Kenya Highlights | Fauna Travel

Kenya Highlights

Mara Nyika Camp / Courtesy of Great Plains Conservation

12 Days | Starting at $21,000

  • Dec 27: Depart Houston
  • Dec 28: Arrive in Nairobi 10pm – Transfer to hotel
  • Dec 29: Flight from Wilson Airport to Samburu (3nt)
  • Dec 30: Samburu
  • Dec 31: Samburu
  • Jan 1: Flight to Maasai Mara (4nt)
  • Jan 2: Maasai Mara
  • Jan 3: Maasai Mara
  • Jan 4: Maasai Mara
  • Jan 5: Leave safari in the AM. Giraffe Manor, Garden Room
  • Jan 6: Giraffe Manor day room. Depart Nairobi late evening.
  • Jan 7: Arrive in Houston

Samburu, Kenya (3nt)

Sarara

The Samburu area is in the arid north of the country. There isn’t as much wildlife, but you will still get good sightings. The landscapes are also dramatic, and the people are authentic. It’s not as touristy here, and I much prefer the cultural visits over the Maasai Mara. In the Mara, we were forced to jump with some warriors for a picture, even though I didn’t want to, and then we were directed to the gift shop. In Samburu, we just drove to a village and casually talked to some people who were herding goats. There is also a community-run elephant sanctuary you can visit.

Accommodation:

  • Sarara: $3,200/nt
    • This family-run camp is in the best location to visit the Reteti Elephant Sanctuary. It’s also one of the more remote camps, so you won’t see other tourists.
  • Saruni Samburu: $2,000/nt +
    • This is one of the more affordable options, but you get a really cool camp for the price.
  • Sasaab (Safari Collection): $5,052/nt
    • This is the luxury Samburu option and one of my favorite camps if you want a private pool etc.

Maasai Mara, Kenya (4nt)

Mara Nyika Camp / Courtesy of Great Plains Conservation

This is the most famous safari destination in the world, and it has some of the highest wildlife densities in Kenya. There are vast open plains with large herds of animals. Because of its popularity and new $200/day park fees, it’s the most expensive destination in Kenya. Most camps here are in the traditional canvas tented style unless you go very high-end.

Accommodation:

  • Mara Expedition: $3,580/nt
    • This is a stylish camp with a great conservation record.
  • Tanguila Mara: $1,910/nt
    • This is a more standard tented camp, but it is the only one in the Mara that is wholly Maasai-owned instead of operated in partnership with a safari company.
  • Serian: $2,890/nt
    • This solid mid-range option has one of the more authentic safari experiences.
  • Cottar’s: $3,906/nt
    • This is one of my favorite luxury camps. It has a historic colonial vibe, but despite this it has one of the best community relations in Kenya.
    • This is the most expensive camp, but it is only worth it if you want the most epic view in Africa.
  • Sala’s Camp (Safari Collection): $4,630/nt
    • This is a great luxury option in a good location that is a cottage style.

Nairobi (2nt)

Baby giraffe at Giraffe Manor, luxury Kenya safari / Courtesy of The Safari CollectionAfternoon tea at Giraffe Manor, luxury Kenya safari / Courtesy of The Safari Collection

I’ve built the itinerary around Giraffe Manor, which is only available on January 5th unless you book another Safari Collection camp. If you book one of those, it is also available on December 28th. If you don’t stay overnight at Giraffe Manor, you can always visit the adjacent Giraffe Centre to feed the giraffes and/or get a day room at the retreat at Giraffe Manor.

Accommodation:

  • Giraffe Manor (Garden Room): $2,568/nt +
    • This is what it’s all about 🙂
  • Retreat at Giraffe Manor (Day Room): $880/day +
    • These are the day rooms you can have for the afternoon for late flights. Giraffes only have access to the pool, but you can also visit the Giraffe Centre nearby.
  • Karen Blixen Cottages: $400/nt
    • This is a nice mid-range hotel in Nairobi if you don’t overnight at the Manor.