Inspiration for your own tailor-made trip
Kenya - Nairobi - Masai Mara - Lamu
100% customisable for you
Wave goodbye to everyday life, as your escape to Kenya’s wonderfully wild landscapes begins today. Head to the airport, whizz through security and enjoy some downtime in the lounge before your flight to Nairobi. Flights to the Kenyan capital are around nine hours, so you'll most likely spend tonight on board (where you can attempt to catch some beauty sleep), touching down on African soil the following morning.
Wake up this morning to incredible Kenyan views (we’re sure you’ve had worse mornings) as your flight lands. You’ll quickly be whisked through airport security into a comfortable private transfer and straight to your first hotel.
After checking in, hit the ground running with a private tour of Nairobi. Along the way, you’ll learn all about two remarkable women: Daphne Sheldrick and Karen Blixen. The former founded the Sheldrick Wildlife Trust, renowned for rescuing and reintroducing orphaned elephants into the wild, while the latter’s memoir was adapted into the iconic Out of Africa film and inspired generations of travellers. With brains full of fascinating facts and feet weary, head to your hotel tonight for some delicious food and a delightful night’s sleep.
So long, hustle and bustle of the city: it’s time to reconnect with nature. A private transfer will take you to the domestic airport, ready for a speedy 40-minute flight to the mesmerising Maasai Mara. Your home for the next two nights is an elegant eco-lodge that pays homage to traditional ‘camping’ (without scrimping on comfort, of course).
Spend the rest of today exploring your new wild surroundings. We recommend strolling around the oh-so scenic grounds before jumping into the on-site facilities. Ready to branch out? Begin your savannah exploration with a wander to a nearby water hole. Refuel this evening at the communal dining hall with a smorgasbord of traditional dishes made from local produce.
It’s time for your first adventure in the Maasai Mara: a dawn game drive into the heart of the reserve. A private guide will point out wonderful wildlife along the way, from the Big Five (hello, lions, leopards, rhinos, elephants and buffalo) to the big-winged creatures of the sky. Keep your eyes peeled and cameras pointed at dawn’s misty bush – these are photo opportunities you won’t want to miss.
Come evening, set off into dusk’s golden glow for your second game drive of the day. Watch as big cats prepare for night hunts, elephants appear in the cool evening and storks head to roost.
After a hearty dinner, head back out into the wilderness with your guide and spend the night in a small, comfortable camp set on a higher-altitude observation platform. It’s a brilliant (and safe) way to watch and listen to the savannah’s night-time action, as well as enjoy plentiful stargazing.
Wake up with the rising sun and drink in your remote savannah surroundings before heading back to camp. It’s time to bid this slice of Kenya a warm farewell and embark on the journey east to Lamu, an idyllic archipelago in the Indian Ocean. Retrace your steps to Nairobi before hopping on a second flight, a journey taking around five hours in total.
The next five nights will be spent on the magical Manda Island (lucky you). Dump your bags at your beachfront hotel and settle into relaxation mode: set up camp on the beach, watch traditional dhow sailing boats pass by, ride bikes or simply enjoy some hard-earned R&R. As for dinner, you’re in for a treat. The on-site restaurant serves a host of delectable dishes based on international and East African cuisines. Divine.
The next four days are all about living the island life. With an abundance of beautiful sandy beaches, luscious mangroves and a contagious laid-back lifestyle, it’s easy to relax in Lamu. Beyond its postcard-perfect landscapes, the archipelago appeals to history buffs and culture lovers with its long-standing Arab influence – the islands of Manda, Takwa and Shanga are the oldest Muslim settlements south of the Sahara.
At some point over the next few days, delve deeper into this fascinating portion of Kenyan history with a guided walk through Manda’s UNESCO-listed old town. Other sites worth checking out include the well-restored Omani fort and the quays trading houses, which recall the golden age of the 18th and 19th centuries.
Fully rested and rejuvenated after a healthy dose of island life, it's time to pack away your memories, swimsuits and sun cream and embark on the journey home. After one last delicious breakfast at your hotel, you'll be taken in a private transfer to the airport. The flight time back to the UK can take over 15 hours, including a layover in Nairobi. Spend the night speeding through the sky before touching down on home turf the following morning.
Each of our trips is entirely tailor-made with originality, quality and cultural immersion in mind. Our team of destination specialists will craft itineraries based on your tastes, using their first-hand knowledge and the help of our in-country team of Concierges and guides. All trips are accompanied by a wide range of additional services, including a 24-hour helpline, the Original Travel app, fast-track airport services and much more.
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Our team of destination experts will get to know you and your unique requirements for your holiday
We work with you to build an ultra-personalised holiday itinerary with your choice of accommodation, experiences and activities
All of our holidays include little extras designed to make a big difference to your trip, from fast-tracking you through airport check-in and security to our network of local Concierges
