Perspectives on East Africa: Out of Africa and Symposium

The classic tented safari, born in Kenya over a century ago, has been extolled by writers from Isak Dinesen to Ernest Hemingway—and the magic of it lives on. Our enchanting safari is an “Out of Africa” experience featuring elephants silhouetted beneath the snows of Kilimanjaro, lions on the prowl in golden savannas, elegant dinners under the African sky, and the haunting call of the hyena in the night. We’ve chosen our camps for their incomparable settings and close proximity to the unforgettable wildlife we’ve come to see. Spectacular bush flights whisk us between our beautiful camps and grant us a fascinating perspective of this splendid land.

Itinerary at a Glance

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Days 1-3
Nairobi / Amboseli National Park

Our first safari thrills come at award-winning Tortilis Camp, with its stunning location framing Kilimanjaro in the heart of Amboseli. Within minutes after our bush flight, we’re on a game drive in the midst of Amboseli’s famed elephant herds, followed by a visit with elephant researchers at the park.

Days 4-5
Lewa Wildlife Conservancy

Nestled below Mt. Kenya, Lewa has been home to three generations of the Craig family, who made their highland ranch a sanctuary in 1924. On game walks and game drives in open vehicles (allowed only in private reserves), we see rare rhinos as well as eland, hartebeest, Cape buffalo, lion, and leopard.

Days 6-8
Samburu National Reserve

In Samburu’s magnificent landscape of red earth and palm-fringed rivers, we search for Kenya’s unique northern species, including Grevy’s zebra, reticulated giraffe, and the graceful gerenuk. We also visit a village of the Samburu people. Distantly related to the Masai, the traditional Samburu are known  for their bright red robes and elaborate body decorations. Larsen’s Camp enjoys a romantic, lantern-lit setting along the Uaso Nyiro River.

Days 9-12
Masai Mara

In the mile-high Masai Mara with our Masai guides, we find excitement in every direction—prides of lions stalking wildebeest or zebra and solitary leopards surveying from their perches in acacia trees. Our camp, the Mara Explorer, offers comfort in the wild and we can watch elephants and giraffes at the river from our verandas. An optional balloon safari here is unforgettable. We return to Nairobi on Day 12.

Days 13-15
Perspectives on East Africa Symposium

Presentations, excursions, and other activities with our guest speakers at the Mount Kenya Safari Club. Depart from Nairobi on Day 15.

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What the Trip is Like

The trip is rated Level 2+, easy to moderate. This is a deluxe camping and lodge safari with gameviewing by 4WD vehicle and nature walks that can be enjoyed by anyone in reasonably good health. There are a few long driving days over rough roads and rugged dirt tracks. Although this is not a particularly rigorous trip, we recommend that each participant undertake a preparatory program of physical conditioning. Daily walking or regular hiking, jogging, and stair-climbing are excellent for preparing for the trip. Any African safari is an adventure, and the traveler to Africa should bring along flexibility, a sense of humor, curiosity about new peoples and places, and an openness to the unexpected.

Explanation of Trip Levels