


Location Highlights
- Masai Mara Game Reserve – Africa’s most famous game reserve. Always wonderful, and at its best from July to October when it plays host to 1.2 million Blue Wildebeest!
- Samburu National Reserve – a spectacular land of rugged ridges and Doum Palms. Kenya’s most scenic reserve hosts Gerenuk, Grevy’s Zebra and Beisa Oryx
- Mount Kenya – the beautiful montane forest is home to a wealth of rare mammals and birds
- Lake Nakuru – famous for woodland and wetland birds and mammals, including both Black and White Rhinos
- Lake Naivasha – a tranquil lakeside environment perfect for birding
- Lake Baringo – a remote freshwater lake ideal for the serious birder
- Amboseli National Park – Elephants and Masai Giraffes star beneath the snow-capped Mount Kilimanjaro
- Tsavo West National Park – part of Kenya’s largest conservation area and known for its ‘Red Elephants’


Tailormade Kenya
Tailormade | Tour Code: TKENCreate your own Tailormade holiday to Kenya with dates and an itinerary to suit you.
When to Visit
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YY | YY | YY | Y | Y | YY | YY | YY | YY | YY | YY | YY |
SAMPLE HOLIDAY: Essential Kenya
9 days from £3,595 (Flight Inclusive)
This short itinerary can be tailored to suit birders (by staying at Lake Naivasha), or mammal enthusiasts (by staying at Lake Nakuru). It's also perfect for a short family wildlife break!
Location Highlights
- Masai Mara Game Reserve – Africa’s most famous game reserve. Always wonderful, and at its best from July to October when it plays host to 1.2 million Blue Wildebeest!
- Samburu National Reserve – a spectacular land of rugged ridges and Doum Palms. Kenya’s most scenic reserve hosts Gerenuk, Grevy’s Zebra and Beisa Oryx
- Mount Kenya – the beautiful montane forest is home to a wealth of rare mammals and birds
- Lake Nakuru – famous for woodland and wetland birds and mammals, including both Black and White Rhinos
- Lake Naivasha – a tranquil lakeside environment perfect for birding
- Lake Baringo – a remote freshwater lake ideal for the serious birder
- Amboseli National Park – Elephants and Masai Giraffes star beneath the snow-capped Mount Kilimanjaro
- Tsavo West National Park – part of Kenya’s largest conservation area and known for its ‘Red Elephants’


Quick Enquiry
Summary
Kenya is Africa … in microcosm. Indeed it is where the concept of the safari began – the word ‘safari’ meaning ‘a journey’ in Swahili. Although it is a small country in contrast with others on the continent, Kenya boasts an unrivalled variety of habitats, altitudes and reserves which hold some of the largest herds of game left on the continent as well as good numbers of attendant predators, amongst them Lion, Cheetah and Leopard. With over 1,100 bird species recorded, it also offers the best birdwatching on the continent, with between 400 and 700 species possible on a single visit!
Kenya’s scenery is varied and special. In the north, dramatic desert and arid landscapes are found in the picturesque Samburu National Park. Along the Great Rift Valley vast bird-laden lakes are contained within brooding escarpments, whilst to the west lies the iconic Masai Mara Game Reserve. At its equatorial heart, Mount Kenya stands tall, with wildlife-rich cloudforests draped from its shoulders. Tsavo – East and West – and Amboseli, that lies in the shadow of snow-capped Kilimanjaro, are amongst the country’s other great game reserves. They are some of the finest in Africa; best of all, each one is easily accessed by an extensive network of roads (or charter flight if you would prefer) and offers a choice of safari lodge accommodation to suit a range of budgets. It is for these reasons that Kenya offers the best option for the first-time visitor to Africa. It is also the perfect choice for the returning visitor wanting to see more bird and mammal species, or for the family group looking for a safari destination filled with variety.

Our Destinations

The Masai Mara is the best known wildlife reserve in Africa and, with the adjoining Serengeti in Tanzania, it is the place in which to experience East Africa’s huge herds of migratory plains game – arguably the world’s greatest wildlife spectacle. Its vast rolling grasslands and scattered acacia woodlands, particularly those along the Mara River, span 1,500 square kilometres. Those seeking a ‘big game’ experience will not be disappointed! Here, such iconic mammals as African Elephant, African Buffalo, Lion, Cheetah, Leopard, Warthog, Black-backed Jackal, Spotted Hyena, Eland, Topi, Thomson’s and Grant’s Gazelles, Masai Giraffe and Hippopotamus can be seen throughout the year. But it is the period from July to October when the great herds of Blue Wildebeest and Plains (Grant’s) Zebra move into the Masai Mara from the Serengeti to feed on fresh grass following the ‘long rains’, making the hazardous crossing of the Mara River in the process. The birdlife of ‘the Mara’ is equally diverse. Huge Southern Ground Hornbills and elegant Secretarybirds stride across the grasslands alongside Kori Bustards, Grey Crowned-cranes and smaller species such as Temminck’s Courser, Rosy-breasted Longclaw, Yellow-shouldered Widowbird and Holub’s Golden Weaver. Lone bushes and dead trees provide lookout perches for a variety of bee-eaters and rollers, whilst above them soar Martial Eagles, Lappet-faced, African White-backed, Hooded and Rüppell’s Vultures, the latter four always on the look-out for a recent kill.
Accommodation
Kicheche Mara Camp
This classic tented safari camp is set within the acacia woodland of a beautiful valley and overlooks the Olare Orok stream. With only eight luxury tents, all with en suite facilities, the camp never feels busy and offers guests a relaxing and intimate setting from which to explore the wonders of the Mara North Conservancy.






Ilkeliani Camp
Ilkeliani Camp is a small secluded bush camp with 17 comfortable en suite tents commanding wonderful views over the Talek River and surrounding plains. As an unfenced bush camp, the wilderness and all its attractions are part of everyday camp life, so it’s possible to see animals in the grounds at any time and daily guided bush walks are organised from the camp. Local Masai guards are always on hand to escort you at night.






Karen Blixen Camp
Located in the Mara North Conservancy, the Karen Blixen Camp offers a truly authentic safari experience. The camp comprises 22 spacious and luxurious canvas safari tents, each sat atop a raised wooden deck, with an en suite bathroom complete with private outdoor shower. Each tent includes a veranda with day bed, with unbridled views across the spectacular Mara River, offering guests the opportunity to view a whole host of iconic wildlife. After a long day of safari drives, guests can cool off in the refreshing swimming pool or, for added luxury, visit the spa, where a range of wellness treatments is on offer. In partnership with local Masai landowners and tourism operators, the conservancy protects more than 30,000 hectares of the Masai Mara ecosystem, employing a team of rangers to limit the threat of poaching, manage livestock grazing zones, address human wildlife conflicts, restore natural habitats and offer environmental education to local communities.










Situated in the ‘arid north’ of Kenya, Samburu is perhaps the most beautiful of all the country’s reserves, and is a photographer’s paradise. Characterised in particular by its Doum Palms and rugged outcrops, the reserve’s grasslands, acacia woodlands and lush riverine forests comprise an attractive and diverse mosaic of African habitats that make the reserve one of the finest, in terms of both mammal and bird variety. As well as all the typical East African mammals, a number of more northern, dry-country species are found here, amongst them Beisa Oryx, Reticulated Giraffe, Gerenuk and Grevy’s Zebra. Lions are the top predators, but Samburu also offers one of the best opportunities in Kenya to see Leopard, and Cheetah are also possible. Amongst the wealth of birdlife, African Pygmy Falcon, Vulturine Guineafowl, Red-bellied Parrot, Abyssinian Scimitarbill, Northern Crombec, Pygmy Batis, Golden Pipit, Golden-breasted Starling and Somali Bee-eater are some of the specialities. Morning and afternoon game drives are the usual method of exploring this most scenic of reserves, and a number of good lodges service the area. Samburu Sopa is excellently located, but should you prefer a more luxurious stay, you might consider the Elephant Bedroom Camp which has 14 luxurious tents and a fantastic team offering an extremely high level of service.
Accommodation
Elephant Bedroom Camp
Set to a backdrop of the spectacular Samburu Game Reserve and Mount Kenya, the intimate Elephant Bedroom camp offers 14 rustic yet luxurious safari tents, with elegant and colourful African touches. Alongside the superb level of service, each tent offers a private plunge pool on the verandah, hot and cold running water and electricity. Guests can enjoy al fresco meals on the banks of the meandering Ewaso Nyiro River, under the welcome shade of the surrounding Doum Palms, and the lounge provides the ultimate place to relax in between game drives, with African Bush Elephant, Impala and Vervet Monkeys amongst the camp's many regular visitors.









Samburu Sopa Lodge
The Samburu Sopa Lodge perches atop high ground, offering spectacular panoramic views of the surrounding Samburu Game Reserve. The tasteful design of the lodge reflects the architectural heritage of the local Samburu communities, and 15 cottages, each with two bedrooms and a private veranda, are set around a central waterhole, providing guests with uninterrupted views of the many animals that visit.







The montane forests that clothe Mount Kenya’s slopes offer a special and very different habitat for the visiting wildlife enthusiast. Here there is the chance of seeing some of Kenya’s most elusive forest mammals, amongst them Bush Pig, Giant Forest Hog, Large-spotted Genet, White-tailed Mongoose, Tree Hyrax, Suni, Blackfronted Duiker and perhaps even a rare Bongo! The best chance of seeing these is at dawn and dusk, and through the night, from the hides overlooking the forest waterhole at Mountain Lodge. The birdlife is also very special, with such high-altitude and forest specialities as Green Ibis, Red-fronted Parrot, Hartlaub’s Turaco, White-starred Robin, Moustached Green Tinkerbird and Montane Oriole amongst many others. This avian variety, and the fabulous flora of Mount Kenya, is best enjoyed on walks through the forest from the lodge and other access points.
Accommodation
Mountain Lodge
Mountain Lodge is a comfortable game-viewing property perched on stilts overlooking a forest waterhole. This privileged location offers guests an incredible opportunity to relax in comfort whilst enjoying a cool drink and awaiting the arrival of some of the forest’s most elusive inhabitants! Clear mountain air and views of spectacular Mount Kenya are amongst the highlights here, along with the region’s special fauna and flora and the opportunity to enjoy it on foot.







One of a wealth of large lakes in the Great Rift Valley, each with its own different character and wildlife, Lake Nakuru is a soda lake that supports an astonishing avifauna. Pink-backed and White Pelicans, Yellow-billed and Marabou Storks, Sacred Ibis, African Spoonbills, and a host of ducks, waders, terns and gulls all add to the spectacle, whilst the ubiquitous African Fish Eagles and a range of other raptors sail overhead! Mammals are plentiful too, particularly Bohor Reedbuck, Defassa Waterbuck, African Buffalo, Warthog and the rare Rothschild’s Giraffe, and anyone tiring of the lakeside spectacle will find a differing set of birds in the surrounding scrub and woodlands. In the latter, Leopards are also regularly seen, Nakuru being a top site for this elusive cat, and a rhino is always a possibility since the national park is an important rhino sanctuary, protecting a population of over 60 Black and 40 White Rhinoceros.

Lake Naivasha is a tranquil freshwater lake set in the Kenya countryside. Over 350 bird species have been recorded here and it’s an idyllic place in which to relax or enjoy the birds and other wildlife on foot and by boat. Waterbirds are plentiful, and include White and Pink-backed Pelicans, Yellow-billed Stork, Goliath Heron, Little Bittern, Black Crake, Purple Swamphen, Spurwinged Goose, Yellow-billed Duck, Hottentot Teal, Spur-winged and Long-toed Plovers, Malachite Kingfisher and many more, while, in the surrounding open woodlands of Yellow-barked Acacia trees and Candelabra Euphorbias such species as Klaas’s Cuckoo, Speckled Mousebird, Fischer’s Lovebird, Green Wood-hoopoe, Grey-capped Warbler, and both Amethyst and Golden-winged Sunbirds may be found. Troops of beautiful Guereza Colobus are a common sight here, and various ungulates graze around the lake in which Hippos wallow happily.

Lake Baringo is one of Kenya’s many Rift Valley Lakes, but it is quite unique in its setting, being one of only two freshwater lakes in the Rift’s chain of soda lakes (the other one being Lake Naivasha). Set amongst dry, rocky, acaciacovered hills, and spectacular rugged cliffs and plateaux, Lake Baringo is remote and peaceful. It is in Kenya’s ‘outback’. With such a variety of habitats in the vicinity, it is no wonder that the birdlife is both plentiful and varied with such specialities as Verreaux’s Eagle, Spotted Eagle Owl, Heuglin’s Courser, Hemprich’s Hornbill and Bristle-crowned Starling. Generally, mammals are hard to see here, but hippos and Nile Crocodiles are plentiful! Exploration of the area is mainly on foot, thanks to the lack of land-based predators in the area. However, we recommend that you also explore this magical lake and its diverse birdlife on a boat trip from Lake Baringo Lodge.

Amboseli National Park sits beneath the towering snow-capped peak of Mount Kilimanjaro, Africa’s highest mountain, and is one of the country’s most scenic reserves. Indeed, it is here that one can enjoy that classic East African scene of African Elephants or Masai Giraffes striding across the plains in front of the great iced cone of Kilimanjaro. Amboseli’s acacia-dotted plains and dry rolling grasslands also support a wealth of other game including Plains Zebra, African Buffalo, Blue Wildebeest, Thomson’s Gazelle, Warthog, Black Rhinoceros and Spotted Hyena. Predators such as Cheetah and Lion do occur in Amboseli, although they can be elusive here.
Accommodation
Ol Tukai Lodge
Location is everything for this lodge situated right in the heart of the Amboseli National Park. Each of the 80 chalet-style rooms at Ol Tukai offer uninterrupted views of either the wetlands or the imposing outline of Mount Kilimanjaro, whilst Elephant, Masai Giraffe and Plains Zebra can be seen only metres from the swimming pool across the lodge boundary.










Tsavo West, when combined with Tsavo East (the less accessible neighbouring park), covers over 20,000 square kilometres, thus creating one of Africa’s largest conservation areas. This is a classic East African game reserve watched over by the distant snow-capped summit of Mount Kilimanjaro. It is a place of wide horizons and undulating dry acacia woodland, home to graceful parties of Masai Giraffe, Plains Zebras and herds of African Elephants, known here as ‘Red Elephants’ due to the red soil in which they cover themselves. In addition, Impala, Thomson’s Gazelle, African Buffalo and good numbers of Lion and Cheetah may be seen. Indeed, the Lions of Tsavo are descendants of the legendary man-eaters that brought the construction of the Nairobi to Mombasa railway to a standstill at the beginning of the last century. Friendlier inhabitants include a wealth of birdlife! An amazing 600 species have been recorded here, amongst them Ostrich, Kori Bustard, Saddle-billed Stork, Black-breasted Snake-eagle, Northern Carmine Bee-eater, Woodland Kingfisher, Scarlet-chested Sunbird and many more.
Sample Itineraries
This short itinerary can be tailored to suit birders (by staying at Lake Naivasha), or mammal enthusiasts (by staying at Lake Nakuru). It's also perfect for a short family wildlife break!

Extend your holiday:
Add additional time at one or a combination of reserves, perhaps including Tsavo or the coast. Speak to one of our experts for suggestions and advice.
This itinerary offers a broad range of Kenya's varied habitats - perfect for those wishing to enjoy the country's incredible diversity of both wildlife and stunning scenery!

Extend your holiday:
Option 1 – extend your time in the Masai Mara Game Reserve
Day 13/14 – Masai Mara Game Reserve
Day 15 – Depart Nairobi
Day 16 – Arrive UK
Option 2 – add a stay at Amboseli to enjoy wildlife beneath snow-capped Mount Kilimanjaro
The Essentials
- Wildlife Guides: There are a number of excellent specialist local naturalist and birding guides in Kenya, and we suggest that one such individual should accompany you for the duration of your Kenya journey.
- When to Visit: Situated on the equator, Kenya offers a very pleasant climate year-round, especially as much of the country lies at quite high altitude, where the temperatures are reliably comfortable. Only on the coast (where it is humid) and in the lower or ‘dry country’ reserves such as the Masai Mara, Amboseli, and particularly Samburu, does it get hot. By contrast, at higher altitudes, nights and early mornings can be chilly, so a little warm clothing is required. The coolest and driest season runs from late June until October – the period in which the wildebeest and zebra herds move into and graze the Masai Mara (which is also excellent at other times too!). Kenya is affected by two rainy seasons – the ‘short rains’ in November and December and the ‘long rains’ from March until the end of May. Safaris at these times can be very worthwhile, since there are far fewer tourists, the birds are in breeding plumage and vegetation is lush; however, access can be limited at the wettest times in April and May. For birders, the period from October to March is the most productive, not just because many resident species are breeding, but because the number and variety of birds is enhanced by the influx of wintering species from the northern hemisphere.
J F M A M J J A S O N D YY YY YY Y Y YY YY YY YY YY YY YY - Getting Around: Although road conditions in Kenya vary considerably, the network of roads within the country is very good, meaning that scheduled internal or charter flights are a luxury rather than a necessity. Most road journeys, though, are quite long, varying from a few hours to half a day or more, so a charter flight (to access Samburu in the north for example) offers a short and scenic option that we should be pleased to arrange for you if required.
Accommodation
Kicheche Mara Camp
This classic tented safari camp is set within the acacia woodland of a beautiful valley and overlooks the Olare Orok stream. With only eight luxury tents, all with en suite facilities, the camp never feels busy and offers guests a relaxing and intimate setting from which to explore the wonders of the Mara North Conservancy.






Ilkeliani Camp
Ilkeliani Camp is a small secluded bush camp with 17 comfortable en suite tents commanding wonderful views over the Talek River and surrounding plains. As an unfenced bush camp, the wilderness and all its attractions are part of everyday camp life, so it’s possible to see animals in the grounds at any time and daily guided bush walks are organised from the camp. Local Masai guards are always on hand to escort you at night.






Mountain Lodge
Mountain Lodge is a comfortable game-viewing property perched on stilts overlooking a forest waterhole. This privileged location offers guests an incredible opportunity to relax in comfort whilst enjoying a cool drink and awaiting the arrival of some of the forest’s most elusive inhabitants! Clear mountain air and views of spectacular Mount Kenya are amongst the highlights here, along with the region’s special fauna and flora and the opportunity to enjoy it on foot.






Ol Tukai Lodge
Location is everything for this lodge situated right in the heart of the Amboseli National Park. Each of the 80 chalet-style rooms at Ol Tukai offer uninterrupted views of either the wetlands or the imposing outline of Mount Kilimanjaro, whilst Elephant, Masai Giraffe and Plains Zebra can be seen only metres from the swimming pool across the lodge boundary.









Elephant Bedroom Camp
Set to a backdrop of the spectacular Samburu Game Reserve and Mount Kenya, the intimate Elephant Bedroom camp offers 14 rustic yet luxurious safari tents, with elegant and colourful African touches. Alongside the superb level of service, each tent offers a private plunge pool on the verandah, hot and cold running water and electricity. Guests can enjoy al fresco meals on the banks of the meandering Ewaso Nyiro River, under the welcome shade of the surrounding Doum Palms, and the lounge provides the ultimate place to relax in between game drives, with African Bush Elephant, Impala and Vervet Monkeys amongst the camp's many regular visitors.









Samburu Sopa Lodge
The Samburu Sopa Lodge perches atop high ground, offering spectacular panoramic views of the surrounding Samburu Game Reserve. The tasteful design of the lodge reflects the architectural heritage of the local Samburu communities, and 15 cottages, each with two bedrooms and a private veranda, are set around a central waterhole, providing guests with uninterrupted views of the many animals that visit.






Karen Blixen Camp
Located in the Mara North Conservancy, the Karen Blixen Camp offers a truly authentic safari experience. The camp comprises 22 spacious and luxurious canvas safari tents, each sat atop a raised wooden deck, with an en suite bathroom complete with private outdoor shower. Each tent includes a veranda with day bed, with unbridled views across the spectacular Mara River, offering guests the opportunity to view a whole host of iconic wildlife. After a long day of safari drives, guests can cool off in the refreshing swimming pool or, for added luxury, visit the spa, where a range of wellness treatments is on offer. In partnership with local Masai landowners and tourism operators, the conservancy protects more than 30,000 hectares of the Masai Mara ecosystem, employing a team of rangers to limit the threat of poaching, manage livestock grazing zones, address human wildlife conflicts, restore natural habitats and offer environmental education to local communities.









Why Naturetrek Tailormade?
'A Naturetrek Tailormade holiday allows you, with the benefit of our wildlife travel expertise and destination experience, to enjoy the perfect private wildlife holiday – one that truly matches your requirements, expectations and ambitions. We will ensure the most competitive prices, superb naturalist guides and seamless ground services.
Some of the benefits of Naturetrek Tailormade travel include:
• A bespoke itinerary which is crafted by experts and designed specifically for you
• Private guiding by the very best local naturalists
• Travel with people you know, at your own pace
• Incorporate as much culture, history or relaxation time as you wish
• Choose dates to suit you
• Select your preferred style of accommodation
• Travel with families and children of any age
Furthermore, our Tailormade team are always on hand to help and guide you along the way, with friendly advice, first-hand knowledge and inside information specific to your destination of choice. So if you have any queries about your holiday, we will be delighted to answer them. Please just give us a call!'

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