~Masai Mara & Great Plains Safari~

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On Day 2 you will take an early morning flight to the beautiful Ol Pejeta Conservancy. Our representative  will pick you up for transfer to the airport. Sit back and relax during  this short flight from Nairobi to the Ol Pejeta Conservancy. Approximate flight duration is 45 minutes. Your accommodations will be at the Ol Pejeta Bush Camp (or similar).

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.

Flight to the Ol Pejeta Conservancy

The flight from Nairobi to Ol Pejeta Conservancy takes about 45 minutes, offering a breathtaking aerial journey over some of Kenya’s most captivating landscapes. Departing from Wilson Airport, the plane ascends over the bustling capital, where the city’s skyline soon gives way to the lush green of the central highlands. As you head north, the terrain unfolds into a patchwork of coffee and tea plantations, glistening in the morning light. The air becomes clearer, cooler, and the horizon expands toward the majestic Mount Kenya, its snow-dusted peaks rising dramatically above the clouds.

Below, the rolling Laikipia Plateau stretches endlessly — a mosaic of acacia-dotted plains, winding rivers, and hidden wildlife sanctuaries. From the window, you might glimpse herds of elephants or giraffes wandering across open grasslands, tiny specks against the vast wilderness. The aircraft begins its descent over Ol Pejeta, revealing the Ewaso Nyiro River curving through the conservancy and the golden plains that are home to rhinos, lions, and other iconic species.

The Ol Pejeta Conservancy

Nestled between the snow-capped peaks of Mount Kenya and the rolling plains of Laikipia, the Ol Pejeta Conservancy stands as one of Africa’s most inspiring wildlife sanctuaries — a place where conservation, adventure, and natural beauty come together in perfect harmony.

Home to the largest black rhino population in East Africa and the last two northern white rhinos on Earth, Ol Pejeta is more than a safari destination — it’s a living story of hope and protection for endangered species. Within its 90,000-acre expanse roam the Big Five, alongside cheetahs, wild dogs, and an astonishing diversity of birds and plains game.

Morning game drives reveal a world coming to life in golden light — elephants crossing the savannah, lions on the move, and giraffes silhouetted against the rising sun. As the day unfolds, visitors can walk with rangers on guided safaris, visit the Sweetwaters 

Chimpanzee Sanctuary, or learn about groundbreaking conservation efforts that blend wildlife protection with community empowerment.

By afternoon, the conservancy glows under a warm amber sky — the perfect time for a tranquil game drive, a rhino-tracking adventure, or a sundowner overlooking the Ewaso Nyiro River. Whether you come for the wildlife, the scenery, or the story of preservation that defines it, Ol Pejeta Conservancy offers a safari experience that touches both the heart and the imagination — wild, authentic, and deeply meaningful.

Morning Tours

Morning game drives in the Ol Pejeta Conservancy are filled with the freshness and energy of a new day as the first light spills across the savannah and Mount Kenya glows in the distance. Here’s what you’re likely to encounter:

• Elephants and rhinos grazing peacefully in the golden dawn, their silhouettes framed against the rising sun.
   
• Lions and cheetahs still active after a night’s hunt, often seen near waterholes or patrolling the plains in the cool morning air.
   
• Giraffes, zebras, and buffalo moving through the grasslands, while playful gazelles leap through the dew-kissed fields.
   
• A chorus of birds — from hornbills and rollers to fish eagles — filling the air with their morning songs.
   
• Occasional sightings of leopards retreating to the trees or hyenas finishing their nocturnal rounds.
   
• The soft light revealing the conservancy’s vast, open beauty — a landscape alive with movement, color, and promise.
  

Here are some of the most popular morning activities in and around the Ol Pejeta Conservancy, perfect for starting the day amid Kenya’s remarkable wildlife and scenery:

• Early morning game drive — Spot lions, leopards, and cheetahs still active from the night, alongside rhinos, elephants, and large herds of buffalo grazing on the open plains.
   
• Visit to the Northern White Rhinos enclosure — Meet the world’s last two remaining northern white rhinos, an unforgettable experience that highlights Ol Pejeta’s vital conservation work.
   
• Guided bush walk — Explore the conservancy on foot with a ranger, tracking wildlife and learning about local ecosystems, plants, and smaller creatures.
   
• Chimpanzee Sanctuary tour — Visit the Sweetwaters Chimpanzee Sanctuary, home to rescued chimps living safely in a natural environment.
   
• Birdwatching at dawn — Listen to the calls of hornbills, weavers, and fish eagles as the morning light spreads across the plains and riverbanks.
   
• Bush breakfast experience — Enjoy a freshly prepared breakfast in the wild, surrounded by panoramic views of Mount Kenya and the Aberdare ranges.

Afternoon Tours

Afternoon game drives in the Ol Pejeta Conservancy offer a serene and golden experience as the heat of the day softens and the light turns warm across the Laikipia plains. Here’s what you’re likely to encounter:

• Elephants and buffalo gathering at waterholes and rivers to drink and cool off as the sun begins to dip.
   
• Lions lounging in the shade, occasionally stirring to stretch or prepare for their evening hunt.
   
• Rhinos — both black and white — emerging from thickets to graze in the open, their silhouettes glowing in the amber light.
   
• Giraffes, zebras, and impalas moving gracefully across the grasslands, while warthogs trot busily between acacia trees.
   
• A variety of birds — from colorful rollers and bee-eaters to soaring eagles and kites — filling the skies with motion and song.
   
• The tranquil call of nature deepening as the sun sets behind Mount Kenya, painting the horizon in shades of crimson and gold.
  

Here are some of the most popular afternoon activities in and around the Ol Pejeta Conservancy, perfect for experiencing the conservancy’s beauty as the day cools and wildlife becomes more active:

• Afternoon game drive — Watch elephants, rhinos, and buffalo gathering at waterholes, while lions and cheetahs start to stir after the midday heat.
   
• Visit to the Chimpanzee Sanctuary — Spend time observing rescued chimpanzees in their natural habitat at the Sweetwaters Chimpanzee Sanctuary, a unique conservation project.
   
• Rhino tracking experience — Join rangers for an up-close look at black and white rhinos, learning about Ol Pejeta’s groundbreaking protection efforts.
   
• Guided walking safari — Explore the bush on foot, identifying animal tracks, bird species, and native plants as the light softens across the savannah.
   
• Cultural village visit — Visit a nearby Maasai community to learn about traditional life, music, and crafts in an authentic cultural setting.
   
• Sundowner experience — Enjoy a drink or light snack as the sun sets behind Mount Kenya, painting the plains in hues of gold and crimson.
   
• Photography and birdwatching — Capture the conservancy’s diverse birdlife, from fish eagles to rollers, set against dramatic evening skies.

Where you’ll be staying

• Ol Pejeta Bush Camp (or similar)
• Superior Room

On Day 9 you will take an early morning flight to the world renowned Masai Mara National Reserve. Our representative will pick you up for transfer to the airport. Sit back and relax during this short flight from Lake Nakuru National Park to the Masai Mara. Approximate flight duration is 45 minutes. Your accommodations will be at the luxury Angama Mara (or similar) lodge.

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.

Flight to Masai Mara

A flight from Lake Nakuru National Park to the Masai Mara is a spectacular 45-minute journey showcasing Kenya’s stunning contrasts from sky to savannah.

As the plane lifts off from Nakuru’s airstrip, you’ll soar over the shimmering blue lake fringed with thousands of pink flamingos and framed by lush acacia woodlands. The dramatic Great Rift Valley soon unfolds below — a breathtaking patchwork of escarpments, forests, and farmlands glowing in the morning light.

Heading southwest, the scenery shifts to vast golden grasslands, signaling your approach to the Masai Mara. From above, you might spot elephants, giraffes, or even wildebeest herds crossing the open plains. As the aircraft descends, the landscape transforms into a painter’s dream — dotted with acacia trees, winding rivers, and abundant wildlife.

Touching down on a remote Mara airstrip, you’re greeted by the pure silence of the wilderness — the perfect start to your next unforgettable safari adventure.

Masai Mara

The Masai Mara — Kenya’s crown jewel of safari destinations — is where Africa’s raw beauty and untamed spirit come vividly to life. Here, every moment feels cinematic. The first rays of dawn reveal lions sprawled lazily on the open grasslands, their golden coats glowing in the soft light. Elephants move silently through the mist, their silhouettes majestic against the rising sun, while giraffes browse gracefully at the treetops. As the day warms, the plains come alive with zebras, gazelles, and wildebeest, their endless herds stretching to the horizon — a prelude to one of nature’s greatest spectacles: the Great Migration. Between July and October, more than two million wildebeest and zebra thunder across the Mara River, pursued by stealthy crocodiles and vigilant big cats, in a timeless display of survival and instinct that defines the very essence of Africa.

But the Mara’s magic extends beyond the migration. All year round, visitors are treated to extraordinary wildlife encounters — from cheetahs sprinting across the plains to leopards draped elegantly over fig tree branches, and rhinos grazing quietly in the thickets. Over 470 bird species, from lilac-breasted rollers to secretary birds, add flashes of color and sound to the landscape, making every game drive a feast for the senses.

Safari experiences in the Masai Mara are as diverse as the land itself. Guests can embark on thrilling game drives guided by expert Masai trackers, float silently over the plains in a hot air balloon as the sun rises, or enjoy an intimate bush breakfast overlooking the sweeping savannah. For a deeper connection, walking safaris and cultural visits to local Masai villages offer a glimpse into the traditions of one of Africa’s most iconic communities, whose deep respect for the land has helped preserve it for generations.

Morning Tours

Morning game drives in the Masai Mara burst with life as the sun rises over the vast savannah. Here’s what you’re likely to encounter:

• Lions lounging near riverbanks or open plains after a night of hunting.
   
• Cheetahs perched on termite mounds, scanning the grasslands for early prey.
   
• Large herds of wildebeest, zebras, and gazelles grazing across the rolling plains.
   
• Majestic elephants and towering Masai giraffes feeding on acacia trees.
   
• Buffalo moving in groups through the grass, often shadowed by oxpeckers.
   
• The occasional leopard retreating into the thickets after a night’s activity.
   
• A dazzling variety of birdlife, from secretary birds striding through the grass to lilac-breasted rollers flashing their colors in the early light.

Here are some of the most popular morning activities in and around the Masai Mara that make the most of the cool air and golden sunrise light:

• Early morning game drive — The prime activity of the day, offering the best chance to spot predators such as lions, cheetahs, and leopards before they retreat from the heat.
   
• Hot air balloon safari — Lift off just before sunrise and glide over the savannah as the first light touches the plains, revealing herds of elephants, wildebeest, and giraffes below.
   
• Guided bush walk — Explore on foot with a Maasai guide, learning to identify animal tracks, plants, and birds while experiencing the landscape up close.
   
• Birdwatching along the rivers and grasslands — The cooler hours draw out a remarkable variety of species, from lilac-breasted rollers to crowned cranes and raptors taking flight.
   
• Bush breakfast — Enjoy a freshly prepared breakfast set up in the wild, often following your early game drive, surrounded by the sounds of the waking savannah.

Afternoon Tours

Afternoon game drives in the Masai Mara offer a slower, more atmospheric experience as the heat softens and the savannah glows in golden light. Here’s what you’re likely to encounter:

• Elephants gathering at rivers and waterholes to drink and cool off.
   
• Lions resting in the shade, occasionally stirring as the temperature drops toward evening.
   
• Cheetahs becoming more active, using the lower sun and tall grass for cover while hunting.
   
• Herds of wildebeest, zebras, and gazelles moving lazily across the plains.
   
• Hippos emerging near the Mara River and crocodiles basking along its banks.
   
• Graceful Masai giraffes and topis silhouetted against the setting sun.
   
• A sky alive with raptors, rollers, and hornbills catching the day’s final light.

Here are several excellent afternoon activity options in or near the Masai Mara National Reserve that complement a game drive and broaden your safari experience:

• Hot air balloon safari at sunset — Soar above the plains in the later afternoon for panoramic views of wildlife and river crossings from the sky.
   
• Walking safari in a nearby conservancy — After your vehicle drive, take a guided walk to explore the bush on foot, see tracks, small animals, and learn about the ecosystem.
   
• Maasai village cultural visit — Spend the later part of the afternoon visiting a local Maasai community, learn about their traditions and crafts, and enjoy a sundowner with views of the plains.
   
• Sundowner viewpoint / scenic stop — As the day cools, drive to a high ridge or vantage point for twilight photographs, drinks, and sweeping views across the Mara.
   
• Bird‐watching and wetland viewing — Visit riverine areas or marshes in the afternoon to spot waterbirds, raptors, and wildlife gathering at the water’s edge.

Where you’ll be staying

• Angama Mara (or similar)
• Premier Safari Tier 1