Big 5, Great Migration and Culture in Kenya

Baby elephant, Elephant Watch Camp, Samburu, Kenya

Trip designed by

Matt Gammon, Sales Manager

Safari chic with huge conservation projects – that’s our best way of describing the camps that are included in this all-encompassing Kenya itinerary. And the accommodation isn’t the only thing that you’ll be blown away by, as this trip throws you into the best reserves in Kenya for Big Five wildlife and the Great Migration.

7

Nights

Low season

AU$18,621

High season

AU$18,907

Guide price (pp)

Maasai Mara
Samburu National Reserve

Areas

Kenya

Country

Trip Highlights

Uses Yellow Zebra favourite properties in each location
Exclusive feel with private vehicle and guide in the Mara
Heavy focus on conservation and community
Stay at the famous Samburu property: Elephant Watch Camp
Peak migration period runs from July through to October

Trip Itinerary

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When you arrive into Nairobi, Kenya’s capital, you’ll stay one night at the colourful and luxurious boutique hotel, Hemingways Eden. Set within 4 acres of forest and grounds, this truly is an Eden away from the hustle and bustle of busy Nairobi. The property was once an artist’s home and studio, and is now a living museum, where you can take a gander at the private gallery space during your stay. As well as plenty of lush interiors, the hotel has a lounge area, large veranda, and bar, where you can relax after the day’s journey.

Leaving Nairobi, you’ll fly to the Samburu National Reserve, where you will stay at Elephant Watch Camp for three nights. Owned and run by elephant researchers the Douglas-Hamilton family, this is a smashing safari camp with characterful communal spaces and a very friendly atmosphere. The guest accommodation consists of a handful of spacious netted tents, all featuring king-size bed, special bush cupboard, and separate en-suite washroom. Elephant Watch is a brilliant base from which to explore the Samburu, viewing not only the grey guys but also the reserve’s own Big Five and over 350 bird species! Elephant Watch does a lot for the conservation of wildlife, and it takes part in countless community initiatives too. During your stay, you can visit the Save the Elephants visitor centre, as well as heading to the local Samburu village to meet the incredible nomadic people.

The last leg of this journey sees you travelling from Samburu to the Maasai Mara and staying three nights at Alex Walker’s Ngare Serian. This camp has a fabulous location nestled between the Mara river and the escarpment. The tranquillity you’ll encounter in camp is just fantastic – especially as you lounge around your supersized-marquee bedroom tents. The communal mess area features a comfy lounge, a dining room, and a deck for watching the river and wildlife. The main activity here is game drives, with every group of guests using a private vehicle and guide, and venturing into both the conservancy and the Maasai Mara National Reserve. You can also enjoy guided walks, bush running, fishing, and fly camping at The Nest Treehouse, a perfect spot for a picnic followed by sleeping under the stars. For the best wildebeest Great Migration viewing, we suggest aiming for July through to October.

Talk to someone who’s been there

Real expertise doesn’t come from a few trips to Africa. All our specialists have either been guides, run the camps, or grown up and lived in Africa. That’s over 600 years of genuine safari experience.

Make an Enquiry

+61 1800 841 726

Good to Know

01.

Who is this trip for?

This trip has been designed and priced with couples and honeymooners in mind (two adults travelling together). However, every trip we create is tailor-made for you. If you’re a group or a family, we might even suggest different accommodation. We can move elements and change the number of days – it all depends entirely on what you would like.

02.

Overview & Activities

This trip starts in a former artist’s home, sees you set in the middle of elephant-haven in a boho-fresh conservation camp, and then ends in one of the top properties located along the stunning river banks of the Maasai Mara.

You’ll begin at Hemingways Eden, the trendiest and most beautiful property in Nairobi, for a one-night stopover. From there, you’ll start the safari portion of this trip by heading to the eco-friendly Elephant Watch Camp, in the heart of the Samburu National Reserve. This camp also is very pleasantly positioned, on the banks of the Ewaso Nyiro river amongst kigelia and acacia trees. Elephant Watch, as its name suggests, focuses on viewing the grey giants – on drives, on walks, and during an excursion to the Save the Elephants research centre, for some great learning opportunities. Finally, it’s over to Alex Walker’s Ngare Serian, a delightful small tented camp that’ll show you the meaning of quality guiding and excellent wildlife sightings.

03.

Pricing

The prices are per person (based on two adults travelling together) and please note that the prices are approximate for 2026. Please contact us for accurate costings for the time of year you are considering for your holiday. There are multiple season changes across the year and numerous room categories that can change the price of any trip.

Prices include all internal flights, transfers, reserve fees, accommodation, and meals as specified in the day-to-day itinerary. Prices exclude international flights, tipping, visa, and any meals not included.