled wildlife viewing.
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Mbweha Camp (Days 6 - 7)
Mbweha Camp
Mbweha Camp is a serene and rustic retreat tucked within the breathtaking landscapes of the Great Rift Valley, situated on the private 6,400-acre Congreve Conservancy bordering Lake Nakuru National Park. With 10 rustic lava-stone cottages adorned with thatched roofs, surrounded by indigenous trees like euphorbia candelabra and yellow-barked acacia, the camp provides a tranquil retreat. Being situated outside the National Park allows for a diverse range of activities, including walking, mountain biking, and captivating night game drives. Day trips into Nakuru National Park offer gourmet bush lunches with breathtaking views.
Positioned in the heart of Soysambu Conservancy, a World Heritage and Ramsar Site, the camp enriches you with history, hosting a rich biodiversity of 12,000 wildlife species, including the endangered colobus monkey. Lake Elementaita, nearby, is a haven for flamingos and a breeding ground for the great white pelican. You can enjoy game drives, visit Lake Elementaita's hot springs, and relax in the open-sided dining and lounge area with panoramic views. The camp also offers spa treatments and a refreshing pool, ensuring an overall enriching experience. Your journey at Mbweha Camp is a personalized exploration of nature's wonders and a retreat into tranquility.
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Mara West (Days 8 - 10)
Mara West
Alex Hunter’s Ol Pejeta Bush Camp is set along the banks of the Ewaso Nyiro river in the Ol Pejeta Conservancy in the south of the Laikipia region. Low-key East African authenticity is the hallmark of the camp, and the six tented suites are comfortable and full of character. Of the six rooms, three can be triples and three are doubles or twins; all come complete with warm blankets for the winter mornings, re-chargeable solar lights and an en-suite bathroom with safari bucket showers and flushing toilets.
Thatched roofs offer a cooling shade and private verandas with safari chairs offer the perfect place to while away an afternoon. The two mess tents are cool and breezy and offer dining areas with impressive views of the wildlife at the salt lick on the opposite bank.
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