Description
This classic ‘Conservancy Safari’ visits two diverse eco-systems in the hands of expert guides and your home will be two luxurious bush camps. The Conservancy, now 90,000 acres, offers a blissfully uncrowded environment to enjoy quality game viewing. The Conservancy is home to Kenya’s largest population of Black Rhino, large numbers of elephant, cheetah, lion, leopards, and plentiful plains game. Ol Pejeta lies on the equator 30 minutes’ drive from Nanyuki airstrip and has wonderful views of Mt Kenya. The safari then flies down the Rift Valley and into the Masai Mara to Kicheche Main Camp. There will be game drives in custom built vehicles and the exciting opportunity to do walking safaris. The safari ends with a flight to Nairobi in the morning.
Day 1 Nairobi
Upon arrival at JKIA (flight booked by agent) met by our driver and transfer to your hotel located just outside city centre.
Overnight at Tamarind Tree hotel in Standard room on Bed and Breakfast Basis
Day 2 Nairobi – Nanyuki
This morning you will be collected from your Nairobi hotel and transfer to Wilson airport for your schedule AirKenya flight to Nanyuki. Flight departs Nairobi at 1000hrs and arrives at Nanyuki airstrip at 1035hrs. Upon arrival, you will be transferred to the camp in Ol Pejeta Conservancy, journey time is approximately one hour. Lunch at camp then relax until afternoon tea is served. Venture out onto the rolling plains on a game drive to enjoy the wonderful array of game on offer. Game driving in the Ol Pejeta Conservancy is a rare pleasure with few vehicles permitted access. This evening, enjoy a sundowner drink followed by a spotlight drive back to camp. Take a hot shower before joining other guests for a drink around the campfire or in the cosy lounge tent. Dine with your hosts either under the stars or in the adjacent dining tent.
Overnight at Kicheche Laikipia Camp on full board basis, including wines, beers, sodas, local sprit, unlimited game viewing, bush walks and laundry.
Kicheche Laikipia Camp
The camp will consist of six luxurious tents the tents are custom designed and are fully insect-proof with en-suite bathrooms equipped with a dresser, flushing toilet and hot showers. There are comfortable chairs on each veranda overlooking the plains. One tent can be converted into a triple on request. There is a spacious well-furnished lounge and dining tent, although we prefer to eat alfresco if weather permits. We offer a full selection of game-viewing activities including Day Game Drives, Night Game Drives which focus on nocturnal species not seen on regular day drives. Interpretative Game Walks are another activity permitted on the Conservancy. There is also a Lion Tracking program which monitors the lions of the area (some have been collared with receivers). As part of the program, we can track the lions with a portable satellite dish and remit the data to the study centre or horse ride. The Wildlife Educational Centre is interesting for both children and adults alike, and the Chimpanzee Sanctuary for orphaned chimps is an excellent venue to observe the two families and learn about the perils facing chimpanzees in the wild. We offer private visits to the Sanctuary outside the normal visiting hours.
The Ol Pejeta Conservancy
There is a huge amount of game on this 90,000-acre Conservancy including Kenya’s largest population of black rhino, elephant, buffalo, giraffe, lions, cheetah and more. There are few vehicles on the Conservancy therefore game viewing is a very private and rewarding experience. On the Conservancy, there is also an opportunity to take Night Game Drives which focus on species not seen on regular day drives. Interpretative Game Walks are another activity permitted on the conservancy; these provide ideal opportunities to learn about the building blocks of the eco-system whilst providing some exercise. There is also a Lion Tracking program which monitors the lions of the area (some have been collared with receivers) as part of the program we are able to track the lions with a portable satellite dish and remit the data to the study centre. Other attractions include the Chimpanzee Sanctuary for orphaned chimps. The Sanctuary is an excellent venue to observe the two families and learn about the perils facing chimpanzees in the wild. We offer private visits to the Sanctuary outside the normal visiting hours.
Day 3 Ol Pejeta Conservancy
An early start to the day with piping hot coffee, tea or hot chocolate brought to your tent. This morning take a longer game drive and enjoy a sumptuous picnic breakfast out on the plains. Return to camp for an al-fresco lunch and relax viewing the game and birdlife around the waterhole. This afternoon we will take you to the Chimpanzee Sanctuary on a private visit. Following some time with the chimps continue your evening game drive until dusk.
Overnight at Kicheche Laikipia Camp on full board basis including wines, beers, sodas, local sprit, unlimited game viewing, bush walks and laundry
Day 4 Nanyuki – Masai Mara National Reserve
After breakfast transfer to Nanyuki airstrip for your scheduled Airkenya flight to the Masai Mara. Flight departs Nanyuki airstrip at 1100hrs and arrives at the Masai Mara at 1200hrs. On arrival, you are transferred to the Mara Kicheche Camp for lunch. Following lunch and an afternoon siesta, there is a game drive that returns to the camp as the sun sets.
Overnight at Mara Kicheche Camp on full board basis including wines, beers, sodas, local sprit, unlimited game viewing, bush walks and laundry
Mara Kicheche Camp
Hidden in a grove of wild olive trees and prolific wildlife, Kicheche is a classic bush camp, where game viewing starts right from the camp itself. The 11 tents are spacious, fully insect-proof and en suite, with hot water for showers available at any time. Rigid daily schedules are not part of the agenda here, so guests decide on the duration and frequency of their activities. Picnic breakfasts, lunches and sundowners are popular options to include on game drives. Game viewing is conducted by 4×4 open-topped vehicles and accompanied by an experienced guide. Walking safaris are also possible and an excellent way to discover the finer points of this unique environment. These are led by an armed ranger and can also include visits to a nearby Maasai village. The food is delicious, and menus features both African and international dishes. Fresh produce is flown in regularly and bread and pastries baked daily. In-camp, meals are taken al-fresco where guests sit at the communal table with their hosts or are welcomed to dine alone.
Day 5 Masai Mara National Reserve
Early morning, morning, and afternoon game drives.
Overnight at Mara Kicheche Camp on a full board basis including wines, beers, sodas, local sprit, unlimited game viewing, bush walks and laundry
Day 6 Masai Mara National Reserve – Nairobi
Following an early morning activity and breakfast, you will catch the scheduled AirKenya flight to Nairobi. Flight departs Masai Mara at 1115hrs and arrives at Wilson airport at 1300hrs. On arrival in Nairobi, you will be met and transferred to JKI Airport or Nairobi City Centre for your onward arrangements.
Extra Day
Should guests wish to extend their stay at the camp; extra days can be added between Day 2 and Day 3 in Laikipia, between Day 4 and Day 5 in Masai Mara. These days will include scheduled shared game drives.
Optional Extension to Mombasa
Clients looking to continue through to Mombasa can do so directly from Masai Mara
Day 6 Masai Mara – Mombasa
Following an early morning game drive, return to the lodge for lunch. Following lunch guests will be transferred to the nearest airstrip for a scheduled Mombasa Air flight to Mombasa. The flight departs Mara at 1345hrs and arrives into Mombasa at approximately 1600hrs.
