Your Kenyan adventure begins at Jomo Kenyatta International Airport, where a private transfer takes you to Palacina The Residence & Suites Nairobi, an elegant and contemporary retreat offering sophisticated suites, modern amenities, and personalized service. Nestled in the heart of Nairobi, the hotel provides a serene base for your first night in Kenya, with spacious rooms, high-end facilities, and attentive staff ensuring a seamless start to your journey.

Depending on your arrival time, you may choose to relax in your suite, enjoy a rejuvenating spa treatment, or explore nearby attractions. Nairobi is a vibrant city blending modernity and tradition, and even a brief visit offers enriching experiences. Visit the David Sheldrick Elephant Orphanage to meet rescued baby elephants, learning about conservation efforts that protect Kenya’s wildlife. At the Giraffe Centre, feed the endangered Rothschild’s giraffes and learn about wildlife education programs. History enthusiasts can visit the Karen Blixen Museum, once home to the famed Danish author, while art lovers can explore galleries showcasing contemporary Kenyan art.

In the evening, enjoy a welcome dinner at Palacina or a nearby acclaimed restaurant, sampling traditional Kenyan dishes alongside international cuisine. This night is about acclimatization, relaxation, and preparing for the wilderness adventures ahead. Nairobi sets the perfect tone for your luxury safari, offering a glimpse into Kenya’s urban sophistication and warm hospitality before venturing into the country’s wild landscapes.

After breakfast, a private transfer takes you to Wilson Airport for a short domestic flight to Samburu, a northern Kenyan region renowned for its arid landscapes, dramatic escarpments, and rare wildlife. Upon arrival, your private guide will escort you to Saruni Samburu, an exclusive lodge perched on a rocky outcrop overlooking the Kalama Conservancy. With panoramic views of the surrounding savannah and Mount Kenya in the distance, this lodge provides luxury, privacy, and direct immersion in the wilderness.

Spend your first afternoon on safari with a private game drive through the Kalama Conservancy. Samburu is home to the Samburu Five – Grevy’s zebra, reticulated giraffe, Somali ostrich, beisa oryx, and gerenuk – as well as elephants, lions, leopards, and a variety of antelope. Your experienced guide shares insights into animal behavior, tracking techniques, and the unique ecosystem of northern Kenya.

In the evening, enjoy sundowners overlooking the savannah while the sky transforms into a tapestry of colors at sunset. Afterward, embark on a night game drive in search of nocturnal wildlife, such as aardwolves, civets, and porcupines. Return to Saruni Samburu for a gourmet dinner under the stars, then relax on your private veranda, surrounded by the sounds of the African bush. This day immerses you in Samburu’s dramatic landscapes and extraordinary wildlife, setting the tone for a remarkable safari experience.

Wake early to catch the golden light over Samburu during a sunrise game drive, one of the best times to observe wildlife activity. Elephants, lions, leopards, and cheetahs move through the arid plains, while birds like the lilac-breasted roller add bursts of color to the landscape. Your private guide provides expert commentary, helping you identify tracks, behaviors, and hidden wildlife spots.

After breakfast at the lodge, embark on a guided bush walk with a Samburu warrior. This intimate experience allows you to connect with the environment on foot, learning about medicinal plants, tracking techniques, and traditional hunting and survival practices. The walk offers insights into the Samburu culture and their deep connection to the land.

In the afternoon, visit Buffalo Springs National Reserve, known for its lush springs, varied landscapes, and rich birdlife. Photograph elephants at waterholes or watch predators stealthily navigate the grasslands. Return to Saruni Samburu for a spa treatment or leisure time, then enjoy a sunset game drive. Conclude the day with a lantern-lit dinner under the stars, reflecting on the unique wildlife and cultural experiences Samburu offers. Every moment in this northern wilderness blends adventure, education, and luxury.

After breakfast, transfer to the airstrip for a domestic flight south to the Masai Mara, Kenya’s most iconic safari destination. Upon arrival, a private transfer takes you to Neptune Mara Rianta Luxury Tented Camp, an elegant riverside retreat nestled in the Mara North Conservancy. Each tent combines comfort with immersive views of the Mara River and surrounding plains, offering a luxurious base for exploring one of Africa’s most famous wildlife regions.

Spend the afternoon on your first Mara game drive. The Mara is renowned for its large populations of lions, elephants, leopards, cheetahs, buffalo, and numerous antelope species. Your guide will take you to private locations for optimal wildlife viewing, offering expert insights into predator-prey dynamics, animal behaviors, and seasonal migrations.

As the sun sets, enjoy a sundowner overlooking the Mara River. Return to camp for a gourmet dinner and relax under the African stars. Neptune Mara Rianta offers comfort and privacy in the heart of the bush, creating the perfect blend of luxury and wilderness immersion.

Rise early for a sunrise game drive to witness wildlife in action during the cooler morning hours. Observe lions on the hunt, cheetahs sprinting across the plains, and herds of wildebeest, zebra, and elephants moving through the golden savannah. Your guide shares fascinating stories about the Mara ecosystem, animal hierarchies, and survival strategies.

Return to the camp for a leisurely breakfast, then consider a guided bush walk or a cultural visit to a Maasai village. Learn about traditional Maasai customs, participate in local activities, and gain insight into their symbiotic relationship with the land.

In the afternoon, embark on a second game drive, visiting less-traveled areas of the conservancy to spot elusive wildlife such as hyenas, jackals, and rare birds. Enjoy sundowners at a scenic watering hole before returning to the camp for a luxurious dinner. This full day combines immersive wildlife viewing, cultural exploration, and relaxation, making it an unforgettable experience in the Masai Mara.

This morning offers the chance for a hot air balloon safari, a quintessential Masai Mara experience. Drift silently above the plains at sunrise, watching wildlife from a unique vantage point, then enjoy a champagne breakfast in the bush surrounded by herds of animals.

For those preferring to stay on the ground, morning and afternoon game drives provide an immersive safari experience. Explore the Mara at a leisurely pace, with opportunities to photograph predators, track elephants, or witness interactions between species. Return to the camp in the afternoon for a 30-minute spa treatment or relaxation on your private deck overlooking the river.

As dusk falls, embark on a night game drive to observe nocturnal wildlife, including civets, genets, and porcupines. Dinner back at camp rounds out the day, allowing you to reflect on the incredible wildlife encounters and luxury experiences of the Masai Mara.

After your final Mara game drive, transfer to the airstrip for a domestic flight to Diani Ukunda. Upon arrival, a private transfer takes you to Chale Island Resort, a luxury beachfront sanctuary surrounded by tropical gardens and pristine white sand beaches.

Spend five nights at this idyllic retreat, where comfort, privacy, and natural beauty converge. Relax in villas with private terraces or overwater decks, overlooking the turquoise waters of the Indian Ocean. Daily activities include snorkeling or diving in vibrant coral reefs, taking boat excursions to Kisite Mpunguti Marine Park to spot dolphins, exploring Shimba Hills National Reserve, or visiting local villages and craft markets.

The resort offers spa treatments, fine dining with fresh local seafood, and opportunities to simply unwind on the beach. Sunsets over the Indian Ocean provide breathtaking views, while gentle sea breezes and the tranquil island setting make for a perfect conclusion to your safari adventure. This extended beach stay allows ample time to rest, rejuvenate, and fully enjoy Kenya’s coastal paradise.

Day 12: Departure

After breakfast, transfer to the airstrip for your flight back to Wilson Airport in Nairobi. From there, a private transfer takes you to Jomo Kenyatta International Airport for your onward journey.

Your 12-day luxury safari and beach escape concludes with memories of Kenya’s diverse wildlife, rich culture, and pristine coastal beauty, from Samburu and the Masai Mara to the tranquil shores of Chale Island Resort.