Introducing Kenya
Trip Highlights
- Enjoy an exclusive safari experience in the Mara Conservancies
- Game drives in the company of some of Africa's best wildlife guides
- Take advantage of unique experiences only allowed in conservancies
- View the prolific birdlife among volcanic mountains of northern Kenya
Bespoke safaris with Jacada
We design one-of-a-kind journeys incorporating luxury in all its forms. Our bespoke safaris include:
- Exclusive luxury camps, lodges and hotels
- Curated and private experiences
- Skilled guides and local wildlife experts
- Decades of combined safari expertise from our team
- Full support from your concierge based in Africa
- Days 1–2 Nairobi
- Days 2–5 Lewa
- Days 5–8 Mara Conservancies
- Days 1–2 Nairobi
- Days 2–5 Lewa
- Days 5–8 Mara Conservancies
Itinerary in detail
Every Jacada trip is tailored to your personal preferences and interests. Below you’ll find a sample itinerary to inspire your own custom-designed journey.
Overnight in Nairobi
Begin your trip with a night in Kenya‘s busy capital, Nairobi. If you have time for a little exploring, the city has a handful of intriguing attractions to discover. Otherwise, simply unwind after your long flight and make sure you’re completely relaxed before heading to Lewa Wildlife Conservancy tomorrow.
Where you could stay
Nairobi
Overview
Overlooking Nairobi National Park, Ololo Lodge is a welcoming hideaway in the African bush on the banks of the Mbagathi River, where guests are made to feel instantly at home. A beautifully restored colonial farmhouse lies at the centre of the lodge, where guests are invited to unwind with a glass of wine as they drink in the views.
The 13 suites are spacious and luxuriously furnished, from the airy Terrace Room with its marble bathroom and private terrace, to the safari-style tented cottages. Or you could climb the spiral staircase to The Tower Room which boasts breath-taking views out over the park towards the Ngong Hills.
Run by an Australian family, Ololo Lodge is all about relaxing and enjoying the comforts of home away from home. At The Kitchen at Ololo, home-style meals are simple and fresh, using seasonal produce from the lodge’s own gardens. The menu changes daily and guests can dine out on the vine-covered terrace or in the garden under the acacias.
Keep a look out for lion, giraffe, leopard, rhino, hippo, zebra and buck on a personalised or group game drive in Nairobi National Park, or add a little extra magic with a visit to the nearby Elephant Orphanage or the Giraffe Centre.
→ Find out moreNairobi
Highlights
- Outdoor pool
- Health club & steam room
- Restaurant
- Bar & lounge
Overview
Set between the Ngong Hills and Jamhuri Park, the Hemingways Nairobi is a boutique hotel far removed from the bustle of the capital. Expect excellent service and delicious food in this all-inclusive establishment.
Choose from one of 45 lofty rooms furnished in a classic style; vaulted ceilings and balconies are complemented by exposed timber, cotton drapes and neutral tones. The two, 240 square metre themed-suites improve upon this with well-appointed living rooms, study and dining areas, opening to large terraces. All rooms have views either of the rolling hotel lawns or the Ngong hills in the distance.
Dining at The Brasserie, you can enjoy a contemporary European menu boasting some of the best steak in Kenya and a relaxed ambiance. Head to The Dining Room for a more formal atmosphere and modern cuisine of local providence.
→ Find out moreThree days on safari in the Lewa Wildlife Conservancy
Take in Kenya’s stunning Lewa Wildlife Conservancy and some of Africa’s best rhino safaris. Your time here will be spent enjoying day and night game drives to spot the varying wildlife, horse riding, camel trekking, bush walks as well as archaeological site excursions and lectures on the history of conservancy, which this catchment is known for.
Where you could stay
Lewa
Highlights
- Seven stand alone cottages
- Three family cottages each with 2 ensuite bedrooms and a shared veranda
- Swimming pool
- Central lounge & dining room
- Big Five game drives
- Bird watching
- Helicopter rides
Overview
Located deep within the bio-diverse Lewa Conservancy, the hilltop Lewa House is perfectly placed to experience some of the best safaris in Kenya.
The main house is the focal area of the lodge, where you’ll dine family style with your hosts Calum and Sophie on the long wooden table in the evenings and share stories of the day’s adventures. During the heat of the day take a dip in the large swimming pool overlooking a waterhole. Strung out along the hillside around the central lodge are seven separate cottages all with great views from the private verandas.
Home to some of the best game viewing in East Africa, the Lewa Conservancy is a great choice for those looking for a comprehensive “Big Five” safari experience. Travel out from the house by foot, car, camel and vintage bi-plane to make the most of this richly rewarding area.
→ Find out moreLewa
Highlights
- Nine cottages
- Tennis court
- Horizon saltwater swimming pool
- Massages
- 4x4 day and night game drives
- Camel and horse riding
- Fly camping
Overview
Family run and cared for, this lodge invites you to be a part of the lives of the Craig family who will host you during your stay here.
A beautiful retreat surrounded by trees and located within the 62,000 acre Lewa Wildlife Conservancy, Lewa Wilderness has just nine individually decorated cottages with private sitting areas and verandas looking over the vast landscape. The fire places in each room add to the homely feel of the place and for those who want to be outdoors more often than in, the tennis court and swimming pool are ideal ways to get some energy out.
The reserve is home to some wonderful game, and helps the conservation efforts of black rhino that browse the region in larger numbers than elsewhere in East Africa. Lion, leopard and elephant can often be seen sipping from the small wooded valley river that flows past the lodge throughout the year and provides an excellent source for prime game viewing.
If you are feeling more adventurous than most, ‘Walking Wild’ is an activity that lets you explore the wild and remote Lewa Wildlife Conservancy in the safety of a team of expert guides. Sleeping a maximum of eight, you head off on a genuine mobile safari lead by camels and each tent has its own private toilet and shower ‘room’ that adds a ‘glamping’ element to this remarkably wild experience. Three to five night options are available.
→ Find out moreThe impact of your stay:
- The lodge’s generated revenue supports the Lewa Conservation Education Programme, which educates on the significance of supporting and safeguarding the environment and wildlife, both in school and at home. The programme also contributes to education in the region by covering school fees, providing food, supplies, and educational materials.
- Lewa Wilderness, through its non-profit, has been supplying sanitary products as part of a continuous effort to address the healthcare needs of local communities. In collaboration with the local government, Lewa also backs four clinics and operates one of its own. Serving as the nearest medical centres within a 25-kilometre radius of all the remote communities in Lewa, these clinics are the sole healthcare resource for tens of thousands of Kenyans.
- Solar systems provide power for all electricity and hot water needs. The lodge features two fully electric safari vehicles, the first of their kind in Kenya, providing guests with a quieter and more environmentally friendly option for game drives. Additionally, all hotel food waste is recycled through their farm, creating compost and serving as feed for their chickens.
Lewa
Overview
Sirikoi is a beautiful lodge surrounded by 7,000 acres of the private Lewa Wildlife Conservancy.
Conservation conscious individuals will love this place. There is a very strong theme of community and wildlife conservation and the lodge boasts claims to assisting the growth of buffalo numbers in the area. The big five roam freely and with over 100 rhino you are highly likely to tick them off on a stay here. Bird lovers can enjoy over 350 species including the Somali ostrich and the fantastic Kori bustard.
Each of the four luxury tented rooms have a private veranda overlooking a waterhole that attracts a lot of game; this lodge is ideal for some relaxing game experiences. Each room has its own sitting area and provides a great space to spend an afternoon completely uninterrupted except by the creatures converging below. The Sirikoi Cottage has enough space for five to live comfortably and for true exclusive use, Sirikoi House is also on offer. This three bedroom entirely private house has a main dining and sitting room, large veranda and exclusive use of its own vehicle.
→ Find out moreMake it mine
Tranquility
Adrenaline
Visit Ngare Ndare Forest
Today you will have the opportunity to visit the Ngare Ndare Forest Trust. This forest lies to the southeast of Borana, home to communities who have lived here for centuries. Within the forest there are some magnificent rock pools, filled with clear blue spring water, and a canopy walk to get you close to nature.
Quad biking fun
This expedition takes you on a quad bike or buggy through the rugged wilderness of northern Kenya, where true adventure off the beaten track awaits. The safari follows tracks through muddy, rocky, dusty terrain, where nomadic tribes of the north remain true to a traditional way of life.
Three days to discover the Mara Conservancies
The Mara Conservancies surrounding the Masai Mara National Reserve offer visitors the ultimate safari: the lowest tourist densities, incredible day and night game viewing, walking safaris and authentic cultural interactions. But above all, these Conservancies are managed according to a model that protects the delicate eco-system and benefits the landowners themselves – the Maasai people.
Where you could stay
Maasai Mara
Highlights
- 10 spacious tents with verandas
- Watch wildlife from your tent
- Enjoy chilled beverages at the bar
- Embark on any of the three daily game drives
- Guided excursions will further your game experience
Overview
Right on the Mara River in the heart of the reserve, Governors’ Il Moran Camp has just ten very spacious safari tents, upping the the exclusivity and privacy compared to other camps on the Mara.
The camp itself is hidden deep in the forest and attracts a few foraging warthogs who nuzzle for grubs in the neatly kept lawn. Each of the tents have their own veranda where you can sit and relax, listening to the grunt of the hippos and watching the odd stalking crocodile slip through the water. The tents are all primly decorated and are extremely comfortable, with beds that you can easily fall into after a nice long day enjoying the rich variety of game in the area.
The bar is an enticing spot for those ice cold midday beers, as too is the boma area after the sun sets. Three game drives a day will maximise your game experience and if you feel like a wander, a knowledgeable guide can take you on a very interesting game walk to try and spot the ‘small five’ after you have ticked off the big ones!
→ Find out moreThe impact of your stay:
- Nestled beneath an indigenous riverine forest in the Masai Mara National Reserve, Governor’s Il Moran camp allocates 10% of gross accommodation and meal sales as lease fees to the Narok County Council. This contribution supports the management of the reserve, offering economic benefits to local communities and advancing conservation efforts.
- The unfenced camp allows free wildlife movement, a core aspect of the Governors’ experience, with many animals becoming part of their famous ‘cast of characters.’ Moreover, the lodge funds wildlife initiatives such as the Mara Raptor Project, conserving the park’s raptor population, and The Mara Predator Conservation Programme, safeguarding vulnerable predator populations while educating local communities. The camp also supports the Mara-Meru Cheetah Project, frequently hosting talks by researchers from the project for guests.
- Governor’s Il Moran collaborates closely with local communities in the Mara region to understand their specific needs and strives to make a positive impact. Your stay at Governors contributes to initiatives such as food drives, improved access to healthcare, and enhanced educational opportunities in the area.
Maasai Mara
Highlights
- Game drives in the Maasai Mara
- Bird watching (excellent due to the river location)
- Star gazing
- Family friendly
Overview
Location is everything at Sala’s Camp. Nestled in the Maasai Mara National Park, but in a very remote southern-central corner of it on the tranquil banks of the Sand River, Sala’s boasts the most private of safari experiences within the reserve’s borders. The camp works in close conjunction with various wildlife projects in the area, so you can be sure your visit is making a difference.
The camp features 11 tents including two family tents and two honeymoon tents. All feature private plunge pools and en-suite bathrooms with hot showers, running water and flushing loos.
Sala’s enjoys wonderful views across the northern Tanzanian corridor and Serengeti National Park, and it is one of the first camps in the Mara to witness the Great Migration. Your daily game drives are personalised to guests, depending on what you would most like to see, and the Mara River for the famed river crossings is only a 25-minute drive away.
The food is impossibly sophisticated for your surrounds, all in all holding true to the camp’s philosophy of combining tradition with elegance. Sala’s is also a wonderful camp for families. All children receive a welcome pack with games, paint sets and quizzes about the wildlife and the camp and kids can play in the shallow Sand River under the watchful eye of a Maasai askari.
→ Find out moreThe impact of your stay:
- Your stay at Sala’s Camp covers Masai Mara Park conservation fees. Additionally, it contributes to the Mara Rhino Rangers and the Pangolin Project, supporting research and protection initiatives for these threatened species.
- Through its Footprint Foundation, the camp collaborates with local schools, inviting children to shadow staff at the camp. This programme allows them to learn about conservation in their dialect. The dedicated Sala’s Camp guides invest their time in running this program even when the camp is closed.
- While at the camp, you can actively engage in the supported conservation efforts by participating in research or visiting projects to witness their impact. Supported initiatives include the Mara Cheetah Project, the Mara Lion Project, and the Pangolin Project.
Maasai Mara
Highlights
- Nine tents
- Morning and afternoon game drives
Overview
The interiors are spacious with comfortable beds and each tent enjoys river views from the veranda. The rear of the tent leads to a tented bathroom with a flush toilet, a sink and a safari shower.
A team of safari chefs prepare fresh and tasty home-style meals for guests during their stay. Meals are enjoyed out on game drives, by the water’s edge under the shade of an African Pepper tree or by candlelight in the open mess tent higher up the bank.
The area plays host not only to an extraordinary concentration and diversity of wildlife but also to one of mother nature’s greatest spectacles: the annual migration of millions of wildebeest and zebra across the Serengeti/Mara eco system. Even when the migration is not here, there is plenty of resident game to ensure that even in low season it is still one of the finest wildlife locations in Africa.
Rekero’s bush guides are widely recognised to be among the best in East Africa. They undergo a long period of professional training beyond the learning of guiding skills to fully understand the complexity and demands of delivering quality service at the very highest level. Game drives in the park are all done in the company of these experts who can also share their culture in this extraordinary setting.
→ Find out moreMake it mine
Culture
Activity
Maasai cultural evening
Tonight you will join the Maasai warriors as they sing and dance around the campfire. Music and dance is an incredibly important part of Maasai culture and this is a chance to experience something very special as the embers of the fire glow warm and the rhythmic dancing and chanting floats through the still air.
Hot air balloon safari
Enjoy the unforgettable experience of floating gently over the Maasai Mara in a hot air balloon. Wake before dawn with freshly brewed tea or coffee delivered right to your tent, and enjoy the fresh, early morning drive to one of the two launch sites within easy reach from the lodge. Before you know it, the balloon is airborne and you’re floating effortlessly above the Mara.
Why book with Jacada
Pesonalised design
We’ll plan your trip around your personal interests, tastes and preferences, providing honest advice based on first-hand knowledge.
Authentic experiences
Our expert guides and brilliant Concierges are hand-picked for their ability to bring your destination to life with care and passion.
Positive Impact
We seek out unforgettable experiences that benefit both local communities and the environment.