Kenya in Style

Kenya is famous for iconic wildlife in regions such as the Maasai Mara, but it also offers huge diversity with breathtaking landscapes, rugged remoteness, thriving ancient cultures and ground breaking wildlife conservation efforts . As a destination it is ideal for anyone seeking a real mixture of experiences, and this safari has it all – wildlife, landscapes, authentic culture and white sandy beaches, all rounded out with top-drawer accommodation throughout.

The itinerary begins in Nairobi, where you will have two nights to recover from your travels and acclimatise. A vehicle will be on hand to offer a ‘Taste of Nairobi’ tour including the Utamaduni Craft Centre, world famous giraffe sanctuary where you can ‘kiss’ a giraffe, and the charming Karen Blixen Museum, famously at the foot of the Ngong Hills, which was once the writer’s home.

From here you will fly to the world famous Maasai Mara, home to the highest-density game viewing experience in East Africa. You’ll stay in the exquisite Elephant Pepper Camp, which is located in the preferred private Mara North Conservancy, a quiet location with plentiful wildlife particularly big cats, elephant and giraffe. At this time of year the famous “Great Migration” of wildebeest and zebra will be in residence so the quality of your game viewing will be magnificent, and you may even be lucky enough to witness the intense drama of a river crossing.

From the Maasai Mara you will fly north to the breathtaking landscapes of Kenya’s Laikipia Plateau for a three-night stay at Loisaba Tented Camp. Spending one of those nights sleeping under the stars in their Star Beds is a spinetingling experience that will stay with you forever! This region in Kenya is home to rare and unique wildlife species such as Grevy’s zebra, striped hyena, aardwolf, wild dog, and even a melanistic black leopard.  Rhinos are thriving and you will have the opportunity to visit the Anti-Poaching HQ and possibly see the bloodhound training in action. In addition to productive game drives, you can also enjoy horse-riding, camel-trekking, guided bush walks, fishing, mountain biking and cultural visits to Samburu villages.

Next you’ll charter north towards Samburu country  staying in the stunning Namunyak Conservancy at the foot of the Matthews Ranges. This is a little off the beaten path and a truly special place that really offers a wonderful insight into the conservancy and community work going on here. Rather than wildlife, the focus is on an engaging cultural experience (Samburu), and you have the option of heading out on a walking safari with your Samburu guide, spending time with local communities, and visiting the Reteti Elephant Sanctuary which takes in orphaned and abandoned elephant calves, to rehabilitate them and release them back into the wild herds.

If you finish your itinerary at this point you will simply fly back to Nairobi for your departure flight, however there is an optional extension to fly to Lamu on the Kenyan Coast to stay at the somewhat infamous hotel, Peponi Hotel and enjoy some R&R. Emerging from the wilds of your safari to find yourself surrounded by sailing boats, turquoise water and white sandy beaches is heaven!

This itinerary has it all – pumping wildlife, serene stillness, authentic culture, pioneering conservation efforts, and even time for a well-earned beach side cocktail. Featuring some of Africa’s finest properties, and the engaging company of your host, Julia Salnicki, this is a magnificent safari that will be hard to beat!