Day 1
Welcome to Kenya! On arrival, you will be met by our representative and enjoy your first game drive through Nairobi National Park, ending at your accommodation for the evening. Overnight at Ololo Lodge, a beautiful and tranquil oasis just 45 minutes from the airport. Staff will greet you at the end of a swing bridge spanning the Mbagathi River and guide you up the path to the lodge, where a gourmet dinner, refreshing swimming pool, and exceptional service await.
Ololo Lodge
Day 2
It’s time to embark on an adventurous, 3-day walking safari through some of Kenya’s most beautiful landscapes! After an early breakfast and hotel check out, you will be driven to northwards to Eastern Laikipia, an area north of Mt. Kenya known for its wilderness and wildlife. A Karisia driver-guide will meet you in Nanyuki and drive you to the Karisia base to begin your journey. You will meet your team of guides and trusty camels, who will be transporting your camp each day. Once the camels have been loaded up, the adventure begins! Make your way through an area boasting the highest diversity of large mammals in Kenya. This region is also home to several endangered species, including the Grevy’s Zebra and African wild dog.
As the night approaches, your camp will be set up in a convenient location and though you may be camping in the heart of the bush, you will lack for nothing with piping hot showers available at the end of each day, sumptuous 3-course dinners, and a warm bed complete with hot water bottles.
Karisia mobile campsite
Day 3 – 4
During the next 2 days, you will enjoy a morning walk and an evening walk. Rise early to take advantage of every opportunity to spot game, particularly large predators. Your journey covers a wide variety of scenery, ranging from a rocky outcrop to rich green bush, where it is not uncommon to come across lions, hyenas, wild dogs, and leopards. Along the way, learn about the bush with your guides pointing out plants and their various medical uses, the different animal tracks and droppings you come across, and the many species of birds you will see. Spend the afternoon relaxing, swimming, and fishing by the river before taking an evening walk to a sundowner spot with wonderful views of Mt. Kenya. Continue to camp, which will be awaiting your arrival each evening.
Karisia mobile campsite
Day 5
Today, say a heartfelt goodbye to your Karisia walking safari guides, then enjoy a transfer to Nanyuki airstrip and catch a flight to the western edge of the Great Rift Valley, in the Loita hills. This area is an Africa most travelers never see, straddled as it is between 2 iconic and more frequented destinations of the Serengeti and Maasai Mara. Tomorrow, you will set off on another multi-day walking safari, but today, you will be greeted by the Maasai guides from Jan’s Camp and head to camp for lunch. There’s time to relax and explore the surrounding area if you wish. After dinner, you will be briefed on tomorrow’s trail.
Jan’s Camp
Day 6
Embark on your next walking safari. This time around, the camp is transported by donkeys, and your guides are local Maasai from the Loita area. Travel on foot through this untamed wilderness to Oltyiani, the highest point in the Loita overlooking the Rift Valley. As the donkey caravan sets off into the forest to set up the next camp, your Maasai guides will be happy to share their customs and culture whilst teaching you the lore of the bush. They are reputed to be the most conservative of this tribe, dedicated to their traditions, ceremonies, and rites of passage.
Oltyiani Trail Camp
Day 7
After breakfast, depart from camp and climb up to the edge of the Rift Valley, where you’ll be treated to awe-inspiring views. Descend to the mighty Ol Lasur Waterfall and enjoy a refreshing swim, then climb back up to the top for a scenic lunch overlooking the Rift Valley. You’ll arrive at your next camp in time for leisurely drinks and dinner by the river.
Oltyian River Camp
Day 8
Say goodbye to your guides and fellow trekkers this morning, then fly to the world-renowned Maasai Mara for a more traditional safari experience. Enjoy a game drive en route to Sentinel Mara Camp and arrive in time for a scrumptious lunch. Here, you’ll enjoy more creature comforts, including wifi and ensuite toilets, while still feeling secluded amongst some of Kenya’s most beautiful wilderness. After lunch, there will be time for an afternoon siesta and an evening game drive, followed by a drink as you watch the Mara’s spectacular sunset, rounding off a fabulous day on safari.
Sentinel Mara Camp
Day 9 – 10
Spend the next 2 days exploring the Maasai Mara and its large diversity of beautiful scenery, including meandering rivers, towering escarpments, and rolling grasslands that provide the perfect habitat for the abundance of game, including the Big 5: lion, leopard, buffalo, elephant, and black rhino. In the morning, there is the opportunity to rise early and experience a game viewing adventure from an entirely different perspective! A hot air balloon safari across the Masai Mara (at additional cost) which takes off in the crisp morning air, and lasts for approximately an hour, allows for a beautifully peaceful experience floating silently high above plains, forests, and rivers. Keep your eyes peeled as you hunt for the last members on your “must see” list.
Sentinel Mara Camp
Day 11
Your fabulous journey in Kenya comes to an end today. After breakfast, you’ll be driven to the nearest airstrip for your flight to Nairobi. Our representative will meet you at the domestic airport and transfer you to the international airport, where you’ll begin your journey home.
