Kenya is famous for its wildlife and it is undoubtedly one of the best places in the world to safari. Explore its vast national parks and get an insight into Maasai culture on this incredible 15-day adventure.
After a night in Nairobi you will swiftly make tracks to the Chyulu Hills, located between Tsavo and Amboseli National Parks. The black lava flow from the volcanic mountains has created a stunning backdrop to the game-rich plains. Flocks of birds flit through the skies and the elephants here are said to have some of the largest tusks in East Africa.
From here you will venture to the Lewa Conservancies, one of the best places to spot black rhino. Enjoy making your acquaintance with the animals on day and night game drives, and if you fancy really getting close to your surroundings, then there is the option to take part in guided bush walks.
Your next wildlife encounter will be in the Solio Reserve, exploring the vast plains, forest glades and lakes. From here you will make your way to the famous Masai Mara and the Mara Conservancies where your safari adventure continues and you’ll be exposed to an eye-opening volume of game.
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Day 1 - Originally build in the 1930s, Giraffe Manor is ideally located in south west Nairobi, just 20 minutes from Jomo Kenyatta International Airport. Situated in one of Nairobi’s most beautiful suburbs, this beautiful Manor House is located on 140 acres of pristine sanctuary land. Perfect for a quick stopover in the capital city, with an extra quirkiness to add to the convenience. This lovely Manor is home to eight endangered Rothschild giraffes that make daily visits to the house and politely ask guests for snacks! This up-close experience is remarkably enchanting and a great way to begin or finish your safari in Kenya. The opportunity to visit a handful of local attractions such as the Daphne Sheldrick Elephant Orphanage, Nyumbani Children’s Orphanage and the Karen Blixen museum (among others) are also available and a great way to explore Nairobi in more detail. The style of this boutique hotel is modelled on a Scottish hunting lodge with a modern touch. The main Manor house has just six en-suite luxury bedrooms, each with its own character and very tastefully decorated. Four brand new luxury bedrooms have just opened in the garden manor and allow for a different view of these pretty grounds. Each room is very comfortable, with subtle warm colours that give a very homely feel. Grand, four poster beds and large windows give an airy quality that allows you to simply relax and enjoy your time in Nairobi without the hustle and bustle of city life. Giraffe Manor is well known for the excellent cuisine offered, with meals taken in the wood panelled dining room overlooking the gardens. Breakfast is the most important part of your experience here, as this is when the Giraffe are their most inquisitive!
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Day 2 - A short flight from Nairobi to Chyulu Hills Airport with onward transfer to your Chyulu Hills camp or lodge
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Views over Mount Kilimanjaro. Rolling hills, and open plains. A community project with strong connections to the local Masai farmers. Campi ya Kanzi (camp of the hidden treasure) is truly a special experience. Located within the Mbirikani Group Ranch which extends over 283,000 acres of land, this lodge is a perfect complement to a Masai Mara game experience. The landscape is great for a variety of plains game and of course, is home to a whole Maasai community. There are just six en-suite luxury tented rooms in the camp, alongside two beautiful suites which are all raised up on wooden platforms with thatched roofs, keeping in line with the eco-feel of the lodge. The camp is actually centred around Tembo House which has a veranda overlooking the majestic Mount Kilimanjaro and the Tsavo Hills. Perfect for a relaxing evening, Tembo House is an open plan dining/living room constructed from local materials and is where you can enjoy your freshly prepared Italian or local cuisine. Kanzi House is an additional exclusive property which is absolutely private. With a maximum capacity of just ten per group, it is ideal for families and can cater for six adults and four children. With a large 18-metre swimming pool, Kanzi House offers an almost resort like experience that is in line with the eco-credentials that this lodge boasts. Your hosts, Antonella and Luca, are passionate about Kenya and are keen to give you a really unique experience. They have their own Cessna 206 which can be hired privately to get you to the lodge and boasts views that many scenic flights charge extra for.
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Days 2 to 5 - Located right between the Tsavo and Amboseli National Parks, the Chyulu Hills are often proclaimed to be among the youngest volcanic mountains in the world. Their black lava flow has helped shape them into a stunning sight in the backdrop of a plains game paradise. Bird life here is prolific and the elephants have some of the largest tusks found in East Africa. There are also excellent community projects with the local Masaai, making 'the Chyulus' an excellent place to relax, enjoy the scenery and interact with local culture and wildlife.
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Day 5 - Another flight, this time to Lewa Airport with onward transfer to Sirikoi Lodge
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Sirikoi is a beuatiful lodge surrounded by 7,000 acres of the private Lewa Wildlife Conservancy. Conservation conscious individuals will love this place. There is a very strong theme of community and wildlife conservation and the lodge boasts claims to assisting the growth of buffalo numbers in the area. The big five roam freely and with over 100 rhino you are highly likely to tick them off on a stay here. Bird lovers can enjoy over 350 species including the Somali ostrich and the fantastic Kori bustard. Each of the four luxury tented rooms have a private veranda overlooking a waterhole that attracts a lot of game; this lodge is ideal for some relaxing game experiences. Each room has its own sitting area and provides a great space to spend an afternoon completely uninterrupted except by the creatures converging below. The Sirikoi Cottage has enough space for 5 to live comfortably and for true exclusive use, Sirikoi House is also on offer. This three bedroom entirely private house has a main dining and sitting room, large veranda and exclusive use of its own vehicle.
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Day 5 to 8 - Take in Kenya’s stunning Lewa Wildlife Conservancy and some of Africa’s best rhino safaris. Your time here will be spent enjoying day and night game drives to spot the varying wildlife, horse riding, camel trekking, bush walks as well as archaeological site excursions and lectures on the history of conservancy, which this catchment is known for.
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Day 8 - Back in the air to Nanyuki Airport with onward transfer to Solio Lodge
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Nestled within the 45,000 acres of Solio Private Reserve, is Solio Lodge – the only property in the area. Its location is idyllic, with sweeping views across the plains towards Mount Kenya, and when it comes to spotting rhino, you’re in prime position. The lodge features five glass-fronted cottages made from stone and thatch, each with an open fireplace and a large patio, ideal for armchair game viewing and private meals. One of the cottages has two en-suite bedrooms, making it ideal for families. There is a communal mess area where guests can relax with a glass of wine and a good book, and look out across the Solio Reserve. The grounds are home to a kitchen garden where vegetables and herbs are harvested and used in the lodge’s sophisticated menu. Of course, the big draw in Solio is the opportunity to see black and white rhino. The breeding programme here is one of the most successful of its kind and being able to witness these conservation efforts in person is a wonderful experience. As well as rhino, the reserve is home to giraffes, impalas, zebras, buffalos as well as larger predators such as lions and leopards. As well as morning and afternoon game drives, guests can enjoy horse riding, cycling, visits to the local communities and coffee farm or go trout fishing in nearby Aberdere National Park.
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Days 8 to 10 - Set in the lush foothills of the Aberdares and close to Mount Kenya, this area is the premier place to see Black Rhino in Kenya and other types of game. Your travel designer will be able to inform you about the activities on offer in this area of Kenya.
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