Itinerary

Day 1 Nairobi

Nairobiis the least expensive arrival city for flights with a full range of hotels and local attractions. Dubbed the “Safari Capital of the World,” cool, clear and cosmopolitanNairobiis the natural departure point for most safari itineraries. A city of contrasts, it is simultaneously the largest, the youngest, the most modern, the highest (1700m) and the fastest growing city inEast Africa. High-altitudeNairobienjoys a pleasant tropical climate all year round. There are ATMs and banks to stock up on cash, great restaurants, and malls where you can purchase any forgotten items.

In the event of serious illness, all travellers are covered by Flying Doctors Insurance. This covers the cost of emergency air evacuation service needed to fly back to Nairobi for treatment. This insurance does not cover the cost of medical treatment.

Kensington Tours donates a portion of proceeds to our charitable initiative www.kensingtoncares.com which supports education-based initiatives in disadvantaged communities.

You will receive a private airport transfer to/from the airport.

The Fairmont Norfolk Hotel is situated in the centre of the bustling city of Nairobi, in Kenya, and has grown over time with the city. Surrounded by private tropical gardens, the 168 guest rooms are comfortable and with all the necessities of home. Dining is offered at a number of onsite restaurants, and the breakfast buffet is especially delightful. Spend some time getting to know the city, and then escape to the tranquility of the hotel. Or, get into shape at the fitness center and swimming pool.

Overnight at The Norfolk Hotel.

Day 2 Amboseli

Amboseli National Park, is 260 km (160 mi) south of Nairobi, on the Kenya and Tanzania border. It is most famous for its spectacular views of Kilimanjaro. A system of swamps makes this low-rainfall area one of the best wildlife-viewing experiences in the world. The park protects two of the five main swamps, and includes a dried-up Pleistocene lake and semi-arid vegetation. Noted in particular for its large elephant herds, Amboseli is the third most visited game area in Kenya after Masai Mara and Nakuru.

Today you will drive from Nairobi to Amboseli National Park.

This afternoon you'll meet up with your guide and head out into Amboseli National Park. The park is famous for being the best place in Africa to get close to free-ranging elephants. On a clear day, you'll also have spectacular views of Mount Kilimanjaro, the highest free-standing mountain in the world.

The Tortilis Camp, set up in the centre of Amboseli National Park, is an extraordinary model of the level of opulence that can be reached by camps. An award-winning ecotourism lodge, the Tortilis Camp is built of 17 tents structured on raised wooden platforms. Each is accompanied by private bathrooms with rich hot spring water flowing from the veins of the landscape. The views here are unsurpassed, with elephants and other wildlife passing en masse. The campsite makes for lively dining, as animals stroll past with Kilimanjaro rising in the background. Meals are fresh and succulent, with vegetables and herbs gathered from the camp’s garden. Besides interacting with the surroundings, there is a swimming pool and an abundance of tours and bush walks.

Overnight at Tortillis Camp.

Day 3 Amboseli

This morning you will meet up with your guide for your game drive through Amboseli. Famous for its great herds of Elephants. The African elephants are distinguished from Asian elephants in several ways, the most noticeable being their ears which are much larger. The African elephant is typically larger than the Asian elephant and has a concave back. Both African males and females have external tusks and are usually less hairy than their Asian cousins. The elephant's gestation period is 22 months, the longest of any land animal. At birth it is common for an elephant calf to weigh 120 kilograms (260 lb).

This afternoon you'll meet up with your guide and head out into Amboseli National Park. The park is famous for being the best place in Africa to get close to free-ranging elephants. On a clear day, you'll also have spectacular views of Mount Kilimanjaro, the highest free-standing mountain in the world.

Overnight at Tortillis Camp.

Day 4 Laikipia

Laikipia District is located on the Equator in the central region of the country. The district has two major urban centres: Nanyuki to the southeast, and Nyahururu to the southwest. Its capital is the town ofNanyuki. Centered around the original Laikipia National Reserve, this area has become a sanctuary for elephant, lion, leopard, buffalo, and a wealth of plains game, including many endemic northern species. Laikipia has become a focus for many conservation efforts.

If time allows, your expert guide will be fitting in one more game drives before dropping you off at the airstrip. It will be your last chance to see the park's diverse range of animals.

Sit back and relax during this short flight departing the Amboseli Airport to Wilson Airport in Nairobi, Kenya today. The flight duration is approximately 45 minutes.

This flight departs Nairobi (Wilson), and arrives in Loisaba, Laikipia, Kenya.

A representative from your lodge will pick you up and transfer you between the lodge and airstrip.

Loisaba is immense: bigger than ten of the world's fully-fledged nations. You could take months exploring this land and never encounter the same view twice. We can assure you that you will not bump into anyone else and you will see the most extraordinary natural wonders - spectacular animal life that is wild, free and exhilarating to observe and a kaleidoscopic variety of birds, both endemic and migratory.

Loisaba is made for adventure: guests enjoy complete freedom to choose how they spend their time so the only barrier is your own imagination. Trek through the bush with camels, mountain bike down the escarpment, raft, horseback-ride or drive through the wild canyons of the two great rivers that span the vast property.

Loisaba Lodge & its celebrated Star beds lie at the border of Laikipia and Kenya’s Northern Frontier District, not far from Mount Kenya. Its 14 rooms, divided by open-air bedrooms that rise high into the sky, a snug cottage and a house, could make one truly believe they’ve been written into a magical novel. Sixty-thousand acres of private, untapped beauty and open land, inhabited by wildlife and all sorts of characters from a jungle book, contribute to the sheer beauty of this private escape. Local warriors guard the Star Beds and cook meals over an open fire, while other times traditional barbeque is prepared for a taste of the earth. Activities are endless, from game treks on foot to rock climbing, mountain biking, and river rafting. This is nature’s hiding place.

Overnight at Loisaba Lodge.

Day 5 Laikipia

One of the best ways to view the wildlife at Loisaba is on a game drive. Whether you go early in the morning or late afternoon, you own informative guide will take you in an open vehicle across the open plains, through the bush or along the river bank viewing the wide variety of game, birds, plants and trees. Loisaba is a true big five destination with access to the Mugie Rhino sanctuary, regular sightings of Leopard, Lion, and Wildogs are possible!

Fishing can be arranged in the river and dams all year round. Equipment, both modern and traditional can be supplied together with drinks and a picnic.

A great way to view the stunning diversity of Loisaba is on foot. You will be accompanied by traditional Samburu guides whose knowledge of local flora, fauna, cultural and history is unmatched. For a unique cultural experience, spend an afternoon down at the traditional Masai village - a great experience see how the Masai live, watch them dance and view some of their beadwork.

Overnight at Loisaba Lodge.

Day 6 Laikipia

Camel Safaris: The traditional mode of transport in the dry land of Northern Kenya and another great way to experience Loisaba. Short or longer walks can be arranged or as well as over night camel camps using lightweight tentage for the more intrepid. Or head out into the park on horseback! Experience the unique exhilaration of riding on the plains with a herd of zebra, walking gently through a graceful forest of giraffe or past a herd of elephant. On horseback it is possible to get unusually close to wildlife and our stable of horses have all been reared from birth in the bush so are quite accustomed to its presence. We do, however, require a reasonable degree of riding skill.

The leopard hide is situated at the bottom of the escarpment. Meat is placed in an acacia treein front of the hide daily and you will have the chance to spot at least three different leopards or even striped hyena. Both animals are very rarely seen on game drives; this could be your best chance of seeing them on your safari!

For those who would like to spot the leopard from a farther vantage point, you can use the telescope on the front deck of the lodge. Though the sightings are not as spectacular, you do have the added advantage of sipping a drink and watching the sunset from the deck.

Loisaba Lodge & its celebrated Star beds lie at the border of Laikipia and Kenya’s Northern Frontier District, not far from Mount Kenya. Its 14 rooms, divided by open-air bedrooms that rise high into the sky, a snug cottage and a house, could make one truly believe they’ve been written into a magical novel. Sixty-thousand acres of private, untapped beauty and open land, inhabited by wildlife and all sorts of characters from a jungle book, contribute to the sheer beauty of this private escape. Local warriors guard the Star Beds and cook meals over an open fire, while other times traditional barbeque is prepared for a taste of the earth. Activities are endless, from game treks on foot to rock climbing, mountain biking, and river rafting. This is nature’s hiding place.

Overnight at Loisaba Lodge.

Day 7 Masai Mara

Masai Mara is the northernmost portion of the larger Serengeti ecosystem and features the best game viewing in the region. The small size funnels animals into a tight space, and park rules allow for off-road driving which means that guests can venture into plains covered with hundreds or even thousands of animals. Take an optional hot air balloon ride over the plains, with the opportunity for amazing pictures of the animal herds below.

A representative from your lodge will pick you up and transfer you between the lodge and airstrip.

Enjoy this short flight departing Loisaba, Laikipia and arriving in Masai Mara, Kenya today. The flight duration is approximately 45 minutes.

A representative from your lodge will pick you up and transfer you between the lodge and airstrip.

Head out in the afternoon on a game drive with others at the lodge. Drives typically head out around 4pm when the game is becoming more active and emerging out from shade as the hot sun decends.

Cottar’s Camp is an intimate family built camp located in a private reserve near the Masai Mara National Park, in Kenya. With eighty years of Safari service on their sleeves, the Cottar family leads you by the hand in exploring this diverse landscape. The camp provides tents for up to 12 guests in a relaxing setting built with a 1920's antique charm. Dining consists of local bush cuisine, often taken beside the waterfalls or on game drives. The outdoor veranda offers a stunning view of the surroundings and the opportunity to take a bush bath and perhaps a massage on the doorstep of this backdrop is swoon-worthy.

Overnight at Cottars Camp.

Day 8 Masai Mara

Early this morning you will meet up with others at the lodge for your game drive. Drives are typically done in the morning at 6:30am for a few hours.

Sign up for optional activities (not included in tour price); guided nature walk, hot air balloon ride, cultural tours and more. You can also arrange to volunteer for the day at Mara West and pay any associated fees directly on-site. Volunteer activities range from individual to community projects.

Head out in the afternoon on a game drive with others at the lodge. Drives typically head out around 4pm when the game is becoming more active and emerging out from shade as the hot sun decends.

Overnight at Cottars Camp.

Day 9 Masai Mara

Early this morning you will meet up with others at the lodge for your game drive. Drives are typically done in the morning at 6:30am for a few hours.

Head out in the afternoon on a game drive with others at the lodge. Drives typically head out around 4pm when the game is becoming more active and emerging out from shade as the hot sun decends.

Overnight at Cottars Camp.
    
Day 10 Nairobi

A representative from your lodge will pick you up and transfer you between the lodge and airstrip.

This short domestic flight departs from Masai Mara and arrives at Wilson Airport in Nairoba, Kenya today. The flight duration is approximately 45 minutes.

You will receive a private airport transfer to/from the airport.

Stop by Palacina's Moonflower Restaurant and Lounge for a three-course a'la carte meal. Take advantage of the free wireless internet connection and lounge before catching your flight tonight. Consistently rated among the top dining establishments in Nairobi, The Moonflower embodies the finest of Kenyan cuisine & hospitality. The subtle fusion of Mediterranean & Swahili cultures is evident in the contemporary menu featuring the very best of Kenyan produce. The Moonflower is a 50-seat a' la Carte restaurant featuring a live Jazz band as well as background Jazz music. You will receive a transfer to the airport after dinner.

Depart from Nairobi international airport - end of itinerary.

Overnight at Depart.

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