Tim & Margaret | James & Judy | Ed, Catherine, Matthew & Chloe | Laura, Michael, Addison & Amelia |

Catherine, Isaac, Tyler & Carter | Margaret, Evan, Bailey, Cameron & Nathaniel

Guided by Paul Inman

25th June: Arrive in Nairobi/ Fly to Laikipia

This morning you will check-in for your private charter flights in two Cessna 208 aircraft, with East African Air Charters departing at 11h00 to El Karama, Laikipia. On arrival at 11h45 you will be met by guides to game drive through the conservancy to the Lodge, where you will have time to settle into your rooms before enjoying a delicious lunch.

25th to 28th June - El Karama Lodge - Exclusive Use
El Karama is known for the abundance and variety of its wildlife. These 14,000 acres are home to four of the ‘Big Five’, in addition to this, guests will see reticulated giraffe, Burchill’s zebra, eland, oryx and many other antelope, as well as endangered species such as the Grevy’s zebra, African hunting dogs and the Laikipia hartebeest. As well as night creatures such as aardwolf, striped hyena and for the eagle-eyed even aardvark.

Laikipia’s dense vegetation, rivers and abundance of boscia trees, makes way for one of the best leopard populations in Kenya, and whilst leopard sightings are never common due to the highly secretive habits of these particular big cats, many guests have been lucky enough to spot leopards at dawn and dusk and very occasionally in the heat of the day.

The striped hyena is one of many endangered species found on El Karama, the Grevy’s zebra is another endangered species that can be found breeding and living on El Karama. The lion count on El Karama can rise to 25 individuals, with roaming males often coming on and off in search of females with whom they can mate.

El Karama Lodge has the warmth and character of a beautiful bush home in the wild and that's because it is.   Made by hand and with love by the owners Sophie and Murray Grant, you are hosted by a charming and experienced team of local Kenyans, many of whom built the lodge with the Grant family.  Offering guests high levels of privacy, freedom and the authentic feel of a lodge that gives you every comfort and luxury without feeling detached from the natural surroundings.  

You will head out every day with your guides in search of adventure, gazing over vast rollings plains, stunning riverine habitat, rocky escarpments and a dramatic waterfall; this landscape provides it all.  Whether you like getting out on foot, in open game drive vehicles, horseback riding, sleeping under the stars, cooking on open fires or simply sitting patiently at the rock hide with your camera and binoculars waiting for hippos or water birds.  The experienced team will make it happen.

28th June - El Karama to Tumaren

This morning you will be collected from the Lodge after breakfast at 10h00, and driven across to Tumaren Camp (approx 1.5 hours).

28th June to 2nd July: Tumaren Camp, Laikipia - Exclusive Use

Set on the edge of a wide plain this beautiful camp looks west towards granitic inselbergs that define the local landscape. Each tent is furnished uniquely and all the tents offer sweeping verandas from which most of our plains game can be spotted. The grasslands are rich with wildlife and you can spend hours watching animals wander by or photographing the huge variety of birds coming to the bird bath.

Tumaren is rich in wildlife and our Samburu and Masai guides provide a great perspective on not only the game but also the local cultures of Northern Kenya. Our guides will plan your stay according to your desires, wildlife and the local calendar. Each day can include guided walks, bike rides, camel rides, visits to the camel creche, game drives, birdwatching, picnics, tracking, visiting a local manyatta/market (if the day is right), visiting a school and rock climbing.

2nd July: Laikipia to Masai Mara

This morning, East African Air Charters will collect you from the Tumaren airstrip at 10h00 in two Cessna 208 aircraft, to fly down to the Masai Mara with a scenic flight over the Mara enroute. On arrival at approx 11h00, guides from Roca will welcome you and take you on a game drive into Camp.

2nd to 5th July: Roca River Camp - Exclusive Use

Roca River Camp is located on the edge of Paradise Plains in the famous Masai Mara National Reserve, in a quiet corner on the banks of the Mara River which offers the tranquility of both the riverine forest and the great Mara plains. It is strategically located with access to both the Mara Triangle and the Greater Maasai Mara National Reserve, allowing some of the best game viewing Kenya has on offer. This beautiful private tented camp is designed and hosted by Ross and Caro Withey and gives you the true essence of the romantic classic safari under canvas, that can’t be felt in a regular lodge. The camp offers a highly personalised, eco-conscious and intimate wilderness experience. 

The camp has ten spacious ensuite tents with flush loos, and hot showers on request, 24 hour solar power, fans and hairdryers available and beautiful decor. It perfectly combines comfort and charm, and is furnished with all the ‘necessary luxuries’ such as white linen, woven carpets and hand-made furniture. The footprint is minimum, with a very low impact on the environment. 

ACTIVITIES

• Game drives within the Greater Masai Mara National Reserve and the Mara Triangle

• Bush Meals and sundowners

• Cultural visits or visits to meet the Maasai beading ladies

• Hot Air Balloon rides (to be booked in advance at an additional cost)

• Birdwatching

• Walks outside of the reserve can be arranged

• Kids activities – Masai spear throwing, archery, traditional Masai fire lighting

• Activity trunk for kids, badminton and boule

5th June: Masai Mara to Nairobi/ Depart

This morning at 11h00, you will once again meet your pilots from East African Air Charters at the airstrip, to fly up to Nairobi, arriving at Wilson Airport at 111h50 where you have vehicles booked to be at your disposal for the rest of the day until dropping you at Jomo Kenyatta Airport for your international flight home.

CONTACT NUMBERS:

Kerry +254 721 836792

Amy +27 61 038 4583

East African Air Charters: + 254 714 255 333