Exclusively Yours: Kenya Safari
Destination
Kenya
Travel Period
January-December
Duration
14 days | 13 nights
Welcome to Nairobi National Park, an island of incredible flora and fauna surrounded by a sea of humanity. Nowhere in the world is there a National Park of this magnitude, home to some of the most endangered species on the planet, next to a capital city. Where on earth can you land on an international flight and be amongst four of the big five in less than half an hour of clearing customs.
Nairobi is the gateway to the safari world, and what better place to arrive than in this incredible city and enjoy a wilderness that has been set aside.This is Kenya’s first national park, and one of the first protected areas set aside for wildlife in the world.
The park is teaming with game and incredible birds, having boasted one of the highest world bird counts of a capital city in one day. There are over 400 species of birds in the park along with 80 species of mammal, over 40 different reptiles and amphibians and well over 500 tree and plant species. It is an extraordinary space!
The park is not only famous for its age, but also, and most importantly the hugely successful Black Rhino population with well over 80 Black Rhino and more than 10 White Rhino. The park is just under 120 Square Kilometres which makes it one of the largest Black Rhino populations in the world per square kilometre. The park Rhinos have been relocated to different areas in the country and the Black Rhino program is one of the most successful in Africa.
From other members of the Big 5, the park has over 30 adult resident Lions that roam the plains, and 10 resident Leopard which are being seen more frequently. Recently a female Cheetah with her three cubs have moved into the park and are seen on regular occasions in The Emakoko area.
Any visitors to Kenya and in fact East Africa MUST visit Nairobi National Park to not only support the incredible conservation work in the park, but also to enjoy the amazing views!
The Emakoko is a unique boutique lodge offering an exceptional blend of convenience and wilderness. Nestled on the southern edge of Nairobi National Park, it provides guests with a rare opportunity to experience East Africa’s wildlife just 45 minutes from Nairobi’s international airports. With 10 rooms and a private house, the lodge is an intimate retreat ideal for beginning or ending a safari adventure.
Owned and hosted by Emma and Anthony Childs and their family, The Emakoko immerses visitors in the natural beauty and biodiversity of Nairobi National Park. A highlight of any stay is the scenic drive through the park, featuring breathtaking landscapes and abundant wildlife, including zebras, giraffes, and antelopes. The park is also home to a significant population of endangered black rhinos.
Luxury Rooms
With only 10 rooms, The Emakoko offers an exclusive and personal environment. Five rooms are situated at the main level and five have been built into the cliff face higher up. The climb to the upper rooms is well worth it for the breathtaking views, and there is a convenient funicular lift for those who do not wish to overexert themselves. The rooms and interiors are designed for comfort, from huge, luxurious beds to black-out curtains. Each room has its own private veranda and a soaking tub.
Private House
The Emakoko has recently opened a Private House. The house has two en-suite bedrooms with a shared living/dining area. It also has its own private pool and is situated on the upper level with great views over Nairobi National Park.
The Nairobi National Park boasts a spectacular assortment of birds and wildlife, with over 400 bird species recorded in one day. With an excellent possibility of spotting four of the Big Five, many Nairobi residents find the lodge a perfect antidote to the hustle and bustle of city life. By staying at The Emakoko, guests are directly contributing to protecting and conserving Nairobi National Park and its wildlife.
Guests at The Emakoko can take a private game drive into Nairobi National Park or visit the communities that border it. Alternatively, excursions into Nairobi to visit the David Sheldrick Wildlife Trust, the Giraffe Centre, or the local shops are also possible.
The David Sheldrick Wildlife Trust
Founded in 1977 by Dr Dame Daphne Sheldrick DBE, in memory of her late husband, famous naturalist and founding Warden of Tsavo East National Park, David Leslie William Sheldrick MBE, the Sheldrick Wildlife Trust claims a rich and deeply rooted family history in wildlife and conservation. The Nairobi Nursery is open between 11am-12pm to the public, to give people the opportunity to meet these amazing creatures. Entry fees are a donation to the Trust.
Giraffe Centre
The Giraffe Centre is the creation of the African Fund for Endangered Wildlife (A.F.E.W. Kenya), a Kenyan non-profit organisation. The main purpose is to educate Kenyan school children and youth on their country’s wildlife and environment, as well as give local and international visitors an opportunity to come into close contact with the world’s tallest species, the giraffe. The centre is home to the endangered Rosthchilds Giraffe and visitors have the opportunity to get up close and personal with them!
Nairobi National Park
Welcome to Nairobi National Park, an island of incredible flora and fauna surrounded by a sea of humanity. Nowhere in the world is there a National Park of this magnitude, home to some of the most endangered species on the planet, next to a capital city. Where on earth can you land on an international flight and be amongst four of the big five in less than half an hour of clearing customs. You can visit the park between 6:30am and 6:30pm, a wonderful way to spend a morning or an afternoon before or after your safari!
Shopping
There are a variety of different shopping areas all over Nairobi. The most popular area is in Karen where you can find Utumanduni, House of Treasures and Langata Link Shops.
Utumanduni is an emporium of handcrafted artefacts, fashion, accessories, homeware, beauty products, antiques and more, Utamaduni is a one-stop shop for exquisite products proudly made here in Kenya and across the African continent. Choosing to buy an item online or in-store, you are choosing to support small businesses, grassroots organisations and vulnerable communities.
Day 2: Private Lunch – Sheba’s Secret Garden
Sheba’s Secret Garden is a classic Cape Dutch farmhouse nestled in 4 acres rising from the highlands shaded by trees and leaves in the idyllic suburbs of Karen.
Take time and enjoy a distillery tour, a tasting, or stay a while, sprawl out, and imbibe the snug informal atmosphere. This snug hosted home is exclusively yours, with a fully provisioned pantry and distiller’s bar, a spacious Lamu-esque suite overlooking Sheba’s Secret Garden, and a chauffeured vehicle at your disposal.
The Mara conservancies are Maasai owned group ranches that have combined to conserve a total area nearly the size of the Maasai Mara National Reserve itself, covering 1450 km2 (560 mi2) across fifteen conservancies. The wildlife in the conservancies can be comparable to the main Maasai Mara game reserve, and in fact some areas have higher densities of predators than in the central reserve. Because there are fewer camps, the conservancies can offer a more exclusive experience than in the central reserve, with generally fewer game viewing vehicles around sightings.
There are opportunities in some conservancies to do night drives, walking safaris, as well as visits to some of the villages of the local Maasai who own the land.
The conservancy approach is widely seen as the way forward for wildlife conservation and eco-tourism in Kenya, because it not only secures vital space for wildlife but includes the local population as custodians of their national heritage. This has been vital not only for conservation of the whole greater Mara but also wildlife corridors and the prosperity of many hundreds of Maasai families. Nearly forty tourist camps contribute to employment amongst the communities and provide a presence, alongside Maasai anti-poaching units, for the protection of the wildlife.
Tangulia Ndogo is an exclusive-use rustic and cozy tented bush camp ready to welcome travelers looking for a private safari experience in the heart of the Masai Mara. Accommodating up to eight guests, the intimate camp is perched on a leafy hill overlooking the Olotulo-Murt salt lick by the Mara River. It is located on private land steps away from Tangulia Mara and emphasizes authentic safari and African experiences. Tangulia is the Swahili word meaning “to lead.”
Tangulia Ndogo camp is located on the Mara River on the edge of the Mara Reserve, north of Musiara marsh. The area is rich in biodiversity and offers prime wildlife and big cat viewing, and, during the migration, ready access to some of the main river crossing points.
Luxury Tent
The camp features two spacious en-suite tents, each accommodating up to four guests. Nestled beneath thatched roofs, the tents boast private outdoor verandas with stunning views of the salt lick, Mara River, and frequent wildlife activity. Paved, step-free walkways ensure easy accessibility throughout the camp. For added convenience, some tents can be equipped with a single extra bed.
Family Tent
The Family Tent sits under a thatched roof and includes two en-suite rooms (a double and a twin) and a central sitting/dining area. It features front-facing verandas overlooking the salt lick, Mara River, and frequent wildlife activity. Paved, step-free walkways ensure easy accessibility throughout the camp.
Activities include shared game drives in the Mara Reserve and the Mara Triangle, bush breakfasts and lunches, guided walks on the escarpment, and visits to a traditional Maasai tribal village.
Day 6: Hot Air Balloon
A balloon flight over the Maasai Mara is widely considered a bucketlist activity that offers a serene and spectacular experience floating over the vast, lush, and game filled plains.
A lift off at dawn means you watch the sun rise as you head in a generally western direction. Flights usually last close to an hour and depending on the take off spot you float over riverine woodlands, watching hippos return to their daytime refuges and crocodiles basking on sandbanks. Sometimes predators and large antelope herds can be spotted below, pointed out by your experienced captain.
After the flight you will be met by the trailing transfer vehicles and taken to a pre-prepared picnic breakfast, beautifully set up in an idyllic spot on the plains.
To visit the mystical island of Lamu is to take a step back in time. There is only one vehicle on the island, otherwise people walk, ride donkeys, or sail on traditional Arab sailboats called Dhows or Ngalawas. The ocean side of the island is fronted by a huge, eight mile long deserted beach, with commanding dunes that shield the coconut and mango plantations and small villages behind. At the heart of the island is the Old Town, where narrow winding paths and traditional Swahili architecture reflect the combined influences of the Omani, Indian, and Portuguese merchants and explorers over a thousand years of spirited trade.
Shela is the small beach community that has developed in walking distance from Old Town and become a favorite refuge for celebrities and European elite who don’t want to be recognised. Everyone is treated equally by locals who have welcomed visitors since the early white hunters took to visiting Lamu after their long early safaris of the 1920s and 30s. Safari-goers enjoy the laid back nature, amazing food, vibrant art scene, Swahili culture, and distinctive characters of Shela Town, said to contain some of Kenya’s most expensive real estate.
Based in the warm waters of the Lamu Archipelago, this beautifully appointed liveaboard dhow celebrates the rich history of the Indian Ocean, using the monsoon winds to follow ancient routes into remote and pristine marine and wilderness environments.
NaiSabah is a 75-foot traditional Omani liveaboard dhow that has been carefully repurposed and designed for ocean exploration. This ultimate expedition-style liveaboard offers the perfect platform for group adventures, family safaris, diving expeditions, fishing excursions, conservation journeys, and scientific exploration.
Hosted by Captain Bakari and his expert and experienced local crew and chef., the vessel boasts three air-conditioned cabins, comfortably accommodating up to eight people. They also offer the unique experience of sleeping under the stars on the open deck.
Cabin
NaiSabah boats three air-conditioned cabins. Two cabins include double beds and one bunk room with four single beds, each with its own flush toilet, basin, and hot water shower.
The Lamu Archipelago offers an array of activities that cater to every adventurer’s desires, all while surrounded by the breathtaking beauty of this coastal jewel.
This UNESCO World Heritage site is renowned for its well-preserved Swahili architecture and traditions, offering a unique glimpse into the past. As you sail through these crystal clear waters, you will also witness an ecosystem teeming with marine and bird life.
The dhow offers a diverse range of activities for guests, including snorkeling, inshore fishing, cultural experiences, and exploration of historical ruins and monuments. Beach enthusiasts can engage in beach exploration, picnics, and watersports, while nature enthusiasts can enjoy nature walks, hiking, dolphin watching, bird watching, and tidal floats. Guests can also immerse themselves in local culture through activities like shopping in Lamu, weaving with local women, and experiencing sundowners.
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