Extraordinary Kenya

This itinerary presents two of Kenya’s most exquisite wildlife regions. The rugged, arid and mountainous Samburu region dotted with scatterings of tribal villages, coupled with the vast, never-ending plains of the Masai Mara. This safari circuit offers exceptional value for money and is topped off with an indulgent beach stay on Kenya’s radiant coastline.

1. Fly to Nairobi

2. Days 1-4: Samburu National Reserve

   You will be met with a warm welcome at Nairobi International Airport before being transferred to the domestic airport to catch your 12-seater light aircraft flight to Samburu National Reserve. As you approach Samburu, watch in complete awe as you gaze down at this true wilderness area, dotted with rocky outcrops and catch a glimpse of snow-capped Mount Kenya. As your plane lands on the airstrip, you may even spot a giraffe or two looking curiously over at you. Your safari starts from the moment you land as you are game driven up over the rocky outcrops where you will find Saruni Samburu, your base for the next 3 nights.   
   
   After having an ice-cold fruit juice, which is very much welcomed in the dry heat of northern Kenya, you will go out on your first full game drive. Your expert guide is a Samburu Warrior, so his knowledge of the land and wildlife is fascinating. Let your excitement build and feel the wind in your hair as you journey into the reserve in your open safari vehicle and encounter your first wildlife sightings. Adrenaline rushes through you as you approach a herd of elephants, ambling majestically across the riverbank, with Samburu’s red earth mountainous scenery in the background. You will stop for a sundowner; gin and tonic in hand as you step out the vehicle overlooking a waterhole, the sun beginning to set. 
   
   Each day you spend here will primarily be focused on game drives but being in a private conservancy, you do have the choice to go on a thrilling walking safari and learn about animal tracks. You can also meet with the Samburu tribes and understand their unique way of living.

   Accommodation: Saruni Samburu (3 nights)

3. Days 4-7: Maasai Mara

   This morning after a game drive and breakfast out in the bush, you will catch a light aircraft flight southwest to the Masai Mara. The open plains of the Masai Mara are a strong contrast to the mountainous north and as you soar over, you’ll see plains game dotting the landscape. You will land in the Mara North Conservancy, which stretches over 30,000 hectares and only you and a handful of other camps will game drive in this vast area. On arriving at Saruni Mara, you will enjoy a hearty lunch overlooking the Mara plains before heading out on your afternoon game drive. This conservancy is teeming with wildlife and you’ll find some particularly impressive big cat sightings. Follow a coalition of cheetah through the plains and wait in anticipation for them to begin a hunt. Watch lion cubs frolicking around in the grass whilst their mother keeps a watchful eye on them. Ending with a scenic sundowner and a delectable dinner back at the lodge, reflecting on your day with the other guests around the campfire. Listen to lions gently roaring in the distance under the night sky, which is brimming with stars.

   Accommodation: Saruni Mara (3 nights)

4. Days 7-12: Diani

   Now for a change of scenery. After a final morning game drive and a leisurely breakfast at the lodge, catch a flight from the Masai Mara direct to Diani Beach. Step off the plane and feel the tropical heat and refreshing ocean breeze as you are met by the hotel driver who will take you to Almanara Boutique Hotel. This is an exquisite hotel made up of five rooms and is beautifully designed. The next 5 days are at your own pace. Step out on the beach and feel the unbelievably soft powdery white sand between your toes, take a dip in the azure water or sink into tranquillity by the pool with a cocktail in hand. If you want to explore further afield, there are the lush forests of Shimba Hills National Reserve about a 45 minute drive away. Or drift out to sea on a traditional wooden dhow boat and enjoy a gin and tonic with a backdrop of the brilliant fuchsia sky as the sun begins to set. The choice is yours.

   Accommodation: Almanara Boutique Hotel (5 nights)

5. Days 12-12: Fly Home

   Today you will catch your flight from Ukunda Airstrip back to Nairobi in time for your flight home, cherishing the memories you have made and wanting to come back for more!

Samburu, Masai Mara, Diani Beach