Inspiration for your own tailor-made trip
Kenya - Nairobi - Masai Mara - Lamu
100% customisable for you
Your getaway to the exotic lands of Kenya begins today with an international flight to Nairobi. Head to the airport, whizz through security and enjoy some downtime in the premium lounge as you await departure. Flight time to the capital is around nine hours, so you'll most likely spend tonight onboard and touchdown on African soil the following morning.
Rise and shine in a totally different part of the world and prepare to land. A member of airport staff will be waiting to meet and greet you, before leading the way through arrival formalities. Sit back and relax as you're privately transferred to your first hotel in the heart of the city centre: a grand, historic property with immaculate facilities. Before settling in for the night, head out and hit the ground running with a private tour of Nairobi by an English-speaking driver/guide. This tour is based around Daphne Sheldrick and Karen Blixen, two legendary figures in animal protection in Kenya. Daphne Sheldrick was particularly celebrated for founding the Sheldrick Wildlife Trust, which rescues and raises orphaned elephants before reintroducing them to the wild. Karen Blixen is perhaps most well-known for her memoir The African Farm, which recounted her 17 years spent making a home in Kenya, then British East Africa. Her memoir transformed into Sydney Pollack’s iconic Out of Africa, which set many travellers on the path to Kenya’s wilderness. Head to your hotel tonight for some delicious food at your hotel’s restaurant ahead of a restful night.
Wave goodbye to the hustle and bustle of the city as you're privately transferred to the airport, ready for a speedy 40-minute flight to the Masai Mara National Reserve. Your home for the next two nights is an elegant eco-lodge that charms visitors with its blend of traditional ‘camping’ touches and contemporary comforts. Spend the rest of today settling in and enjoying your new wild surroundings. We recommend strolling around the grounds of this warm and welcoming safari camp before jumping into the on-site facilities, which include a swimming pool and spa. You could also enjoy your first thrills of the savannah with a stroll to a nearby water hole. This evening, head to the communal mess hall to tuck into a smorgasbord of traditional dishes based on local produce.
Rise and shine bright and early to prepare for your first adventure in the Masai Mara: a dawn game drive in the heart of the reserve with a skilled ranger/guide. With its impressive concentration of exotic predators, this reserve is Attenborough country at its finest. The Big Five (lion, leopard, rhino, elephant and African buffalo) embody an African mythology inherited from the first safaris, while other popular sightings include gazelles, zebras, hippos, hyenas, wildebeest, cheetahs and giraffes. As for the creatures of the sky, keep an eye on the happenings up above for a chance to see vultures, snake-hunting secretary birds and great ground hornbills. Sit back, relax and soak in every moment as a skilled photographer joins you on your trip to guarantee the finest photos to take home. You’ll have plenty of time to rest and rejuvenate at camp before setting out for a second game drive at dusk.
After a hearty dinner, head back out into the wilderness with your ranger/guide and spend the night in a small, comfortable camp set on a higher-altitude observation platform. It’s a great way to experience the unfiltered happenings of the savannah from the safety of your protected camp. Make sure to stay up past dark to admire the swarm of stars that fill the night sky.
Wake up with the rising sun in the heart of the Masai Mara and take some time to appreciate your remote savannah surroundings before heading back to camp. Bid this slice of Kenya a warm farewell as you embark on the journey east to Lamu, an idyllic archipelago in the Indian Ocean. Flight time is around five hours, including a brief stopover in Nairobi. On arrival, hang up your hat for five nights in a traditional and elegant hotel nestled on a private beach on Manda Island. Spend the rest of today relaxing and soaking in your new coastal surroundings. You can set up camp on the beach, watch traditional dhow sailing boats pass by, ride bikes or simply treat yourself to some serious R&R in the hotel spa. As for dinner, the on-site restaurant dishes up a host of delectable dishes based on international and East African cuisines.
The next four days are yours to savour on this enchanting archipelago. Their location – at the crossroads of the continent and the Indian Ocean – meant the islands long acted as a hub of trade and a centre of Swahili culture. Things have calmed down quite a lot since. But Lamu is still one of East Africa’s most desirable coastal destinations. The islands offer beautiful sandy beaches, luscious mangroves, an abundance of good dining options and a general happy-go-lucky lifestyle. Beyond its postcard-perfect landscapes, the archipelago appeals to history buffs and culture lovers with a 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, you’ll have the opportunity to delve deeper into this fascinating portion of Kenyan history with a private walk through the UNESCO-listed old town with a knowledgeable guide. Early contact with Islam in the 12th century led to the construction of several mosques, including the renowned 19th-century Riyadha. Continuing on through the enchanting network of shaded, pedestrianised streets, you’ll be stopping to admire the craftsmanship of its architecture, the happenings of locals and the passing of the occasional donkey. Other sites worth checking out include the well-restored Omani fort and the trading houses of the quays, which recall the golden age of the 18th and 19th centuries.
Fully rested and rejuvenated after a good few days of salubrious island life, it's time to pack away your memories, swimsuits and sun cream and embark on the long journey home. After one last delicious breakfast at your hotel, you'll be collected and privately transferred 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 and touch 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
