Breakfast at Giraffe Manor / Courtesy of The Safari Collection
14 Days | Starting at approx. $30,000
Dec 25: Depart Houston
Dec 26: Arrive in Nairobi 10pm – Transfer to hotel
Dec 27: Flight from Wilson Airport to Samburu (3nt)
Dec 28: Samburu
Dec 29: Samburu
Dec 30: Flight to Maasai Mara (3nt)
Dec 31: Maasai Mara
Jan 1: Maasai Mara
Jan 2: Flight to Tsavo or Lamu (3nt)
Jan 3: Tsavo or Lamu
Jan 4: Tsavo or Lamu
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.
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.
This is one of the more affordable options, but you get a really cool camp for the price.
Maasai Mara, Kenya (3nt)
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.
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.
This is a great luxury option in a good location that is a cottage style.
Tsavo and Amboseli, Kenya (3nt)
Elephant at Ol Donyo Lodge / Courtesy of Great Plains Conservation
The southeastern part of Kenya has the highest density of elephants in the country – including some of the old bull “super tuskers.” There aren’t as many safari options here, but ol Donyo was the first image that came to mind when you said luxury lodge with elephants around a water hole. They have a fantastic hide that can get you just a few yards from elephants drinking.
This is one of Kenya’s nicer luxury safari lodges, and it has an epic watering hole. Kilimanjaro can be seen on the horizon – Quintessential safari luxury.
This is the most modern style lodge in the area if you like that style.
Alternate: Lamu, Kenya (3nt)
If you opt for a more extended trip in Kenya, you could add a beach destination instead of a third safari option. Lamu Old Town is a historic UNESCO World Heritage site with nice resorts nearby.
This is a private island resort with easy access to Lamu old town.
Nairobi (2nt)
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.
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.