100% customisable travel idea
Nairobi, Samburu and Maasai Mara Elegant lodges and air taxis
Kenya - Samburu - Masai Mara - Nairobi
Kenya seen from the sky
Your trip
A short flight by air taxi takes you to refined lodges, located far from the crowds, in private concessions. There you will experience magnificent vistas, flawless service, exquisite cuisine, and, ever-present, that wistful African romance. The lodges’ 4x4 vehicles , with open tops, offer breathtaking views of the natural surroundings. Twice a day, you will track wildlife with an experienced ranger. In Kenya, a century of tourism has produced the finest safari guides. Animals often come close to the lodges, but meeting them out in the open savannah is an entirely different emotion. Make the most of these exceptional moments in the best possible conditions. And if, along the way, an unexpected whim or a minor setback should arise, you have the contact details of our on-site Concierge to assist you. They give excellent tips and are very knowledgeable about the realities on the ground. Your contact for any inquiries.
Itinerary
100% customisable for you
Welcome at Nairobi airport and assistance with customs formalities, then a light aircraft flight to Samburu Reserve. Settle in for a two-night stay in a charming, authentic camp on the north bank of the Ewaso Ng’iro River. Around ten tents are pitched on wooden platforms beneath the acacias. The simplicity of the place is enhanced by more luxurious touches: quality bedding, a lovely sitting area and a private observation deck extending each tent. The furniture turns rustic charm into an aesthetic - sturdy, deep pieces you’ll feel instantly at ease in. The cuisine brings a light sophistication to bush flavours, and meals by the water are particularly enjoyable. A pool and a small spa are two excellent ways to unwind after returning from safari. From time to time, a discreet elephant crosses the camp with surprisingly light steps.
The earthy red waters of the Ewaso Ng’iro River wind through the arid Samburu Reserve, bringing it to life. Along its course, a lush oasis of doum palms and acacias has taken root. These banks draw remarkably dense wildlife, leaving the dry grasses of the golden savannah to come and drink. You'll easily spot magnificent reticulated giraffes, gerenuk (Waller’s gazelles), oryx, and the rare Grevy’s zebra. Big cats, elephants, buffalo, crocodiles and Somali ostriches are also plentiful.
In your itinerary - Two safaris per night. One takes place at dawn, the other at dusk, as these cool twilight hours are the most favourable for observing wildlife. The fauna that inhabits the Samburu bush has its own particularities, shaped by the region’s aridity and softened slightly by the presence of the river, a daily gathering point for animals. Here, you might come across the elegant gerenuk, which, unable to find rich grass at ground level, rises onto its hind legs to feed on acacia leaves. With an English-speaking ranger, you set off in an open 4x4 in search of these emblematic species.
Also planned - a private dinner in the bush, without doubt one of the most iconic safari lifestyle experiences. Far from civilisation and deep in the heart of the bush, enjoy dinner beneath the magic of the African sky.
Flight to the Masai Mara by light aircraft. Check in for a three-night stay in the Naboisho Conservancy, near a watering hole where animals come to drink. Your intimate camp (just nine tents) sits right at the heart of nature. From the restaurant and lounge to the individual tents, all spaces open outwards and are extended by a terrace. The tents are well appointed and decorated in a simple, understated style. Gone is the colonial look; here, the furnishings and décor have a modern and comfortable feel. The magic is at work all day long - on guided safaris, of course, but also as you quietly observe, comfortably settled on your terrace.
On the border with Tanzania, the Masai Mara is in fact an extension of the immense Serengeti.
In your itinerary - Two safaris per night. The reserve’s open savannahs offer herbivores seemingly endless space. Wildebeest, zebras, gazelles, hartebeest, topi and eland graze freely. Their predators - big cats of every stripe - make a point of reminding all that nature is merciless to those who can’t outrun them. Hyenas, jackals, vultures and marabou storks then deal with any remains. The imposing and indifferent elephant, meanwhile, reigns supreme. In every season, the Masai Mara is a complete ecosystem - alive, abundant, and astonishing. The park feels like a modern-day Noah’s Ark. What you see from your open 4x4 will stay with you forever.
Optional - Hot air balloon flight and bush breakfast.
Flight to Nairobi, then transfer to your hotel. Check in for one night at a grand historic establishment in the city centre. We won’t say more - except this: you have almost certainly seen this legendary hotel on the big screen. The architecture of this iconic accommodation exudes all the colonial charm of its era - a true Tudor revival, with exposed dark beams and a distinctly British feel. The meticulously tended garden is scented with sap and greenery. With a pool, fitness room, steam room and sauna, it has everything you need to recover from your journey through the African bush. A massage, a few strides on the treadmill or a dip in the cool water are all a great choice.
In your itinerary - Nairobi in private. The day begins with a visit to the elephant orphanage founded by Daphne Sheldrick, widow of renowned game warden David Sheldrick, who was at the heart of the anti-poaching wars in Tsavo. The centre takes in elephant calves orphaned by poaching or natural causes and provides specialised treatment and constant care until they become independent and can be reintegrated into Tsavo’s wild herds. The day continues with a visit to the Karen Blixen House Museum, an iconic site that bears the baroness’s name - a chance to step into the fascinating world of this pioneering woman, made famous by her autobiographical novel “Out of Africa”, later adapted into the classic film of the same name. Next is the Kazuri bead workshop, employing nearly 300 Kenyan women. They hand-craft clay beads, found today in major retailers across European capitals.
Private transfer to Nairobi Airport and return flight. Night on board, arrival the next day.
À la carte
This suggested itinerary can be customisable down to the smallest detail, including duration, stops and content. An à la carte menu of experiences is also available to create a journey that reflects who you are.
Hot-air balloon flight over the Masai Mara
At dawn, the balloon rises into the air at the same pace as the rising sun. Its pink light gradually illuminates the vast plains of the Masai Mara, the leafy canopy of umbrella acacias and the hills. At this time, the animals are already out and about. Seen from above, the spectacle is breathtaking. During the great migration, all the major African mammals parade in endless columns beneath your feet. Your vantage point is truly one of a kind. When you land, a bush breakfast awaits you, served with a glass of sparkling wine. The return journey is actually a real safari through the Mara.Optional- Half-day. <
With a few more days…
Amboseli National Park - The second most popular reserve in Kenya after the Masai Mara, Amboseli is also one of the most emblematic in Africa. Its savannah landscapes, ideal for wildlife observation,are home to many of Africa’s iconic mammals, including buffalo, kudu, giraffes, zebras, wildebeest, lions and cheetahs. Birds are equally abundant, and you are sure to spot white pelicans, crowned cranes, sacred ibises, and African openbills throughout the area. The reserve is explored by car, following safari rules. All animals, including elephants and hyraxes, always have priority over vehicles. With the majestic silhouette of Kilimanjaro in the distance.Lamu Archipelago - North of the Kenyan coast, islands and islets form the picturesque and bohemian decor for a stay in Lamu. The ever-alluring Indian Ocean advances and retreats with the tides that are the hallmark of the East African coast. In Lamu, you will not only visit an idyllic archipelago with its beaches and mangroves. You will also discover Swahili culture, born from the blending of African, Arab and Indian influences. The charming town of Lamu is the oldest in the former British colony, and perhaps even in all East Africa. It's the chic Kathmandu of Africa. This once-thriving port is now a haven of peace and a treasure of unspoiled architecture.
Optional - Please contact us.
Why visit Kenya with Voyageurs du monde?
Every day, our travel specialists craft bespoke experiences shaped around each traveller's profile, desires and budget. These passionate experts design experiences delivered on the ground by a local network of Concierges and trusted contacts. These fully customisable, made-to-measure trips are complemented by a wide range of high-end services (lounges, 24/7 assistance, travel booklet, app, Wi-Fi, restaurant booking, etc.)
Let us create your tripA few of the advantages of travelling with us to Kenya
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