Kenya – Eye to Eye with an Elephant – Travel & Leisure Special

At Campi ya Kanzi you will have the unique experience of enjoying game drives like on a magic carpet!

Thanks to our partnership with Rivian, we have a custom made Rivian Safari EV, zero emissions thanks to our photovoltaic system, and zero sounds! It is simply magnificent to move silently, and ecologically, within wilderness and next to wildlife, hearing birds, insects, and simply feeling integrated in Nature.

We also have two electric Land Rovers

With us you can do more than just stretch your legs, you can walk for days. Stroll down through the foothills to the granite-topped outcroppings at the edge of the savannah and climb up for a view of the Savannah.

Take a longer day hike across the hills and plains, accompanied by your experienced Maasai scouts, learning to read the signs of the animals and hearing how the landscape was formed, crossing over ancient lava flows and ending in a tented camp under a baobab tree for the night. Or, best of all, take the rarest of walks up into the Green Hills and through the Chyulu Cloud Forest: wild forest hogs, rare Turaco birds, huge silver-cheeked Hornbills, antelope, elephant…all under the cool shade of giant strangler fig trees that rival the strangest most mystical trees in the world.

Should you wish to fly over the Snows of Kilimanjaro or The Green Hills of Africa (the Chyulu Hills) or over the magnificent wilderness of Tsavo West and/or Amboseli National Parks, in search of elephants, our commercial pilot will be delighted to assist.

Flying next to the highest mountain of Africa is amazing: you will see the snowy peaks, the forests, the valleys of the old lava flows.

At sunrise, and with a pinkish dawn embracing the Mountain, we will fly next to Mawenzi – the second highest peak, then toward Kibo, Kilimanjaro’s highest peak We will see the Shira Plateau, and in distance Mt. Meru.

You will feel like the first pilots experiencing pioneering flying over Africa. Being so close to Kilimanjaro is fascinating.
We remain in the Kenyan airspace and we fly just 5 miles from the peak: very impressive!

We will come back toward the Chyulu Hills, flying low level in search of the elephants, which we see most of the time.
After landing, a table will be waiting for you in the savanna, with a fabulous vista of the mountain where you just flew over.

A champagne breakfast, in the savanna, with eggs and bacon cooked on a bush fire… Do not miss the experience of a life time!
Flying early morning is extremely comfortable; the air is not moving and you will have an incredibly smooth flight.

Imagine Mount Kilimanjaro wrapped in a soft, purple light with the snow on top reflecting the first sun of the morning. Listen to Africa as she wakes up at dawn. Birds are singing, zebras are snorting, and the wind is whistling through the acacias.

You are in the middle of it all, riding a horse through a herd of hartebeest. This magical experience will remain with you forever.

After your ride, raise a toast to the great greatdoors as you sip champagne at a peaceful bush breakfast.

A unique and magical cave experience...

Dining below the Earth’s surface in a lava tube lined with flaming torches, dimly lit lanterns, and local Maasai? Guests at Campi ya Kanzi have the opportunity to do just that!

Start your evening with a leisurely and scenic walk for approximately 40 minutes from Campi ya Kanzi. Your guide will lead you through the vast beautiful plains of the Chyulu an excellent time for bird watching, viewing fresh lion paw prints, and learning about the grazing practices of the Maasai in the area. As you approach the cave enjoy a surprise Maasai traditional dance by with a backdrop of the sunset and the hills.

It is not an easy venture to truly capture the essence of the warm and calming energy of the cave. The lighting from the lanterns and the candles combined with the darkness of the cave contribute to a relaxing and spiritual inner and out-of-body experience. One that cannot simply be captured through an image.

Immerse yourself in the heart of authentic Maasai culture with a visit to a traditional Maasai village, guided by Maasai guides like Pashiet, Parashi, and Matasha, who has helped create the lodge and who proudly call these lands home. As you step into the village, be greeted by warm smiles and the rhythmic melodies of traditional songs, marking the beginning of a vibrant journey into the rich heritage of the Maasai people. Engage directly with the community as they invite you to share in their daily lives and centuries-old traditions. Marvel at the intricate artistry of beadwork, feel the energy of the rhythmic jumps in the Maasai dance, and listen to captivating stories passed down through generations.

Each interaction offers a genuine glimpse into the deep-rooted respect the Maasai hold for their land and its wildlife. This immersive cultural exchange transcends a mere visit; it fosters a profound connection to a resilient culture, providing insights as enduring as the vast landscape itself.

Experience the breathtaking beauty of Amboseli National Park on a day trip that promises unforgettable vistas and wildlife encounters. Begin your adventure with the majestic Mount Kilimanjaro as the backdrop, providing a stunning setting for photography. Traverse the beautiful landscape to find vibrant flamingo flocks wading in the shallow waters, painting a striking contrast against the serene plains. Amidst this picturesque scenery, watch herds of majestic elephants roam freely, showcasing their gentle might. Amboseli's panoramic views and rich biodiversity offer a quintessential Kenyan safari experience, perfect for nature lovers seeking a day filled with awe and wonder.

Spend an unforgettable day in Tsavo, Kenya's largest and oldest national park, renowned for its vast landscapes and rugged beauty. Begin your journey under the expansive African sky, where the untouched wilderness stretches as far as the eye can see. Explore the rolling volcanic hills and sweeping savannahs, dotted with acacias and baobabs and framed by distant mountains. Witness the diverse wildlife that calls this ancient terrain home, from the iconic Tsavo lions, with their unique fine manes, to large herds of elephants bathing in red-earthed waterholes. Tsavo offers a profound connection to the wild, a place where nature's past and present merge in a timeless dance of life and survival. The diversity is stunning: our record is 29 mammals species in a day!

Indulge in the ultimte safari experience: a sleep-out night on a waterhole platform at the Rhino Sanctuary in Tsavo. As the sun sets over the African savanna, find yourself perched atop a secure platform, surrounded by the serenity of nature. With the distant rumble of wildlife echoing in the night, immerse yourself in the tranquil ambiance under the vast African sky. Gaze upon the twinkling stars as they paint a breathtaking canvas above, while the gentle breeze whispers through the trees. As darkness falls, listen to the symphony of nocturnal sounds, from the distant calls of wildlife to the rustle of leaves in the wind. Elephants, rhinos, buffaloes, will come drinking in turns.This unforgettable experience offers a rare opportunity to connect intimately with the wilderness, making memories to last a lifetime.