Overview:
This brief Kenya Lodge Safari allows you to fly directly from Nairobi to the Masai Mara habitat, circumventing lengthy drives on arduous roads. You will spend two nights at a genuine tented camp within the Ol Kinyei Conservancy and explore two private conservancies in the Greater Masai Mara.
The aerial arrival The Masai Mara Safari provides a unique opportunity for observing wildlife in one of Africa’s premier natural reserves. You participate in open-sided 4×4 game drives led by seasoned Maasai guides in the exclusive Ol Kinyei and Naboisho Conservancy regions, avoiding the throng.
Embark on a twilight wildlife drive, pausing for sundowners in the pristine African wilderness, and on the last morning, participate in an exhilarating bush walk with indigenous Maasai guides before returning to Nairobi by air.
Detailed itinerary:
Highlights of a Safari in Kenya
Four-by-four game drives in the exclusive Ol Kinyei and Naboisho Conservancies, guided game walks with Maasai, and evening refreshments in the bush, together with lodging at a genuine tented camp in Ol Kinyei Conservancy.
DAY 1: Nairobi to Ol Kinyei Conservancy – Greater Masai Mara
This exceptional Air travel to Masai Mara Safari departs from Wilson Airport in Nairobi, the capital of Kenya. We board a scheduled aircraft at 10:00, destined for the Ol Seki Airstrip adjacent to Masai Mara National Reserve.
Upon arrival at approximately 11:00, you will be greeted by the camp’s driver and transported to the tented camp located within the exclusive Ol Kinyei Conservancy.
Upon entering Ol Kinyei Conservancy, we relish our initial wildlife observation on the way to camp. The private conservancy is renowned for its significant concentration and diversity of wildlife, promising exceptional encounters. Establish yourself at the campsite and have a freshly prepared meal before to commencing a twilight wildlife drive later this afternoon.
Engaging with the exclusive Ol Kinyei Conservancy alongside expert guides in 4×4 safari vehicles, you are fully immersed in the African bush from the outset, experiencing the sights, sounds, and aromas intimately. We pause for sundowners in the bush, appreciating the vibrant colors as the sky transforms. Following sunset, we return to camp as daylight swiftly transitions into night and nocturnal critters commence their activity.
Upon returning to the tranquil tented camp, we partake in dinner and thereafter spend the remainder of the evening unwinding in the genuine bush environment.
Evening meal and overnight stay at a tented camp in Ol Kinyei Conservancy
DAY 02: Ol Kinyei and Naboisho Conservancies – Greater Masai Mara
This morning, we awaken in the pristine African bush and ready ourselves for an entire day of wildlife observation in the private conservancies adjacent to Masai Mara National Reserve.
The Ol Kinyei and Naboisho conservancy regions provide a more intimate safari experience in Masai Mara compared to the publicly accessible national park. It is improbable that we would see other safari vehicles in the bush, which is a genuine advantage in the Mara habitat, given its status as a highly sought-after African safari destination.
The private conservancy sections of greater Masai Mara host a diverse array of species, including four of Africa’s Big Five: lions, elephants, buffalo, and leopards. The Great Wildebeest Migration and an additional Wildebeest Migration traverse the conservancies at specific periods annually. The Mara region is distinguished for its large felines, featuring robust populations of cheetahs, leopards, and lions, as well as African wildcats, servals, and caracals. Naboisho Conservancy is home to notably big lion prides, featuring one of the highest lion concentrations globally. Be vigilant for fauna including giraffes, wildebeest, zebras, other antelope species, as well as uncommon wild dogs, jackals, and bat-eared foxes.
The seasoned Masai guides leading your game drives are proficient in locating the wildlife of Masai Mara and can provide insights into the remarkable flora and fauna observed.
Comprehensive board lodging at the camp in Ol Kinyei Conservancy
DAY 03: Greater Masai Mara to Nairobi, Kenya
On the final day in Greater Masai Mara, awaken early at the serene camp among the nearly untouched landscape of Ol Kinyei Conservancy. We embarked on either a forest walk or a 4×4 safari in Greater Masai Mara. Our local Maasai guide will escort you into Ol Kinyei or Naboisho Conservancy, either on foot or in an open-sided safari vehicle, contingent upon the prevailing conditions.
Following the concluding game viewing experience of our Kenya Lodge Safari, we return to the tented camp for a delectable breakfast. It is now time to pack and return to the Ol Seki Naboisho Airstrip, departing from the remote Ol Kinyei Conservancy.
At approximately 11:00, we embark on our planned flight to Wilson Airport in Nairobi. Upon returning to the metropolis at approximately 12:15, our brief Fly-in Masai Mara Safari concludes.
About Ol Kinyei and Naboisho Conservancy Areas
The Ol Kinyei Conservancy encompasses approximately 65 km² of the Masai Mara habitat in Kenya. This private wildlife refuge is renowned for its abundant animals and picturesque settings. The Mara Conservancy is home to many large felines (lions, leopards, and cheetahs), as well as a multitude of elephants, buffalo, giraffes, zebras, and a diverse selection of antelopes. The renowned Great Wildebeest Migration is generally observable in Ol Kinyei Conservancy from June to October.
Ol Kinyei Conservancy, the inaugural community-owned and maintained conservancy in the Mara region, provides exceptional wildlife watching facilitated by knowledgeable indigenous Maasai rangers. These certified Kenyan safari guides perform wildlife drives in open-sided 4×4 vehicles and lead tourists on guided bush walks. Visitors engage with Maasai culture during safaris to the Mara conservancy, acquiring knowledge of the traditions of this esteemed East African tribe.
Naboisho Conservancy adjoins Masai Mara National Reserve, with more than 200 km² of pristine bushveld and savannahs. This wildlife sanctuary provides outstanding opportunities for game observation, featuring substantial populations of elephants, giraffes, and various plains animals. The proliferation of herbivores attracts substantial populations of predators, notably including significant numbers of large felines. Naboisho hosts over 100 lions, being the largest pride inside the Masai Mara environment.
During the Loita Migration, substantial herds of wildebeest, zebra, and various other game species traverse the plains. This migration occurs from Masai Mara through Ol Kinyei Conservancy, approximately in January. In February and March, calving season occurs, resulting in a significant increase in the population of wildebeest and other grazers in Ol Kinyei Conservancy. The Loita Migration thereafter traverses Naboisho Conservancy, advances into Olare Motorogi, and ultimately returns to the Masai Mara Reserve.
About the Tented Camp in Ol Kinyei Conservancy
Guests reside in a compact tented camp within Ol Kinyei Conservancy, guaranteeing a personal and unique safari experience. This is the sole permanent camp within the private conservancy. The camp comprises six tented accommodations, a primary lounge, dining tents, and a boma area featuring a fire pit.
The walk-in tents are elevated on wooden platforms including modest deck areas for leisure in the natural environment. The tents are wide and well-equipped, with en-suite bathrooms with hot showers and flush toilets.
This genuine tented camp is situated among large acacia trees by the Laetoli, enveloped by the untamed African wilderness, characterized by its undulating plains, woodlands, and rivers. The camp atmosphere is both exclusive and relaxed, fostering comfort. Residing in the heart of this exclusive conservancy allows guests to evade the throngs attracted to Mara, Kenya’s premier wildlife locale.
Expert local guides escort tourists on shared game drives in open-sided 4×4 safari vehicles within the exclusive Ol Kinyei and Naboisho Conservancies of Greater Masai Mara.
Kenya Safari Note: You may choose to dedicate an entire day to Masai Mara National Reserve on the second day, rather than visiting the Ol Kinyei and Naboisho Conservancy regions. If you choose to visit Masai Mara National Reserve, an extra entrance cost of US$ 80 per person per day will be applicable. This option requires prior arrangement; thus, please notify us when you make your reservation.
An Explanation of the Wildebeest Great Migration
The Wildebeest Great Migration is a seasonal phenomenon. As a natural wildlife occurrence, it is dynamic and erratic. Consequently, witnessing the Great Migration cannot be assured.
The wildebeest and other wild herbivores migrate between the Masai Mara in Kenya and the Serengeti in Tanzania. These herds traverse an extensive circular path of approximately 1200 miles (1931 kilometers). It is a perpetual migration of wildlife observable in various regions at distinct periods throughout the year. At some intervals of this annual migration, the animals either disperse or decelerate, whilst at other times, the migration accelerates, resulting in larger and denser herds. The Wildebeest Great Migration not only differs by location and season but also fluctuates annually in the travel of these substantial animal herds.
Consult a travel advisor from African Budget Safaris on the Wildebeest Great Migration during your safari for further information. Additionally, explore our comprehensive essay regarding the Great Migration in the Serengeti and Masai Mara.