Victoria’s Safari Birthday Present for Mom

Breakfast at Giraffe Manor / Courtesy of The Safari Collection

The new year is a lovely time to be in Kenya. The grass is green but the rains have mostly stopped. The weather is warm enough for swimming but not overly hot. One caveat is that because of the holidays, camps charge peak season rates between Dec 20th and January 4th.

The first section is a list of the different safari areas along with my favorite properties. Rates listed are per night for two people. If there is a “+” next to the price they haven’t released their new rates yet, and it will likely be a little higher. I’ve checked availability on these, but it isn’t guaranteed.

At the bottom, I’ve put together some itinerary options with the dates you provided, and we can plug in some of the destinations you like best. I even included one for Victoria Falls. Late December isn’t an ideal time to visit because the rainy season has just begun, but the falls are still low in flow. Early June is a better time if you want to include it.

I usually book Kenya or Tanzania separately to save on travel time. They can be done together, though there are more options in the summer when the migration is back in the north.

Nairobi

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.

Samburu, Kenya

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.

Laikipia Plateau, Kenya

View of Mt. Kenya from Lewa House
View of Mt. Kenya from Lewa House

Laikipia is the high-elevation hills around Mount Kenya. Because of its elevation, it has the best weather in the country, with moderate temperatures year-round. The Lewa Conservancy has really good wildlife, including lots of rhinos, which aren’t found elsewhere in Kenya. It’s also a great area for a mix of activities, including walking and horseback riding.

Accommodation:

  • Lewa House: $3,210/nt
    • This mid-range option is one of my favorites because it has the best location in the Lewa Reserve and cozy stone cottages.
  • Elewana Lewa Safari Camp: $2,046/nt
    • This is a tented camp option that is on the edge of the reserve, so you get a better price.

Maasai Mara, Kenya

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.
  • Angama Mara: $5,500/nt
    • 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.

Tsavo and Amboseli, Kenya

Elephant at Ol Donyo Lodge, luxury Kenya safari / Courtesy of Great Plains Conservation
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.

Accommodation:

  • ol Donyo: $4,556/nt
    • 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.
  • Finch Hattons: $2,400/nt
    • This has access to all of the elephants of the Tsavo area at a lower price. It used to be family-run but was purchased by Richard Branson in May.
  • Angama Amboseli: $3,500/nt
    • This is the most modern style lodge in the area if you like that style.

Serengeti, Tanzania

Songa Migrational Camp / Courtesy of Legendary Expeditions

The Serengeti National Park lies across the border from the Maasai Mara and is quite a bit larger. It’s the furthest from Nairobi on this list, but it will be your best chance of seeing the Great Migration if you are interested. In December, the herds should be calving in the south, and I would focus on the nearby camps.

Ngorongoro and Chem Chem, Tanzania

Walking safari at Chem Chem Lodge / Courtesy of Chem Chem Safaris luxury Tanzania safari
Walking safari at Chem Chem Lodge / Courtesy of Chem Chem Safaris

Chem Chem is a private reserve I would love to use on a Tanzania itinerary instead of Ngorongoro Crater, which has gotten overcrowded. Chem Chem is located between Lake Manyara and Tarangire National Park. It is a conservation success story and has great wildlife and cultural opportunities. There are a couple of interesting properties I like in Ngorongro like Gibb’s Farm for food and hiking.

  • Little Chem Chem: $4,080/nt
    • A stylish tented camp in the wildest part of the reserve. Part of the “slow safari” movement.
  • Gibb’s Farm: $1,160/nt
    • This property is a fun break from safaris if you are interested in staying at a Tanzanian farm and eating well for a couple of days.

Arusha & Kilimanjaro, Tanzania

Tanzania itineraries often start at Kilimanjaro airport and sometimes require a layover in Arusha. There are many charming hotels for an overnight stay or longer.

  • Legendary Lodge: $1,220/nt
    • There are many nice places to stay in Arusha, but Legendary is one of the best. You can sometimes get specials when paired with Mwiba, Chem Chem, and Songa.

Victoria Falls, Zimbabwe

Victoria Falls near Toka Leya / Dana Allen / Courtesy of Wilderness Safaris luxury Zambia safari
Victoria Falls near Toka Leya / Dana Allen / Courtesy of Wilderness Safaris

Zambia is one of my favorite places, but As I mentioned, the new year isn’t an ideal time to visit the falls. The first week of June would be better if you want to do this.

Accommodation:

  • Mbano Manor: $600/nt
    • This is a nice hotel on the Zimbabwe side away from the bustle of the falls.

Lamu, Kenya

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.

Accommodation:

  • Manda Bay: $820/nt
    • This is a private island resort with easy access to Lamu old town.

Itinerary Options

Ultimate Kenya

  • 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

A Week of Safari in Kenya

  • 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

A Week of Safari in Tanzania

  • Dec 27: Depart Houston
  • Dec 28: Arrive at Kilimanjaro at 8pm – Transfer to hotel in Arusha
  • Dec 29: Flight from Arusha to Chem Chem (3nt)
  • Dec 30: Chem Chem
  • Dec 31: Chem Chem
  • Jan 1: Flight to Serengeti Songa South (4nt)
  • Jan 2: Serengeti
  • Jan 3: Serengeti
  • Jan 4: Serengeti
  • Jan 5: Leave safari in the AM for flight to Nairobi – Giraffe Manor, Garden Room
  • Jan 6: Giraffe Manor day room. Depart Nairobi late evening.
  • Jan 7: Arrive in Houston

The Best of Northern Tanzania

  • Dec 25: Depart Houston
  • Dec 26: Arrive at Kilimanjaro at 8pm – Transfer to hotel in Arusha
  • Dec 27: Flight to Serians Serengeti South (3nt)
  • Dec 28: Serians Serengeti South
  • Dec 29: Serians Serengeti South
  • Dec 30: Drive to Gibbs Farm (2nt)
  • Dec 31: Gibbs Farm
  • Jan 1: Drive to Chem Chem (4nt)
  • Jan 2: Chem Chem
  • Jan 3: Chem Chem
  • Jan 4: Chem Chem
  • Jan 5: Leave safari in the AM and fly to Nairobi – Giraffe Manor, Garden Room
  • Jan 6: Giraffe Manor day room. Depart Nairobi late evening.
  • Jan 7: Arrive in Houston

Victoria Falls

  • Dec 25: Depart Houston
  • Dec 26: Arrive in Johannesburg – Transfer to hotel.
  • Dec 27: Flight to Victoria Falls (2hr)
  • Dec 28: Victoria Falls – Helicopter Flight
  • Dec 29: Late Flight to Nairobi (3.5hr) – Airport hotel
  • Dec 30: Flight to Destination 1 (3nt)
  • Dec 31: Destination 1
  • Jan 1: Destination 1
  • Jan 2: Flight to Destination 2 (3nt)
  • Jan 3: Destination 2
  • Jan 4: Destination 2
  • 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

Southern Serengeti to Kenya

  • Dec 25: Depart Houston
  • Dec 26: Arrive at Kilimanjaro 8pm – Transfer to hotel
  • Dec 27: Flight to Southern Serengeti (3nt)
  • Dec 28: Serengeti
  • Dec 29: Serengeti
  • Dec 30: Flight to Chem Chem (3nt)
  • Dec 31: Chem Chem
  • Jan 1: Chem Chem
  • Jan 2: Flight to Arusha and 5hr Drive to ol Donyo (3nt)
  • Jan 3: ol Donyo
  • Jan 4: ol Donyo
  • 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