Itinerary

Isak Dinesen, better known as Karen Blixen, wrote in her memoir of early 20th-century Kenya, Out of Africa, that it was a “landscape that had not its like in all the world,” with “crooked bare old thorn trees scattered upon the great plains” and air that was “alive over the land, like a flame burning.” Then, as today, that was the natural backdrop for Kenya’s greatest spectacle. Herds of elephants, prides of lions, the stripes and spots of zebras and giraffes and cheetahs – these are the icons of Africa, still thriving here in Kenya, Africa’s most celebrated safari destination.

Day 1: Nairobi, Kenya 


Arrive in Nairobi and transfer to the cottages at the Karen Blixen Coffee Garden on the site of Isak Dinesen’s original hunting lodge and estate. The historic home is a fine example of early colonial architecture in Kenya, while the cottages are set amongst some of the country’s oldest colonial gardens, shaded by jacaranda, candelabra and bottlebrush. Each cottage has beamed ceilings and an inviting veranda, evoking the character of Kenya in the early 1900s.



Days 2 - 4: Masai Mara, NHA Luxury Mobile Camp
Fly

This morning to the Masai Mara. The fabled Masai Mara is one of Africa’s most acclaimed game reserves, renowned for its annual wildebeest migration. The Mara is the northern portion of the Serengeti Plains, and we find excellent wildlife viewing all year long in these grasslands on the Tanzania border. The reserve is named for the Masai tribespeople, the traditional inhabitants of the area who still graze cattle here, and the Mara River that runs through it. We stay at the NHA Luxury Mobile Camp, which allows access to extraordinary campsites near the wildebeest crossing during the migration. Our deluxe camp sits right on the river, overlooking a large pool popular with hippos and crocodiles and some of the best cat viewing in Africa.

Game drives take us among myriad plains animals – not only the thundering herds of thousands of wildebeest and their zebra companions, but also gazelle, impala, hartebeest, topi and giraffe. Predators follow in close pursuit, and the Mara is especially famed for its lions – we may see them hunting in the early morning or evening, or resting beneath acacia trees in the heat of the day. Hyenas also patrol the plains in some of the largest numbers in Africa.



Days 5 - 7: Olare Orok Conservancy, Kicheche Bush Camp 


We transfer today via a game drive to Kicheche Bush Camp, still in the Mara but a completely different experience. The intimate tented camp is set just outside the park’s boundaries on a private conservancy, with strict limits on guest numbers. This translates into unprecedented game viewing without crowds, especially of the wildebeest migration that occurs in close proximity.

In addition to daily game drives, we are also permitted to get outside the vehicles for escorted walking safaris and enjoy night drives in search of nocturnal wildlife. Kicheche is a permanent camp, allowing for a level of luxury in the wilderness that any authentic safari aficionado will covet. Unfenced and secluded in a thicket of euclea and African olive trees, the camp impinges so little on the natural inhabitants of this prolific reserve that our safari experience is enhanced by the animals that wander unperturbed through the grounds at any time.

Optional hot air balloon safaris with a champagne breakfast upon landing are available upon request at an extra cost during our stay at Kicheche. 



Day 8: Nairobi / Home 


Fly back to Nairobi today, where day rooms await at the Fairview Hotel for relaxing prior to a group farewell meal and standard evening departures for international destinations.