7 days
Overview
The Ol Pejeta and Maasai Mara Conservation Safari is crafted for the ecologically aware traveller who wishes to experience not only the wildlife spectacle of Kenya but also the conservation science and community based efforts that are securing the future of Kenyas endangered species. Ol Pejeta Conservancy on the Laikipia Plateau is East Africas foremost conservation showcase, home to a remarkable density of rare and endangered species within a single privately managed area. The conservancy has led Kenyas black rhino recovery with over 100 individuals now resident, operates East Africas largest chimpanzee sanctuary in partnership with international primate charities, and is the permanent home of Najin and Fatu, the last two northern white rhinos on earth whose survival is the subject of an international scientific programme to prevent subspecies extinction. Moving from Ol Pejeta into the Aberdares provides a complete ecological contrast, ascending from the warm plateau grassland into the cool misty mountain forest where rare bongo antelope, giant forest hog, colobus monkey and leopard inhabit the dense bamboo and podocarpus woodland. The treehouse lodges of the Aberdares offer a uniquely Kenyan nocturnal wildlife experience at floodlit waterholes before the safari concludes in the Maasai Mara where the full cast of open plains species completes this conservation focused and ecologically diverse journey.
Day-by-Day Itinerary
Day 1
Nairobi to Ol Pejeta Conservancy
The road north from Nairobi through Nyeri and Nanyuki to Ol Pejeta passes along the foothills of Mount Kenya, with the glacial peak of Africas second highest mountain dominating the eastern horizon. Arrival at the conservancy in early afternoon allows for immediate entry into the game drive circuit where the wide open Laikipia grassland produces sightings of elephant, zebra, buffalo and reticulated giraffe within the first hour. The afternoon drive finishes at the northern white rhino boma where a brief orientation explains the conservation significance of what will be experienced the following morning.
Road transfer from Nairobi along Mount Kenya foothills, afternoon Ol Pejeta game drive, elephant and buffalo, reticulated giraffe, northern white rhino boma orientation
Day 2
Northern White Rhino and Black Rhino Full Day at Ol Pejeta
The morning begins with the profoundly moving northern white rhino experience, accompanied by a dedicated ranger and conservancy scientist who explain the extraordinary reproductive science being applied to prevent the extinction of this subspecies. Najin and Fatu are the last two living northern white rhinos on earth and every encounter with them carries enormous conservation significance. The afternoon is dedicated to black rhino tracking across the conservancy and a visit to the Sweetwaters Chimpanzee Sanctuary where African wild dog are also frequently sighted in the surrounding grassland.
Northern white rhino conservation experience with scientist, Najin and Fatu last two on earth, black rhino tracking afternoon, Sweetwaters Chimpanzee Sanctuary, African wild dog search, cheetah on open plains
Day 3
Ol Pejeta to Aberdares National Park
Departing Ol Pejeta the road west crosses the equator and climbs into the Aberdare Mountains, transitioning from warm plateau grassland through dense bamboo forest to the upper moorland. The Aberdares are one of Kenyas most mysterious and atmospheric environments, permanently wreathed in cloud and mist with a coolness that contrasts sharply with the lowland parks. Arrival at one of the famous Aberdares treehouse lodges built over floodlit waterholes introduces the unique nocturnal wildlife viewing that defines the Aberdares experience.
Ol Pejeta departure, equator crossing, Aberdares ascent through bamboo forest, treehouse lodge arrival, floodlit waterhole setup, nocturnal game watching, elephant and buffalo at waterhole
Day 4
Full Day Aberdares Mountain Forest Safari
Dawn in the Aberdares is unlike any other environment in the Kenyan safari itinerary. Mist fills the valleys, the calls of Hartlaub turaco echo through the forest canopy and the possibility of encountering the rare mountain bongo, a brilliantly chestnut coloured forest antelope found only in a handful of Afromontane locations in Kenya, makes every forest drive an exercise in anticipation. The Aberdares are also outstanding for leopard, giant forest hog, African wild cat, hyena and the rare melanistic serval. The waterfall circuit in the afternoon visits the spectacular Karuru Falls.
Dawn misty mountain forest drive, rare mountain bongo search, leopard tracking, giant forest hog encounter, Karuru and Chania Falls visit, colobus monkey observation, evening waterhole nocturnal viewing
Day 5
Aberdares to Maasai Mara
Descending from the Aberdares highlands the morning drive through the forest to the park gate is filled with colobus monkey and forest bird sightings. The road south to the Maasai Mara covers approximately six hours, passing through the Rift Valley with views of Lake Naivasha far below. Arrival in the Maasai Mara in the late afternoon allows for an immediate entry into the reserve for the first of two consecutive game drives on the iconic savanna.
Aberdare forest morning descent, colobus monkey and forest birds, road transfer to Maasai Mara via Rift Valley, afternoon Mara entry drive, first Mara Big Five sightings, Mara River hippos at dusk
Day 6
Full Day Maasai Mara and Nairobi
A full final day in the Maasai Mara beginning before sunrise for the extraordinary dawn light over the savanna when lion are most visible on the open plains and cheetah scan the horizon from elevated termite mounds. The complete Mara circuit covering the river, the central plains and the Triangle area concludes a safari of extraordinary ecological diversity before the return flight or drive to Nairobi.
Sunrise Maasai Mara game drive, lion pride morning activity, cheetah on termite mounds, Mara River final circuit, afternoon departure to Nairobi, private transfer
What's Included
Included
- Return airport transfers in a private safari vehicle
- All game drives in a customised 4x4 safari Land Cruiser with a pop up roof
- Full board accommodation throughout (breakfast, lunch and dinner)
- Professional English speaking Kenya Wildlife Service certified safari guide
- All national park and conservation area entry fees
- Bottled mineral water throughout the safari
- Flight between destinations where indicated in the itinerary
- Complimentary airport meet and greet service
- All government taxes and levies
Not Included
- International flights to and from Nairobi
- Visa fees (available on arrival for most nationalities at USD 51 per adult)
- Travel insurance (strongly recommended)
- Optional hot air balloon safari at the Maasai Mara (USD 480 per adult)
- Alcoholic and non alcoholic beverages beyond water
- Personal shopping and laundry
- Tips and gratuities for guides, drivers and lodge staff
- Any activities not specified in the itinerary
- Single supplement surcharge where applicable
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