Our 8 days Kenya fly-in safari offers an opportunity to spot the Big 5 African mammals and witness the wildebeest migration. The destinations to visit include the Ol Pejeta Conservancy in the semiarid Laikipia plains in northern Kenya and the Masai Mara national reserve. A historical tour of Nairobi capital city will wrap up this safari.
There’s a wide range of activities to choose from for a customized itinerary including guided game drives and bush walk, hot air balloon safari, and cultural and community conservation experiences. Those intending to see the migration crossing of the Mara river, the best time to visit is July to October. The accommodations selected will ensure that you enjoy the safari with delicious food, en suite bathrooms, swimming pools. There are additional experiences such as massage, sundowners, and bush din
8 days Kenya Fly-in safari – Highlights
- Nairobi capital city historical tour
- Visit Ol Pejeta Conservancy in Laikipia plains Kenya central highlands
- Go on safari in Masai Mara National Reserve
- Visit Maasai community for cultural experience
8 days Kenya Fly-in safari – Detailed itinerary
Day 1: Arrive in Nairobi capital city
Arrive at the Jomo Kenyatta international airport and meet with our tour guide. Drive to the hotel and check for overnight stay. East Africa’s largest city, Nairobi, is known for eco parks like Uhuru, animal orphanage facilities, a thriving nightlife, and markets. Evening leisurely stroll in the city when time permits.
Accommodation: Fairmont Norfolk Hotel
Day 2: Nairobi to Ol Pejeta Conservancy
Ol Pejeta Conservancy is 221 km (4-hour drive) north of Nairobi capital city. Morning after your breakfast, begin the journey crossing the equator to Laikipia plains. Nestled between the semi-arid plains to the north and Mount Kenya to the south, Laikipia offers unique and memorable wildlife safari experiences such as lion and rhino tracking, bush walks, night game drives, cycling, running, horse riding, livestock and predator integration program. Arrive and check in at your handpicked accommodation for lunch, dinner, and overnight stay.
Ol Pejeta is a private wildlife conservancy promoting responsible tourism. It covers 90,000 acres across the savanna plains bisected by the Ewaso Nyiro river. Ol Pejeta is famous for harboring the Big 5 African mammals including elephants, buffaloes, lions, leopards, northern, southern, and eastern white rhinos. There are also 2 of the Samburu special 5 animals which include Grevy’s zebra and Somali ostrich. Other endangered species living in the conservancy include African painted dogs, cheetahs, Jackson’s hartebeest, hippos, serval cats, hyenas, and over 300 species of birds. In addition, the conservancy contains the Sweetwaters chimpanzee sanctuary, the only place to see rescued chimps in Kenya. Ol Pejeta stands in a cattle area where a British settler named Lord Delamere integrated farming with wildlife conservation in the 1940s. The conservancy manages a ranch with 7,000 Boran and longhorn cows that are native to Ankole region in Uganda. The wildlife-friendly livestock program promotes biodiversity and local economic development.
Accommodation: Ol Pejeta Bush Camp
Day 3: Full day game drives
Following early morning breakfast, the game drive will take you to visit the northern white rhinos sanctuary. Northern white rhinos are extinct in the wild and Ol Pejeta is home to only two females. The last two males died without reproducing. The plan at Ol Pejeta is to use artificial fertilization with southern white rhinos to preserve the genes of northern species from extinction. Your visit helps to foster this cause. Return to the lodge for lunch and relaxation. The game drive to look for the Big 5 animals will be there in the afternoon. Evening return to the lodge and enjoy dinner and overnight stay.
Accommodation: Ol Pejeta Bush Camp
Day 4: Ol Pejeta Special experiences
From morning to noon you have the option to select some of the engaging and educational experiences as you learn about operations of the conservancy. There’s a wide range of activities to choose from including bush walking safari, community visit, go on an anti-poaching patrol to the predator proof cattle corridor, Behind the Scenes experience at Sweetwaters chimpanzee rescue sanctuary, and guided cattle farm tour. Lunch is served with an option to visit the tasting room where the chef teaches you how to prepare local food at no extra cost. After lunch, you may want to go on a late afternoon game drive with a sundowner. Return to the lodge to enjoy dinner and overnight stay.
Accommodation: Ol Pejeta Bush Camp
Day 5: Fly to Masai Mara National Reserve
Morning flight to Masai Mara national reserve famous for hosting the wildebeest migration between July and October. Arrive at your accommodation on the east bank of the Mara river and enjoy lunch. Take an afternoon introductory game drive exploring the golden grassland plains and riverine forests till dusk and return for dinner and overnight stay.
Stretching for 1,510 sq.km, the protected area is rich in biodiversity including the African Big 5 mammals such as rhinos, elephants, buffaloes, lions, and leopards and over 500 species of birds. Masai Mara is also famous for harboring the highest number of big cats including cheetahs. The Greater Mara Ecosystem includes Masai Mara national reserve and several private and community conservancies.
Accommodation: Ilkeliani Camp
Day 6: Masai Mara full day
You will spend the entire day discovering the wildlife of the Masai Mara starting with an early-morning game drive. The animals you might see include lions, cheetahs, leopards, impalas, elephants, buffaloes, zebras, wildebeests, gazelles, and Maasai giraffes. Another choice is to go on a hot air balloon safari with champagne and a bush dining experience. After lunch and some downtime at the resort, go on a community walk with a knowledgeable Maasai guide. Visit the Maasai workshop to see original traditional performances while learning how their crafts are made. Return for dinner and overnight stay at the lodge.
Accommodation: Ilkeliani Camp
Day 7: Masai Mara to Nairobi capital city
After breakfast, you may take an early morning walk in the African bush led by a professional ranger. After that, go back for a coffee, check out, and take a flight to Wilson Airport in Nairobi. Early afternoon arrival and check in to the hotel in time for lunch. You can visit the Village market for shopping souvenirs or the Kenyatta Convention Center in the evening and ascend to the rooftop for views of the city and the sunset.
Accommodation: Eden Nairobi Hotel
Day 8: End of 8 days safari
Following a morning breakfast, you will be transferred to the airport for your departure flight.
Optional Nairobi city tour depending on time for your flight.