Sample of a 12 Day Kenya Safari

from $3,850

Day 1: Nairobi, Giraffe Manor (morning arrival)
Days 2 - 3: Chyulu, Ol Donyo Wuas
Days 4 - 5: Laikipia, Lewa Safari Camp
Day 6: Naivasha, Karuru Tuu
Days 7 - 8: Baringo, Samatian Island
Days 9 - 11: Lamu, Manda Bay
Day 12: Flight Lamu to Nairobi - END

Day 1: NAIROBI, Giraffe Manor
JKIA to Giraffe Manor
Travel Distance: 20 km
Travel time: 45 minutes
Meal plan: B, L, D

Our company representative will be waiting for you at the airport to welcome you to Kenya. The drive from the airport to the Giraffe Manor passes close to the boundary of the Nairobi National Park, the first National Park to be opened in Kenya in 1946. In this park one can still witness the wilderness of Africa – lions feeding on a buffalo, giraffe gracefully grazing on the leaves of the acacia tree, rhino feeding – all this as the outline of the busy Nairobi skyline lies visible only some 8km away.

Giraffe Manor is located in the outskirts of the capital city. The drive into the compound of the Giraffe Manor passes through a dirt road, along a riverine forest. Although only a few minutes away from the city center, the vegetation, with warthogs and giraffe roaming in the compound, makes you feel far away from civilization.

After lunch, you can spend the afternoon walking around the gardens, feeding and photographing the giraffes and the warthogs. You can also visit the Giraffe Center just a few meters away, or take a walk in the indigenous forest along the Nature Walk.

The Giraffe Manor has four bedrooms, all, of various sizes. The main dinning room, paneled in wood, has a large table and the chairs are covered in rich fabric. Big arched windows looking towards Ngong Hills, line the sun-room, where breakfast and lunch are served. The Ngong Hills were made famous by the movie 'Out of Africa'. In 1931, Karen Blixen settled close to the Ngong foothills with her husband, Baron Bror Blixen, and established a coffee farm, which she abandoned in the 1930's. The local Masai folklore talks of these hills as being the knuckles of a fallen giant. Your first night will be spent in the luxury of this wonderful manor.

Day 2: CHYULU HILLS, Ol Donyo Wuas
Giraffe Manor to Ol Donyo Wuas
Travel Distance: By Air
Travel Time: Approx. 1 hour
Meal plan: B, L, D

You awake on your first morning to the sounds of some of the 200 bird species found in the Giraffe Manor gardens. After a wonderful breakfast, our vehicle will be waiting for you at 0700hrs to transfer you to Wilson Airport for your onward flight to Chyulu Hills. The flight departs at 0845hrs and takes you over the inselberg-dotted Athi-Kapiti plains, heading south-east. On clear days, you may see Mt. Kenya on take off from the Wilson airport and Mt. Kilimanjaro after a few minutes into the flight. The flight arrives at the Chyulu Hills airstrip after an hour of flying.

The Chyulu Hills form a relatively young volcanic ridge of scenic rolling hills, dating back to about 400 years or so. The porous volcanic rocks allow the rainwater to percolate through them, forming sub- terrene rivers. Various caves also exist in this subterranean region, some extending for as long as twelve kilometers.

Your vehicle will be waiting for you at the airstrip. A short drive on the murram road ascends the hills, arriving at Ol Donyo Wuas, perched on a ridge at the Chyulu Hills. The scenery from here is superb, looking into the vast African plains dotted with acacias, leading to the towering Kilimanjaro in the horizon. All cottages are have hot water showers and flush toilets, and are furnished with local furniture, handicrafts and fabrics. The veranda from each of the cottages has a huge vista of the plains with the dominating massif of Kilimanjaro. The lounge has a high thatched roof, and serves as the dining area as well as the bar. It has one side that is open to the scenic plains below.

At Ol Donyo Wuas, you can enjoy the various activities on offer, which include day and night game drives and horse riding in the African plains to see game. These options are flexible and there are no other tourists to clutter up the scene. Your first night under the thatched, comfortable cottages will be one of your most memorable nights.

Day 3: CHYULU HILLS, Ol Donyo Wuas
Travel Distance: Nil
Travel Time: Nil
Meal plan: B, L, D

Today will be spent at the Ol Donyo Wuas, enjoying the game drives and horse riding amongst the game in the vast plains. Meals will be served at the camp or in the bush. After dinner, you can enjoy the night sounds and the serenity of the African bush from the comfort of your cottage.

Day 4: LEWA DOWNS, Lewa Safari Camp
Chyulu to Lewa Downs via Nairobi
Travel Distance: By Air
Travel Time: Chyulu to Nairobi to Lewa: Approx. 2hr 35min
Meal plan: B, L, D

After an early breakfast, our vehicle will be waiting to transfer you to the airstrip for your flight to Nairobi. The flight departs at 0945hrs from the Chyulu Airstrip, arriving into Wilson airport at 1105hrs. Your onward flight to Lewa Downs departs at 1130hrs from the same airport.

The flight path from Nairobi to Lewa takes you above the Kenya Highlands, with Mt. Kenya and the Aberdare Massif being the prominent geological structures visible. Mt. Kenya is the largest free-standing volcanic mountain in the world, rising to an altitude of 5,199 meters above sea level. The equator crosses the northern slopes of the mountain, and the peaks are covered in snow all year round. The volcanic soils are extremely fertile in this area, and are intensively cultivated.

After a wonderful 45 minute flight above the Kenyan landscape, the plane lands at the Lewa Safari Camp airstrip. Our 4 wheel drive vehicle will transfer you from the airstrip to the Lewa Safari Camp. Lewa Safari Camp is located in the Lewa Wildlife Conservancy, Lewa Downs. The Conservancy is a pioneer in wildlife preservation, and is dedicated to wildlife conservation and community development. Lewa Downs is situated dramatically between Mt. Kenya and the magnificent Northern Frontier District. The superb scenery and wildlife in the area has made this place a favorite amongst many visitors.

Your accommodation at Lewa Safari Camp will be in discreetly spaced, permanent luxury ensuite tents, with hot and cold running water and flush toilets. Meals are served in a dinning area, which is separated from a warm cozy lounge by an open log fire. In the evening, guests can sit around the campfire under the starry tropical skies.

The activities for your stay at Lewa Safari Camp include day and night game drives, bush walks, sundowners, educational talks on the day to day operation of the conservancy and visits to a pre-historic archaeological site and game blinds. A refreshing dip in the camp pool as the hot tropical sun shines down at noon is welcoming.

Day 5: LEWA DOWNS, Lewa Safari Camp
Today will be spent at the Lewa Safari Camp, enjoying game-drives, bush walks, sundowners, educational talks and visits to the pre-historic archaeological site and the game blinds. Meals will be served at the camp. After dinner, you can enjoy the sounds of the African bush and the mesmerizing log fire under the night skies.

Day 6: NAIVASHA, Karuru Tuu
Lewa Downs to Naivasha via Nairobi
Travel Distance, Lewa to Nairobi: By air
Travel Time: 1hr
Meal plan: B, L, D
Travel Distance, Nairobi to Naivasha: 130km
Travel Time: 2hrs 30min

After a leisure breakfast at Lewa, you can opt to either spend your time at leisure or enjoy the activities on offer at Lewa. An early lunch will be served at 1200hrs. Our vehicle will transfer you to the airstrip at 1245hrs for your onward flight to Nairobi. The flight departs at 1315hrs, arriving into Nairobi at 1415hrs. Your vehicle will be waiting for you for your drive to Naivasha. The drive takes you along the cool conifer forests to the edge of the Great Rift Valley. The view opens up unannounced, disclosing the enormity of the rift. Various volcanic mountains in the valley are visible from here, the most prominent one being Mt. Longonot, rising up to over 9,000 feet above sea level. The rift began forming some 25 million years ago, and with massive earth movements and volcanic eruptions, the scenic African landscape with its savannahs that you see in front of you, was formed.

The road that leads down the escarpment was built by the Italian Prisoners' of War in the 1940's. They constructed a small church to mark the end of the tortuous descend of the road into the rift valley. From here on, the drive takes you along the rift floor. By-passing the town of Naivasha, and about 35km later, you arrive at Karuru Tuu. The tranquil setting of the house, with a large garden and right on the edge of the lake, supports a wealth of birdlife, thorn trees and vegetation. The house contains five double en-suite rooms.

As the sun goes down, you can freshen up and prepare yourself for a relaxing evening at Karuru Tuu. Karuru Tuu is a double story house on the shores of Lake Naivasha. 'Karuru' means Fish Eagle in Masai and the haunting call of the eagle greets you in the mornings. The splendid features of Karuru Tuu include the dramatic reception rooms and a truly stunning observation deck. The house commands magnificent views in every direction, of Lake Naivasha, Mt. Longonot and the Great Rift Valley. The tranquil setting of the house, with a large garden and right on the edge of the lake, supports a wealth of birdlife, thorn trees and vegetation. The house contains five double en-suite rooms. As the sun goes down, you can freshen up and prepare yourself for a relaxing evening at Karuru Tuu.

Day 7: BARINGO, Samatian Island
Naivasha to Baringo
Travel Distance, Naivasha to Baringo: 230km
Travel Time: 3hrs 30min
Meal plan: B, L, D

After a leisure breakfast at Karuru Tuu, our vehicle will be waiting to drive you to Lake Baringo at 0900hrs. The drive is in the floor of the Rift Valley, and the rift escarpment stands out as the most prominent land feature along the drive. Lake Baringo is a fresh water rift valley lake. The lake is home to over 400 bird species. Arriving at Lake Baringo, a boat will be waiting for you take you to Samatian Island.

Samatian Island is one of the many islands in Lake Baringo which was formed by the volcanic activity associated with the rift valley. Set on a private island with breath-taking views across the bronze waters of the Great Rift Valley's Lake Baringo, Samatian offers the ultimate in relaxation. The beauty of Baringo and her surroundings is legendary – spectacular sunsets, a dazzling array of colorful bird life, Njemps fishermen continuing a trade little changed for over 200 years, and the imposing Laikipia Escarpment creating a magnificent backdrop to the lake and her inhabitants.

Samatian can accommodate 10 guests in four simple, airy, open-plan thatched chalets all with superb views of the lake. One chalet is ideal for families with a double and a twin bedroom - one upstairs and one downstairs, veranda, sitting room and bathroom. The other chalets have one bedroom and adjacent bathroom and sitting room. The open rooms provide a welcome breeze whilst mosquito nets provide protection in the evenings. The dining area has a panoramic view of the lake and the rugged Northern Frontier District of Kenya. The breakfast area overlooks the large shady pontoon from which guests can water-ski and swim.

A variety of activities are available at Samatian Island - bird walks, boat trips, fishing and sundowners, or just relaxation in this isolated peaceful island.

Day 8: BARINGO, Samatian Island
Day Excursion to Lake Bogoria
Travel Distance, Baringo - Bogoria - Baringo: 130km
Travel Time: 2 hours
Meal plan: B, L, D

After a leisure breakfast at Samatian Island, a boat will transfer you to the mainland where our vehicle will be waiting for you to proceed on your day excursion to Lake Bogoria. Lake Bogoria, unlike Lake Baringo, is an alkaline lake, and typically exhibits the features of a rift valley lake - long, narrow and dominated by the Siracho Escarpment to the east.

The lake is well known for its hot water springs and flamingoes. The alkaline nature of the lake results in the growth of algae, which is the main food source for the flamingoes. The hot water springs reflect the enormous energy within the earth that resulted in the formation of the rift valley and the associated volcanic activity. Picnic lunch will be served at Lake Bogoria as you enjoy the scenic beauty of this unspoiled area. After lunch, the drive takes you back to the comfort of Samatian Island for the night.

Day 9: LAMU, Manda Bay
Baringo to Nairobi to Lamu
Travel Distance, Baringo to Nairobi: 300km
Travel Time: 4 hours
Meal plan: Bed & Breakfast

Flight: Nairobi to Lamu
Travel Time: 1hr 45min
Meal plan: B, L, D

After an early breakfast at Samatian, our vehicle will drive you to Wilson airport, Nairobi. The drive climbs out of the rift valley over a 9km road with sharp bends. The view into the valley is stunning. Once out of the valley, the road is lined with conifers which gradually gives way to roadside 'shambas' or small cultivated farms, and finally into the well settled areas. You will arrive at the Wilson Airport in Nairobi by 1130hrs.

Your check in time for the next flight to the coast is 1215hrs. The flight departs at 1315hrs and takes you over the featureless plains leading to the coast. On clear days, you will see Mt. Kenya & Mt. Kilimanjaro. After about two hours flying time, the appearance of palm trees signals your arrival to the coastal province.

The Kenyan coast has been on the world map since A.D 150, as is seen on the 'Map of the World' by Ptolemy. The Arabs came to the Kenyan coast to trade, and eventually intermarried and settled down here. They created a new language and culture called 'Swahili'. The Portuguese and British also used the coast as a base for many of their hinterland expeditions, leaving behind many monuments which can still be seen today. The tropical Kenyan coast is a wonderful place to relax, enjoy the warm blue waters of the Indian Ocean and cherish the unhurried life style.

The plane touches down on the Manda Island airstrip at 1510hrs. Lamu Island is situated just a few minutes by boat from the Manda airstrip. The Island was first settled as early as the second century. It was a trading port along the East African coast from where ivory, slaves and rhino horn were exported during its rich history. Today, Lamu is an important port for trading in mangrove poles. Mangrove and coral are important construction material for houses in Lamu. The length of the mangrove poles decides the widths of many alcoves of the houses on the island! The only existing car on the island belongs to the District Officer, and this vehicle can be driven for only 2km along the waterfront! Donkeys and dhows are the most common means of transport for the islanders. While walking along the narrow streets, a running donkey may force you to hop into one of the little shops that line these streets, just so that you can get out of its way as it comes galloping down the street!

>From the airstrip, our boat will transfer you to Manda Bay. Manda Bay is located on the north-western tip of Manda Island, one of the many unspoiled idyllic islands to be found in the romantic Lamu archipelago. It lies in calm inshore waters on a long sandy protected beach. With miles of soft white sand, fascinating creeks and small islets to explore, it makes a perfect retreat for both family groups and honeymooners alike. Manda Bay is a safe haven where time stands still and nature is allowed to take its course without the interference of the modern world.

In keeping with the local landscape and artisans, the accommodation consists of 10 cottages constructed from local material. Five rooms are set right on the seafront and five are set in-between and slightly behind the ocean rooms on higher ground. There is a central dinning room and bar area featuring locally crafted Lamu furniture and overlooking the bay with a separate secluded lounge area perfect for unwinding over an ocean sundowner.

You will spend your relaxing days at the coast in the luxury and comfort of Manda Bay.
Days 10 to 11: LAMU
Manda Bay
Meal plan: Bed & Breakfast

Days 10 to 11 are spent at Manda Bay, relaxing and enjoying the slow lifestyle of the Kenyan coast.

Day 12 Lamu to Nairobi
Travel Distance: By air
Travel Time: 2hrs 15min
Meal plan: Bed & Breakfast

Today is your last day in Kenya. A boat will transfer you to the Manda Island airstrip. Your reporting time is 1415hrs. The flight departs at 1500hrs, arriving into Nairobi about 2hrs later. A vehicle will be waiting for you. If the timings of your International flight permit, a dinner cuisine at Haveli, one of the worlds famous Indian food restaurant, can be included for your last evening meal, after which our vehicle will transfer you to the Jomo Kenyatta International Airport for your onward flight.
Minimum booking 2 adults
Prices subject to change without prior notice.
Reservations are subject to availability at the time of booking.
Flight times subject to change based on airline schedule
Price includes:
1) All local flights as indicated in the itinerary
2) Accommodation sharing in one double room / tent
3) All park fees
4) Game drives as indicated in the itinerary
5) Meal plan as indicated in the itinerary
6) Transfers to and from airport
7) Africa Air Rescue emergency evacuation insurance (note, this is not a medical insurance cover. Please ensure you are sufficiently covered with your own medical and travelling insurance cover)

Price excludes:
1) Airfare to Kenya
2) Drinks
3) Any personal expenses
4) Tips
5) Visas
6) Any other items not mentioned above
7) Medical and traveling insurance.
Please note closed dates for the following accommodations:
Lewa Safari Camp: Closed from 1st April to 15th May: Closed from 1st to 30th November.
Ol Donyo Wuas: Closed in April, May & November.
Manda Island: Closed from 16th May to 14th July