Morning departure from either Jomo Kenyatta International Airport OR Wilson Airport, Nairobi and a 50-minute flight to Ol Kiombo airstrip in the Masai Mara National Game Reserve, where you will stay at Encounter Mara Eco-Camp. On arrival, you will be greeted with refreshments and by your private safari guide, before a being driven on a game drive in a bespoke safari cruiser to the lodge in time for lunch. In the afternoon, enjoy an afternoon siesta before departing on a late afternoon game drive within the private Naboisho conservancy, followed by a sundowner overlooking the panoramic landscape. In the evening, our dedicated wildlife experts will introduce themselves and give an informal talk on their specialist species.

Encounter Mara Eco-Camp
Set in the sought-after Mara Naboisho Conservancy, this is an award-winning eco-cam. With some of the best game viewing in Africa, all year round, the camp is unabashedly lavish in comfort.
Shaded by a thick acacia forest, Encounter Mara is a tented camp that enjoys glorious views of the surrounding savannah, while closer at hand a salt lick attracts a range of animals throughout the day, from plains game to big cats. The sheer comfort of the traditional-style safari camp combined with the opportunity for bush walks and night drives mean that there are few more rewarding places from which to experience this slice of wild Africa.
Flight time Nairobi Wilson to Ol Kiombo Approx 45 Mins
Overnight Encounter Mara Eco-Camp (BLD)

Meet your wildlife experts and depart for an early morning game drive within the Masai Mara National Game Reserve. Our specialist wildlife experts will travel with you in bespoke safari cruisers to track the most Vulnerable of the big cats; Lion & Cheetah. The very existence of these two big cat species is becoming increasingly vulnerable worldwide and our specialist experts, who are at the forefront of conservation of species, are on hand exclusively, to educate and enlighten you towards the valiant efforts being made to protect these amazing animals. Tracking the big cats can take time as they can travel long distances. Follow the signs and find the prides either hunting or sunbathing.

Lion (Panthera leo) the population of Lion Africa-wide is inferred to have undergone a dramatic reduction of approximately 43% over the past 21 years (approximately three Lion generations, (1993-2014). This serious reduction is primarily attributed to the predator human conflict.

Cheetah(Acinonyx jubatus) The total known Cheetah population is roughly 6,700 adult and adolescent animals distributed across 29 subpopulations worldwide. Of these, 1,960 adults are found in Eastern Africa. Their decline is primarily attributed to the territory conflict with Lions, which in turn is attributed to the predator human conflict.

Stop for a hearty lunch under an Acacia tree overlooking the sprawling Mara plains. In the afternoon, continue tracking and following the big cats and look out for the Southern Ground Hornbill (Bucorvus leadbeateri) now also considered to be a Vulnerable species. Arrive back at the lodge in time for a sundowner or relax and review your stunning photographs from the day.

0630hrs (optional) early morning 1 hour bush-walk with professional Silver rated Kenya Professional Safari Guide. Your guide will be from the local Masai community and will proudly show you the traditional uses for medicinal plants, flowers and herbs, a practice that is becoming more obsolete in our modern world today. Track small animals and learn how every living creature plays its part in our delicate ecosystem. Return to the Lodge for breakfast and 0900hrs transfer by safari cruiser to the Ol Kiombo airstrip.

0930hrs take off and fly to the very heart of Laikipia in northern Kenya to Loisaba airstrip. Flying up through one of the seven wonders of the world – The Great Rift Valley. Your pilot guide will talk to you through your own personal headset, pointing out interesting landmarks, geographical and Geological sights.

On arrival at Loisaba airstrip, you will be met by a specialist guide who will and transfer you to Loisaba tented camp, without a doubt one of the very best places from which to explore this magical landscape and what a superb view!

Flight time Masai Mara to Laikipia Approx 1hr

Overnight Loisaba Tented Camp (BLD)

Reticulated Giraffe (Giraffa camelopardalis reticulata)
Also known as the Somali giraffe, it is a subspecies of Giraffe native to East Africa and the tallest of all Giraffe. Less than 8,500 individuals are living in the wild. The major identifiable threats to Giraffes are habitat loss, civil unrest, illegal hunting (poaching), and ecological changes through habitat conversion to agriculture and climate-induced processes. To save the remaining Reticulated giraffes, several conservation organizations have been formed. One of these organizations is the Reticulated Giraffe Conservation with Pastoralists initiative. Their work includes hiring and training local Kenyans to be Twiga Walinzi (Giraffe Guards).

Loisaba Tented Camp
Loisaba Conservancy is outstandingly beautiful, its abundant wildlife is truly wild and its accommodation is comfortable beyond measure. Perched on the edge of an escarpment, Loisaba Tented Camp is designed to capitalize on unhindered views across Laikipia's mottled landscape all the way to Mt Kenya. African-themed sophistication and style is the flavour of Loisaba Tented Camp. Spacious and airy tents are custom-built with large floor-to-ceiling doors and windows, high ceilings and polished wood floors.

Loisaba is made for adventure: Meet, Giraffe and Leopard researchers, 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 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 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.

African Wild Dog (Lycaon pictus).
African Wild Dogs have disappeared from much of their former ranges in Africa. Their population is currently estimated at approximately 6,600 adults in 39 subpopulations, Africa-wide, of which only 1,400 are mature individuals. Their population size is continuing to decline as a result of ongoing habitat fragmentation, conflict with human activities, and infectious disease. True population estimates are uncertain, the largest subpopulation is anticipated to be <250 mature individuals.

This morning you will embark on a Giraffe adventure, together with an expert on the world tallest land mammal. The reticulated Giraffe calls northern Kenya its home, and their numbers are declining. Today you will find out how and why from our resident expert researchers based at Loisaba who will accompany you on your game drive to find and understand this majestic animal.

If you are extremely lucky, you may catch a glimpse of an African Wild Dog. Wild Dog sightings in Laikipia were plentiful until mid 2017, when an outbreak of Canine distemper wiped out 10 packs of dog. Never guaranteed, though stay sharp and you might see a small pack out tracking its breakfast. Tracking them by vehicle and occasionally on foot is a truly unique experience and if you are lucky you may end up with one of the best Wild Dog sightings in the world. As the Dogs’ territories are huge, they do roam vast distances. For this reason, sightings an be fleeting, and not always be guaranteed.
Overnight Loisaba Tented Camp (BLD)

Wake early for a game drive to track Wild Dog with your expert guide. Loisaba is also home to large numbers of the vulnerable Reticulated Giraffe, the endangered Grevy’s Zebra (Equus grevyi) Hippo, Buffalo, Warthog, Lion, hyenas, Bat-eared foxes and lots of antelope species are all commonly seen. Return to Camp for lunch. After lunch transfer to the Loisaba airstrip for your flight to the Lewa Wildlife Conservancy.

On arrival at the Lewa Conservancy, you will be met by your driver guide who will take you to the Lewa marshlands. Home to roosts of the Endangered Grey crowned Crane (the national bird of Uganda), with an estimated population of less than fifty thousand birds left in the world, twenty thousand of which can be found in Kenya. On the way to Lewa Safari Camp, stop for a sundowner looking west over the un-spoilt plains of the Lewa Wilderness.
Overnight Lewa Safari Camp (BLD)
Flight time Laikipia to Lewa Approx 25 Mins

Lewa Safari Camp
Featuring 11 en-suite safari tents, Lewa Safari camp offers authentic comfort for its visitors; thatch- covered tents all en-suite and a spacious verandah. Cozy log fires in the sitting room are perfect for relaxing after a day game viewing within this wonderful Conservancy. This unique and exclusive retreat offers privileged access to 65,000 acres of private protected wilderness. Lewa Safari Camp has been awarded “Gold Level” by Ecotourism Kenya, a great accolade towards an environmentally responsible camp as befits the Lewa Conservancy ethos.

0630hrs Wake the sounds of calling Yellow Bill Hornbills and they chatter in the trees, tea or coffee served on the deck of your tent and then an early breakfast and depart at 0730hrs on a game drive into the Lewa conservancy en-route the Lewa Wildlife Conservancy headquarters to meet our Rhino and Grevy’s Zebra scientists . If early enough, you may catch a Leopard tracking back to its lair, leaving only its footprints in the morning dew.

A visit to the joint operations center to see in action the valiant efforts by the Northern Rangelands Trust conservation program, satellite tracking of both Rhinos and Elephants across the East Africa region. Lewa is home to the largest concentrations of both Black and White Rhino with over 130 individuals and the regal Grevy’s Zebra. In addition, Lewa’s varied range of habitats attracts a diverse and colorful collection of birdlife.

Enjoy a bush lunch in the wilderness of the Lewa Wildlife Conservancy and then you have the option to either continue spending valuable time with our experts throughout the remainder of the afternoon to see first-hand how the habits, identification processes and efforts, or to relax by the pool or for the more adventurous, a guided evening game walk.

Overnight Lewa Safari Camp (BLD)

Black Rhino (Diceros bicornis) Listed as critically endangered as the population of Black Rhino has declined by an estimated 97.6% since 1960, with numbers bottoming out at 2,410 in 1995, mainly as a result of poaching for their horns. Since 1995 and concerted worldwide awareness campaigns, numbers have been steadily increasing at a continental level with numbers doubling to 4,880 by the end of 2010. Current numbers are however still 90% lower than three generations ago.

The endangered Grevy’s Zebra (Equus grevyi ) The Grevy's Zebra population is estimated to have declined by more than 50% over the past 18 years. In addition, the current global population is estimated at 750 mature individuals, with the largest subpopulation estimated at 255 mature individuals. Historically, the Grevy’s zebra inhabited the semiarid scrublands and plains of Somalia, Ethiopia, Eritrea, Djibouti, and Kenya. Due to rapid declines in their population, they are now confined to the Horn of Africa only, primarily Southern Ethiopia and Northern Kenya.

Departing camp at 0700hrs, transfer to Lewa airstrip for your private charter flight to the Samburu National Game Reserve. On approach to the Samburu National Game Reserve, fly low level along the Waso Nyiro river and see how many Elephant or Hippo you can spot on the river banks. 0800hrs landing at Samburu Simba Oryx airstrip, you will be greeted by your driver guide from Elephant Watch Camp and embark on a game drive to meet the Elephants made famous by Saba Douglas-Hamilton and the Save The Elephants Foundation.

On arrival at Elephant Watch Camp, you will be greeted by your guide and host Saba Douglas Hamilton and her team of Elephant experts who will introduce you to their home and your home under canvas – a luxury safari tent. Relax in camp with a short afternoon siesta before departing on an afternoon game drive with your local Samburu professional Elephant guide. Elephant Watch guides have been trained to recognise each of the sixty-six families that are mostly resident in Samburu, many of whom have recorded histories that date back to Save the Elephants’ foundation in 1997.

This afternoon, you will learn more about The African Elephant (Loxodonta Africana) than you dreamed could be possible.

The African Elephant (Loxodonta Africana)
Poaching for ivory and meat has traditionally been the major cause of the species' decline. Currently the most important perceived threat is the loss and fragmentation of habitat caused by ongoing human population expansion and rapid land conversion increasing the human-elephant conflict. Although up to 70% of the species range is believed to lie in unprotected land, most large populations occur within protected areas. which further aggravates the threat to elephant populations. Population numbers remain still unconfirmed.

Overnight Elephant Watch Camp (BLD)
Flight time Lewa to Samburu Approx 15 Min

Elephant Watch Camp
Let the commotions of modern life dissolve as your soul is soothed by its reconnection with nature and immerse yourself in Luxury that is highly sensitive to the environment’s fragility. Elephant Watch Camp is the ultimate in eco-luxury and an unrivalled wildlife experience. Here, your dreams of an African adventure without compromise come true. Spend magical days among the Elephant of Samburu, with world experts, leading conservationists in the field and charming professional guides.

Towards the end of such an exciting day, return towards camp, but before the sun sets, take a short walk up beside the river and onto a small hill to enjoy the setting African sun with a sundowner. At the top you will be greeted by Samburu dancers who will introduce you to their flamboyant regalia and wonderful tribal dance. Return to camp in time to freshen up before dinner under the stars.

Wake to an early breakfast and a tour around the Elephant tracking and research camp. See Elephant tracking live, with satellite signs depicting the locations of Elephants from Congo to Tanzania, meet ‘behind the scenes staff’ who have dedicated their time towards tracking, monitoring and researching the African Elephant as a species. These experts will show you just how special elephants are, through years of scientific research, observation and their conservation efforts, giving you an insight and understanding that few others have the unique opportunity to share.

Highly intelligent, sentient and emotional animals, who thrive in a close-knit family unit – just like humans. Save The Elephants team of research staff will talk you through the process of collaring Elephants and how they are tracked, how the information gathered is processed and how it benefits the ultimate existence of these magnificent animals.

After the tour of the research camp, depart on a game drive with Saba as your guide to explore the Samburu Game Reserve and the thrill of being introduced to Elephants by name. Learn more about their life cycles, their migratory routes, observe their complex emotions and how self-aware they really are and above all just how vulnerable their existence is to loss of habitat and ivory poaching.

Overnight Elephant Watch Camp (BLD)

Early morning game drive with a picnic and your Samburu Guide, to see where the Elephant have moved to overnight. Spend valuable time with the herds that you now know by name and reconnect where you left yesterday. Find a spot by the river to enjoy a picnic breakfast before returning to camp for lunch. Afternoon transfer to the airstrip to board your private charter flight to Nairobi.

Depart from Simba Oryx airstrip, Samburu, enjoy a scenic flight over the Wasu Nyiro river, Lewa Wildlife conservancy, Mt. Kenya and the highlands famous for Kenya’s Tea plantations and onward to Jomo Kenyatta International Airport or Wilson Airport.

Flight time Samburu to Nairobi Approx 55 Mins