A concise safari experience that combines unique Masai cultural insights and game drives, ideal as a short tour or extension of another safari adventure such as trekking Mt. Kenya. As a way to support community conservation and encourage the locals to preserve their heritage, we go a little further the regular safari programs that visit one park after the other. On this tour we do a side-trip en-route to Masai Mara and get privileged insights into the Maasai people’s fascinating way of life. Then, proceed on to Maasai Mara for quality game viewing in the park as well as visit adjoining Siana community conservancy as part of the wildlife safari. Though Masai Mara is undoubtedly the best place to spot the wildlife, the Siana conservation area offers chances for hiking, sundowner outings, bush dinners and night game drives.
Accommodation for this itinerary is a mix of bush camps (fully supported) and local hotel. The bush camping section on this trip allows us access to wilder areas. Irrespective of the location we never compromise on health, safety or reasonable comfort. And although we generally don’t include luxury lodges in our itinerary planning, lodge accommodation can be arranged for most nights on private group departures if required.
Detailed itinerary:
Day 1: Maasai Cultural insights
We journey westwards from Nairobi, stopping for a breathtaking view over the Great Rift Valley, then traverse the Rift Valley into the heart of Maasailand. Lunch en-route before diverting from the main road to Mara Maasai to reach a remote Maasai village at the foothills of the Loita Hills. The uncharted safari location where we camp tonight is an uncommon tourists destination. Here we spend time in an authentic Maasai settings interacting with women and children and Maasai Morans (warriors) who engage us in various warrior-training activities. In the evening we get a chance to visit a natural hot spring close to the camp for a bath (or just deep our toes in). The bush camp is under acacia trees where we dine under starlit skies as we listen to age old Maasai folklore then doze to the sounds of the African night. (L,D)
Day 2: Walking with Maasai warriors / proceed to Maasai Mara.
Early start for a hike led by Maasai Morans (warriors) into the hills – Loita plains are an extension of Maasai Mara and form a wildlife corridor that host’s migratory wildlife throughout the year. This morning we will walk among some of this wildlife led by our local Maasai hosts and learn about medicinal herbs used by the locals in the process. If schools are in session we’ll be able to visit a local school cum rescue centre for the Maasai girl child we support here. After this enthralling adventure we drive on to our secluded camp in the Masai Mara. In the evening we drive part way up Naunare Hill (or hike to the top of it) to watch the sunset over the Mara as we enjoy a sundowner snack. An extended rare night game drive to observe nocturnal wildlife is possible tonight (if weather conditions permit) – no extra cost for the night drives but, notify us of your interest in advance please. Overnight in our permanent tented safari camp (with beds and en-suite facilities). (B,L,D)
Day 3: Explore Maasai Mara.
Ecologically the Masai Mara is an extension of the great Serengeti plains and teems with abundant wildlife. We spend all today in the reserve on game drives and this is where you can see elephant, buffalo, lion, cheetah, leopard, zebra, giraffe, hippo, crocodile and a whole ark-full of other animals. Our expert naturalist guides ensure you have the very best chance of seeing them all as well as offer details of their life cycle. From July to September, the Mara is home to the great wildebeest migration. Overnight again in our comfortable tented permanent safari camp. (B,L,D)
Day 4: Morning Game drive / return to Nairobi.
Another early morning game drive in the Mara and then return to camp for breakfast before embarking on the journey back to Nairobi. On arrival in Nairobi you are offered a homemade lunch at our Rock house before proceeding with your next arrangements. (B,L,D)