The key features of this safari are to:
– live in immersion in preserved eco-systems with the freedom of a privatised 4×4 vehicle driven by a specialised driver-guide
– enjoy the unique opportunity of close contact with research teams studying lions and cheetahs and accompany one of them in the field
– maximise the time with the animals when the conditions are optimal for their observation and photography
– stay in small yet comfortable camps and lodges, centrally located
– relax in the capable hands of our local partner, who is one of the very few operators in Kenya with long standing experience supporting professional photographers and film makers
A safari in Kenya – personal, intense and exceptional!
Day 1: Arrival at Nairobi
Arrive at Nairobi – Jomo Kenyatta International Airport, greet and transfer to Macushla House for the night. Bed and breakfast.
Day 2: Shompole and Lake Magadi
Depart from your hotel after breakfast in a privatized 4×4 vehicle, taking the road through the Ngong Hills and down the Rift Valley.
Arrive at the small eco-camp of Shompole Wilderness Camp to have lunch and settle into your tent.
In the late afternoon, meet the head of the research team for Shompole lions and a discussion of the next day’s program.
Overnight in Shompole Wilderness Camp. Full board & game drives included.
Day 3: Shompole and Lake Magadi
Wake before sunrise and have a quick breakfast before joining the research team for Shompole lions.
Spend the morning with the research team in their activities in the field, in order better understand and approach the lions of the sanctuary.
Return to Shompole Wilderness Camp for lunch then, according to your wishes, an afternoon devoted to a either a game drive, a walk along the river with a specialized guide to discover the birds, or a visit to the villages with the opportunity to take pictures of herds of goats and cows when they to return the bomas.
Overnight in Shompole Wilderness Camp. Full board & game drives included.
Day 4: Shompole and Lake Magadi
Wake up early to get to the top of the escarpment overlooking Lake Magadi for sunrise. Breakfast in the bush and lunch at Shompole Wilderness Camp.
This day is dedicated to wildlife observation and photography with game drives in the reserve in the morning and the afternoon.
Overnight in Shompole Wilderness Camp. Full board & game drives included.
Day 5: From Shompole to the National Reserve of the Maasai Mara
Early departure by a rarely used safari trail. Crossing of the Nguruman escarpment and encounter with the Maasai when driving through their villages, including Kalema.
Picnic « en route ».
Continuation on the track to the Maasai Mara National Reserve.
Drive through a large part of the reserve, game drives « en route » and arrive in the Musiara area in the afternoon.
Night at Hammerkop Migration Camp. Full board & game drives included.
Day 6 to day 8: Maasai Mara National Reserve
These days will also be dedicated to wildlife viewing and photography, with morning and afternoon game drives in the Reserve in your privatized 4×4 vehicle.
During one of the days, the head of a cheetah research team will explain the projects they are working on as well as the characteristics and the behaviours of cheetahs.
Night at Hammerkop Migration Camp. Full board & game drives included.
Day 9: From the National Reserve of Maasai Mara to Nairobi
Morning game drive.
Last breakfast at the camp, in the reserve, followed by a departure by the road to Nairobi.
Light lunch (free) « en route ».
On arrival you will be taken to Macushla House to refresh (« day room ») and then to a restaurant of your choice for dinner (free) before your transfer to Nairobi – Jomo Kenyatta International Airport for your return flight.
Indicative price:
From £ 6,890 per person on the basis of 4 participants sharing two double or twin rooms.
From £ 8,990 per person on the basis of 2 participants sharing one double or twin room.
Subject to availability at the time of booking. The final budget will be communicated after establishing a personalised quotation that will depend on the exchange rates at the time.
– The game drives and activities mentioned in the itinerary on board of a privatised 4×4 vehicle (with open roof for the observation) driven by a specialised driver-guide
– The presentations and activities with the research team specialised in lions (Shompole Conservancy) and in cheetahs (Maasai Mara national Reserve)
– All transfers to activities & locations
– 1 night in Nairobi at Macushla House (equivalent 3***) in a double or twin bedroom with private en-suite bathroom and toilets, breakfast included
– 3 nights at Shompole Wilderness Camp in a double or twin tent with private en-suite bathroom and toilets, full board
– 4 nights at Hammerkop Migration Camp, in a double or twin tent with private en-suite bathroom and toilets, full board
– 1 day room in a guest house (equivalent 3***) in a double or twin bedroom with private en-suite bathroom and toilets
– Drinks (water, fruit juice, coffee, tea) except wine, spirits and champagnes
– All Park Fees and Conservation Fees (subject to possible changes)
– AAR Flying Doctors Emergency Evacuation insurance
– Electricity inverters in all vehicles for charging camera & computer batteries
– International flights to Kenya and return
– Travel or Insurances (cancellation, repatriation, luggage, other risks and any additional insurance)
– Cost of the tourism visa (£30 / person subject to possible changes)
– Meals not mentioned or mentioned as “free” in the itinerary (lunch and dinner on the last day)
– Drinks (beer, wine, spirits) other than the ones mentioned
– Any extras of personal nature, tips, laundry and drinks not mentioned in the program, etc.
Supplement for individual room or tent : £ 720.
