Kenya’s Playground and Big 5 Viewing

Giraffes, Governors Il Moran, Walking Safari, Kenya

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To many, Kenya is the ultimate wilderness playground, where full-blown adventure meets exceptional wildlife viewing. Here, we introduce you to two of our favourite areas, Laikipia and the Maasai Mara. From camel trekking and mountain biking to tracking the Big Five, those seeking flexibility and plenty of action will love this combination.

7

Nights

Low season

AU$15,217

High season

AU$19,593

Guide price (pp)

Laikipia
Maasai Mara

Areas

Kenya

Country

Trip Highlights

Big Five game viewing in two distinct wildlife areas, with insight into rhino conservation in Laikipia
An amazing range of activities, including walking, horse riding, camel trekking, cultural visits, and game drives
Contemporary luxury tented camps with great amenities and incredible views
Exceptional year-round game viewing in the Mara, playing host to the Great Migration during the months of July to October
Quieter wildlife sightings in the Mara Triangle, away from the safari crowds

Large herd of wildebeest surround a safari vehicle on open plains, Rekero, Kenya - Yellow Zebra Safaris

Trip Itinerary

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Your first night is at Hemingways Nairobi, located in the peaceful suburb of Karen just outside the city centre. This plantation-style country house is set within manicured lawns and offers spacious accommodations, high-quality dining, and views of the Ngong Hills. You might begin your stay with a treatment at the spa, a few laps in the pool, or a relaxed lunch on the shaded terrace. Time permitting, the hotel is ideally positioned for exploring Nairobi National Park, the Karen Blixen Museum, or Kazuri Beads, where you can see local women handcrafting traditional jewellery. End your day with a cocktail in the atmospheric Hemingways Bar before a dining experience at the Brasserie, or a private tasting menu in the cellar accompanied by a selection of fine wines.

On Day 2, it’s time for the safari to begin. Fly up to Loisaba Tented Camp in the Laikipian highlands, a wild playground of 58,000 acres of private conservancy land. Your days here can be as active or as relaxed as you choose. Besides morning and afternoon game drives, you can explore the plains on horseback, camel trek, or mountain bike along the escarpment trails. For a deeper connection to the land and its people, join knowledgeable Samburu guides for a walking safari or visit a local village to learn about their ancient culture and way of life. Loisaba’s two vital rivers are a life source for wildlife and offer fantastic game viewing. Depending on the season, fishing can also be arranged, with all the equipment provided. Conservation enthusiasts will enjoy a visit to the anti-poaching unit, where you’ll meet the resident canines and their handlers. If you prefer to take things slower, rest assured that you’ll have complete freedom to set your own pace! Perhaps spend the afternoon by the infinity pool, taking in the spectacular escarpment views, or visit the spa for a massage after your morning’s activities.

Next up, you’ll fly to the heart of the Mara Triangle for a three-night stay at the newly opened Wilderness Mara. Set on the iconic site of the former Little Governor’s Camp, Wilderness Mara offers an elevated level of luxury and access to the uniquely wild Mara Triangle. While the wildlife experience is exceptional all year round, the camp’s true stand-out feature is its access to both sides of the Mara River. This allows you to experience the full drama of the Great Migration river crossings and explore a diversity of landscapes while discovering quiet corners far from the safari crowds. The location is further enhanced by an infinity pool, gym, photography studio, and restorative spa. While the main activities are the game drives, you can also gain authentic insight into Maasai culture at a local manyatta or glide high above the plains on a sunrise hot air balloon safari followed by a champagne breakfast (both available at an additional cost). Whether you’re going in search of the big cats or hoping to see a river crossing during July to October, this is undoubtedly one of the best game-viewing areas within the Mara.

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.

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+61 1800 841 726

Hot air balloon above the Mara River in Kenya.

Good to Know

01.

Who is this trip for?

This itinerary is designed for two adults and priced with couples in mind, but please view it as merely a starting point. We tailor each of our journeys from scratch. If you are travelling as a family or a larger group, we might select different accommodations, change the activities, and adjust the pace to suit your particular preferences. Honeymooners are catered for on the romance front and with high-end luxury accommodations. For families with teenagers, Laikipia is always a highlight due to the varied activities and high-energy pace!

02.

Overview & Activities

This seven-night itinerary combines world-class game viewing with a huge range of activities. Beginning in the peaceful Nairobi suburb of Karen, you’ll have the chance to rest up at a luxurious plantation-style boutique hotel before heading into the highlands of Laikipia. Here, the private Loisaba Conservancy is like a huge wilderness playground, where the traditional safari is reconceived through horseback riding, mountain biking, and camel trekking across the escarpment. You’ll end your trip at Wilderness Mara in the game-rich Mara Triangle, with unique access to both sides of the Mara River. This ensures unbeatable wildlife encounters and front-row seats to the Great Migration, far from the crowds.

Throughout the trip, you’ll experience a great deal of variety and flexibility, whether you’re out on a walking safari, visiting a local village, or relaxing at infinity pools and spas.

03.

Pricing

These 2026 prices should be considered an approximate per-person guide based on two guests sharing. Please view this as a starting point, but do get in touch with our team for an accurate quote based on your dates and group size. Seasons and room categories vary, so we’ll need to adjust accordingly. Prices include all internal flights, transfers, park fees, accommodation, and meals specified in the itinerary. Excluded are international flights, tipping, visas, and any extra meals.