Ramblin With Ruth - Elephants, Predators & the Great Kenyan Wild | August 2027

Day notes

Nairobi – Conservation, Wildlife & Local Culture

After breakfast, begin a relaxed exploration of some of Nairobi’s most enjoyable wildlife and cultural experiences.

Visit the Giraffe Centre, where you will have an opportunity to observe the endangered Rothschild’s giraffe at remarkably close range while learning more about the conservation work behind their recovery.

Continue with some time for quality souvenir and craft shopping, browsing locally made art, jewellery, textiles and other Kenyan pieces.

The day will also incorporate a visit connected to the Sheldrick Wildlife Trust, providing the perfect introduction to the organisation’s work before your more immersive stay at Umani Springs.

Lunch can be arranged at one of Karen’s excellent restaurants before returning to the Karen Residences later in the day.

Enjoy your final evening in Nairobi at leisure.

Day notes

Umani Springs – A Full Day with the Elephants

Rise early for one of the most memorable experiences of the journey.

At approximately 6:00 AM, join the keepers as the elephants begin their day and prepare to head into the surrounding forest.

This quiet early-morning interaction provides a completely different perspective from a conventional wildlife experience and allows you to observe the elephants as part of their daily reintegration routine.

Return to the house for breakfast.

Later in the morning, rejoin the elephants at approximately 11:00 AM for their mud bath and milk feeding.

The middle of the day is yours to relax at Umani Springs, enjoy lunch and absorb the peaceful surroundings of the Kibwezi Forest.

Later in the afternoon, the elephants gradually make their way back from the forest.

At approximately 5:00 PM, enjoy their evening return and watch them settle back into the stockade area for the night.

Dinner follows at the house.

Day notes

Samburu – Full Day Safari

Rise early for tea or coffee before heading out on a morning game drive.

The early hours are particularly rewarding, with cooler temperatures often encouraging greater wildlife activity.

Samburu is famous not only for elephants and predators but also for a collection of species especially associated with northern Kenya.

Look out for:

• Grevy’s zebra

• Reticulated giraffe

• Gerenuk

• Beisa oryx

• Somali ostrich

These species add a very different character to Samburu compared with Kenya’s southern reserves.

Return to camp for breakfast and spend the warmer midday period relaxing beside the river.

Later in the afternoon, head back into the reserve as temperatures begin to cool.

Finish the day with sundowners before returning to camp for dinner.

Day notes

Samburu – Elephants, Predators & Northern Wildlife

Another full day is dedicated to exploring Samburu.

Your guide will keep the day flexible according to current wildlife activity.

You may spend time following elephant herds along the Ewaso Nyiro River, searching rocky outcrops for leopard or exploring more open terrain in search of lion and cheetah.

Because you have four nights in the reserve, there is no need to rush between sightings.

Instead, the emphasis can remain on patient observation and meaningful wildlife encounters.

Return to camp for lunch and some downtime before heading out again later in the afternoon.

Day notes

Samburu – Final Full Day

Enjoy another early morning safari.

By now, your guide will have a good understanding of your interests and can shape the day around recent sightings, predator movements or specific species you may still wish to find.

Spend time with wildlife rather than simply ticking off sightings.

Return to camp during the heat of the day for lunch and relaxation.

Later in the afternoon, venture out for one final game drive in Samburu and enjoy sundowners before returning to camp.

Day notes

Masai Mara – Full Day Safari

Wake before sunrise and head out into the reserve.

The soft early-morning light is particularly beautiful and the cooler temperatures provide excellent conditions for predator activity.

Search for lion, leopard, cheetah and hyena while also enjoying the immense variety of plains game found across the Mara.

Depending on wildlife activity, you may remain out for an extended morning drive or return to camp for a relaxed breakfast.

Later in the day, head back onto the plains for another safari.

The schedule remains flexible, allowing your guide to respond to migration movements, predator activity and exceptional sightings.

Day notes

Masai Mara – Migration Country

Enjoy another full day exploring the Masai Mara.

If wildebeest herds are gathering near the Mara River, your guide may spend time positioning near potential crossing points.

Crossings are completely dictated by the animals and can occur without warning, so patience is essential.

Away from the river, the Mara offers outstanding year-round wildlife viewing, with excellent chances of elephant, buffalo, lion, leopard, cheetah, giraffe and hyena.

You may return to camp between drives or remain out with a picnic lunch if wildlife activity makes this worthwhile.

Day notes

Masai Mara – Final Full Day

Your final full safari day remains entirely flexible.

Perhaps return to an area where predators have been particularly active, follow a cheetah across the open plains or spend time quietly observing an elephant family.

With four nights in the Mara, you have the luxury of allowing the safari to unfold naturally.

An optional hot-air balloon safari can also be arranged for this morning, subject to availability and weather conditions.

The balloon experience normally begins before sunrise and concludes with breakfast in the bush.

Later, enjoy one final afternoon game drive and sundowner before returning to Entim Camp for your last evening in the Mara.