Luxury Samburu and Maasai Mara Fly-in Safari

Giraffe Centre, Nairobi

Nairobi

Visit the Giraffe Centre in Nairobi to get up close to endangered Rothschild's giraffes. The centre’s mission is to breed the animals in a safe environment, releasing many into the wild at around three years old, when they can survive on their own. You’ll spend up to an hour at the 60-acre sanctuary in the Lang’ata suburb of Nairobi.

Created by the African Fund for Endangered Wildlife, the non-profit centre was founded in 1979 when there were just 130 of these beautiful animals left in the wild. The Rothschild's is a subspecies of the giraffe that lives in East Africa’s grasslands. The centre’s breeding programme started with just two young calves and now they’ve released over 40 giraffes into national parks and conservancies across Kenya. It’s amazing to see the giraffes up close. Afterwards, you can go to the information centre to listen to an educational talk about giraffe conservation and the centre’s work.

Although you’re likely to see giraffes on safari, you can only get this close and personal with them at the Giraffe Centre – it’s quite an experience. It’s great to know that your visit is helping to protect this endangered species. The centre is open throughout the day, so we can arrange your visit at a time to suit you, with private transfers to and from your accommodation.

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Sheldrick Wildlife Trust

Nairobi

On this tour you’ll have the chance to meet orphaned elephants at the Sheldrick Wildlife Trust. The trust was set up over 40 years ago by Daphne Sheldrick in memory of her husband David, who was a famous warden and naturalist in Tsavo East National Park. It has developed into the most successful rescue and rehabilitation programme for elephants in the world, with many of the babies released back into the wild in Tsavo after about three years of rehabilitation.

At around 10.00am you’ll transfer by private vehicle to Nairobi National Park, arriving at the centre for the 11.00am feeding. The elephants know when it’s time to have their milk and come running down into the feeding area. As the keepers feed them, a guide from the trust will introduce you to the individual elephants and tell you their rescue stories. You’ll get to ask questions while the animals play.

Visiting will give you a chance to get up close to the elephants, learn about the wildlife trust’s work and contribute to the conservation of these incredible animals. As well as helping orphaned elephants and rhinos, the trust works on anti-poaching initiatives, habitat protection and runs mobile vet clinics. Following the visit, return to your hotel.

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Walking safari with a Maasai warrior from Mara Bushtops

Maasai Mara

Walking safaris offer guests a close encounter with animals in their natural habitat, as well as a chance to learn about the local flora and Maasai culture. You’ll be guided by one of the expert camp naturalists and a Maasai warrior, who’ll provide fascinating insights into Kenya’s wildlife and landscape.

The safaris are accompanied by an armed Kenya Wildlife Service Ranger and followed closely by a vehicle. The walk starts directly from Mara Bushtops and takes you through the private conservancy on the edge of the Maasai Mara National Park. There are six different walking routes to choose between, from short leisure walks to more intense trails if you love the thrill of getting up close to animals. You’ll likely see giraffes, as well as herds of zebra, impala and elephants. There have even been occasional sightings of lions.

Along the way, your guides will point out animal markings and droppings, you’ll also get to learn about the various medicinal trees and shrubs that the Maasai community has used for generations. One of the routes takes you to the historic Kakiya Cave, which is part of everyday Maasai tribal life and used for rituals, worship, preparing medicines and initiation ceremonies.

A walking safari offers a totally different vantage point from traditional 4x4 game drives. You get a chance to walk among the Kenyan landscape, surrounded by wildlife in its natural habitat and outside the comfort of your safari vehicle, yet with an experienced team of local guides.

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