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Kenya Fly-in Safari
7 Days · Kenya · Private Guided

Kenya Fly-in Safari

Duration
7 days / 6 nights
Best time
Year-round
Group
2 - 6 Guests
Guide
Edward
Style
Private Guided
Overview

Explore Kenya Highlands and the Wild Savannah

Over the course of seven days, on this luxury Kenya fly-in safari, you will explore three distinct landscapes that are rarely combined: the misty highland forest and moorland of Aberdare National Park, the dry, red-earth wilderness of Samburu, and the vast open plains of the Masai Mara. Unlike most itineraries that typically focus on a single region, this journey intentionally takes you through all three.

Aberdare is often overlooked in first-week itineraries, which is exactly what makes it special. Visitors can enjoy floodlit waterhole viewing at night from a forest lodge and experience unique wildlife like the black rhino and the elusive bongo antelope in an unparalleled landscape. Next, Samburu showcases the dry northern region’s unique wildlife, featuring animals that are not found further south. Finally, the trip concludes in the Mara, famous for its high density of predators, which is why it is regarded as Kenya’s best-known reserve.

Dexter personally oversees the entire route. However, the leg that doesn’t make sense to drive, between Samburu and the Mara, is flown instead. This change saves you from spending an entire day on the road between two of the best stretches of the trip. He will be waiting for you at the airstrip upon your arrival.

“Aberdare surprises people every time. Everyone's braced for the Mara, almost nobody's braced for a rhino walking past a floodlit waterhole at two in the morning.”

Day by day

The itinerary

Day 1

Into the highlands

Drive north from Nairobi to Aberdare National Park, where you’ll encounter a unique landscape of forests and moorlands filled with bamboo, waterfalls, and dense highland cloud forests. Spend your evening watching a floodlit waterhole from the lodge, where you might see elephants and buffalo, and if you’re fortunate, even catch a glimpse of a black rhino or the rare bongo antelope after dark.

Day 2

Aberdare's forest and falls

A full day exploring Aberdare’s moorland and forest — Karuru Falls, the highest in Kenya, and terrain that rewards patience rather than long game drives. A second night at the waterhole, since the sightings change every night.

Day 3

Into the north

Transfer to Samburu National Reserve, where the Ewaso Ng’iro river cuts through dry, red-earth country that looks nothing like the highlands you’ve just left. Afternoon game drive on arrival.

Day 4

The Samburu specials

A full day in Samburu tracking the species that make the north worth the detour — Grevy’s zebra, reticulated giraffe, gerenuk, and Beisa oryx — alongside strong numbers of elephant and the reserve’s resident lion and leopard.

Day 5

Flying south to the Mara

A short flight from Samburu to the Masai Mara rather than the better part of a day on the road — Edward will be waiting for you at the airstrip. Afternoon game drive on arrival in Kenya’s best-known reserve.

Day 6

A full day on the plains

The whole day given to the Mara — the highest concentration of predators in the country, worked around whichever part of the reserve is producing the best sightings that week rather than a fixed loop.

Day 7

Back to Nairobi

Transfer back to Nairobi for your onward flight, timed to your departure.

Gallery

What it looks like

Included

  • All park entrance fees
  • 6 nights' accommodation as per the itinerary (lodges and tented camps, en suite)
  • All meals during the safari
  • Private 4x4 safari vehicle with pop-up roof, fuel, and driving throughout
  • One internal flight, Samburu to the Masai Mara
  • Edward as your guide for the full seven days
  • Drinking water in the vehicle each day
  • Game drives as per the itinerary
  • Airport transfers in Nairobi at the start and end of the trip

Not included

  • International flights to and from Nairobi
  • Kenya visa / eTA fees
  • Travel and medical insurance
  • Tips for Edward and camp staff
  • Alcoholic drinks and items of a personal nature
  • Optional extras (e.g. Mara hot air balloon safari)
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