Exclusive Kenyan Wildlife Experience

Exclusive Kenyan Wildlife Experience

Explore the remote wilds of the Kenyan bush in private game reserves, flying from camp to camp and gaining broader understanding of this vast country and its diverse wildlife. This is the best way to have an intimate wildlife experience without all of the traffic of the National Parks. Fill your days with game drives, walking safaris, cultural experiences and retire to hand-selected boutique lodges and camps with of the best service and atmosphere in East Africa.

On arrival in Nairobi, rest up in the peaceful Karen neighborhood of Nairobi. Then venture north past the stunning spires of Mt. Kenya and on to the northern corner of the Laikipia region to search for the unique arid adapted species of Northern Kenya including gerenuk, greater kudu, reticulated giraffe, and grevy’s zebra in the lands of the Samburu people at the stunning Saruni Lodge. Finish this exquisite itinerary in the private reserves of Ngare Sero adjoining the famed Maasai Mara, exploring the national reserve as well the private Mara North Conservancy which is known for excellent big cat sightings.

Evenings are filled with sundowners overlooking serene landscapes, candle-lit dinners prepared with fine local ingredients and the best star gazing in the world. Whether sleeping under thatch, canvas or the African stars, these eight nights are sure to be some of the most memorable you’ll experience.

Day Description Accommodation
Day 1 Arrive in Kenya and Afternoon Cultural Tour Hemingways Nairobi
Day 2 Fly to Saruni Samburu and Kalama Wildlife Conservancy Saruni Samburu
Days 3 - 4 Full Days of Activities at Saruni Samburu Saruni Samburu
Day 5 Fly to the Mara, afternoon Safari at the Mara North Conservancy Ngare Serian Camp
Days 6 - 7 Safari in the Mara Ngare Serian Camp
Day 8 Return to Nairobi and Departure Four Points By Sheraton Hotel Nairobi Airport

Day 1: Arrive in Kenya and Afternoon Cultural Tour

Arrive in Kenya and Afternoon Cultural Tour
Daily Summary
  • Transfer: Arrival and Transfer to Hotel
  • Tour: Nairobi Cultural Tour
  • Accommodation: Hemingways Nairobi
  • Meals: L

Upon arrival at the Jomo Kayatta airport in Nairobi, you will be met by our representative and assisted through customs and immigration.

Nairobi Cultural Tour

Discover the arts and cultures of Kenya with guided visits today of the Kazuri Beads factory and the Boma's of Kenya. Each area showcases unique elements of Kenya's history, culture and artistic expression. Enjoy a lunch stop at Hatton's Lounge in between visits. The driver/vehicle is at your disposal until 6pm tonight so if there are other stops you'd like to make, you can easily discuss options with your driver and lean into their local expertise to make it happen!

Time/duration: Arrival until 6pm (or whenever you feel like going to the hotel)

Day 2: Fly to Saruni Samburu and Kalama Wildlife Conservancy

Fly to Saruni Samburu and Kalama Wildlife Conservancy
Daily Summary
  • Transfer: Fly North to the Kalama Wildlife Conservancy
  • Tour: Afternoon Wildlife Safari - Saruni Samburu
  • Accommodation: Saruni Samburu
  • Meals: B, L, D

Depart this morning on a scheduled light aircraft flight to Kenya's wild north. Pass Mt. Kenya on the right side of the plane as you make your way up to the rustic north. Upon arrival you'll be picked up at the airstrip and transferred a short distance to your remote lodge in the Kalama Wildlife Conservancy.

Afternoon Wildlife Safari - Saruni Samburu

Upon arrival at Saruni, check in and relax. Head out this afternoon on a afternoon safari in the expansive Kalama Wildlife Conservancy. Or choose to explore the environs around the lodge, the option is yours!

Days 3 - 4: Full Days of Activities at Saruni Samburu

Full Days of  Activities at Saruni Samburu
Daily Summary
  • Tour: Full Days Activities at Saruni Samburu
  • Accommodation: Saruni Samburu
  • Meals: B, L, D

Full Days Activities at Saruni Samburu

Working with your camp host, plan out your days at Saruni Samburu Camp. The options are boundless in this remote corner of Kenya. Apart from incredible wildlife safaris in the morning or evening you may opt to; start your day with a guided walking safari which can include a short hike to some nearby caves featuring Samburu pictographs from hundreds of years ago, or spend a morning visiting the Reteti Elephant Sanctuary and watch the keepers bottle feed the herd, or include a visit to the nearby Samburu communities to learn about their way of life. Each day, take in the expansive landscape and enjoy the natural ambiance with bush meals and sundowners under the African skies.

Kalama Conservancy and Samburu National Reserve

In the northern frontier of Kenya, in the heart of Samburu, lies Kalama Wildlife Conservancy, a unique community owned concession area of 200,000 acres of pristine wilderness in the Mathews Range. An inspiring testimony to the community conservation efforts, Kalama Community Conservancy is protecting the natural wildlife corridor between Samburu National Reserve and the Marsabit areas. Indigenous communities in Northern Kenya are the custodians of some of the largest remaining wilderness left in Africa, including many key endangered species. Migrating wildlife, including elephants, Grévy's Zebra, leopard, wild dog and kudu and more can be seen; including an astounding number of endemic, migratory and predator birds. Game drives can be taken into the stunning Samburu National reserve as well which spans a massive 100 sq miles between the Mathews range, Mt. Kenya and the Laikipia Plateau and houses a plethora of common safari game and unique wildlife like the Beisa Oryx, long necked Gerenuk, Reticulated Giraffe and Somali Ostrich to name a few. This remote landscape is home to the indigenous Samburu people whose age-old traditions are as much a part of the fabric of this land as the wildlife. Indigenous communities in Northern Kenya are the custodians of some of the largest remaining wilderness left in Africa, including many key endangered species.

Day 5: Fly to the Mara, afternoon Safari at the Mara North Conservancy

Fly to the Mara, afternoon Safari at the Mara North Conservancy
Daily Summary
  • Flights: Air Transfer Sarara to Maasai Mara 9:25-11:00
  • Tour: Afternoon Wildlife Safari - Mara North Conservancy
  • Accommodation: Ngare Serian Camp
  • Meals: B, L, D

Transfer to the the local airstrip this morning for your light aircraft flight down to the Maasai Mara. The flight will depart around 9:25am and land in the Mara around 11am. Upon landing you'll be greeted by a representative from Ngare Serian and transferred to your lodge in the Mara North Conservancy.

Afternoon Wildlife Safari - Mara North Conservancy

Upon arrival in the Maasai Mara, check in and relax. Head out this afternoon on a afternoon safari in the stunning Mara North Conservancy.

Maasai Mara

No other place on earth compares with the multitudes of wild animals found in the Maasai Mara National Reserve, part of the vast Serengeti ecosystem spanning Kenya and Tanzania. During the summer months (July – September) the Great Migration comprised of 1.5 million wildebeest and several hundred thousand zebra make the Maasai Mara their home. These enormous congregations of animals provide sustenance to a myriad of predators including lion, cheetah, leopard, and hyena. Visit the Mara or the Talek River to see pods of hippos and huge crocodiles, and if you’re lucky watch as a herd of wildebeest and zebra tries to run across the river, avoiding the snapping jaws of hungry crocodiles within.

Days 6 - 7: Safari in the Mara

Safari in the Mara
Daily Summary
  • Tour: Full Day Activities in the Mara North Conservancy
  • Accommodation: Ngare Serian Camp
  • Meals: B, L, D

Full Day Activities in the Mara North Conservancy

Working with your camp host, plan out your days in the Mara North. Explore the private conservancy and the greater reserve area through game drives in 4WD land rovers and walking safaris. To maximize the activities of each day you’ll set out early and have a picnic breakfast in the bush followed by a game drive. During the afternoons, when wildlife is least active, rest up at camp and enjoy the serene surroundings. In the late afternoon head out again on game drive, culminating with drinks around the fire and a sumptuous dinner.

Mara North Conservancy

The Mara North Conservancy is a unique partnership of 11 camps and 750 Maasai landowners, to protect more than 115 square miles of land on the northern boarder of the Maasai Mara Reserve. It's of the most densely populated wildlife areas within the Masai Mara Ecosystem thanks in part to the the great Oloololo Escarpments which borders the conservancy to the south and attracts the rains; crucial for the red oat and spear grassland areas. Throughout the year great numbers of herbivores as elephants, giraffes, zebras, Thomson’s gazelles and impalas seek the area for water and gracing. Always closely followed by the big cat predators.

At the foot of the Oloololo Escarpment the Mara River flows through the conservancy area with families of huge hippos and large crocodiles resting lazily in the waters. In the northern corridor the scenic Lemek Hills make an important wildlife refuge, particularly to a pack of highly threatened African wild dog. The Mara North Conservancy is home to the Leopard Gorge; world famous due to its significance as birthing and maternity ground for the big cat predators. Five prides of lions amounting to 56 family members, seven cheetah and at least six leopards has made the conservancy their homeland area.

Benefit from unspoiled game drives in the private concession, access to the Maasai Mara for migration viewing and the ability to partake in walking safaris and night drives.

Day 8: Return to Nairobi and Departure

Optional Island Extension
Daily Summary

Bid your team of guides, staff and camp managers farewell this afternoon before boarding your short flight back to Nairobi. Upon arrival you'll be taken to the Four Points by Sheraton at the Jomo Kenyatta Airport to relax for the evening until your departing international flight.

Optional Island Extension

For those with more time, consider an extension to the blissful beach islands of Zanzibar or Pemba. A short flight will take you to the Swahili coast for some proper relaxation and excellent snorkeling or scuba diving. Please enquire for more details and pricing.

Hemingways Nairobi

Hemingways Nairobi

Website: Hemingways Nairobi

Set between Nairobi National Park and the foot of the Ngong Hills, Hemingways Nairobi is an exclusive 5 star luxury boutique hotel located in the peaceful suburb of Karen far from the bustle of central Nairobi. The 45-room boutique hotel elevates the standard of luxury service for travellers in the region. Beautiful in its symmetry and flooded with natural light, this plantation-style property is airy and spacious. Its 80 square meter bedrooms each have a private balcony overlooking the iconic silhouette of the Ngong Hills.

Saruni Samburu

Saruni Samburu

Website: Saruni Samburu

Saruni Samburu’s six luxury, eco-chic villas are open and spacious, heralding spectacular views over Kalama Conservancy and Mount Kenya. Guests can enjoy the vast panoramas from the dining and lounge area, the two infinity pools and Wellbeing Space. The warm hospitality makes for an intimate and exceptional experience. Saruni Samburu is the only lodge in Kalama Conservancy, bordering Samburu National Reserve, with over 200,000 acres of unspoiled wilderness teeming with wildlife to explore exclusively. Guided by Samburu warriors passionate about their land and culture, you learn first-hand about their fascinating customs and gain ancient, local knowledge about the land and animals – a truly authentic safari experience. Each villa features a spacious deck for viewing, en-suite facilities, complimentary laundry and Wi-Fi, safe and outdoor shower. See additional details HERE

Ngare Serian Camp

Ngare Serian Camp

Website: Ngare Serian Camp

Ngare Serian is one of the most intimate and luxurious exclusive camps in the Mara. This intimate, eco-conscious and cultivated camp offers guests a great sense of adventure and authenticity. Comprising only 4 rooms, all with large verandas and views of the local pod of hippos. The tents are dotted along the riverbank, decked out in style with Zanzibar four-poster beds and open bathrooms overlooking pods of hippo. Take a leaf out the hippos’ book: lounge languidly, soaking up the sights and sounds of the bush from the bathtub built into your veranda decking. Bathrooms are built skillfully into the decking, producing a seamless style, with endless comfy chairs and sofas to relax whilst watching the wildlife go by. The camp is connected to the main Serian Camp which has an addition 4 tented rooms, however the sense of remoteness and unspoiled connection to the natural surroundings is well intact with both of these properties exclusive footprint. 

Four Points By Sheraton Hotel Nairobi Airport

Four Points By Sheraton Hotel Nairobi Airport

Website: Four Points By Sheraton Hotel Nairobi Airport

Four Points By Sheraton Hotel has everything you need for a productive stay, including business lounge services. Available 24 hours a day, the travel desk and concierge will gladly help you organize an excursion inside or outside the city. The fitness center features Technogym equipment, and experienced trainers can recommend the latest workout techniques. Admire breathtaking panoramas of Nairobi National Park from the heated rooftop swimming pool. Indulge in a pampering or beautifying treatment at Ibada Spa.

Price Includes

- Accommodations in authentic lodges and tented camps as noted
- Airport transfers & assistance and the beginning and end of trip
- Expert professional safari guides
- Bushwalks, sundowners, and on-site activities
- All entrance fees and park fees
- Evacuation Insurance
- Meals as noted and all most alcoholic drinks while staying at safari properties
- 24-hour Emergency Support in-country
- Outlier Journeys custom itinerary design & service, predeparture information and Digital Itinerary App

Price Excludes

- International Flights to/from Nairobi International Airport (NBO)
- Meals not noted in the itinerary
- Alcoholic drinks unless specified in the itinerary or included section
- Optional Gratuities
- Items of a personal nature (laundry, wellness treatments) unless specified
- Required Travel Insurance

Outlier Journeys designs thoughtful, immersive and personalized global adventures for the modern explorer.  We specialize in custom journeys to destinations we know well and where we have developed close relationships with a vetted network of partners.  These individuals are leaders in the world of responsible and sustainable tourism and offer our travelers unrivaled insight into their home environs while leveraging tourism to drive conservation and social enterprise within their communities.

WHAT DEFINES AN OUTLIER JOURNEY? 

  • Locally Led: Expert local guides grant our traveler's insider perspective and personal insight into the culture, history, politics and socio-economic facets of a destination. 
  • Independent, Boutique Hotels: Properties with a true sense of place, led by local staff and responsibly managed.
  • Active Adventures:  Human powered-adventures are the most immersive. All of our trips have an active component to them - hiking, biking, horseback riding, kayaking, trekking or participating in surf lessons or a yoga class. 
  • Social Impact: Outlier Journeys trips support social issues such as education, women's empowerment and sustainable rural tourism development in less-frequently visited areas. 
  • Environmental & Cultural Conservation: Through local partnerships and 1% for the Planet, we support reforestation and regeneration projects globally, recommend properties engaged in conservation and research and promote the preservation of indigenous cultures and wisdom. 

With a special focus on Latin America, Africa and Asia plus select European destinations, we collaborate closely with our travelers to guide their trip vision to life, seamlessly and with great care. The result is full-service custom travel planning with an intentional eye towards how our travelers move through and interact with a destination, and where their travel dollars will have the greatest positive impact. 

Proud Member of the Adventure Travel Trade Association and 1% for the Planet.