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Wings over Samburu & Masai Mara

Are you a nature enthusiast? Does you dream to be as close to wild nature as possible?  Well, it doesn’t  get more wild and natural than the semi-arid region of Northern Kenya, the soda lakes of the Great Rift Valley and the famed Masai Mara.

Experience this enchanting wilderness using exclusive, small and luxury properties that are as natural and wild as the surroundings.

Day 1: Samburu Game Reserve

It is an early morning’s touchdown in Africa – at Nairobi’s Jomo Kenyatta International Airport! As you gather your baggage and walk out of the baggage hall a warm and unique welcome awaits you – happy smiling faces greet you with wet towels and champagne. It is a tradition in Africa to present a gift as an expression of our joy and happiness – what better gift than an authentic safari hat! Thereafter transfer to Wilson airport where you may have a quick light snack before your scheduled flight to Samburu Game Reserve, set in the rugged semi-arid northern region with spectacular scenic landscape.

Your flight path takes you past the snow-capped Mt. Kenya, Africa’s highest mountain standing at 17,057ft above sea level and into a dry, rugged and stunningly beautiful region with its iconic loaf shaped Lolokowe Mountain and rolling hills spreading in all horizons, On arrival you will be met and transferred to Elephant Bedroom Camp that boasts of luxury accommodations with private plunge pools spread along the Ewaso Nyiro River dotted with doum palms, acacia and giant fig trees.

Enjoy a delicious lunch followed by a late afternoon game viewing drive. Return to the Camp at sunset for dinner and overnight.

Day 2 & 3: Samburu Game Reserve

Your next two nights at the Elephant Bedroom Camp, aptly named so because it is an ‘unfenced’ luxury bush camp that allows elephants and other wildlife to wander in and out of the camp grounds freely, will be an experience of a lifetime! It is probably the closest you will ever come to these gentle giants and other game!

Your planned schedule includes extended game drives in search of Samburu’s ‘special five’ – the rare reticulated giraffe, long-necked gerenuk, blue shanked Somali ostrich, Grevy’s zebra, and majestic Beisa Oryx besides other interesting game including the ‘cats’.

Your last evening in Samburu will be a celebration – a ‘sun downer’ at a special site on the banks of the river enjoying cocktail and canapés whilst the Naturalist tells you interesting stories of the area and the culture of the Samburu Tribe. Return to the Camp for dinner and overnight.

Day 4: Masai Mara Game Reserve

After breakfast transfer to the airstrip to board your scheduled flight to Masai Mara Game Reserve, arguably Kenya’s finest game sanctuary.

It is perhaps the only region left in Kenya where you may see animals in the same super-abundance as existed a century ago. You flight path takes you past the Aberdare Ranges and over Lake Elementaita with a possible view of Lake Nakuru, over the Mau Forest and into the vast plains of the Masai Mara.

You will be met upon arrival and transferred to Mara Ngenche Safari Camp located on the confluence of the Talek and the famous Mara River. This small intimate Camp boasting only six tastefully appointed tents overlooking the Mara River is your perfect paradise for the next three nights.

When you are not on a game drive you will be entertained by the resident pod of playful Hippopotamus and crocodiles basking on the nearby sandbank. A sumptuous lunch is followed by an afternoon game drive in this vast and expansive reserve teeming with game. Return to Camp for dinner and overnight.

Day 5 & 6: Masai Mara Game Reserve

Everyday is a new day and your next two days in Masai Mara will offer you the opportunity to go out in search of the ‘big five’ and other plains game. Masai Mara is the northern most extension of the Serengeti Plains and one of the richest wildlife Game Reserves.

It is home to the awesome black-manned lion, elusive leopard, graceful cheetah, stately giraffes, and huge herds of elephants, rhino, thundering herds of zebra, migrating wildebeest and numerous other plains game. You may be lucky to spot the rare caracal or the hunting dogs that has been spotted in recent times.

Your planned activities include extended game viewing drives, visit to a Masai Manyatta (home) and visit to a local primary school supported by the ‘Manji Foundation’ to spend cherished moments with these gorgeous young children – It is an experience you will never forget! Dinner and overnight at your Camp.

OPTIONAL ACTIVITY: Today’s adventure begins just before dawn. Flames from the hot air balloon burners light the darkness as the crew inflates their craft. The first, pink tongues of sunlight flicker across the skies and the hot air balloon fills then rises.

Suspended in a basket beneath the rainbow-coloured canopy, you’re off for a game-viewing adventure with an entirely different perspective. Apart from the occasional hiss of the burners, a lion’s roar, elephants crashing through the bush, baboons perched in the tips of the trees startled and screeching to see something above them, the flight above the Masai Mara plains is magically silent.

At the end of the flight, the passengers are treated to a champagne breakfast in the bush, complete with flowers. China and crystal are set out on the table that is placed under a convenient acacia tree.

The finishing touch to the flight is a game drive back to the camp, and the possibility of seeing the same pride of lions, or herd of elephants that had been viewed while ballooning. A flight certificate is issued on completion of the balloon safari. Back at Camp enjoy a sumptuous lunch and a well deserved rest.

And/or enjoy a visit to a traditional Masai Manyatta. Experience the culture of this world famous community – the Maasai still lives as they did for centuries; interact with these nomadic people and experience their way of life as you learn about their customs and traditions. Continue with your afternoon game viewing drive before returning to your camp for dinner and overnight.

Day 7: Nairobi & Depart

Amka! Wake up early for breakfast and proceed on a last extended trail of the African savannah – hopefully, you’ll see some big game. Return to Camp for lunch and some relaxation.

All good experiences must come to an end and sadly you must say ‘Kwaheri’ (Goodbye) to your wonderful Camp Manager and his teams as you depart for the airstrip to board your return flight to Wilson Airport. You will be met upon arrival and transfer to the ‘Manji Residence’ for dinner with the Manji Family before being transferred to the Jomo Kenyatta International Airport for your onward flight.

Day 7: Mfangano Island – Lake Victoria (Optional Extension)

Amka! Wake up for early morning tea or coffee and transfer to your local Airstrip for your short ‘scenic’ flight to Mfangano Island located on Lake Victoria.

Upon arrival, you will be transferred via boat to the Mfangano Island Camp. You will enjoy full English breakfast upon arrival on the lawn as you watch the beautiful early morning views of the sparkling sunrise shimmering on Lake Victoria.

Spend the rest of the day at leisure or enjoy a selection of exciting activities which are available for you to enjoy which include:

• Bird watching – with over 350 different birds have been identified around Mfangano Island and Lake Victoria. Guests can join resident ornithologist on bird watching trips both on foot and by boat around the island.
• Fishing for Nile Perch and Tilapia.
• Cultural walks around the island, trail walks.
• Explore hidden caves decorated with prehistoric rock art.
• Relax at the camp’s spa or swimming pool.

Mfangano Island Camp is the perfect place for nature-lovers and offers the perfect relaxing conclusion to your safari. For those interested in culture; visit the nearby Nyakweri Primary School and village. Meet with a local Luo family to experience their day-to-day life.

As evening falls, board a traditional dhow and set sail into horizon for a magical sun-downer. Return later in the evening for dinner and overnight.

Please Note: This extension in NOT AVAILABLE during April & May when Mfangano Island Camp is closed!

Day 8: Nairobi & Depart

All good experiences must come to an end and sadly you must say ‘Kwaheri’ (Goodbye) to your wonderful Camp Manager and his teams as you depart for the airstrip to board your return flight to via the Masai Mara to connect on your onward flight to the Wilson Airport.

You will be met upon arrival and transfer to the ‘Manji Residence’ for dinner with the Manji Family before being transferred to the Jomo Kenyatta International Airport for your onward flight.