Day-by-day itinerary

• Day

  01

  Nairobi, Kenya

  Upon arrival, you are welcomed by our Born Free VIP host and escorted to your hotel. Get a good night’s sleep -- the adventure begins in the morning!

  Optional:
  With an extra day in Nairobi, we can arrange for a visit the Sheldrick Wildlife Trust, which rehabilitates orphaned elephants and rhinos for release back into the wild, and the Giraffe Centre (AFEW), a non-profit on the grounds of Giraffe Manor dedicated to wildlife education for Kenyan youth.
• Day

  02

  Amboseli National Park

  A short flight south takes you to Amboseli National Park and the foothills of Mt. Kilimanjaro.
  
  Prolific herds of elephant, cheetah, lion, and plains game all make Amboseli their home. The permanent swamps harbor hippo, crocodile, and hundreds of birds, including flamingo.
  
  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

  03

  Amboseli National Park

  Up early this morning with a hot refreshment brought to your room. Head out on your first dawn game drive. This is a magical time of the day when the earth appears gold, and the wildlife is most active.
  
  Return to the lodge for a hot breakfast and then relax before another game activity. Each area will feature nature walks, community visits, or full-day drives.

  Breakfast / Lunch / Dinner
• Day

  04

  Laikipia Plateau

  Lewa Conservancy

  Dawn game drive, the best time to see snow-capped Kilimanjaro.
  
  Fly north to Lewa Conservancy, where there is an unending view over the vast plateau. Lewa is a private reserve. Guests have exclusive access on uncrowded game drives and activities.
  
  This respected conservancy is dedicated to protecting 130 Black and White rhinos, as well as being in partnership with local communities.
  
  With three days at Lewa, you will be able to take full advantage of the numerous activities. Primarily centered around game viewing in open vehicles, there are also bush walks, horseback riding safari, visit to site of ancient man, camel bush breakfast, vintage plane flightseeing, and community interactions.

  Breakfast / Lunch / Dinner

  Lewa Wilderness Trails - lead picture
  (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

  Laikipia Plateau

  Lewa Conservancy

  Breakfast at the lodge or, if staying at Lewa Wilderness, participate in a camel trek with breakfast in the bush.
  
  Lewa is a stunning place "to just be" but there is so much to do, including game drives to search out the wildlife that is only found in the northern regions, such as the Grevy’s zebra, the reticulated giraffe (pictured), and the long-necked Gerenuk.

  Breakfast / Lunch / Dinner
• Day

  06

  Lalikipia

  Lewa Conservancy

  Lounge in this morning with a leisurely fresh breakfast and Kenya coffee or tea. Today possibly visit the local community, visit a school, and take a guided nature walk.
  
  Lunch and then out on a game drive to visit the resident rhinos. This afternoon, maybe spot the long-necked gerenuk or a lion on the prowl. Take note of the Grevy's zebra's (pictured) markings as well as the reticulated giraffe. When in the Mara, compare them to the giraffe and zebra that inhabit the Mara region.

  Breakfast / Lunch / Dinner
• Day

  07

  Maasai Mara National Reserve & Conservancy

  Off-Road Safari, Bush Walks

  Your journey continues as you board a flight over the Great Rift Valley to the Maasai Mara National Reserve and a bordering conservancy.
  
  The Maasai Mara ecosystem is the northern extension of the Serengeti Plains. There are no fences, and the wildlife travels freely between the two areas. It is unquestionably earth’s greatest haven for large mammals - more than 70 species make the area their home.
  
  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, antelope, 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 day’s food.
  
  Hidden Kenya carefully selects premier, intimate properties to optimize your game viewing during the season you are traveling.

  Breakfast / Lunch / Dinner
• Day

  08

  Maasai Mara National Reserve & Conservancy

  Up at dawn as you are greeted with hot Kenya coffee or tea. Head out as the sun comes up on the golden plains. Search for lion, cheetah, and hyena. You may also encounter hippo, warthog, giraffe, and an abundance of colorful bird life.
  
  While staying on the conservancy, your game drives will have fewer vehicles viewing a sighting, as well as being able to travel off-road. Game drives into the Mara Reserve proper will not allow off-roading and will be limited to the many official tracks.

  Breakfast / Lunch / Dinner
• Day

  09

  Maasai Mara National Reserve & Conservancy

  With your camera ready, set out across the rolling golden grasslands for a full day in the bush with unlimited game drives and a 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
• Day

  10

  Your Journey Onwards

  Flight to Nairobi

  Your last morning in the Mara is a great time to cap your safari with the optional Hot-Air Balloon. Floating over the plains and winding rivers, it's a magical different view of the wildlife. Then set down in the bush for a champagne breakfast before boarding your safari vehicle back to the lodge.
  
  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 international flight.
  
  Take with you the memories of a truly magical African experience.

  Breakfast / Lunch

  Optional Activity:
  Hot-Air Balloon Safari