11 Days Desert Kenya Safari

In this great journey Kenya safari there is plenty to explore, and plenty of species to encounter. We will see vast, almost biblical panoramas of the open bush and learn along the way of the people, animals, birds and plants that live in this extraordinarily beautiful area. From the hustle and bustle of Nairobi to the Mysterious Northern Frontier, home of the colorful African Ethnic groups of Samburu, Turkana, Gabra and El Molo, we explore Suguta Valley, Lake Turkana, Lava Dessert, Koobi Fora “the cradle of humanity”, Mysterious springs and Fossil excavations. Thrill in the adventures of Loisaba Wilderness with Horse riding and camel riding opportunities before witnessing the great migratory herds of the open savannah in Maasai Mara. Throughout our journey, we are inspired by the bountiful spirit of the people and the extraordinary countryside. For sure this Kenya safari will leave you yearning for more

SAFARI STYLE

This culturally sensitive itinerary will inspire you as you travel to places of astonishing beauty where more regular journeys never go. We guarantee life changing experiences as you achieve an up- close and personal experience of the land, wildlife, cultural diversity, and rich history this continent has to offer. At the end of it your Kenya safari will be a memorable one to last you years to come DEPARTURE/RETURN LOCATION – NAIROBI

DEPARTURE TIME – Please Ready by 6: 30 AM for a prompt departure at 7:30 AM RETURN TIME- Approximately 2:30 PM.

WEAR – Comfortable clothing, boots, hat, jacket, Camera, Binocular and sunscreen.

Availability All through the year Pricing Per person Minimum Travelers 2 Departure location From the airport or your place of stay

Day 1: Arrival – Nairobi

Upon arrival at Jomo Kenyatta International Airport in Nairobi, you will be met and greeted by our representative. Afterwards a short transfer takes you to Hemingways Nairobi located in the suburbs of Karen. En route you, your guide will give you insights on the wonderful events ahead. Arrive and check in at your room. A welcome dinner has been reserved for you this evening at one of the restaurants headed by Barry Tonks, a London-born chef who earned a Michelin star at his previous restaurant. Overnight in Hotel Nairobi

Day 2: Fly to Northern Kenya

After a sumptuous breakfast this morning, you will be transferred to the Wilson airport to catch a charter flight to the northern frontier. After completing departure formalities, take off for the spectacular two hour flight into Northern Kenya, passing over the Laikipia plateau, and Karissia Hills, to kowop airstrip tucked at the Southern base of Mt Nyiro. Here a vehicle waits to drive you through the Ewaso Rongai Valley, and up 2km of steep exciting four wheel drive track to Desert Rose. Settle into your rooms, and meet for lunch in the rustic dining room of the Lodge. After lunch, you will go for an easy walk to a special sundowner spot, to return in time for showers or baths before dark. Dinner on the starlit-deck. Overnight in Dessert Rose

Day 3: Aerial Excursions Over Lake Turkana

Early morning wake up with hot drink of your choice, and drive back to the plane for the most beautiful flight of your life! An amazing aerial excursion. One more journey of discovery and emotion to the south end of Lake Turkana and her Volcanoes, Naboyetom, and Teliki, where the Earth shows you her true glory. To crown this experience we fly over Lake Logipi, the lowest point in the Rift Valley, with her amazing variety of alkaline colours and flamingos. If conditions permit we might land on South Island, a black lava volcano in the South End of Lake Turkana, the Jade Sea. Here we might take a picnic lunch on the islands Lake shore. Return flight to Mt Nyiru to Kowop airstrip where you are met by our team of camels and their Samburu handlers. We will take you for a leisurely walk down to the fantastic sand lugga where we find a lovely acacias tree for lunch (if we couldn’t land at South island)… a further gentle walk to the vehicle, for the incredible 4×4 steep drive into the heart of the sacred mountain up to where the charming lodge is nestled, relax, swim. Dinner by candles on the dining deck, night at the Lodge. Overnight: Dessert Rose

Day 4: African Cultural Interactions

Breakfast in this sublime spot. Today a hike into the fantastic unspoilt indigenous forest, you need to be a little bit sporty to tackle the steep mountain paths. Climbing from 5,500 feet, the altitude of the lodge, up to above 8000 feet if you wish. We are escorted by the Samburu warriors who will explain their customs and way of life and we might visit some of our Samburu friends who nomadically move throughout the region. This is a day full of real interaction with African culture, nature and awe- inspiring views of the northern Kenya. We take light refreshments and nibbles to keep going and return to a fantastic picnic lunch at our riverside dining spot nearby the mountain stream, where you can enjoy an exciting rock slide to cool off. You can also take a gentler walk, or just enjoy the tranquillity and environs of the Lodge; there are plenty of private spots. Sundowner… Dinner on the deck Overnight: Dessert Rose

Day 5: Visit of Sibiloi National Park

Early morning transfer to seldom the visited Sibiloi National Park. The park was established to protect unique archaeological sites which are linked to the origins of humans. Fossil finds in the area include crocodiles, giant tortoises, elephants and a petrified forest. In the afternoon, you will find your chance to mingle with the Turkana people and one of the oldest and smallest ethnic groups in Kenya – El Molo, who live on the shores of Lake Turkana and consists only of a population less than a hundred! Nowadays they are ‘dissolving’ among other groups, so somehow this is the last chance to see them living according to their traditions and believes. You will see how they gain their food and how they spend their time together. Overnight: Dessert Rose

Day 6: Laikipia – Loisaba Wilderness

Relax in the tranquil environment of the lodge. After a midmorning brunch, we now leave for the airstrip to find our plane which will take us on a fantastic scenic leg of our journey home. Our wings will allow us to follow the edge of the Great Rift Valley, over the lunar landscape of the Suguta with its river, sand dunes, volcanoes; lava flows; climbing up over the spectacular Silali volcano crater, towards Laikipia our home for the next two days. Arrival at the Loisaba airstrip where we are warmly greeted by the guides from Loisaba Wilderness. Loisaba, a private oasis on the Laikipia Plateau. The views alone will keep us rapt for hours—an impossibly beautiful golden panorama with Mount Kenya looming mighty in the distance. Spend the afternoon on a game viewing in an open vehicle across the open plains, through the bush or along the river bank viewing the wide variety of game, birds, plants and trees. Loisaba is a true big five destination with access to the Mugie Rhino sanctuary, regular sightings of Leopard, Lion, and Wildogs. Overnight: Loisaba Wilderness

Day 7: Adventures in Loisaba

Start the morning with a guided bush walk. A great way to view the stunning diversity of Loisaba is on foot. You will be accompanied by traditional Samburu guides whose knowledge of local flora, fauna, cultural and history is unmatched. Experience the unique exhilaration of riding on the plains with a herd of zebra, walking gently through a graceful forest of giraffe or past a herd of elephant. On horseback it is possible to get unusually close to wildlife and our stable of horses have all been reared from birth in the bush so are quite accustomed to its presence. You may also take a camel ride the traditional mode of transport in the dry land of Northern Kenya and another great way to experience Loisaba. Short or longer walks can be arranged or as well as overnight camel camps using lightweight tentage for the more intrepid. For another exhilarating experience spend an afternoon rafting sections of the Ewaso Ngiro and Ng’are Narok rivers that flow through Loisaba in our specially designed two person inflatable rafts. Availability however is dictated by the seasonal level of the rivers. For an experience like no other, spend this evening in Loisaba’s one-of- a-kind Star Beds. Set on raised platforms, we nestle under cozy duvets on huge four-poster beds, cocooned in diaphanous mosquito netting, with only the wide and wondrous African firmament as our rooftop. It’s pure bliss. Overnight: Loisaba Wilderness

Day 8: Maasai Mara National Reserve

Following a leisurely al fresco breakfast depart for Nanyuki airstrip for your morning flight to Masai Mara. Upon arrival at the airstrip your Kicheche guide will be there to welcome you and drive you to the camp – Kicheche Mara Camp – whilst enjoying a short game drive en route. At the camp you will have some time for leisure, lunch and afternoon tea. Then you will set off for your afternoon game drive followed by evening sundowner drinks overlooking the plains… arrive back in camp in time for showers and drinks around the camp fire. Overnight: Kicheche Mara Camp

Day 9: Following the Great Migration

Wake up before sunup and have some muffins and coffee, before you take a morning game drive. You’ll see how still and quiet the Bush is at dawn and watch it begin to stir as the sun comes up. Return to the camp for breakfast. Follow the migration today as you depart towards Mara River to witness the greatest show on earth. Nowhere in the world is there a movement of animals as immense as the wildebeest migration, over two million animals migrate from the Serengeti National Park in Tanzania to the greener pastures of the Maasai Mara National Reserve in Kenya during July through to October. The migration has to cross the Mara River in the Maasai Mara where crocodiles will prey on them. This is one of the highlights as the animals try and cross the Mara River alive. Wind down at camp after an exhilarating day in the field and gather at the campfire for an aperitif before dinner is served later in the evening. Overnight: Kicheche Mara Camp

Day 10: On safari In Maasai Mara

Early morning transfer to the balloon safari site, once in a lifetime excursion. You’ll have the chance to see lions, elephants, buffaloes, hippos, crocodiles, countless species of birds and vast, African plains from above. The adventure begins just before dawn. Departure is from a perfect natural launch site, and flames from the hot air balloon burners light the darkness as the crews inflate their craft. The first, pink tongues of sunlight flicker across the skies as the hot air balloon fills, then rises. Suspended in a basket beneath the rainbow- coloured canopy, you’re off for a game-viewing adventure with an entirely different perspective. What amazes most first-time balloonists is the absolute stillness: the silence as you float above the plains, the forest and the rivers of the Masai Mara. Even if you’ve flown elsewhere, this is a unique experience. The flight lasts an hour or so, drifting wherever the air currents take you, and with ample opportunities for photography and video filming. Then your Kenyan Hot Air Balloon Safari finishes with a flourish. In the time honoured tradition of balloon flights the world over, you toast your return to earth with a champagne breakfast, cooked wherever you land. The Balloon Safari ends with some leisurely game viewing on the way back to camp. This afternoon you may wish to visit a traditional Maasai manyatta (village) or take another evening game drive. Overnight: Kicheche Mara Camp

Day 11: Nairobi – Departure

An early morning game drive followed by breakfast then we transfer you back to the airstrip for your flight back to Nairobi arriving at 1145hrs. Meet at Wilson airport. You will have a farewell lunch at the Carnivore Restaurant before being transferred to Ole Sereni Hotel where you a day room has been reserved for you till 1800hrs. Later, you will be transferred to the Jomo Kenyatta International Airport for your flight back home.