Day-by-day itinerary

• Day

  01

  Nairobi, Kenya

  Welcome

  Step off the plane and into Africa! Receive a warm welcome from our VIP host who will escort you to your hotel for the evening and fill you in on the upcoming journey. Get a good night’s sleep... the adventure begins in the morning!
  
  Nairobi is a surprising city, with excellent large hotels, small boutique properties and world-class restaurants. There is a strong British influence with everything from high tea to their bit of formal friendliness.
  
  With an extra day, we can arrange for visits to the David Sheldrick Elephant Orphanage and Giraffe Center. Sheldrick's is located in the Nairobi National Park. It is here that orphaned or hurt baby elephants and rhinos are taken to rehabilitate back into their natural habitats.
  
  Giraffe Center or AFEW, is a non-profit organization that has been established to educate Kenyan school children on their country's wildlife and environment. It is on the grounds of the world famous Giraffe Manor.
• Days

  02-03

  Amboseli National Park

  On Safari

  A short flight takes you to the Amboseli Game Reserve and the foothills of Mt. Kilimanjaro.
  
  The highlight of any visit to Amboseli is the great elephant population, one of the largest in East Africa. The elephants here have been poached for many years until researchers came into the park to protect these very special creatures.
  
  Amboseli's permanent swamps keep the elephant, hippo, buffalo, giraffe and a profusion of bird life enjoying its waters. This is also the home to a large
  cheetah population.
  
  Cap off a rewarding first day on safari with sundowners (cocktails) as you marvel at views of Africa’s highest mountain, Mt. Kilimanjaro, in the twilight.

  Breakfast / Lunch / Dinner
• Day

  04

  Laikipia Plateau

  Lewa Conservancy

  Rise early this morning for a dawn game drive, the best time to see the snow-capped Kilimanjaro and perhaps catch the morning predator activities.
  
  After breakfast, board a scenic flight northward to the Lewa Conservancy, a UNESCO World Heritage Site. This is one of Born Free 'star' properties, always a favorite. The 65,000 acre wildlife conservation area is the home to 130 rare Black and White rhino populations as well as Grevy’s zebra and Reticulated giraffe and long-necked Gerenuk which are not found in the southern regions. The Wildlife Conservancy is also the home to lion, leopard, elephant and jackal.
  
  With three days at Lewa, you will be able to take full advantage of the numerous activities. Primarily the activities are centered around game drives in open vehicles.
  
  There are also bush walks, horse riding safari, camel experiences and bush breakfasts and sleep outs in starbeds which must be prebooked.
  
  There are areas that are set aside just for families with younger children. There are special activities that will involve youngsters in tracking, learning about traditional ways and visiting a local school.
  
  There is a near by site of ancient man. You can also visit the local community where there is a school and orphanage.
  
  Dinner is relaxed and the feel is that of a private homestead.
  
  On chilly evenings there is a roaring bonfire and sometimes enchanting Maasai dancers.

  Breakfast / Lunch / Dinner

  Lewa Wilderness Trails (Platinum accommodations) includes all activities: game drives, camel experience, horseback riding, community visit, bush meals.
  
  Lewa Safari Camp (Silver & Gold accommodations) is inclusive of walks and game drives. Activities such as the camel experience and horseback safari are at an additional cost.
• Day

  05

  Lewa Conservancy

  Start the day with a morning safari, either by open vehicle or guided nature walk. Stop for breakfast in the bush and continue game viewing.
  
  Back at the lodge, you can meet with anti-poaching rangers to learn about their work.
  
  This afternoon offers more active options - from the afternoon traditional game drive to the horseback safari or camel-back experience where you can usually get quite close to the giraffe and zebra.

  Breakfast / Lunch / Dinner
• Day

  06

  Lewa Conservancy

  Do not miss the early morning game drives- this is when the wildlife is most active. We also suggest a visit to the community project in the late afternoon.
  
  Meals always include some of the fresh produce that is grown on the property. Stop by to see what fresh ingredients will be used in tonight's dinner.
  
  Afternoon activity of your choice.
  
  Game viewing is included at all properties. Other activities included will vary at lodges, where you can choose your own adventures!

  Breakfast / Lunch / Dinner
• Day

  07

  Maasai Mara - Conservancy

  Off-Road Safari, Bush Walks

  Your journey continues as you board a flight over the Great Rift Valley to the Maasai Mara. This is Kenya’s premier game reserve and the northern extension of the Serengeti Plains.
  
  Upon landing, you are met by your guide and head out on an afternoon game drive. In one sweep of the binoculars one can see elephant, giraffe, zebra, antelopes and Cape Buffalo.
  
  Over the next three days, discover the savanna, river area and the woodlands. With your expert driver-guide you may sight a leopard in the branches of an acacia tree or a pride of lions hunting for the days food.
  
  Hidden Kenya features selected properties that will optimize game viewing and migration opportunities during the time of year your are traveling.

  Breakfast / Lunch / Dinner
• Day

  08

  Maasai Mara - Conservancy

  Up at dawn as you are greeted with your choice of tea or coffee. Head out as the sun comes up on the golden plains. Search for lion, cheetah, hyena. You may also encounter hippo, warthogs, giraffe and an abundance of colorful bird life.
  
  Hidden Kenya accommodations are all on conservancies, so vehicles are limited and off-road game drives supported. This will allow you to get much closer to the wildlife than in the crowded areas of the Mara. During your stay you will visit the Maasai Mara central area as well, depending on the location of the herds.

  Breakfast / Lunch / Dinner
• Day

  09

  Maasai Mara - Conservancy

  With your camera ready, set out across the rolling golden grasslands for a full day in the bush with unlimited game drives and picnic lunch.
  
  All suggested properties are located on conservancies that adjoin the Mara and work in partnership with Maasai landowners. Visitors now contribute to the local communities with a portion of each bed night as well as a conservation fee going back to the Maasai.
  
  A highlight of your safari will be your interactions with the wonderful Maasai. You will be welcomed to the community to hear about their traditions and daily lives.
  
  Certain areas will allow night game drives.

  Breakfast / Lunch / Dinner

  Special Activity:
  Hot Air Balloon Safari
  We highly suggest the balloon safari at dawn over the Maasai Mara with a champagne bush breakfast, from $500 per person.
• Day

  10

  Your Journey Onwards

  Flight to Nairobi

  Bid a fond farewell to the bush and the friends you have made at camp as you take a short flight back to Nairobi. A dayroom has been provided for you to relax and pack before you are transferred to the airport to connect to your onwards international flight. Take with you the memories of a truly magical African experience.

  Breakfast / Lunch