Overview
12 days Air Safari to Nairobi, Chyulu Hills, Naboisho Conservancy Mara North Conservancy.
Trip Highlights
- Ololo Safari Lodge & Farm is an Australian-owned safari lodge that combines the atmosphere of bush-style living with the full service, convenient location on the edge of Nairobi National Park, the only national park in the world that borders a busy capital city, 16 rooms.
- Chyulu Club is the first carbon-negative and zero-emissions lodge in Africa, 20 tents – 6 for singles/doubles and 14 for groups or families.
- All kitchens are powered by induction and all Land Rovers are retrofitted with an electric motor.
- Encounter Mara Camp- known for its prolific wildlife and award-winning sustainability model that balances the needs of local communities, wildlife and tourism.
- Higher density of animals than the neighbouring Masai Mara National Reserve.
Itinerary
Met on arrival at the Jomo Kenyatta International Airport, and transferred to Ololo lodge perfectly situated, on the beautiful banks of the Mbagathi River which forms the southern border of the Nairobi National Park.
A mere 1 hr. 8min (29.2 km/18.1) drive, nestled along the Mbagathi River bordering the famous Nairobi National Park in a secluded location feels like a world away. Set on a productive 20 acre working commercial farm Ololo offering the joys of delicious ‘paddock to plate’ fresh ingredients.
Wildlife is right on the doorstep and all can enjoy breathtaking views over the national park, to the famed Ngong Hills in the west, sundowner in hand. Enjoy the hours away at the lodge by the pool or adventure on a safari into the park, take a tour of the Ololo Farm or an excursion into historic Karen.
Meals: Breakfast, lunch dinner on your own account. Overnight at the Ololo Lodge
Depart Nairobi and drive to Wilson Airport for your scheduled flight to Chyulu Club which is situated within a Maasai ranch in Olpusare Spring, between the Chyulu Hills and Mount Kilimanjaro. The camp is part of the 28,3000-acre Maasai Group Ranch and 45-minute flight from Nairobi. Met on arrival at the Ol Donyo lodge a 2hr 3min drive (126.4km/78.4mi), game viewing drive enroute to the Club. Check in with lunch at the Club.
Afternoon drive in one of the Club’s electric Land Rovers provides sightings of Chyulu’s ample wildlife – this includes the Big Five, others like Maasai giraffe, Grant’s zebra, antelopes, and even cheetah. And walks will be ideal for anyone wishing to become familiar with the area’s plants, insects, and fine assortment of birdlife.
Meals: lunch, dinner and overnight at Chyulu Club.
Two full days in Chyulu hills with notable activities available game viewing drives, and guided walking safaris, Horseback safaris, invited to contribute in the tree nursery or organic farm, practice yoga and meditation, visit the Maasai Wilderness Conservation Trust, visit a local school. Some activities may incur extra cost, please check with us at the time of booking.
Meals: breakfast, lunch, dinner. Overnight at Chyulu Club.
Your last night in Chyulu Club, indulge in bush breakfast or lunch, horse-riding safari, stargazing, cloud forest walks and birdwatching.
Meals: breakfast, lunch, dinner. Overnight at Chyulu Club.
Depart after an early breakfast to the Ol Donyo airstrip for your schedule flight to Wilson Airport connecting an afternoon flight to Mara Ol Seki airstrip. Met on arrival by the Camp representative to the Encounter Mara Camp in a 4 x 4 vehicle a 45 minutes’ drive.
Arrival for lunch at the camp, check-in and relax before your first game viewing drive in the Conservancy, located in the southwest of Kenya, the 20,234-hectare Mara Naboisho Conservancy sits alongside the famous Masai Mara National Reserve.
This conservancy has the benefit of being private with just eight other camps sharing hectares of game viewing plains.
Return to the Camp for dinner.
Meals: lunch, dinner. Overnight at Encounter Mara Camp.
Enjoy early breakfast as you depart for morning game viewing drive taking advantage of the cooler temperatures when animals are more active. You may decide to have packed lunch with you for a full day, if not return back in the camp mid-morning, freshen up for lunch.
Enjoy siesta time, read a book, relax and enjoy the views from your tent or viewing deck. Afternoon tea before departing for your late afternoon game viewing drive with a sundowner thereafter. Enjoy drinks at the bar and dinner under the stars, a chance to unwind with stories after a long day in the bush, family safaris are also available and children 5 years and above are welcome. Private vehicles available at an additional cost.
Meals: breakfast, lunch, dinner. Overnight at Encounter Mara Camp.
Option of an early morning balloon safari after a cup of tea/coffee outside your tent, this is not to be missed as you will glide over the Maasai Mara National Reserve watching the landscape change colour beneath you. Balloon flights are an additional cost and is subject to weather conditions.
Hot-air balloon ride offers photographers an opportunity to capture incomparable images of quietly grazing animals, and for the ultimate romantic experience, the ground team follow your hot-air balloon safari with a champagne breakfast in the bush.
After your champagne breakfast morning game drive spent in the Mara as you exist to return for lunch at Encounter Mara Camp. The camp runs two game drives daily and as a private conservancy, they can drive off-road to get a closer look when you spot something in the bush.
Here you will be able to drive after dark, getting a better chance of spotting nocturnal animals. The vehicles are equipped with special spotlights so you can have the thrill of watching predators such as lions, leopards and caracals as they stalk their prey.
An experience into the Maasai Mara National Reserve can be arranged at an additional cost. This reserve is also known as the Great Migration route.
Meals: breakfast, lunch, dinner. Overnight at Encounter Mara Camp.
After breakfast, check-out as the driver from Neptune Mara Rianta Luxury Camp will be there to pick you, and transfer you to the luxury Camp with 1 hr 41 min (60.2 km) game viewing drive enroute. Arrival for check-in and lunch at the Camp, nestled in the heart of Maasai Mara.
The 20 luxury tents are immersed in the original bush among indigenous plantations and trees directly overlooking the Mara River, which winds itself around the camp with gently flowing waters surrounded with wildlife and teeming large groups of Hippos.
Your afternoon game viewing drive adventure takes place late afternoon, driven in the camps 4X4 vehicles and guided by their qualified tour guides, you will experience your magical safari till the sun sets, returning for dinner.
Meals: lunch, dinner. Overnight at Neptune Mara Rianta Luxury Camp.
Early tea/coffee/hot-chocolate with your wake-up call each morning on your game viewing drives with options of a late afternoon drive, full day game drive which includes picnic lunch or a night game drive within the conservancy available at your request.
Other activities available include massages at the Earth & Rain Spa, enjoy an al fresco lunch or evening |BBQ around the pool, complemented by activities of Maasai dancing (once a month).
Maasai cultural talks, Guided Nature Walks with an armed ranger, Bird watching in the park which is inhabited by over 470 species of birds from vultures to marabou storks, ostriches, African pygmy falcons and the lilac breasted roller amongst many others. Return for dinner at the Camp.
Meals: breakfast, lunch, dinner. Overnight at Neptune Mara Rianta Luxury Camp.
Early tea/coffee/hot-chocolate with your wake-up call each morning before a Hot air balloon safari. Watch wild animals like the Serengeti wildebeest, elephants, and lions roam in their natural habitats below, and then descend and enjoy a Champagne breakfast in the bush with a maximum of 15 other people on this small-group excursion.
Relax by the pool after lunch before your late afternoon game viewing drive and opportunity to schedule a Maasai cultural visit returning for dinner.
Meals: breakfast, lunch, dinner. Overnight at Neptune Mara Rianta Luxury Camp.
Spend a full day with either an early morning drive and a late afternoon drive or an all-day game drive including a picnic lunch. The Masai Mara National Reserve and Mara North Conservancy are located west of the Rift Valley and are a natural extension of the Serengeti and a key dispersal area for wildlife.
As such approximately 1.3 million wildebeests and hundreds of thousands of other animals, including zebra and gazelle coming from the south make the journey.
They are met on the Masai Mara plains by another migratory contingent, the resident wildebeest herds of the Mara region. These animals reside in the northeast of the Mara, the Loita Plains and Hills, and are also drawn by the lush grasslands.
By October, the rains are heading back south to the Serengeti, and the migration reverses, continuing the cycle of life. Return for dinner at the Camp.
Meals: breakfast, lunch, dinner. Overnight at Neptune Mara Rianta Luxury Camp.
After breakfast, check-out of the camp, and the camp driver will transfer you to the airstrip for your mid-morning flight back to Wilson Airport Nairobi. Our representative will meet you at the Wilson airport assist you to collect your excess luggage’s from the storage if any, and transfer you to Carnivore Restaurant for the ultimate “Beast of a Feast”. Barbecue lovers will savour the unique tastes on offer, from traditional lamb, pork, beef and chicken to the more uncommon ostrich and crocodile.
After this sumptuous meal, you will be transferred to the Jomo Kenyatta International Airport and subject to your outbound flight, a day room can be provided at one of our partner airport hotels for late check-out. The hotel will provide the transfer to the international terminal.
Meal Plan: Breakfast, Lunch at Carnivore restaurant. Day room at Four Points by Sheraton Airport or similar.
Accommodations
- Nairobi: Emara Ole Sereni, Sankara Nairobi, Karen Gables, Tamarind Tree Hotel, The Emakoko Boutique Safari Lodge, Crowne Plaza Airport or Hemingways Nairobi.
- Chyulu Hills National Park: Ol Donyo Lodge, Umani Springs Lodge (Kibwezi Forest near Chyulu Hills National Park)
- Naboisho Conservancy: Mara Nyika Camp, Naboisho Camp, Ol Seki Mara, Encounter Mara, Kicheche Valley Camp, Base Camp Eagle View
- Mara North Conservancy: Royal Mara Safari Lodge, Elephant Pepper Camp.
Activities
- Ololo lodge: close to Karen area where a lot of activities are available, and sit on the same land as the infamous Carnivore restaurant.
- Naboisho Conservancy: morning trip up into the Chyulu cloud forest, Guided Bush walks, day & night game drives in 4×4 vehicle, forest walks, the camp often takes visitors to visit a local network of caves, fly camping and horse- riding and cultural excursion.
- Naboisho Conservancy: nature walks around camp, or soar across the plains in a hot-air balloon, guided nature walks,
- Mara North Conservancy: Day and night game viewing drives, sundowners, Guided Nature Walks, Bird watching, Hot air balloon, Maasai cultural visit and swimming pool.
Trip Inclusions / Exclusions
Trip Includes
- Services of meet and greet by our representatives from the International Airport, Wilson and by our hotel/transport partners as per itinerary.
- Transfers on arrival and departure in Nairobi as per above itinerary.
- Ground transport in 4 x 4 safari vehicles with camp/lodge guide as per itinerary including Transfers from Ol Donyo airstrip (2hrs 39 minutes’ drive to/from camp), Ground transport ex Ol Seki Naibosho airstrip to Encounter Mara 45mins from the camp, Ground transport ex Encounter Mara to Neptune Mara Rianta by Neptune Mara Rianta driver guide, Ground transport ex Neptune Mara Rianta to Kichwa Tembo airstrip 51mins drive.
- Services of an experienced, English-speaking Driver / Guide from our partners in the Reserves, Conservancies and Parks when on air safari.
- Game drives during the day as per itinerary and as organized by the lodges/camps.
- Park entrance fees for game parks, reserves and conservancies as per itinerary.
- 1 night on bed & breakfast accommodation at Ololo Safari Lodge, Nairobi
- 3 nights on full board basis at Chyulu Club, Chyulu Hills including drinking water, local wine, beer, spirits, soft drinks, laundry, airstrip transfers, and safari activities: game drives, guided walks and hikes, bush meals and picnics, Maasai village visits, birdwatching, horseback riding, cloud forest walks, star gazing, visit the Maasai Wilderness conservation Trust Research.
- 3 nights on full board basis at Encounter Mara, Naboisho Conservancy, Maasai Mara National Reserve, house drinks, shared vehicle on game drives, night drives, guided walks, transfers to/from the nearest airstrip, limited laundry service.
- 3 nights on full board basis at Neptune Mara Rianta Camp, Mara North Conservancy, Masai Mara includes two game drives per day, soft drinks, juices, Kenyan beer, selected wine, tea, and coffee served during meals, picnic lunch, pool, sundowner at the camp and airport transfers from airstrip.
- Departure day, lunch at the Carnivore restaurant on last day prior to transfer to the airport for your out bound flight.
- Day room at airport hotel subject to dept flight time.
- Amref Flying Doctors cover whilst on this safari aimed at providing quality and affordable Air and Ground Ambulance evacuation services.
Trip Excludes
- International flight ticket, Travel documents, Visa
- Comprehensive Travel Insurance from your insurer back at home.
- Specific excursions and services not indicated on the ‘included’ incurs additional charge when booked.
- All personal expenses, telephone calls, alcoholic and non-alcoholic drinks not indicated by lodge/camp as included, laundry charge may be extra in some or our partners properties.
- Tips and gratuities for staff and driver/guide at our partner properties.
- Private vehicles at Mara Encounter
- Any additional items not included on this itinerary.
- Subject to your departure flight time, a day room at an airport hotel is available at an extra charge, hot-air balloon safari etc.
January- March know to be an ideal time to travel, with fewer tourists in the Mara and a break between the rains. Clear skies and lush landscapes make for excellent photographic conditions and sightings of big cats, giraffes, elephants and even black rhinos. A number of animals drop their young and migratory birds are in the region.
April – June has fewer crowds and months for budget-conscious, visiting the Mara from April through June with the rainy season in April and May. Chances are some roads being closed (usually in May). June is relatively dry and a great time to visit before the bulk of tourists arrive in July and August.
July – September known as the busiest months in the Mara, the dry season and also when the Great Migration wildebeest herds arrive in the Masai Mara from the Serengeti.
October – December is when the wildebeest herds make their way back to the Serengeti during October with possibility to catch the final river crossings of the season. The migratory birds begin to arrive in the region and the short rains turn the land green again and is a quieter time of year to visit.
It is recommended not to drink tap water in any location but to drink the bottled water purchased at the hotels, lodge, and camps.
Most of the ground packages include drinking water
Baggage allowance to all our destinations is STRICTLY limited to 15 Kgs per person.
1 hr. 14 min (36.9 km/22.9 mi) from Jomo Kenyatta International Airport.
Most of our partners offer morning, afternoon and evening game viewing drives, however you may see some offering only two per day, as we use their vehicles. Please check your safari program for further details.
Chyulu Club uses electric Land Rovers for game viewing drives.
Encounter Mara in robust, custom-modified 4×4s and highly trained driver-guides, vehicles are equipped with a fridge and picnic bag to ensure you have all you need on your game drive.
For photography enthusiasts, the camp also offers specialty photographic game vehicles,
Those seeking extra privacy, ask about a private game vehicle, maybe at extra cost.
Neptune Mara Rianta luxury camp has 4X4 vehicles and guided by the camps qualified tour guides
Not all Lodges and Camps have internet access as some are luxury in remote areas. When on road safari the vehicles provide complimentary Wi-Fi for our guests.
The city hotels do have Wi-Fi access in the rooms and internet cafes are close by.
Yes, feel free to extend your safari and we enjoy working with you to give you a personalized and memorable safari.
In case any medical service is required, an in-house doctor will attend to you.
When need arises we use the Amref Flying Doctor’s short-term cover for Air and Ground Ambulance evacuation services whilst on safari.
A minimum 3 nights stay to enjoy all the adventures and activities available in the conservancy and game reserve.
Family safaris are best when children are on holiday between late May – late June, and early August – early September, and the festive period 22nd December – 8th January.
Group safaris vary as per budget as the green season begins March – end of June, those who wish to see the Great Migration between July – October.
When travelling from one point to another it is advisable to have a card/debit card, and change only the cash amount you wish to use each time. For your extras.
Driver guides from Campi ya Kanzi are all qualifications from the Kenya Professional Safari Guides Association (KPSGA), whose silver qualification is the benchmark used by most top-end camps.
No, you cannot feed any animal in the Parks, Reserves, Conservancies.
No, no one should walk within the park between sunset and sunrise.
Walks are only permitted on foot paths with an armed ranger present all the time.
Please see below recommended guideline which is at your discretion.
Safari driver guide per day, per vehicle $10 – $40 per person.
Restaurant waiter/waitresses per meal $1.50 – $2.00 per person
Porter per bag $ 0.50 – $1.50 per person
Uganda guidelines for tipping:
Trekking porters $10per person
Waiters/Waitress 10% of consumption
Restaurant staff $2.00 per person per meal, at your discretion.
Ololo Safari Lodge has Wi-Fi throughout Ololo, stronger in the main guest areas – the front terrace, and restaurant. Main line service provider is Safaricom.
Encounter Mara don’t have Wi-Fi, but they have mobile network coverage
Neptune Mara Rianta Camp has Wi-Fi is available in the public areas.
All diets are catered for and those on special dietary requirements are booked in advance.
Yes‚ there is a complimentary secure store at our Wilson Airport Office. please inquire from the check-in counter.
The luggage space is restricted, and we recommend one piece of soft sided bag and a small day bag comfortable to be carried on one’s lap. Luggage weight will depend on the itinerary you have booked, kindly check with us at the time of booking.
We have partnered with lodges and camps who have meals in place for continental cuisine, vegetarian, kosher, halal, gluten-free diet. However, we request you indicate the dietary requirement at the time of booking.
We as a tour company took into consideration luxury safaris for all guests’ and have partnered with lodges, camps and hotels with the facilities required to host our physically challenged guests.
Terms of reservations and payments based on seasons:
Booking during the green season (7th January – 15th June, 1st November – 21st December) done between 42days prior to the guest’s proposed arrival date, and reservations made less than 42 days prior to the proposed date of arrival, such bookings will only be confirmed upon receipt of a 100% pre-payment.
Bookings during the migration season (16th June – 31st October) and festive season (22nd December – 8th January) full payment is due not later than 60 days prior to the guests’ arrival date on all hotels, lodges and Camps.
Map
Jomo Kenyatta International Airport, B10E, Nairobi, Nairobi County, 00603, Kenya
Nairobi County, Kenya
Chyulu Hills, Kajiado County, Kenya
Wilson Airport, Langata Link Road, Nairobi, Nairobi County, 00202, Kenya
Naboisho Conservancy, Kenya
Mara North Conservancy, Kenya
Wilson Airport, Langata Link Road, Nairobi, Nairobi County, 00202, Kenya
Jomo Kenyatta International Airport, Tower Road, Nairobi, Nairobi County, 00603, Kenya
