9N/10D KENYA CLASSIC SAFARI & BEACH COMBINED

THINGS TO DO

Go For A Game Drive

Due to its remote nature, Samburu has become the preferred game reserve for tourists looking for a quieter safari with fewer game vehicles; however, it receives the second-highest number of visitors after the Masai Mara.

Ride A Camel

Samburu’s lifeline is the Ewaso Nyiro River, which meanders through Samburu National Reserve, leaving a trail of lush pasture for the reserve’s thousands of species. Ride a camel along the banks of this river. A Samburu guide will guide the camel along the riverbank’s trail and into the local villages. Remember, the national camel derby takes place in Maralal, which is the main town in Samburu County. Participating the derby is another of the most exciting things to do in Samburu.

Mingle with the Samburu people

Learn more about the fascinating culture of the Samburu when you visit a village in this county. Discover their nomadic way of life, and participate in activities around the homestead such as goading cattle into the pen, making traditional ornaments and milking goats.

Discover the rare five species

In this county, a game drive’s highlight is spotting the rare five that are the Beisa oryx, the Somali ostrich, gerenuk, the reticulated giraffe and Grevy’s zebra. Explore the county’s main wildlife sanctuaries that are Samburu National Reserve, Shaba and Buffalo Springs reserves

Climb Mount Ol Lolokwe

Explore the magnificent Mt. Ol Lolokwe. The five or more hours’ hike will reward you with unprecedented views of the county.

Attend Lmuget ceremony

The Samburu, just like the Maasai, host auspicious celebrations when a Samburu moran( warrior) becomes an elder. Known as lmuget, this ceremony takes place in about seven years, and it is celebrated by the families, the morans as well as their friends. You ought to visit Samburu when lmuget is about to take place.

Discover the singing Wells

A lot takes place in the Singing Wells of Samburu. When the Samburu take their thousands of livestock to these wells, they dig up to water the troughs, and call out their animals with tunes that the livestock recognize as the family tune. In addition to being a watering place, the Samburu also gather at the wells to socialize. Wild animals also stroll to the wells in the evening to enjoy what’s left of the water dug up during the day. You need to see this side of Samburu. As you consider unforgettable things to do in Samburu, find out where you will stay during your safari.

Visit the Ewaso Ngiro River

The Ewaso Nyiro (north) River, Kenya’s third longest, runs from two main tributaries up through laikipia, through to North Eastern Province, where it disperses into the desert. Its two key tributaries, the Ewaso Nyiro and Ewaso Narok, rise out of the Mount Kenya Forest and Nyandarua ranges respectively.

THINGS TO DO

Game Drives

Learn about the varied animal species and birdlife of the conservancy on a game drive from Ol Pejeta Bush Camp. Let our expert guides inspire you with their knowledge and explore this diverse conservancy. Vehicles are open-sided and seat up to 6 guests.

Night Drives

Dusk and the early evening just after the sun has fallen below the horizon is a thrilling time to be on safari. Antelope come out to feed in the cool air, predators take advantage of the cloak of darkness to stalk their prey and nocturnal species such as aardvark, zorilla and white-tailed mongoose begin their day. Join a knowledgeable guide on a night drive and seek out the action that takes place after darkness falls.

Walking Safaris

Discover the sights, sounds and smells of the bush on a walking safari with renowned guide and owner of the Ol Pejeta Bush Camp, Alex Hunter or one of his experienced walking guides. On foot, the magic of the bush truly comes alive and walking through big game country is an experience not to be missed. Minimum age for walking: 16 yrs on shared basis – children/under 12s by special arrangement and must be private basis

Nanyuki market day Cost:

Head into the nearby market town of Nanyuki with staff from the Ol Pejeta Bush Camp to visit the huge open air market at Mutumba. Pick up the week’s supplies for the camp and soak up the hustle and bustle before heading to local restaurant, Kungu Maitu (translates as “grandmother’s cooking”) for a traditional nyama choma lunch – roasted goat, maize meal ugali and local vegetables. Return to camp in the mid afternoon in time for an afternoon activity if you wish.

 Canine Anti-Poaching Unit Visit

Ol Pejeta’s anti-poaching dog unit is open to visitors. After an insightful tour about the training these animals undergo to become anti-poaching patrollers, you can play a game of human-canine hide and seek, trying to dodge the canines and finding a spot to hide within the Morani Information Centre. This is a fun way to interact with the dogs, you get a bit of exercise and the hounds do too! The visits to the unit are restricted to six people per group. This activity is not suitable for children under the age of 12 years old.

The dogs are each trained in a particular speciality – from detaining potential suspects, and searching for ammunition, down to tracking the scent of a poacher.

Lion Tracking

This is a fun and unique opportunity for you to contribute towards lion conservation within the conservancy. You will spend time with the conservancy’s researchers to track and learn more about the lions living there. You canparticipate in helping them to gather important research information needed to monitor the lions. When identifying lions, features such as ear tears, whisker spots, and nose spots can be used. It is an excellent way to learn about lions while also getting to spend time with them while out in the bush.

Riding With Rhinos In The Endangered Species Enclosure

Enjoy a morning or late afternoon horse ride within the Endangered Species Enclosure. Predator-free, this area offers you a wonderful opportunity to encounter a myriad of plains game. However, the highlight of this activity is meeting the last remaining northern white rhinos.These rhinos, Najin and Fatu, are the daughters of Sudan, who became world-famous after being the last remaining male northern white rhino before he died in March 2018.

During December 2009, Sudan, Najin, Fatu and Suni (another male northern white rhino) were flown from a zoo in the Czech Republic to Ol Pejeta Conservancy believing that the climate and grasslands of the Laikipia Region of Kenya would provide better breeding conditions in the hopes of rescuing the species from the brink of extinction. At this stage, these four northern white rhinos were the last of seven alive, and all previous breeding attempts in the zoo had failed.

Three years after the rhinos arrived at Ol Pejeta, Suni was seen mating with Najin, unfortunately, after 16 months there were no baby rhinos. Shortly after, a southern white male was introduced to Najin and Fatu, hoping for an offspring, but again the efforts were proved fruitless. In late 2014, Suni died of natural causes, leaving Sudan as the last remaining northern white rhino.

At this stage, the future of this subspecies depends on the development of in vitro fertilisation techniques and stem cell technology; complicated and costly procedures that have never before been attempted in rhinos.

Junior Ranger Programme

If you’re travelling with children between the age of four and twelve and wondering how you will keep them entertained while on safari, read on. Now your little ones can become a ranger for the day by purchasing a Junior Ranger Pack.These packs include a book filled with fun activities, as well as colouring crayons and stickers. As they venture through the conservancy, the children have to work through all the activities, completing the questions in the booklet as they go. When they reach the end of their adventure, the tourism team atMorani Information Center will be waiting to ask them to repeat the official ranger oath, before presenting them with a certificate, ranger hat, and a pin to confirm their status as honorary rangers.

Running with Rangers

If you are a fitness enthusiast and you love the outdoors, there is no better way to start your day than with a run with the conservancy’s rangers. Join them as they take on a 5 – 7km run which follows gentle terrain across the plains. During your run there is also a chance you may encounter wildlife such as rhinos and elephants.

Should you get a little bit tired you are welcome to stop and rest while the rangers do their push-ups, or hitch a ride with the vehicle that follows behind the pack. All you need to bring along is water, a hat, and loads of enthusiasm! After your run, you are welcome to join the rangers for a fresh cup of coffee and learn more about the special work they do to keep the wildlife safe.

Group numbers are restricted to six people and physical fitness is a requirement for this activity.

THINGS TO DO

1. PINK FLAMINGOS ON THE LAKE

The sight of thousands of pink flamingos feeding on the surface of Lake Nakuru is one of the world’s great wildlife spectacles. A few years ago, millions of these elegant, colourful birds could be seen at any one time on the lake. Then, mysteriously, they disappeared altogether. Now they’ve returned again, but in diminished numbers, as they migrate out to other lakes across the Rift Valley too. At Lake Nakuru though, there are still thousands of flamingo to be seen. This majestic sight is best observed at the height of the dry season in January and February when the birds are at their most numerous.

2. THE OUT OF AFRICA LOOKOUT

Out of Africa was the film that inspired a generation of travellers to undertake safaris in Africa. This classic movie was filmed in part within Lake Nakuru National Park, and many shots were taken from a lofty hilltop that’s become known as ‘The Out of Africa Lookout’. Drive to the top of this steep hill for excellent views across the entirety of Lake Nakuru and the surrounding land, and immerse yourself in the romantic scenes that inspired the film.

3. BABOON CLIFF

Baboon Cliff is the most popular lookout in the national park because it offers incredible panoramas of Lake Nakuru while remaining accessible. Visitors have to share the experience with the resident population of baboons who also enjoy the surroundings. While most are harmless and used to safari-goers, the larger males can occasionally be aggressive, so take care when visiting.

4. MAKALIA FALLS

The Makalia Falls are best enjoyed after a long rainy season when the water is in full flow and forms a spectacular sight. During dry season, the falls can empty completely, leaving a dry, hot basin. The falls attract an unusual array of wildlife whatever the season and you can never be sure what will be waiting for you here in this hidden corner of Lake Nakuru in Kenya.

5. GAME DRIVE

Of course, the best thing to do at Lake Nakuru is to go on safari. Join a game drive to truly experience this stunning part of Africa. Exploring in the early morning or late afternoon will give you the best chance of seeing the most wildlife, as this is when the animals are most active. All of the big five with the exception of elephants can be found within the park, as well as other classic African wildlife such as zebra, giraffe and cheetah. Many people will visit just for the opportunity to see white rhino in its natural habitat, an opportunity found in few other places on the continent.

WHAT TO DO IN MAASAI MARA

 BUSH BREAKFAST (MASAI MARA)

Depart the camp at 0600hrs after an early morning cup of tea and enjoy an exhilarating game drive in the crisp morning air, keeping an eye out for matriarchal elephant herds, the lion prides and all the other wildlife in which the Mara abounds.

Arriving on the banks of the world-famous Mara River, you will be met by a traditionally clad Maasai warrior who will lead you where countless hippos wallow. Once you reach a clearing, you will be offered a glass of chilled sparkling wine or fresh juice before being shown to your table, which is located in a shady grove immediately alongside the hippo pool. Beneath the trees, you will find a full display of fruit, patisserie and cereals as well as a line of chefs ready to cook eggs, bacon, sausages and chicken to your specification.

Please note that all our wilderness dining sites feature full security and bathroom facilities.

Bush Breakfast Cost – Approximately $ 40 per person (Depending on the property)

MASAI CULTURAL VISIT

Immerse yourself in authentic Maasai culture as you visit a traditional village, accompanied by an English- speaking guide who lives there himself.

Find yourself in the midst of the daily hustle and bustle of local life as you witness the daily rituals of the Maasai. Once you have drunk your fill of this authentic cultural experience, you can choose to browse

through the Maasai Craft Centre and purchase artefacts made by the people you encountered. All proceeds from this go directly to the community.

Living a semi-nomadic lifestyle, the Maasai tribe has modernised in some ways but still adheres to many aspects of their traditional culture. Established as fierce warriors, their lively cultural dance, vibrant clothing and beautifully crafted handiwork are recognised worldwide.

The Maasai used to move nomadically with their herds to abundant lush pastures but these days they

have built permanent huts or bomas and prefer to stay

in once place. They are pastoralists and cattle is essential to their way of life. A man’s success is measured by the number of cattle and offspring he has. As great a status and show of wealth the cattle are, they are also a vital food source. This glimpse of authentic Maasai culture is a fascinating experience of an ancient way of life that still flourishes today.

Maasai Village Visit rate - $ 40 per person

MAASAI MARA BALLOON SAFARI

On the day of your balloon flight, one of our custom safari vehicles will collect you from your camp or lodge (In Maasai Mara Game Reserve) at around 5 am to drive you to the launch site. You will arrive at the launch site by 6 am, and can enjoy a cup of coffee or tea while you watch the balloons being prepared for take-off. You will then meet your pilot, who will give you a safety briefing as well as explain what you can expect during your flight. There are basic toilet facilities available at the launch site.

You will then board into your balloon basket for take-off just before sunrise, at about 6:30AM. The flight will last approximately one hour, depending on wind conditions, and the balloon will land between 7:30 and 7:45AM. Upon landing, you can observe the complete deflation of the balloon envelope. Our vehicles will then transport you for a short distance to the breakfast site.

Breakfast is set up on the picturesque savannah plains of the Mara, typically under the shade of a single acacia tree. You will sit down to a full bush breakfast in the Kenyan style, complete with eggs-to-order, fresh juices, waiters in traditional attire, and, of course, champagne.

During breakfast, you can also peruse the photos your pilot has taken during the flight, and decide whether you would like to purchase the photos, or any of the other Hot Air Safaris merchandise on display.

After breakfast, at about 9AM, you will have a drive back to your camp or lodge.

By 10:30AM you should be back at your camp or lodge, already reliving the memories of the morning’s flight.

USD 450 per pax

THINGS TO DO

WASINI ISLAND TOUR

Pick up and transfer for a full day tour of Wasini Island / Kisite Mpunguni marine park 

This will be a day of ultimate pleasure in the richest Marine Park in the Kenyan Coast. In the early morning depart from your hotel and drive to the tranquil fishing village of Shimoni close to the Tanzania border. The scenic route takes you through lush coconut and cashews nut plantations and the colourful village of the Digo tribe (one of the 9 tribes of the Kenyan coast).

At Shimoni jet board an authentic motorized Lamu dhow with a sail, which cruise and sail you through an enchanting seascape of Mpunguti islands to the underwater splendors of the Kisite Marine Park. Here snorkeler will marvel at the incredible variety of marine life in the shallow and warm waters around Kisite lsland; the venue for numerous birds.

We escort Scuba divers to explore a number of excellent dive sites, also teeming with an astounding variety of Marine life which inhabit the magnificent coral reefs in and around the park. After snorkeling, diving, swimming and sun bathing sail to Wasini island.

A sumptuous Swahili style seafood lunch is served in Wasini Island restaurant.

Thereafter visit the traditional Muslim village and the island caves. After an unforgettable day on and around these lslands.

We return you back to your hotel arriving late in the afternoon. 

Evening at leisure with dinner at the hotel. 

Shimba Full Day Excursion

Tour Highlights:

Sheldricks Falls

Sable Antelope

Coastal rain forest

Bird viewing

Mwaluganje Forest

Various View Points

TOUR PRICE INCLUDES

Transport in a customized pop up top minivan

Pick up / drop off at Mombasa Island, Mombasa port, and Bamburi Beach

Services of experienced English/other language speaking safari tour guide/driver

Bottled drinking water in the safari vehicle.

Government taxes and local levies

Game viewing drives

Park entrance fees

Buffet Lunch