Luxury Lodges & Flying Safari in Kenya: Samburu, Laikipia & the Masai Mara

The muddy, red waters of the Ewaso Ng'iro River meander through the land and irrigate the arid Samburu Reserve. A true oasis of Doum palm trees and acacias have sprung up along the way. These shores attract a throng of animals, that leave the dry grasses of the golden savannah to come and drink there. Magnificent Somali giraffes, Waller's gazelles, oryx and rare Grevy's zebras can easily be seen. Big cats, elephants, buffaloes, crocodiles and Somali ostriches are also plentiful.
Included in the itinerary - Two safaris per day. Safaris happen at dawn and dusk, as these cool hours are the best times for viewing wildlife. The animals that live in the bush of Samburu have their peculiarities, linked to the arid conditions of the region, which slightly corrects the course of the river, a place where animals gather daily. Here you may come across slender giraffe gazelles, standing on their hind legs to feed on acacia leaves when they can't find lush grass on the ground. So, with a private ranger, jump into an open-top 4x4 and go off in search of all the legendary animals.

Flight to Laikipia by air taxi. From the sky, soak up a great view of Mount Kenya and marvel at its reflection in the great lakes scattered over the Kenyan Highlands. Enjoy a two-night stay in an intimate and cosy lodge, located in the heart of the Borana Wildlife Conservancy, and entirely dedicated to wildlife conservation. The panoramic views of the Samangua Valley, the rolling plains of Lewa and the Ngare Ndare Forest are truly breathtaking. The landscape, even beyond the pretty garden that surrounds the lodge, is much greener than in Samburu. The atmosphere is romantic, with eight stone cabins of cedarwood and thatch, warmed by an indoor fireplace, and opening onto the surrounding rolling bush. Each cottage has a large bathtub and private veranda for relaxing in privacy. In the kitchen, the chef and his team work with the organic ingredients supplied by the estate's farm. Meals are served in the dining room, but also in the bush; or, for an even more special experience, in a tree cabin. The spa and beautiful infinity swimming pool allow for blissful afternoons.

Laikipia is a relatively lesser-known region, meaning that you won't see numerous other vehicles on safari, all crowding around the same animal reported between rangers on their radios. The Borana Private Reserve holds high standards for wildlife conservation, particularly rhinos. Set against the backdrop of the Aberdare Mountains and Mount Kenya, unwind in the intimacy of this sublime setting over the next two days. Cedar forests, acacia savannahs, plains and meadows make this plateau, east of the Great Rift Valley, a haven for wildlife and a magical place to discover Kenya. It's home to thousands of elephants, along with rhinos, giraffes, Grant's gazelles, lions and leopards. In addition to its extraordinary wildlife and scenery, a stay in Laikipia will involve special encounters with the Maasai, Samburu, Turkana and Pokot ethnic groups.
Included in the itinerary – Two safaris per day. Viewing outings are by 4x4, on horse, mountain bike or on foot. There are so many different and exciting ways to appreciate the wildlife. The compatibility of livestock rearing and wildlife is one of the ideas underlying the management of this private reserve. You can also visit the farming facilities.

Flight to Masai Mara by air taxi. Enjoy a two-night stay in the north-west of the park, on the Oloololo Escarpment in the Great Rift Valley, where riparian forests meet the immense plains of the Mara. The camp is home to about 40 tents, erected on wooden platforms around the Sabaringo River. It's the ideal location to sit, relax and look out over the savannah. The decor is simple, blending nostalgia, romance and modernism. The vegetable garden produces delicious fresh vegetables and salads for the chefs to cook up for you. A swimming pool is available, as well as a massage tent. As a private concession established in a remote area of the reserve, the sense of immersion in nature here is powerful.

Bordering Tanzania, the Masai Mara is actually an extension of the huge Serengeti Park.
Included in the itinerary – Two safaris per day. The open savannahs of the reserve offer endless spaces for herbivores. Wildebeest, zebras, gazelles, hartebeest, damaliscus and elk graze in freedom. Their predators, different species of wild animals, are quick to remind them that nature is cruel to those who don't run fast enough. Hyenas, jackals, vultures and marabous then make light work of the remains. The imposing and indifferent elephants reign supreme, The Masai Mara is a complete ecosystem in any season; it's alive, abundant and breathtaking. while the park feels like Noah's ark. What you see from your open-top 4x4 will be etched into your memory forever.
Optional – Sunrise safari and breakfast in the bush.

Flight to Nairobi and transfer to your hotel. Overnight stay in a large historic establishment in the city centre. We won't reveal any more, except a little hint: you've probably seen this legendary hotel on the big screen. The architecture of this iconic address conveys all the colonial charm of the time, a revival of the Tudor era, with exposed black beams and a very British spirit. The sweet-smelling garden, meticulously cared for, is the icing on the cake. There's a small garden, swimming pool and fitness area, so you can recover from your journey in the heart of the African bush. So, enjoy a relaxing massage, a few strides on the treadmill or a refreshing dip.
Included in the itinerary – One last dinner at The Alchemist With upscale craft shops, terraces, decorative workshops, you'll dine surrounded by the connected youth of the capital. The hours go by and the DJ's catchy tunes lead you to the dance floor.

Private transfer to Nairobi airport and return flight. Overnight flight, arriving the next day.