From $11,499.00 USD
Unfold the untamed wonders of East Africa, from the rugged expanses of Samburu to the endless grasslands of the Maasai Mara. Scan the plains for legendary wildlife, share stories with Indigenous keepers, and trace the constellations of a living celestial calendar. Guided by experts, immerse yourself in Kenya's deep conservation legacy.
Travel Style
National Geographic Signature
Service Level
Luxury
Physical Grading
2 - Light
What's Included
Your G for Good Moment: Amani ya Juu Workshop and Lunch, Nairobi
Your Welcome Moment: Meet Your Expedition Leader and Group, Nairobi
Your Welcome Moment: Safari Drive and Sunset Experience, Samburu Game Reserve
Signature Moment: Reteti Elephant Sanctuary, Samburu Game Reserve. Arrival transfer. Welcome Dinner. Internal flight from Nairobi to Samburu. Morning and afternoon wildlife safari drives in Samburu National Reserve over multiple days. Samburu sunset experience. Stargazing excursion in Samburu National Reserve. Internal flight from Samburu to the Maasai Mara. Morning and afternoon wildlife safari drives in Maasai Mara National Reserve over multiple days. Farewell dinner. Departure Transfer. Engaging Discussions with the National Geographic Expert Throughout. Porterage at hotels and when getting on and off of vehicles. Tips are included for all activities, meals and porterage, except for your Expedition Leader. All transport between destinations and to/from included activities.
What are the main highlights of this trip?
Visit the world's first Indigenous-owned elephant sanctuary — as documented by National Geographic, Spot incredible wildlife across the vast plains of Samburu and the Maasai Mara, Discover the night sky’s mythologies during a stargazing session with a naturalist, Enjoy a locally sourced lunch and connect with the inspiring women of Amani ya Juu
What is the maximum and typical number of participants on this tour?
Max 18, avg. 12.
What meals are included in this trip?
7 breakfasts, 7 lunches, 6 dinners
What are the modes of transportation on my trip?
Private vehicle, plane, walking, open-air safari vehicle.
Is there an extra cost for travelling solo?
Yes, for those travelling solo there is a single supplement
Where will we stay during the trip?
Hotel (1 nt), Tented Safari Camp (3 nts), Safari Lodge (3 nts).
What are the mandatory travel insurance requirements for this trip?
Comprehensive travel insurance is a mandatory prerequisite for participation in all our departures. To safeguard your well-being, your National Geographic Expedition Leader will kindly request to verify your physical policy details before you may officially join your fellow travellers.
When choosing your coverage, please ensure your policy includes full medical protection, featuring a strict minimum requirement of $200,000 USD for emergency rescue and medical repatriation. For complete peace of mind while exploring, we also strongly advise securing comprehensive coverage for personal liability, trip cancellation or curtailment, and the loss of luggage and personal belongings. If you intend to rely on insurance provided through your credit card, you must supply formal proof of purchase—such as a credit card statement or receipt in your name—along with explicit confirmation from your banking institution regarding the participating insurer, exact policy limits, and their dedicated 24-hour emergency contact number.
Itinerary
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Nairobi
Welcome to Kenya. Your expedition begins in Nairobi, where the energy of a bustling city meets the edge of the wild. You will be met upon arrival and transferred directly to your hotel to unwind. Take this evening to rest and settle into the rhythms of East Africa, letting the anticipation build for the wildlife encounters and cultural connections that await you.
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Nairobi/Samburu Game Reserve
Gather for a welcome breakfast to meet your National Geographic Expedition Leader, National Geographic Expedition Expert and fellow travellers. Next, board a short flight over the sweeping, rugged landscape to the Kalama airstrip in Samburu. After checking into your lodge and enjoying lunch, enjoy an insightful presentation over high tea. As the heat of the afternoon fades, embark on your first wildlife safari drive. Search for majestic elephants and lions, keeping a keen eye for the rare species that call this rugged northern frontier home. Watch the sun dip low, painting the sky in deep shades of crimson and orange, before gathering for a spectacular welcome dinner under a canopy of stars.
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Samburu Game Reserve
Wake to the early morning calls of the wild before departing for Reteti Elephant Sanctuary — the world's first Indigenous-owned African elephant sanctuary. Photographer and National Geographic Explorer Ami Vitale has documented Reteti's pioneering community-led conservation model for global audiences, and today you experience it firsthand. Meet a researcher to learn about the sanctuary's vital work, then witness a private feeding session with rescued calves. Savour a picnic lunch near the sanctuary before an afternoon safari drive back to the lodge, tracking elephants and leopards through the brush.
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Samburu Game Reserve
Set off on an early morning safari drive as the wilderness awakens, stopping to scan the brush for unique wildlife. Return to the lodge for a hot breakfast, followed by a quiet morning at leisure to soak in the serene surroundings. After lunch and high tea, return to the savanna for an afternoon wildlife drive. Pause as the shadows lengthen to enjoy private sundowner drinks, watching the landscape turn to gold. After dinner, a resident naturalist guides you to a special clearing to decode the night sky, revealing how the Maasai and Samburu use constellations as a living calendar.
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Samburu Game Reserve/Masai Mara
Enjoy breakfast at the lodge before boarding a flight to the legendary Maasai Mara National Reserve. Transfer to your new lodge, where lunch awaits. In the afternoon, attend high tea before setting out into the Maasai Mara for a thrilling afternoon safari drive. Feel the gentle breeze across the open grasslands and listen to the distant wildlife as you track the great herds before returning to the lodge for a refined dinner.
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Masai Mara
Venture out on a morning safari drive as the golden light of dawn washes over the endless plains. Watch prides of lions stirring and herds of zebras moving across the savannah. Return to the lodge for a restful midday break and a delicious lunch. In the afternoon, embark on another wildlife safari drive through the reserve, scanning the horizon for cheetahs pacing through the tall grass or hippos wallowing in the river channels. As dusk falls, return to the comfort of your lodge to share stories over a beautifully prepared dinner.
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Masai Mara
Savour coffee and fresh fruit before an early morning safari drive, capturing the wilderness at its most active. Return to the lodge for a hot breakfast and a peaceful morning at leisure. During high tea, reflect on the incredible wildlife and heritage uncovered. Embark on your final afternoon wildlife safari drive in the Maasai Mara, soaking in the cinematic vistas of the acacia-dotted plains one last time. Celebrate the end of your Kenyan safari with a festive farewell dinner at the lodge.
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Masai Mara/Nairobi
Enjoy breakfast before flying back to Nairobi. Upon arrival, transfer to Amani ya Juu, a remarkable community social impact success story. Visit the workshop to see how local women achieve economic independence by handcrafting beautiful, culturally symbolic textiles. Engage in warm conversation to learn about their history and share a locally sourced lunch prepared by the community youth. For those with late international departures, a day-use room is available to relax and refresh as you prepare for your journey home.
