Day-by-day itinerary

• Day

  01

  Nairobi, Kenya

  Your magical journey to Kenya starts as you step off the plane in Nairobi. You are welcomed by your dedicated Born Free host and escorted to your waiting hotel room. Get a good night’s sleep - the adventure begins in the morning!
• Day

  02

  AMBOSELI NATIONAL PARK - TSAVO

  A short flight south takes you to the Chyulu Hills, located between Tsavo and Amboseli National Park, to one of Kenya’s most exclusive safari lodges. Operated by Great Plains Conservation Group, Ol Donyo is located on private land owned by the Maasai.
  
  Each chalet has private plunge pools, stunning rooftop star beds, and faces Mt. Kilimanjaro. Activities are in open vehicles and something special for those with a little experience -horseback riding into the shadows of Mt. Kilimanjaro!
  
  Prolific herds of elephant, cheetah, lion, and plains wildlife 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.

  Flight time: 45 minutes

  Breakfast / Lunch / Dinner

  Safari Consultant notes:
  GOLD category will stay at Amboseli Tortilis for this segment. All else remains the same.
• 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

  SAMBURU REGION - Northern Kenya

  Fly to the northern frontiers of Kenya. The region has a large diversity of wildlife, including species not found in the southern parks. With their distinct markings, you will be able to see the Grevy’s zebra, Reticulated Giraffe, as well as the long-necked gerenuk. Although elusive, the area is known for its population of leopard.
  
  The Sasaab is a spectacular luxury lodge located in the heart of the Samburu wilderness. It is perched on the edge of a river valley. Each canvas-sided room has its own plunge pool and breath-taking views cross the Laikipia Plateau towards the jagged peak of Mt. Kenya.
  
  After lunch, it is time to explore the area in open vehicles with Sasaab's outstanding guides.

  Transit time: approx. 3 hours

  Breakfast / Lunch / Dinner
• Day

  05

  SAMBURU REGION - Northern Kenya

  Start your morning off with a bush breakfast, then head out on game drives. Midday, participate in one of the many activities or take a dip in your private plunge pool.
  
  Available activities can include game drives, a community visit, nature walks, camel rides, and even quad biking through the dry riverbeds.

  Breakfast / Lunch / Dinner
• Day

  06

  Samburu Region - Northern Kenya

  There is plenty of time to enjoy camp or go out on safari. Late afternoon game drive looking for the elusive leopard. Sundowners (cocktails) are served as the sun sets. Then back to camp for dinner and exchanging stories of your bush adventures.

  Breakfast / Lunch / Dinner
• Day

  07

  GIRAFFE MANOR

  A break in the safari but not the excitement. Fly to the suburbs of Nairobi to the town of Karen, where an overnight like no other awaits. You will arrive in time to re-energize with a delicious lunch outside on the garden terrace.
  
  This afternoon, sit back and enjoy a personal visit with the giraffes! Hike around the nature trail and visit the educational center set up for the youth of Kenya to learn about the wildlife, their most precious resource.
  
  Be sure to check back to the main lodge by 5:00 p.m. for traditional afternoon tea.

  Breakfast / Lunch / Dinner
• Day

  08

  MAASAI MARA NATIONAL RESERVE & CONSERVANCY

  The most popular time at Giraffe Manor is during breakfast. Giraffes are hungry too and poke their heads through the windows hoping for a treat.
  
  Fly over the Great Rift Valley, destination - the northern extension of the Serengeti Plains and the star of any safari, the Maasai Mara National Reserve.
  
  Sala's is located on the Sand River, one of the migration crossing points. It blends traditional charm of high comfort under canvas with plunge pools, huge glass-fronted windows, and prolific game. It’s a tranquil and beautiful space in which to enjoy private dining, yoga, or to simply relax and watch the comings and goings of animals across the riverbank.
  
  Private safari vehicle and guide. Arrive at Sala’s Camp in time for a scrumptious al fresco lunch. The excitement of being immersed in one of the world’s most biodiverse and spectacular ecosystems is unbeatable.

  Breakfast / Lunch / Dinner
• Day

  09

  MAASAI MARA NATIONAL RESERVE & CONSERVANCY

  Each day is unique and holds surprises around every corner. No days are alike. Head out as the sun comes up on the golden plains.
  
  For your stay in the Mara, you have your own guide and vehicle. The days are yours to search for the special species, sit, and watch them as long as you wish. No hurry to run back to the lodge.

  Breakfast / Lunch / Dinner
• Day

  10

  MAASAI MARA NATIONAL RESERVE & CONSERVANCY

  Morning game drive searching for the species you may not have seen. With one sweep of the binoculars, it is not uncommon to see elephant, antelope, lion, and cheetah. The Mara never disappoints.
  
  Mid-afternoon, sit back in your private retreat, take in the beauty of the Mara, and think back on the lifelong memories of your safari in Kenya.
  
  Late afternoon game drive, sundowners in the bush, and then head back to the lodge for dinner and exchanging stories of the bush.

  Breakfast / Lunch / Dinner
• Day

  11

  YOUR JOURNEY ONWARDS

  Hot-Air Balloon Safari - Champagne Breakfast

  What a spectacular ending to your safari!!
  
  Up at dawn for a Hot-Air Balloon ride over the Mara. Set down for a champagne bush breakfast and then back to the lodge where you bid a fond farewell to the bush and the friends you have made. 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.

  Breakfast / Lunch