9 Days African Escapes Safari Tour

Two game runs are planned today, both of which will introduce you to the intense beauty and drama that fill each day here. We return to Tortilis for a hot shower, cocktails and a sumptuous dinner.

Your guide will drop you off at the Airstrip for the flight back to Wilson where you connect with the scheduled morning flight to Samburu a harsh and savagely beautiful wilderness that depends on the steady flow of Uaso Nyiro River for its very existence. Your driver guide will be waiting at the Airstrip to drive you to Larsen’s Camp situated on the banks of the Uaso Nyiro River in the ruggedly beautiful Samburu National Game Reserve. Tranquil and luxurious, this camp enjoys uninterrupted views of the Uaso Nyiro River from the private verandas of every spacious and stylish guest tent. There will be time to relax after lunch and in the late afternoon experience the thrill of your first game drive in Samburu. With its vivid colors and contrasts between sky, bush and sand, the park is a photographer's paradise and home also to the proud and handsome Samburu tribe. Meal plan is all inclusive to include breakfast, lunch & dinner and house wines, soft drinks, bottled water beers and non luxury spirits.

Activities on offer today will include a stirring early morning and late afternoon game drives to discover this dramatic wilderness first hand and fascinating encounters with Samburu’s "Special Five," called that because they're only found north of the equator: the reticulated giraffe, long-necked gerenuk, Somali ostrich, Grevy's zebra and the beisa oryx. Overnight will be at the lodge on a full board meal plan.

You will be met on arrival by the camp driver and driven to Governors’ Il Moran Camp situated on steep cliffs along the meandering Mara River. Il Moran Camp is an intimate camp, with the ten guest tents all shaded under thick trees and with superb views of the Mara River with a private veranda designed so you can take dinner in private at your tent if you wish, or simply just relax and enjoy the sights and sounds of the bush. The guest tents are furnished to a superior standard and the beds have been hand carved from specially selected wood from fallen, ancient olive trees. The large en-suite bathrooms have flush toilets, a lovely big shower with piping-hot water, and a Victorian bath where you can soap the day’s dust away. Have lunch and a siesta and later in the afternoon we will set out on a shared game drive in Mara which provides a home for the herds of migrating zebra and wildebeest as well as supporting substantial herds of elephant, hippo and buffalo. The nearby plains are the classical image of savannah Africa, dotted with acacia trees and fringed by the inspiring Siria escarpment. Meal plan is full board. Two game drives daily with superb rangers are included, and dawn balloon safaris and excursions to Lake Victoria are also available (extra charge).

Maasai Mara is also a well known birds haven that has recorded hundreds of bird species over the years. So bird lovers will have plenty to see and record. At the same time, you will have an opportunity to ride in one of the most famous safari activity that has dominated the Mara over the years - The Hot Air Balloon Ride. The hot air balloons provides one of the interesting activities to combine with in your safari itinerary and fly up close to the wildlife and later on get a treat of champagne breakfast!

Spend the day exploring the amazing Mara on exciting early morning and late afternoon game drives when it is generally cooler and the wildlife is more active. The Mara Reserve is a fabulous place to spot the big cats and the big five, a variety of plains game and over 300 birds’ species. During the migration period you are just within a striking distance of the beautiful Mara River where the greatest show on earth crossing of wildebeest and zebras takes from around July to October. As the evening sets in, enjoy your favourite drink and canapés at a special spot with amazing views of the plains and the spectacular African sunset. Delicious gourmet meals will be served back at the Camp and after dinner every evening relax and enjoy the warmth of the campfire with your drink as you take in the sights and sounds of the African bush.

Day can spent on leisure at your camp, but we suggest you hit the Mara Savannahs and explore more of the exciting opportunities to see the wildlife, you also have an option to do cultural tours to maasai villages and get to see their way of life upfront. You can choose to go for nature walks, or have bush breakfast or bush dinners arranged, some of these options attract an extra cost, consult with your guide for guidance.

On your last day we depart after an early breakfast for a morning of exceptional game viewing. Your personal driver guide will share his knowledge of the surroundings and the local wildlife. Have lunch back at the Camp and in the afternoon your guide will transfer you to the airstrip for the scheduled afternoon flight to Nairobi's Wilson Airport. Our Rep will be at hand to meet you and transfer you the short distance to the Jomo Kenyatta International airport for your international departure where your safari with us ends.