Kenya in Depth

(11 Days - Departs Daily on a Private Basis)
Nairobi, Chyulu Hills, Lewa Wildlife Conservancy, Maasai Mara

This safari tour is ideal for adventurous travelers or repeat visitors to Kenya who want to experience the beautiful landscapes and abundant wildlife of iconic Maasai Mara and the off-the-beaten-track safari destinations of the Chyulu Hills and Lewa Wildlife Conservancy.

Begin in Nairobi, Kenya’s bustling capital. During private touring, visit the Sheldrick Wildlife Trust’s Nairobi Nursery, which helps rescue and rehabilitate orphaned elephants and rhinos. Also visit the Karen Blixen House, where the writer of Out of Africa lived, and the Giraffe Centre to learn about and feed endangered Rothschild’s giraffes.

Next, fly to a private conservancy in the Chyulu Hills, a rolling landscape of verdant hills with outstanding views of Mount Kilimanjaro. During your stay, enjoy daily game drives to look for elephants, zebras, giraffes, buffaloes and other animals that make their home in the region. Additional options include walking safaris, horseback riding, mountain biking, night drives and unforgettable sunrise hikes. Artisans of Leisure can also arrange visits to local villages, excursions to nearby Amboseli National Park and scenic flights with views of Mount Kilimanjaro. An experience not to be missed is sleeping outside on a rooftop “star bed” and waking up to watch the sun rise on Mount Kilimanjaro.

Next, fly to the Lewa Wildlife Conservancy, a protected region of grasslands, wetlands and forest that’s part of the Mount Kenya National Park UNESCO World Heritage Site. During daily game drives, spot endangered animals, including black rhinos, white rhinos and Grevy’s zebras, as well as lions, cheetahs, elephants, reticulated giraffes, wild dogs and more than 400 species of birds. Other options include bush walks, bird watching and meals in the bush. Artisans of Leisure can also arrange village visits, helicopter flights, visits to cultural sites, excursions to the Ngare Ndare Forest and other activities.

Conclude at a private conservancy bordering Maasai Mara National Reserve. Kenya’s most legendary safari destination, Maasai Mara is famed for its stunning scenery and abundance of wildlife. During daily safari drives, look for members of the Big Five—lions, leopards, elephants, rhinos and Cape buffaloes—going about their lives on the broad savanna. Other common animals in the Maasai Mara are cheetahs, zebras, giraffes, impalas, gazelles, ostriches, hippos and crocodiles. Artisans of Leisure can arrange additional activities such as hot-air balloon rides, local village and school visits, special meals in the bush and philanthropic activities. Upon request, private charter flights to and from the region can also be arranged.

Return to Nairobi, where you will have access to a day room and then be assisted to your international flight.

Itinerary Overview

Day 1 Arrive Nairobi Arrival assistance. Private transfer to hotel for 2 nights Day 2 Nairobi Full-day private tour Day 3 Nairobi – Chyulu Hills Private transfer to airport for scheduled flight to Chyulu Hills. Arrival transfer to lodge for 3 nights. Afternoon game drive Day 4 Chyulu Hills Morning and afternoon game drives and/or activities Day 5 Chyulu Hills Optional sunrise hike. Morning and afternoon game drives and/or activities Day 6 Chyulu Hills – Lewa Wildlife Conservancy Transfer to airstrip for scheduled flight to Lewa Wildlife Conservancy. Arrival transfer to lodge for 2 nights. Afternoon game drive Day 7 Lewa Wildlife Conservancy Morning and afternoon game drives and/or option for cultural touring Day 8 Lewa Wildlife Conservancy – Maasai Mara Transfer to airstrip for scheduled flight to Maasai Mara National Reserve. Arrival transfer to luxury camp for 3 nights. Afternoon game drive Day 9 Maasai Mara Morning and afternoon game drives, with option to visit local Maasai village and/or local school Day 10 Maasai Mara Morning and afternoon game drives Day 11 Maasai Mara – Depart Nairobi Transfer to airstrip for scheduled flight to Wilson Airport. Private transfer to international airport for day room access and departure assistance

Hotels

Nairobi: Hemingways Nairobi or Giraffe Manor Chyulu Hills:     Ol Donyo Lodge Lewa Wildlife Conservancy: Sirikoi Lodge or Lewa House Maasai Mara: Mahali Mzuri, Angama Mara or Mara Plains Camp

Cost

From $38,840 Per person (double occupancy – high season) From $30,525 Per person (double occupancy – low season)