Laikipia

9 nights, 10 days for 6 people

Included:

• All pricings are inclusive of intra-Africa lodging at specific hotels and lodges, transportation, food and beverage.
• All activities and conservation fees are included. 
• Additional charges may be incurred for changes in lodging, activities or transportation.
• House beers, wine and cocktails are included at all locations.

Not Included:

• International airfare into Nairobi, gratuities to guides and staff, gift shop purchases, additional activities.
• Changes to pricing due to changes in itinerary, lodging or a different number of guests.

This adventure includes 8 nights in northern Kenya, against a backdrop of Mount Kenya and the Mathews Range, with a mix of lodging, terrain and wildlife which will bring you into the world of long time Kenyan families who are devoted to  protecting this amazing landscape. 

Your first three nights are spent at Lewa Wildlife Conservancy, in a private lodge with a full staff devoted to your visit.  Your days are spent exploring the conservancy by foot or in safari vehicles with your private guide who is an expert on wildlife large and small.   Lewa is a world class reserve, which has focused its efforts on preserving the Black Rhino and the rare Grevy’s Zebra.    It is difficult to believe these animals are endangered as you may see groups of 4-5 Rhino on a regular basis and you will quickly learn to identify the distinctive markings of the Grevy’s – of which 20% of the world’s population are within Lewa’s borders.  You will likely experience sightings of the Big Five, with large and healthy herds of elephants and buffalo, multiple families of lions, elusive but ever-present leopards and both Black and White Rhino.  A highlight of many trips is the coalition of cheetahs – three males who hunt together in an interdependent team.  Lewa will be happy to introduce you to their conservation activities and you may have the opportunity to accompany a tracker on a wildlife census, or bottle feed the orphaned baby rhino.

Dining will be an adventure of its own, be it poolside overlooking a watering hole, fireside in a cozy thatched roof lodge, or in the bush, alongside the central waterway which draws large varieties of animals and birds throughout the day.  Should the group wish to pursue different activities, you can choose to split up during the day, with children learning to track animals with a Masaii warrior, while adults may explore areas of particular interest, including community development and educational programs sponsored by Lewa.

On the fourth day, you will be whisked away into the Northern Rangelands Trust in the Matthews Mountain range for 3 nights under canvas at Sarara.  Your private charter will allow you to see the significant change in the landscape, from grass covered rolling hills, to steep embankments and luggas, which are the riverbeds through which you will trek for the next few days.   You may choose to overnight in a mountain rain forest one night, combining a trek through various eco systems.  These three days will be an active experience, where you engage at ground level with the people, wildlife and diversity of Northern Kenya

Your last few nights in the area will be spent on Borana Ranch, a working cattle ranch owned by the enigmatic Michael Dyer.  Michael delights in showing his guests all the various facets of his ranch by safari vehicle or on horseback.  His string of retired polo ponies can be matched to riders’ skill levels for a never to be forgotten ride amongst herds of buffalo, giraffe and zebra.   Disney used Borana Ranch as the model upon which it animated The Lion King and you will certainly enjoy evening sundowners atop Pride Rock, which is easily recognizable by most children and parents.  Do as much or as little as you wish, as you will be tempted to relax on the veranda of the private manor house, Laragai, that is yours alone.

We’ll return to Nairobi by private charter, where your guide will bid you farewell over a relaxing dinner fireside in a quiet suburb of the city.  You will overnight in a city or suburban hotel before a transfer back to Jomo Kenyatta International Airport.