Overview
In two world-renowned game reserves in Kenya, the land where safaris were born, savor phenomenal Big Five game viewing with expert naturalists and enjoy the comforts of splendid game lodges that keep you close to the wildlife. In Samburu National Reserve, you’ll look for Kenya’s unique northern species, meet Samburu warriors, and watch elephants bathing in the river right from your camp. In the breathtaking beauty of the Masai Mara National Reserve, you’ll revel in the super-abundance of wildlife in the Mara-Serengeti ecosystem, with its leopards, cheetahs, magnificent black-maned lions, and migratory herds. If you’ve been looking for the perfect experience of Kenya’s magic, this is it! This trip is ideal for families, with significant discounts for children under 12. Our Zanzibar Extension and Gorilla Tracking Extension are wonderful additions to the adventure.
An amazing itinerary. All the logistics were seamless. Spectacular camps, food, and overall experience!
— Jonathan B., Belmont, CA
Itinerary at a Glance
Days 1-2
Nairobi, Kenya / David Sheldrick Elephant Trust
Arrive in Nairobi and head out for exciting explorations that include the Karen Blixen Museum, once the home of Out of Africa author Karen Blixen, and the Giraffe Center, where you can see (and even feed!) the giraffes who are cared for here. One special activity will be your "Sponsor" visit to the David Sheldrick Elephant Trust, allowing you the privilege of visiting the nursery by appointment at the time these baby elephants return to their lodgings for the night. Watching these youngsters interacting with their keepers is a delightfully photogenic experience. The Trust is the most successful elephant-rescue and rehabilitation program in the world.
Days 3-4
Samburu Game Reserve / Roaming Elephants and Samburu Warriors
Explore by open-sided 4WD vehicle across Samburu's magnificent landscape of red earth, duom palms, and cocoa-brown rivers. There is a rich collection of wildlife here, from elephants to big cats, plus six special big game species rarely seen anywhere else: Grevy’s zebra, reticulated giraffe, Somali ostrich, gerenuk, Geunther’s dik-dik, and Beisa oryx. Samburu is home to the traditional Samburu people, semi-nomadic pastoralists related to but distinct from the Masai, and you will have a wonderful opportunity to interact with them.
Days 5-7
A scenic flight whisks you to the Masai Mara Game Reserve, one of the Earth's most phenomenal wildlife paradises. Here resident lion prides hold and defend territories, the open savannas provide ideal hunting terrain for cheetah, and large resident populations of antelope, including topi, Thomson’s gazelle, and Grant's gazelle, graze the savanna. Huge pods of hippo are found in the Mara, the great river that snakes through tree-studded grasslands. In addition to game drives, interpretive game walks with highly skilled Masai guides are one of the delights of the Mara.
Day 8
Depart
Return to Nairobi by bush flight, with a day room held for you until your evening departure for the airport.
