Kenya  /  Private safari

Seven mornings, three ranges, one unbroken line

Up from Nairobi onto the Laikipia plateau, then down into the Masai Mara, with light aircraft between camps and game drives timed to the best light of the day. Planned end to end by Kris Hehl.

7 days, 6 nights Ol Pejeta Conservancy and the Masai Mara Full board, bush flights included

Plan this safari

Kris coordinates your journey directly with suppliers. Securely processes your payment on your behalf through The Travel Agent Next Door. No charges are processed directly on this website.

0Protected acres at Ol Pejeta
0Black rhino on the conservancy
0Guests max at Tambarare camp
0Guests per vehicle option
The route

Three bush flights, no backtracking

Every transfer is private and every leg of the safari is flown by light aircraft, so the days are spent on the ground watching animals rather than on long road hauls. The shape is a clean loop.

  • Leg 1Wilson Airport in Nairobi up to Nanyuki Airstrip, the gateway to Ol Pejeta Conservancy on the Laikipia plateau.
  • Leg 2Nanyuki across to Keekorok Airstrip, dropping you into the heart of the Masai Mara on the Talek River.
  • Leg 3Keekorok back to Wilson Airport for your onward international connection.
Field journal

Seven days, told day by day

1
African elephants crossing the savanna at golden hour in Kenya
Nairobi

Arrival

Land at Jomo Kenyatta International. A private transfer takes you to the Crowne Plaza set inside the airport perimeter, a five minute drive from the terminals. Overnight on a bed and breakfast basis.

2
A Rothschild giraffe at close range, of the kind seen at the Giraffe Centre near Nairobi
Nairobi city

Elephants, giraffes, markets

Move into a hand selected city hotel chosen to your taste and budget. A private half day visits the David Sheldrick elephant orphanage and the Giraffe Centre, then time among the city markets.

3
A young elephant on the grassland of Ol Pejeta Conservancy
Ol Pejeta Conservancy

Onto the plateau

Morning flight from Wilson to Nanyuki, then a short drive to Tambarare Camp, an A and K Sanctuary. The first game drive crosses ninety thousand protected acres holding the Big Five and more than 130 black rhino.

4
A giraffe feeding among the trees on the Laikipia plateau
Ol Pejeta Conservancy

A full day in the field

Expert guided drives through the day. Add a nocturnal drive, a cycling safari, or a visit to the Sweetwaters chimpanzee sanctuary and the northern white rhino under round the clock guard.

5
A male lion resting in the long grass of the savanna
Masai Mara

Into the Mara

Light aircraft from Nanyuki to Keekorok, then a transfer to the JW Marriott Masai Mara Lodge on the Talek River. Your first drive runs in a four or six seat vehicle, with a bush breakfast or a sundowner.

6
Hot air balloons rising at sunrise over open country
Masai Mara

A day on the reserve

A full day across the plains. Start with an optional dawn balloon, then drives timed to morning and evening light. Bush dining is laid on when the weather holds.

7
A lone acacia tree on the open African savanna at the close of the day
Departure

The flight home

A final morning, then a flight from Keekorok back to Wilson Airport and a private transfer to Jomo Kenyatta International for your onward journey.

A day in the field

The light sets the timetable

First game drive

Out at first light when the cats are still moving and the air is cool.

Bush breakfast

A spread laid out in the open, weather permitting, before the heat builds.

Sundowner drive

The richest light of the day, a drink on the plains as the sun drops.

Optional night drive

At Ol Pejeta, a nocturnal drive for the species that only show after dusk.

Where you sleep

Two camps, both full board

Tambarare Camp, an A and K Sanctuary

Ten canvas tents and a single private villa among fever trees, capped at twenty guests for full exclusivity. Set inside Ol Pejeta on the Laikipia plateau, with open sight lines over prime gathering ground.

  • 57 sqmKing tent, rainfall shower, private veranda over the savannah
  • CommonCentral lounge tent with a library, the Boma Bar for sundowners
  • DrivesMorning, evening and nocturnal, plus cycling and walking safaris
  • RareSweetwaters chimpanzee sanctuary and the northern white rhino

JW Marriott Masai Mara Lodge

Twenty one tented suites on the banks of the Talek River, including a two tent family suite. Full board here folds in most beverages, two shared drives a day, laundry and emergency medical evacuation.

  • 120 sqmPrivate deck with a jacuzzi and an outdoor shower
  • CalmSpa by JW, fitness centre, outdoor pool, fire pit deck
  • CraftA Canon photography studio for the keen shooters
  • AboveOptional hot air balloon and horseback safaris
Included

Accommodation throughout, all activities on the itinerary, local flights, game drives, wireless internet, and park and conservancy fees where they apply. Full board at both camps.

Not included

International air, travel insurance, extra activities, lunch and dinner in Nairobi, spa treatments, tips and gratuities, and personal gifts. Travel insurance is strongly recommended.