Kenya, One Step at a Time

Day 1: Beneath the Mountain

Arrive in Nairobi, Kenya and travel to Nanyuki ( approx 4 hrs drive), where the historic Fairmont Mount Kenya Safari Club sits against the backdrop of Mount Kenya's forested slopes.

After lunch, stretch your legs with a walk through the Mount Kenya Wildlife Conservancy, a landscape of open grasslands, indigenous forest, and resident wildlife. End the day with a visit to the Animal Orphanage which offers an introduction to the region's conservation efforts and the species that inhabit these highland ecosystems. Dinner and overnight.

Day 2: Through the Forest Canopy

Breakfast and later spend the morning exploring Ngare Ndare Forest, a remarkable indigenous forest known for its towering trees, clear streams, and elevated canopy walkway. Those looking to cool off can take a swim in the forest's natural pools, getting back to the lodge for a hot lunch.

In the afternoon, continue to Ol Pejeta Conservancy for a game drive through one of Kenya's leading wildlife conservancies and an opportunity to meet Baraka, the blind black rhino who has become an ambassador for conservation in the region. Back to the lodge for dinner and overnight.

Day 3: The Mountain Path

An early start takes you to the Sirimon Gate, the starting point for one of Mount Kenya's most popular trekking routes. Accompanied by a guide, walk through the forest and bamboo zone towards Old Moses Camp.

The route gradually opens up to reveal changing vegetation, mountain views, and the distinct atmosphere of Kenya's highest peak. Return to Fairmont in time for sundowners overlooking the mountain. Dinner and overnight.

Day 4: Where Water Meets Wildlife

Breakfast and check out. Drive for 3 and ½ hours down the central highlands to Lake Naivasha, arriving in time for lunch. In the afternoon, take a boat across the lake to Crescent Island, where a walking safari offers the chance to move among giraffes, zebras, antelopes, and other plain game in a natural setting free from vehicles. Back to the lodge for dinner and overnight.

Day 5: Walking Through Fire and Stone

Breakfast and later explore the Hell's Gate National Park on foot, where towering cliffs, volcanic rock formations, and dramatic gorges reveal the powerful forces that shaped the Great Rift Valley. Continue to the geothermal spa before returning for lunch and a relaxed afternoon taking advantage of the hotel amenities. Dinner and overnight at the lodge.

Day 6: Into the Endless Plains

Breakfast and check out. Drive to MasaI Mara and continue to Karen Blixen Camp, a stylish tented camp set on the banks of the Mara River, where resident hippos and abundant birdlife are a constant presence. Framed by the Oloololo Escarpment on one side and the vast plains of the Maasai Mara on the other, the camp offers an ideal base from which to experience one of Africa's most celebrated wildlife landscapes.

After lunch, set out on an afternoon game drive through the conservancy, exploring the rich ecosystems that support an extraordinary diversity of wildlife. Later, visit a Maasai village for an insight into the customs, traditions, and way of life of the communities that have shared these lands with wildlife for generations.

Day 7: Life at Walking Pace

Experience the Maasai Mara from a different perspective on a guided bush walk accompanied by an experienced guide and ranger. Exploring on foot allows for a deeper appreciation of the landscape, revealing animal tracks, birdlife, native plants, and the intricate relationships that sustain this remarkable ecosystem.

After lunch, choose between a restorative wellness treatment or participation in a reforestation project that contributes to the conservation of the region. As darkness falls, venture out on a night safari, when the Mara takes on a different character and many of its lesser-seen nocturnal species begin to emerge.

Day 8: Above the Mara

For the last day, take to the skies in a hot air balloon as the first light spreads across the Mara. This is followed by a bush breakfast before returning to camp and transferring to the airstrip for your flight back to Nairobi.

Included services:

V.I.P meet and greet on arrival in Nairobi
Private safari land cruise throughout the itinerary
Domestic flight from Maasai Mara to Nairobi
Accommodation as specified in luxury lodges and camps
Full-board meals throughout the journey
Bottled drinking water during transfers and activities
Guided walk at Mount Kenya Wildlife Conservancy
Entry to the Animal Orphanage
Ngare Ndare Forest excursion, canopy walk, and pool access
Ol Pejeta Conservancy game drive and rhino experience
Guided hike from Sirimon Gate to Old Moses Camp
Crescent Island boat transfer and walking safari
Hell's Gate National Park walking experience
Access to the geothermal spa
At Karen Blixen Camp Mara - Water, soft drinks, tea, coffee, local beers, house wines, selected spirit and vodka included
Guided camp eco walk in Mara
In Mara visit to the Cooking School and bead project when in session
Maasai Mara game drives in camp shared vehicle in Mara North Conservancy
Visit to a Maasai village
Guided bush walk with a professional guide and armed ranger
Night safari experience within Mara North Conservancy
Hot air balloon safari with bush breakfast
Wellness treatment or participation in a reforestation project
Services of professional English-speaking guides
Park, conservancy, and activity entrance fees
Emergency evacuation covers during safari activities
Government taxes and statutory levies

Recommended travel period:

September-October

Excluded services:

International and regional flights to and from Kenya
Visa fees and associated entry requirements
Comprehensive travel, medical, and cancellation insurance
Premium alcoholic and non-alcoholic beverages unless specified
Laundry services
Telephone calls and personal expenses
Gratuities for guides, drivers, camp staff, and hotel staff
Optional activities not specified in the itinerary
Spa treatments unless specifically included
Additional meals not mentioned in the itinerary
Early check-in and late check-out where applicable
Any increase in park fees, taxes, or government levies imposed after confirmation

Amazing zebras in savanna