Africa:Kenya
In the Footsteps of the Maasai
Tour Highlights:
- Savor the African wilderness at private game reserves such as Selenkay Conservancy in the heart of Masailand, which admits only 12 visitors per day.
- Track amazing wildlife in the private conservation areas of Ol Pejeta and Ol Kinyei as well as traditional game parks of Amboseli and Masai Mara.
- Game drives in 4 x 4 safari vehicle, including night safaris, to encounter the “Big Five” species – rhino, leopard, elephant, buffalo and lion.
- Walk with Maasai warriors to their village and learn about the lives one of East Africa’s most established tribal cultures. - Small exclusive, luxury tented camps offer an authentic, classic safari experience.
Day 1: Nairobi, Kenya
Welcome to Africa! On arrival in Nairobi, you are met by your Big Five Tours & Expeditions driver after you clear customs. Your guide will assist with your luggage and escort you to your hotel, where the remainder of the day is free to relax. Karen Blixen Cottages
Day 2: Nairobi / Selenkay Conservancy
Leave Nairobi today on a drive south to the Selenkay Conservancy. The small Selenkay Conservation Area just north of Amboseli offers excellent wildlife viewing to a privileged few. This 15,000-acre private game reserve in the heart of Masailand admits just 12 visitors per day. Landing, embark on a game drive and enjoy a picnic lunch in the park before arriving at Porini Camp. In the afternoon you will be escorted on a walk by Maasai warriors to a village for an insight into their fascinating culture and way of life. Return to camp for dinner. Amboseli Porini Camp (B,L,D)
Day 3: Selenkay Conservancy - Amboseli National Park
Awake to the noisy calls of the birds. After an early breakfast, drive through the bush on a private track into Amboseli National Park, for a full morning of game viewing. Following a picnic lunch in the park, return to Porini Camp later in the afternoon. In the evening, a game drive in Selenkay Conservancy, stopping for a sundowner at a scenic viewpoint, followed by a night game drive to look for nocturnal animals such as aardvarks, feral cats, caracals, bat-eared foxes, African wild cats, and other species. Return to camp for dinner and overnight. Amboseli Porini Camp (B,L,D)
Day 4: Selenkay Conservancy / Ol Pejeta Conservancy
After breakfast, fly from Wilson Airport in Nairobi to Nanyuki. You will be met at the airstrip and transferred to Porini Rhino Camp, located in the Ol Pejeta Conservancy, a 90,000 acre wildlife conservancy situated between the foot hills of the Aberdares and the magnificent snowcapped Mount Kenya. Enjoy lunch and afternoon tea in camp and then head off to look for rhino with your driver-guide in the camp’s 4x4 safari vehicle. Return to Porini Rhino Camp for dinner and overnight. Porini Rhino Camp (B,L,D)
Day 5: Ol Pejeta Conservancy
Ol Pejeta Conservancy has a large area of over 60,000 acres reserved exclusively for 4x4 safari vehicles. The conservancy boasts an astounding variety of animals including all the “Big Five” (the endangered black rhino, leopard, elephant, buffalo and lion) as well a sanctuary for rescued chimpanzees and also incorporates the smaller Sweetwater’s Game Reserve. The combination of amazing wildlife and stunning views across the open plains of Ol Pejeta guarantees an unforgettable safari experience. Game drives today are in the camp’s 4x4 safari vehicles with qualified safari guides. Walking safaris are also available. Enjoy a safari after dinner to look for nocturnal animals. Porini Rhino Camp (B,L,D)
Day 6: Ol Pejeta Conservancy / Ol Kinyei Conservancy Fly to the Mara. You'll be met at the airstrip by Mara Porini staff and transferred to camp, located in the exclusive wildlife conservancy of Ol Kinyei, one of the most beautiful wilderness areas in the Serengeti-Mara eco-system. This is pristine wilderness with open savannah plains, riverine forest, springs, streams and rivers, rolling hills and spectacular views across the Mara. Ol Kinyei belongs to Maasai communities who have recently set aside the conservancy as a sanctuary for wildlife. The conservancy holds a wide variety of the animal species for which the Mara is famous including a large resident pride of lions. Settle into your tent and enjoy lunch prepared by the camp chef. In the afternoon, enjoy a game drive, followed by a sundowner at a scenic point. Return to camp for dinner and overnight.
Mara Porini Camp (B,L,D)
Day 7: Ol Kinyei Conservancy - Masai Mara Game Reserve
After an early breakfast, drive into Masai Mara Game Reserve, for a full morning of game viewing on the lookout for the Big Five! Following a picnic lunch in the park, return to Porini Camp later in the afternoon. In the evening you will go on a game drive in Ol Kinyei Conservancy, stopping for a sundowner at a scenic viewpoint, followed by a night game drive to look for nocturnal animals.
Mara Porini Camp (B,L,D)
Day 8: Ol Kinyei Conservancy / Nairobi / Depart
Enjoy an early morning walk in the Conservancy with Maasai warriors, followed by breakfast. Fly to Nairobi with arrival at noon, transfer to the hotel where dayrooms have been reserved for your convenience, and the balance of the afternoon is free to pursue our own interests. After an enjoyable dinner at the famous Carnivore, bid Kwaheri, Swahili goodbye, as you transfer to the airport for your late evening flight. Karen Blixen Cottages, Dayroom (B,D)
Rates/Departures:
In the Footsteps of the Maasai | Double | Single Supplement | Comments |
| Jan 03 - Mar 31, 2010 | $4450 | $790 | |
| Apr 01 - 15 / Jun 01 - 30, Nov 01 - Dec 19, 2010 | $4190 | $790 | Properties are closed from Apr 16 - May 31 |
| Jul 01 - Oct 31, 2010 | $4950 | $790 |
Rates are for land arrangements only. Airfares are not included unless specifically mentioned in inclusions and can be quoted separately. Rates are per person, in US dollars, and based on two people sharing a room. Valid Jan. 01 – Dec. 21, 2010, unless otherwise noted. The single supplements indicated are based on a single room supplement after the two passenger minimum is met. For solo travelers, additional supplements will apply.