Into the Wild: A Kenyan Safari

Nairobi is the largest city between Cairo and Johannesburg. Just south of the equator, Nairobi enjoys a spring-like climate. It is a modern city with its main avenues ablaze with colour from tropical bushes and vines.

Less than 100 years ago, there was a river in an empty wilderness where Nairobi now stands Nairobui has long attracted world attention as the centre of big-game safaris for the rich and famous. Perhaps the most famous historical safari was that of Teddy Roosevelt, who had 500 porters.

On arrival you will be transferred to the hotel where you will meet your Big Journey Company representative.

We have an early departure from Nairobi as we head to Mweiga by safari vehicle, where lunch awaits us at the Aberdare Country Club. 

Afterward, you’ll embark on an afternoon game drive in the Solio Ranch Conservancy, renowned for its remarkable rhino conservation efforts. It is home to one of the largest populations of black and white rhinos in East Africa, making it a critical sanctuary for these endangered species. The conservancy is also famous for its stunning landscapes, which feature open savannahs, acacia woodlands, and dramatic mountain backdrops, offering visitors excellent opportunities for wildlife viewing and photography.

In addition to rhinos, Solio Ranch hosts a diverse array of wildlife, including lions, leopards, giraffes, buffalos, zebras, and various antelope species, as well as a rich variety of birdlife. Its manageable size and well-maintained infrastructure make it an ideal destination for intimate and impactful game drives.

In the late afternoon, we arrive at Sweetwaters where you'll settle into the luxurious Morani Tent for the next two nights. 

Spend the day discovering the wonders of Ol Pejeta Conservancy, home to a remarkable array of wildlife, including the Big Five. You’ll enjoy morning and afternoon game drives, giving you plenty of opportunities to spot lions, elephants, rhinos, and more. In the evening, return to the comfort of your tented camp for a delicious dinner and a relaxing night under the African stars.

After an early breakfast we say goodbye to Sweetwaters as we drive to the picturesque Lake Naivasha.

Lake Naivasha’s name comes from the masai word En-aiposha meaning “heaving” or “to and fro” in reference to how turbulent the waters can get in the afternoons. This area is home to resident giraffe, waterbuck and both Vervet and Colobus monkeys and is also a night stop for hippos.

Lake Naivasha is an ornithologist’s paradise, as well as having excellent fishing with tilapia and black bass first introduced by the early settlers. This is the perfect place to relax, walk with a guide or just sit under a canopy of mature shady Yellow Fever trees and listen to the sound of the animals and view the rich bird life.

You'll arrive in time for lunch at the luxurious Enashipai Resort & Spa, where we will stay for the night. In the afternoon, we will enjoy a serene boat trip to Crescent Island, where you can walk among grazing zebras and giraffes.

We enjoy an early breakfast this morning before heading out to Kenya’s richest game reserve: the Masai Mara.

The jewel in Africa’s crown, Masai Mara is host to the most spectacular array of wildlife. Here, 1,510 square kilometres of open savannah, woodlands and tree-lined rivers create an eco-system which supports huge numbers of bird and mammal species. The western border of the park is the spectacular Siria Escarpment, and together with the acacia dotted plains, creates scenery of stunning beauty across the whole region. Lion are found in abundance throughout the park as are elephant, giraffe, a variety of gazelle species and zebra. Cheetah and leopard are also regularly seen and, if lucky, you may also find rhino.

Game viewing is never dull in the Mara, and patience is often rewarded with unique sightings: a pride of lion stalking their prey; a solitary leopard retrieving its kill from the high branches of an acacia tree; male wildebeest sparring to attract females into their harem; even a herd of elephant protecting their young from opportunistic predators. The annual wildebeest migration traditionally is present in the Mara from July-September and at this time nature’s dramas unfold before your very eyes at every turn.

As well as wildlife, the Masai Mara is also home to many members of the colourful Masai tribe who may be seen around the borders of the park - morans (warriors) loping across the plains, young boys herding goats, or elders grouped under a tree discussing matters of the day.

Check-in and lunch upon arrival at the camp. 

In the afternoon, depart from camp to undertake a game drive in the reserve before returning to camp early evening for dinner.

Day spent undertaking morning and afternoon game drives.

Day spent undertaking morning and afternoon game drives.

An early morning wakeup call before undertaking a last game drive in the Mara. Return to camp for breakfast, departing thereafter to Nairobi and drop off at the airport for onward flight arrangements.

Flights home on this final day must depart after 6pm local time so that the morning’s last game drive can be enjoyed.