Kenya Ultimate Safari - September 9th to 20th, 2025

September 9

Welcome to Kenya, the land of breathtaking landscapes and vibrant cultures!

As we step foot into Nairobi, our journey begins with a warm welcome from our esteemed local representative. They will be there to greet you upon arrival and facilitate a seamless transfer to our hotel (approx. 40 mins.)

Overnight: Hermosa Garden Hotel (2 nights)

September 10

Today we will have a full day exploring Nairobi - our first experience is an opportunity to get up close with elephants at The Sheldrick Wildlife Trust.  

Next we will visit with giraffes at the non-profit Giraffe Centre, and a stop at Kazuri Beads; which is a local organization / co-operative supporting single mothers in Kenya with selling local crafts. 

This evening please join us for your Welcome Dinner and orientation by Elizabeth from Civilized Adventures Kenya. 

Overnight: Hermosa Garden Hotel

September 11

Today we will fly from Nairobi to Amboseli airstrip where we will be met by our guides  from Tortilis Camp.  The camp is situated in a prime location under the shadow of the famous Mt Kilimanjaro and overlooking its own private conservancy (Kitirua Wildlife Conservancy).  Have your camera and binoculars ready for whatever may be seen.   In 2023, our group was privileged to a rare sighting of wild dogs on our way to camp!

This afternoon you will have your first "official"  game drive.  Amboseli National Park & Conservancy is known for large herds of elephants as well as an abundance of prey and predators!  A great start for  an exciting safari. 

Overnight:  Tortilis Camp

September 12

Enjoy morning and afternoon game drives.

Our guides will also take you to visit a typical Maasai village, where you will have the chance to learn about the Maasai people living in their traditional lifestyle.

Overnight:  Tortilis Camp

September 13

This morning we will fly from Amboseli to Lewa Conservancy.  Our guides from Lewa Safari Camp will be waiting for us to take us on our next adventure.

Lewa Conservancy is home to over 105 endangered black rhino &  99 white rhino; it also boasts the world's largest population of the endangered Grevy zebra.  The conservancy covers 65,000 acres, a vast wilderness. Lewa has dramatic views to the south of snow capped Mt. Kenya, and to the north down to the arid lands of Tassia and Il Ngwesi. It has many diverse habitats from pristine forest, fertile grasslands, extensive springs and acacia woodland, which are ours to explore. 

 Over the next three days, we will go out twice daily for game drives within the Lewa Conservancy.  You can see the benefits of the incredible accomplishments  of The Lewa Conservancy.

Overnight: Lewa Safari Camp

September 14

This morning the group will have the opportunity to visit the Conservancy Headquarters where they have cutting edge Rhino conservation programs in place.  We will also learn about their outstanding work with anti poaching sniffer dogs.  Lewa Wildlife Conservancy was previously a cattle ranch owned by David and Delia Craig, who together with Ana Mertz and Peter Jenkins, initially set aside 5,000 acres to protect and breed rhinos, whose population had dropped precipitously from 20,000 to less than 300 in the 1970′s.

This afternoon, we will go out for a game drive and  stop for a sundowner overlooking  Mt Kenya in the background. 

Overnight: Lewa Safari Camp

September 15

Our last day in Lewa Conservancy is your chance to experience any of the unique activities this camp has to offer.  This could be another game drive, a village visit, or perhaps a visit to the Ngare Ndare forest.  If you haven't had a chance to experience a night game drive yet, now is your chance! 

Overnight: Lewa Safari Camp

September 16

Today we leave The Lewa Conservancy and fly to the Masai Mara. Our guides from our lodge will be waiting to take us back to our deluxe safari camp.  Our camp  is quite literally on the migration route and guests are often fortunate to be able to watch wildebeest and zebra crossing the Sand River from the comfort of their tent verandah. 

We expect to arrive in time for late lunch at camp and freshen up prior to our late afternoon game drive.  The Mara is a very special place which will leave you in awe at the sheer diversity and volume of wildlife.

• Optional activity (not included) - Hot Air Balloon safari (pre-booking strongly advised)

Overnight: Elewana Sand River

September 17

Sand River Masai Mara is an ideal destination, at any time of the year, for those wishing to enjoy exceptional game-viewing. The National Reserve is best known for its large concentrations of big cats, such as leopard, cheetah and, of course, lion. Even the dramatic arrival of the Annual Migration merely adds to an already abundant resident wildlife that awaits discovery. And this is exactly the time of year we will be there, with the migration in full swing.

Games drives in the early mornings and late afternoons, as well as patio game viewing anytime.

Overnight: Elewana Sand River

 September 18

The Masai Mara ecosystem holds one of the highest lion densities in the world and this is where over two million wildebeest, zebra and Thompson gazelle migrate annually. It hosts over 95 species of mammals and 570 recorded species of birds.  Absolutely necessary are binoculars and a camera, this is an African safari at its very best.

Games drives in the early mornings and late afternoons, as well as patio game viewing anytime.

Overnight: Elewana Sand River

 September 19

The wildlife of the Mara is world-renowned, with the so-called “Big Five”- buffalo, elephant, leopard, lion and possibly rhinoceros if you are really lucky! – The “Big Nine” - includes cheetah, zebra, giraffe and hippo - contribute greatly to your experience. 

Games drives in the early mornings and late afternoons, as well as patio game viewing anytime.

Finally let us not forget the colourful inhabitants of this exceptional landscape. The Maasai are a proud semi-nomadic cattle-rearing people with a fascinating culture, divided into a number of sub-tribes some of which share the Mara region. The Maasai are an ever-present reminder of the history and cultural heritage of this sublime and enigmatic landscape, and will surely leave a lasting impression for all.

Overnight: Elewana Sand River

 September 20

Today, our guides take us on our final game drive en-route to the airstrip for our flight back to Nairobi. Elizabeth  from Civilized Adventures Kenya will be waiting to greet you. A quick drive to the Hermosa Hotel where lunch and your day room awaits. Relax and freshen up prior to your flight home.

Private transfer to airport for your flight home, or continue on with your next adventure! 

A few exhilarating add-ons for your consideration:

• Mountain Gorillas of Rwanda (5 days)
• Barefoot-luxury lodge on secluded beach (4-5 days)
• Kilimanjaro Trek (5-8 days, 8 days recommended)