Combine Kenya’s wild north with the wide-open plains of the Masai Mara and the palm-fringed beaches of the Kenyan coast on this classic ‘bush and beach’ combo.
Spotting the Samburu Special Five in Kenya’s wild north.
Gazing out across Africa from the top of Mt Ololokwe, the Samburu’s ‘Sacred Mountain’.
Watching the greatest show on earth, the Great Migration across the Masai Mara.
Teaching the kids to hunt like a Maasai at Saruni’s sensational Warriors Academy.
Walking for miles across the china-white sands of dazzling Diani Beach.
Arrive in Nairobi and transfer to Wilson Airport for your flight north to the Samburu National Reserve. Samburu is one of Kenya’s most rewarding reserves, offering visitors the elusive prospect of big-game safaris well away from the crowds. Not only are you likely to see elephant, cheetah, lion and perhaps even leopard, you could also spot several rare species not found further south, including the Samburu Special Five: beisa oryx, reticulated giraffe, Grevy’s zebra, gerenuk antelope and Somali ostrich.
Your base for three nights will be Saruni Samburu, the only lodge in 200,000 acres of wildlife-rich wilderness. Its six eco-chic villas have been built into the rock face to offer breathtaking views over the semi-arid plains towards mighty Mount Kenya. Activities are guided by local Samburu warriors passionate about their homeland and include game drives and night drives, guided bush walks and visits to local villages.
Fly from Samburu to the Masai Mara and transfer to Saruni Mara, an intimate and exclusive lodge in the Maasai-owned Mara North Conservancy. Staying in a private conservancy has huge advantages over staying on the official Masai Mara National Reserve. For one, the local Maasai receive an income from camps like Saruni Mara who lease their land, while still being allowed to graze their own cattle. The camps also provide employment opportunities and contribute towards community-development projects.
In return, both cattle and game can live in peace on the land while guests at the camps receive a far more exclusive safari experience, enjoying fewer crowds, access to remote areas and the chance to enjoy activities not allowed in the reserve itself, such as walking safaris, night drives and luxurious bush breakfasts.
Take a light aircraft flight from the Mara to a small airfield near the dazzling white sands of Kenya’s Diani Beach. After the thrill of a safari the Kenyan coast offers a complete change of pace, with excellent opportunities to dive, snorkel or simply relax. South of Mombasa, Diani Beach is a near-flawless stretch of soft, white sand where you can walk for miles and barely see a soul.
For the ultimate in luxury, we recommend staying at Alfajiri Villas, a collection of three beautifully designed, exclusive-use villas overlooking a quiet stretch of Diani’s delicious beachfront. The fully staffed villas can sleep a maximum of between 6 and 10 guests so are perfect for families or friends travelling together. Two of the three are available to couples – perfect for honeymoons or an ultra-romantic getaway.
Fly back to Nairobi on day 11 to connect with your outbound flight.