Best of Kenya Safari
Destination
Kenya
Travel Period
January – March, June – December
Duration
14 days | 13 nights
Nairobi is the capital of Kenya and East Africa’s most cosmopolitan city, with a vibrant population of 4.5 million. Unique to the city is the proximity of Nairobi National Park, a true wilderness area juxtaposed against the larger urban metropolis. It is the only national park like it in the world and a real embodiment of the human-wildlife conflicts that challenge many African communities who must learn to cohabitate with wildlife on their doorstep.
Nairobi National Park is one of the best places in Africa to see rhino and also has a healthy population of lion, leopard, cheetah, and plains game like giraffe and antelope. Other attractions include the Karen Blixen Museum, the Giraffe Center, Daphne Sheldrick’s Elephant Orphanage, a visit to a tea farm, and shopping for local crafts and trinkets. There are some great local and cross-cultural restaurants to explore, from roadside food stalls to local nyama choma (barbecue joints) to five-star dining establishments.
Giraffe Manor is a world-renowned boutique hotel in Nairobi, owned by The Safari Collection and celebrated for its resident herd of endangered Rothschild’s giraffes. Set within 12 acres of private land and surrounded by 140 acres of indigenous forest, the historic 1932 manor blends elegant architecture and colonial charm with exceptional hospitality and a strong commitment to giraffe conservation. Guests experience unforgettable encounters as giraffes visit during breakfast and afternoon tea, peeking through the windows in search of treats.
The property features two wings: the Historic Manor, with six individually designed rooms including the Karen Blixen Suite, and the Garden Manor, built in 2011 with six additional rooms and suites overlooking the sanctuary. Giraffe Manor offers full-board stays, gourmet dining, and access to The Retreat, a wellness center with a gym, a spa, and an infinity pool. Nearby Daisy’s Café serves fresh, locally inspired cuisine. Combining heritage, wildlife, and luxury, Giraffe Manor provides an extraordinary and timeless Kenyan experience.
Guests at Giraffe Manor can enjoy a variety of memorable activities and experiences that blend wildlife, culture, and relaxation. They can stroll through the sanctuary and visit the AFEW Giraffe Centre to learn about giraffe conservation and hand-feed these gentle giants up close. At the manor, guests can unwind with a game of croquet or boules on the lawns, play chess on the terrace, or spend a peaceful moment in the Orchid House, which can also be reserved for a private, candlelit dinner.
Beyond the manor, visitors can explore Nairobi’s rich culture and history at sites such as the Karen Blixen Museum, African Heritage House, and Nairobi National Museum, or discover local art at Matbronze, Circle Art Gallery, and GoDown Arts Centre. Shopping excursions include visits to local artisan hubs like Kobe Tough, Utamaduni, and Langata Link Shops. Wildlife lovers can take a day trip to Nairobi National Park for a safari experience or visit the Sheldrick Wildlife Trust to meet orphaned elephants. These experiences together offer an unforgettable blend of conservation, culture, and comfort in the heart of Nairobi.
The Olare Motorogi Conservancy is an 85 square kilometre expanse of prime private wilderness in southwest Kenya which forms part of the Maasai Mara-Serengeti ecosystem and wildlife dispersal zone. The conservancy lies immediately to the northwest of the main Maasai Mara Reserve.
Tourism is limited to a maximum of 94 beds which maximizes the client wilderness experience and minimizes the environmental impact of tourism.
Open hills provide a habitat for a diverse range of grazers, including giraffes, zebras, hartebeests, and warthogs. These herds attract large numbers of predators, including lions, cheetahs, hyenas, and jackals.
In between the hills run a number of small seasonal streams, fringed by stretches of forest which are home to a broader range of species including baboons, elephants, buffaloes, hippos, and leopards.
Mara Plains Camp is a one-of-a-kind camp located in the private Olare Motorogi Conservancy, just on the Maasai Mara National Reserve’s northern boundary. This intimate camp, one of Kenya’s only three Relais & Chateaux properties (other being sister properties ol Donyo Lodge and Mara Nyika Camp), blends the finest in wildlife viewing with the best of safari hospitality and guiding. Guests staying at Mara Plains Camp enjoy access to private conservancy land in the Olare Motorogi Conservancy as well as the world-renowned Maasai Mara Reserve.
Each guest at Mara Plains Camp contributes considerably to the success of the Olare Motorogi Conservancy’s flourishing ecosystem; conservation fees paid to safeguard this habitat while supporting over 1,000 Maasai families. This partnership agreement ensures the survival of an astounding volume and variety of wildlife.
Olare Motorogi Conservancy is reputed to have the lowest vehicle density in the Maasai Mara region, while also having the highest concentration of big cats anywhere in Africa. There is only one guest bed per 350 acres, leaving the land unadulterated for the wildlife to roam and thrive, as nature intended.
Suite
Each of the camp’s five luxury suites have deep canvas canopied ceilings, mosquito netting draped around the bed, rough-hewn recycled wood flooring, and accents of East Africa’s rich safari history. Thick Lamu wood doors, leather couches, and brass accents transport guests to a time and land far away. The lounge, en-suite facilities including a deep copper bath and extensive private verandah, complete these stunning tented suites. These stylistic elements coupled with environment elements such as solar power make Mara Plains Camp a modern-day retreat.
Wildlife Viewing
Early morning, late afternoon/ evening or even full day safari drives take place in some of the Mara’s most luxurious wildlife-viewing vehicles. Each Toyota Land Cruiser safari vehicle is open-sided, canopied and customised for photographers (fold-down screens, raised roofs, photographic bars, multi-plug invertors). Each vehicle is also stocked with a fridge with drinks and snacks, ready for longer days out if the wildlife viewing is exciting and just too hard to leave. We accommodate 4 guests on a safari vehicle; however, if a family or group travels together, we would easily accommodate up to 6 guests.
Every day on safari brings a unique and distinct experience. Safari drives typically start at sunrise, return for lunch and depart again in the mid-afternoon before returning just after sunset. However, with a packed breakfast and lunch, we often go out all day deep into the Maasai Mara National Reserve or the private Olare Motorogi Conservancy.
Our safaris will often continue into the evening, made possible by our location on a private conservancy. Night drives are incredibly prolific in the Olare Motorogi Conservancy, and while they take patience, sightings commonly include lesser-known nocturnal mammals and even lion and hyena hunts.
Our schedule is flexible, and guests are encouraged to create their own itinerary according to their interests with guidance and recommendations from our professional guides.
Hot Air Ballooning
Hot air ballooning is available but should be booked in advance and is subject to availability and additional cost. Departures are very early in the morning to allow time to transfer to the nearest launching point.
Cultural Experience
The Naboisho Women’s Group cultural experience is supported by the Great Plains Foundation, enabling the group to purchase raw materials in bulk including a tailor hired to work on leather products. Available to guests staying at Great Plains Conservation camps all profits from the sale of their wares are ploughed back into the women’s business training to ensure this group is self-sustainable. Items available for purchase include, but are not limited to, beaded & leather products, coasters, bracelets, necklaces, belts, dog collars, earrings, and decorated dawa sticks for example.
Each of Mara Plains Camp’s guest suites has a professional camera set, including a camera body and lenses. In addition to wildlife drives, both massages and hot air ballooning are available at additional cost. The Naboisho Women’s Group cultural experience is supported by the Great Plains Foundation, enabling the group to purchase raw materials in bulk including a tailor hired to work on leather products. Available to guests staying at Great Plains Conservation camps, all profits from the sale of their wares are ploughed back into the women’s business training to ensure this group is self-sustainable.
Solio Game Reserve is a privately owned wildlife conservancy located in Kenya’s Central Province, nestled between the slopes of Mount Kenya and the peaks of the Aberdare Mountains.
The Reserve is internationally recognised as the most successful private rhino breeding reserve in Kenya and visitors will find that sightings of up to 40 rhinoceros at a time are not uncommon. The wildlife experience here is exceptional and exclusive with 19,000 acres of conservancy surrounded by 45,000 acres of ranch and just one lodge, Solio Lodge, in the middle of it.
Solio Lodge is located on a private wildlife sanctuary, tucked in the valley between the lofty slopes of Mount Kenya and the peaks of the Aberdare Mountains, directly north of Nairobi. This intimate and luxurious Kenya safari lodge opened in August 2010 and remains the only guest accommodation on the incredible 45,000-acre Solio Game Reserve.
Luxury Cottage
Each room has a private lounge area with open fire for cooler evenings, as well as large en-suite bathrooms with a double sink, bath, and shower. Solio Lodge takes full advantage of its spectacular surroundings. Vast floor-to-ceiling windows frame distant Mount Kenya and outdoor sundecks afford panoramic views.
Solio Lodge offers a wide range of activities including game drives, horse riding, a visit to a Kenya coffee plantation, and birdwatching. You can also take a helicopter to nearby Mount Kenya and for a hilltop picnic breakfast or go trout fishing in nearby Aberdare National Park. Back at the lodge you can relax with help from Solio Lodge’s massage therapists who are available for in-room treatments. There is also Jolene, the log fired sauna to enjoy after a chilly morning game drive.
Situated south of Nairobi between Tsavo West National Park and Amboseli National Park, Chyulu Hills National Park boasts striking and diverse landscapes. The Chyulus were formed by a 100 km (62 mi) long series of ancient volcanic cones and craters, and now has one of the longest lava tubes in the world. Its beautiful green rolling hills drop down into misty forests of Acacia tortillis and sweeping savannahs that have played backdrop to many iconic movies, including Out of Africa. The views towards Mt Kiilmanjaro are some of the best to be had.
The local Maasai work together with conservation groups to minimise human wildlife conflict with the nomadic pastoralists. Big Life is one of the well known conservation groups that work in this area alongside some of the luxury boutique lodges situated in the Chyulus.
Activities in the greater Chyulus include exploring the area by foot, vehicle and horseback, as well as cultural visits, day trips to Amboseli, and hiking to the highest points (around 182 m/ 6000 ft high).
Ol Donyo Lodge is located in the heart of the Chyulu Hills, set between Kenya’s Tsavo and Amboseli National Parks. The property is honed from the ancient lava rock that spewed out of Kilimanjaro 360,000 years ago, creating a timelessness that touches everyone who visits. Set on the privately owned Mbirikani Group Ranch – an expanse of wild Africa bordering Chyulu Hills National Park and home to 4,000 Maasai – ol Donyo Lodge blends contemporary design with the rich culture of the Maasai community. This Great Plains Conservation Réserve-Collection property is perched on a hillside with views of East Africa’s classic savannahs below.
“I believe that a safari today must be a full and rich experience where there are no apologies for service, that must be excellent, for wildlife viewing, well-designed accommodation with a style we like to think of as a Great Plains style, but also vitally important for that extra magic of being a part of family… our family.” — Dereck Joubert
Suite
No two of the lodge’s eight suites are exactly the same, but what is consistent is the view of Mt. Kilimanjaro and the lodge’s famous waterhole. All suites have a pool, veranda, indoor and outdoor showers, double washbasins, flush toilet and bath, and “star-bed.” The rooftop “star-bed” is a fabulous sleep-out option, with utter privacy and all the amenities of the suite just below. The suites have an expansive lounge in addition to the bedroom.
Days at ol Donyo Lodge are full of options. To have such a vast area to explore, from high-altitude mist forest through lava fields, then woodland to savannah, and ending at the famous kopjes, it’s a paradise of discovery. Each day, it’s possible to pick your mode of transport, be it on foot, by helicopter, by vehicle, on horseback, or even by mountain bike. There is no routine here at all, and experiences are tailor-made for each guest. And if lazing around the pool, indulging in a massage, or shopping sounds like a good plan, then please do. Meet the local Maasai and visit the school to see what makes Kenya so colorful and dynamic.
Wildlife Viewing
Early morning and late afternoon/ evening safari drives take place in some of the most luxurious wildlife-viewing vehicles. Each Toyota Land Cruiser safari vehicle is open-sided, canopied, and customized for photographers (fold-down screens, raised roofs, photographic bars, multi-plug inverters). Each vehicle is also stocked with a fridge with drinks and snacks, ready for longer days out if the wildlife viewing is exciting and just too hard to leave. The lodge can typically accommodate up to four guests (or two couples) in one safari vehicle; however, if a family or group travels together, it is also possible to accommodate up to six guests.
Every day on safari brings a unique and distinct experience. Safari drives typically start at sunrise, returning for lunch and depart again in the mid-afternoon before returning just after sunset. Day trips to Amboseli National Park are possible (extra cost, subject to pre-booking).
Guests can also enjoy up-close encounters with wildlife without departing from the lodge. The open-air log pile and sunken hide at the waterhole, both situated directly in front of the camp, provide a perfect vantage point for such experiences.
The schedule at the lodge is flexible, and guests are encouraged to create their own itinerary according to their interests with guidance and recommendations from the professional guides.
Walks
Guided walks can also be arranged and are led by qualified, licensed walking guides.
Horse Riding – Intermediate and Above
For Intermediate riders and above, 2 to 4 hour rides exploring the concession are offered. Enjoy exhilarating medium to fast-paced canters and encounters with the famous big Tuskers.
For this riding option, you need to be riding fit, confident, and competent, ride with an independent seat, and be able to control an easy horse at all paces over uneven terrain.
Plains Ride Novice riders can enjoy a gentle 60/90 minute ride exploring the open plains. All riders will need to have a short assessment in the arena prior to setting out to ensure all guests riding out can control their horse and are comfortable at a short trot. If riders do not have the required experience, they will be offered a lesson in the arena instead. Plains riders will be given some instruction; a minimum requirement is a short trot.
They respectfully request no riders over 95 kg.
Mountain Biking
ol Donyo Lodge offers guided mountain biking for guests to explore the plains and open savannah in the area. Distances are based on guest’s fitness levels and riding desire and cycling terrain can range from sand to compact gravel and grass in places.
Helicopter Excursions and Transfers
A helicopter is available, and guests can enjoy 180-degree views with a choice of aerial scenic tours. These include viewing the Chyulu Hills, Amboseli, and Mount Kilimanjaro from the air. In addition to the scenic tours, visiting Amboseli and exploring the area with a Great Plains guide and safari drive is also possible.
Note that additional costs apply to helicopter experiences and to some other activities at the lodge.
As part of our offering at ol Donyo Lodge, a complimentary 15-minute helicopter flight is included, providing an amazing overview of the region, subject to availability. One flight per stay, with a minimum stay of two nights required.
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