Expedition Details

In the rolling grasslands of southern Kenya, experience a fascinating and fragile ecosystem through the eyes of wildlife biologists dedicated to its conservation. Embark on game drives in the shadow of Mount Kilimanjaro, and visit researchers who track elephant and lion populations and work to reduce local poaching. Then head to the legendary Masai Mara and enjoy four days on safari.

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Trip Highlights

• Meet wildlife biologists at the Amboseli Elephant Research Project, directed by Cynthia Moss with support from the National Geographic Society.
• View a vast array of wildlife, from lions and leopards to scores of wildebeest on their annual migration.
• Settle into a tree house-style lodge and a luxury tented camp, both exclusive properties on the forefront of local conservation efforts.

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Itinerary - 11 Days

Days 1 & 2 — U.S./Nairobi, Kenya

Depart the U.S. on an overnight flight to Nairobi. Upon arrival, transfer to our luxurious tree house-style lodge on the outskirts of the city.
Ngong House

Day 3 — Chyulu Hills National Park

After breakfast, board a private charter plane for a short flight to the verdant Chyulu Hills, nestled between Amboseli and Tsavo National Parks. Sweeping plains unroll from here to the foot of Tanzania's majestic Mount Kilimanjaro, visible in the distance. Enjoy a game drive on the way to Ol Donyo Wuas, an exclusive lodge that follows an innovative conservation program, ensuring the protection of local wildlife by sharing benefits with the local community. Each private cottage offers stunning views of Mount Kilimanjaro. After lunch by the pool and time at leisure, set out on an afternoon safari, exploring the vast reaches of the Mbirikani Maasai conservation area—owned by a local Maasai tribe—on the lookout for cheetah, lions, and plains game scattered across the endless savanna. Stop for sundowner cocktails at sunset in the bush, and then continue your game viewing, discovering nocturnal species with a spotlight. Return to the lodge for dinner.
Ol Donyo Wuas (B,L,D)

Day 4 — Amboseli National Park

Spend today in Amboseli National Park, beginning at the Amboseli Elephant Research Project, home to the longest running study of wild elephants in the world. Its director, Cynthia Moss, has received support from the National Geographic Society for her work. Enjoy a picnic lunch under the shade of an acacia tree as elephants lumber past in the distance. Continue exploring the flora and fauna of Amboseli, then make your way back to the lodge in the afternoon.
Ol Donyo Wuas (B,L,D)

Day 5 — Chyulu Hills National Park

Ride horseback across the plains this morning, or set out on a morning walk in the company of trained game scouts. Enjoy time to relax at the lodge, or visit the Lion Guardians to learn about the Maasailand Predator Compensation Fund—sponsored by National Geographic—which reimburses local Maasai for livestock lost to predators. Then head out into the bush with a research team to track lions with GPS monitoring devices. Return to camp in time for dinner.
Ol Donyo Wuas (B,L,D)

Day 6 — Masai Mara National Reserve

Board a private charter plane for the flight to the Masai Mara National Reserve. As you fly in low over the vast plains of the park, take in views of the immense, teeming herds of zebra and wildebeest gathering for their return journey to the short-grass plains of the Serengeti.* Settle into our luxurious tented camp before lunch. This afternoon, learn about the Olare Orok Conservancy initiatives that support both the local community as well as wildlife conservation. In the late afternoon, head out on a game drive in the Masai Mara and observe the abundant wildlife strewn across the rolling grasslands. More than 450 species of birds have been sighted here, including 53 birds of prey. Watch the sun set on the savanna before returning to camp for dinner under the stars.
Mara Plains Camp (B,L,D)

Days 7, 8, & 9 — Masai Mara National Reserve

Spend three full days discovering the spectacular wildlife of the Masai Mara and the adjacent Olare Orok Conservancy on morning and afternoon game drives. At first light, set out on a game drive to track the animals that traversed the area during the night. View plains game such as Thomson's and Grant's gazelles, topis, and eland—as well as their stealthy predators at one of their most active times of the day. The area is reputed to have one of the highest concentrations of predators in all of Africa. Glimpse large pods of hippos submerged up to their nostrils in the Mara River and crocodiles sunbathing on the shore. Experience the great wildebeest migration,* during which more than half a million wildebeests march into the park and flood the plains of the Masai Mara. Return to camp for meals and time at leisure. If you choose, join a guide for a bush walk and learn about the smaller species of the park, sharpen your tracking skills, and learn to identify local flora.
Mara Plains Camp (B,L,D)

Days 10 & 11 — Masai Mara National Reserve/Nairobi/U.S.

Gather for breakfast and a talk about the local Maasai communities and their role in ongoing conservation efforts. On a visit to a Maasai village, experience everyday life and traditions of these legendary people. See the local Koiyaki Guiding School, the first ever safari guiding school for young Maasai men and women. After a picnic lunch and time at leisure, fly to Nairobi by private charter. Celebrate your Kenyan adventure at a farewell dinner. Transfer to the airport later tonight for your return flight, arriving home the next day.
(B,L,D)

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Optional Extension

• Central Kenya: Land of the SamburuPost-Trip Extension
  4 Days

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