This package carries visitors through the full spectrum of Kenyan landscapes on a stunning weeklong adventure in the bush. Beginning in the arid plains of Samburu National Park, guests will enjoy intimacy and solitude with the region’s unique wildlife. Moving on through the slopes of Mount Kenya towards the flamingo-filled floor of the Great Rift Valley, you will enjoy the lushness and freshness of these Great Rift Valley regions. The tour culminates with the quintessential Kenyan experience: safaris across the Masai Mara alongside the treasured Big Five. This tour gives you a taste of all the magic the country has to offer, from the comfort of a variety of stunning lodges.
Detailed trip itinerary
Days 1 - 2: Samburu National Reserve
Upon arrival into Nairobi, you are met by our representative and ushered into your 4X4 Landcruisers. Driving north towards the northlands arid regions of Samburu. Arriving in the afternoon for check in at the Saruni Samburu, you might enjoy spending the remainder of your day relaxing on the lodge grounds.
Early mornings and late afternoons are the best times to venture out into the bush, given that these periods are when the wildlife are most active. The wildlife in these northern lands is among Kenya’s most unique, and we recommend scanning the plains for the ‘Samburu Special Five:' the reticulated giraffe, the gerenuk, the grevy’s Zebra, the Somali ostrich and the beisa oryx. An especially lucky few may even have the chance to see the endangered African wild dog. These packs of fierce spotted hunters are among the continent’s most successful predators, and are capable of tackling prey as large as wildebeest. They are, however, endangered as a result of a decline in territory, and their susceptibility to domestic animal disease. Elusive and ingenious, a moment with a wild dog would be a truly coveted sighting. Stay: Saruni Samburu.
- Guided day and night game drives
- Swimming pools
- Picnics, Bush meals and sundowners
- Photographic hide and waterhole
- Bird watching
- Stargazing
- Guided bush walks
- Yoga and well being spaces
- Cultural visits
- Helicopter excursions and scenic flights
- Traditional wedding ceremonies
Saruni Samburu is a deluxe, design lodge located in Kenya’s wild north. It is the only lodge in Kalama Conservancy, which borders Samburu National Reserve, with 200,000 acres of unspoiled wilderness to explore and enjoy exclusively. Perched on a spectacular viewpoint, its six luxury villas are open and spacious, heralding spectacular views over Kenya’s Northern Frontier District and Mount Kenya in the distance. Each villa is very private with zip fronted canvas, and large lounge areas, indoor baths and outdoor showers.
Guests can enjoy the vast panoramas from the dining and lounge area, the two infinity pools and the Samburu Wellbeing Space. Nearby there is a ground-level photographic hide next to a waterhole where the famous Samburu elephant, leopard, reticulated giraffe, Beisa oryx and Grevy’s zebra gather to drink. The lodge is admired for its innovative, eco-chic architecture and interesting design and décor, as well as its Italian-inspired cuisine.
You are guided from start to finish by Samburu warriors who are passionate about their land and their culture, learning first-hand about their fascinating customs and traditions and their ancient, local knowledge – a truly authentic experience.
The vastness and purity of this landscape, combined with the untouched local culture, elegant comfort and welcoming hospitality makes for an intimate, exceptional and life-changing experience.
Saruni Samburu’s six luxury, eco-chic villas are open and spacious, heralding spectacular views over Kalama Conservancy and Mount Kenya. As the only lodge in over 200,000 acres of unspoiled wilderness teeming with wildlife to explore exclusively, and guided by Samburu warriors passionate about their land and culture, the safari experience at Saruni Samburu is intimate and truly exceptional.
Day 3: Mount Kenya National Park
This morning you will rise early to retrace your steps from the first day, driving back towards stunning Mount Kenya. Pause on route to hop out of the truck on the equator, straddling yourself between the northern and southern hemispheres. Carry on into the shadow of the mountain, eventually arriving midday at the Serena Mountain Lodge. Located on the slopes of Mount Kenya with an ever-refreshing breeze, your time in Mount Kenya National Park will sit in perfect contrast to the dryness of Samburu. After a fresh lunch, spend the afternoon soaking in the tranquility and serenity of this forest oasis. Towards the end of the day, return to the lodge rooftop for a delightful dinner under the stars. Head to your private log cabin to spend a few final moments looking out over the illuminated watering hole, before slipping into a cozy bed heated by a hot water bottle. Stay: Serena Mountain Lodge
- Gallery dining room at tree-top level
- Bar with central fireplace and viewing deck
- Guided forest walks
- Trout fishing
- Mountain climbs and treks
- Tree-planting programme
- Gift shop and business centre
- Bush breakfast
- Bush lunch
- Dinner at the Rooftop
- Massages
This timbered tree hotel is set amid the primeval forests on the lower slopes of Mount Kenya and offers a tranquil retreat with sweeping views across the tree-canopy. The open-air viewing-deck looks down on to the hotel’s own water hole and salt-lick, which attract numerous herds of elephant and buffalo. Activities include guided walks through the forest, trout fishing in the clear mountain streams and trips to the high mountain moorlands.
Mount Kenya – which reaches 5,199 metres – is Kenya’s highest mountain, a magnet for climbers and one of the world’s highest National Parks. As an extinct volcano it has a unique landscape of protected ancient forests (fast disappearing in other areas) and is also a UNESCO Natural World Heritage Site with diverse plant and animal life.
Mountain Lodge is owned and run by the high-quality Serena group of hotels. It has been carefully designed to complement its natural environment and make the most of its wonderful setting with the use of timber and elevated wooden decks, giving guests unsurpassed views of the area.
A timbered drawbridge leads from the forest and up to the lodge. Inside, there are log panelled walls, timbered game-viewing decks and winding stairs leading to a selection of snugly comfortable, cabin-styled rooms. A tunnel leads to a photo-hide, which offers spectacular viewing and photographic opportunities just metres away from the wildlife at the water hole.
Day 4: Lake Nakuru National Park
Rise early this morning to catch the sunrise over the peak of Mount Kenya, while sipping on a hot cup of coffee in the brisk morning hours. Return to your private vehicle to continue on with your journey westwards, descending from the plateaus to the floor of the Great Rift Valley. After a couple of hours of this stunning landscape, you will approach the shores of Lake Nakuru – a flamingo-fringed alkaline lake on the valley floor. Upon entering the National Park, you will wind your way towards The Cliff Kenya, which is perched perfectly on a cliff with panoramic views of Lake Nakuru. You will arrive at the lodge just in time for lunch and a bit of poolside relaxation.
- 10 luxury Tents
- Free Wi-Fi
- Infinity Pool
- Gym, Spa and fitness center
- Boat Rides
- Bird Watching
- Haute Cuisine
- Bar
- Conference facilities
Perched at the top of a 100 metre high rock face sits Lake Nakuru's newest and smartest addition - The Cliff – a 10 room luxury camp opened in June 2018. While 'luxury camp' is the simplest description, in reality The Cliff located inside the park defies conventional labels, being a combination of safari lodge, tented camp and boutique hotel, constructed and furnished in a contemporary European style.
Each tent is built on solid foundations at the edge of the cliff, and faces the lake, allowing guests 180 degree views of the panoramic paradise, yet maintaining privacy. Not wanting to waste the view, the tent is spacious and the freestanding bath looks outwards. While the exterior environment at The Cliff is pure Africa, the room interiors combine organic chic with international design to create the understated style of a modern boutique hotel.
Guests can sit on the veranda to catch the rising sun in the morning as it spreads its vivid light across the lake, nudging life into the park’s occupants and awakening its environs. At the same time, as the sun sets in the evening, the atmosphere of the park settles into the comforts of the unfolding night and the nocturnal sounds of the wilderness.
Days 5 - 6: Maasai mara Game Reserve
Wind your way out of Lake Nakuru this morning and move towards the epic finale of this adventure - safaris through the Masai Mara. Passing through the Masai heartland, you will drive towards this famous park over the course of a couple hours, with plenty of opportunities for wildlife viewing along the way. Set amongst the forest at the foot of the scenic Oloololo escarpment (the rim of the Great Rift Valley) in Kenya’s iconic Masai Mara National Reserve, is the classic and elegant Bateleur Camp - your home for the next 2 nights.
The Mara is one of the great African safari destinations and is the stage for the Great Migration. This is the annual migration of millions of Wildebeest in search of fresh grazing and water. Set out to explore on guided game drives. Search for the BIG FIVE as well as nocturnal creatures on night game drives. As an optional extra take to the skies in a hot air balloon and soar across the plains, looking down on the vast savannah dotted with game.
- Game Drives
- Bush Dinners
- Cultural Interaction
- Bush Walks
- Balloon Rides
- Wellness Treatments
- Sparkling Camp Pool
- Wi-Fi
Set amongst the forest at the foot of the scenic Oloololo escarpment (the rim of the Great Rift Valley) in Kenya’s iconic Masai Mara National Reserve, is the classic and elegant Bateleur Camp.
Comprised of just two intimate camps of nine tented suites each and a family tent; each elegant tent, with its own private butler and housekeeper reflects the ambiance and glamour of Kenyan explorers of old. Slip into a world of hardwood floors, polished silver and copper bathtubs juxtaposed against the romance of the open Mara plains, with their abundant herds of wildlife. Beautifully handcrafted artefacts, fine antiques, leather buttoned Chesterfield sofas, books, and crystal and candlelight adorn the comfortable sitting and dining areas.
Refreshing lap pools in each camp provide cool comfort in between captivating game drives. Delectable cuisine is served in a memorable setting beneath the stars and bush breakfasts and romantic sundowners offer an unforgettable African experience. Adventures at Bateleur Camp include twice-daily game drives, including spot-lit night drives. The camp also offers a range of additional activities such as bush walks, hot air balloon safaris, community excursions, a well- equipped gym and wellness treatments in our massage sala.
Day 7: Depart, Fly Wilson, Nairobi
This morning you will rise before the sun in order to squeeze in a few final moments in the bush. Enjoy a final game drive against the backdrop of a stunning sunrise, and observe the bush at one of its most active points. Whether you opt to spend the morning in search of a few final unseen species, or simply absorbing the resident wildlife as it appears, this final game drive will be spent entirely as you wish. Return to camp for a final bush breakfast before you begin your journey back to Nairobi. Depending on the timing of your outbound departure, you will either drive directly to the airport or will spend some time at a local hotel. Early morning travelers will likely spend a final night in the capital.
Tour Inclusions
- Accommodation as specified in itinerary
- Meals as indicated on itinerary
- Meet and Greet at airport during entry and exit
- Transportation in a 4X4 safari landcruiser
- Schedule flights as indicated on the itinerary
- Park entry fees
- Airstrip Transfers
- Emergency medical evacuation insurance
- Activities in camps / lodges
- Shared vehicles driven by English speaking driver guides
Tour Exclusions
- All international flights and taxes
- Gratuities and all items of a personal nature
- Meals and drinks not specified in the itinerary
- Premium Drinks, Cigars
- Visa fees (if required)
- Premium Drinks, Cigars
- Visa fees (if required)