The Ultimate Kenyan Safari
This ultimate Kenyan safari blends wildlife, culture and conservation across some of the country’s best national parks and conservancies. Starting in Nairobi, you’ll explore the plains of Amboseli National Park before heading to the Maasai Mara for exhilarating game drives and learning from the Maasai about their traditional culture. Your journey concludes in the wildlife-rich Laikipia Plateau, completing 11–days of absolute luxury and exclusive experiences.
Trip highlights
- Observe Amboseli’s remarkable numbers of elephants, including rare Super Tuskers
- Get involved in wildlife conservation and protection efforts with Big Life Foundation
- View the Maasai Mara from a sunrise hot air balloon ride
- Learn about the Maasai’s cattle herding culture and traditions
- Spot Grevy’s zebras and black rhinos in the Laikipia Plateau
- Go on a walking safari through the Laikipia Plateau's varied terrain
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 experience from our team of experts
- Full support from your personal concierge based in Africa
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.
Days 1–2
The safari capital of Africa
Your journey starts in Kenya’s capital city Nairobi. Known as ‘the safari capital of Africa’, this humming metropolis is the only city in the world to have a national park within its borders, which you can explore during your stay. Our expert team will give recommendations for bars, restaurants and things to see based on your personal interests.
Where you could stay
Days 2–5
Scenic safaris in Amboseli
Set against the dramatic backdrop of Tanzania’s Mount Kilimanjaro, Amboseli National Park is most known for the enormous herds of elephants that roam across its scenic plains. You’ll stay within the Kimana Sanctuary, a community-owned conservancy that belongs to local Maasai families. Keep an eye out for Super Tuskers – elephants whose tusks are so large they drag along the ground as they walk.
Where you could stay
Angama Amboseli
Make it mine
Game drives
Walking safari
Conservation
Morning and evening game drives
Move through the sanctuary with guides who read the land instinctively, following wildlife movement and teaching you about its fascinating ecosystems. They’ll use their expertise to help you spot elephants, lions, cheetahs and over 400 birds species across the park’s saltpans and woodlands. You’ll explore at an unhurried pace, with time to watch behaviour, track changing conditions and stay with sightings as long as they hold interest.
A walking safari in Kimana Sanctuary
Head out with an experienced guide and Askari guard to explore the Kimana Sanctuary through a walking safari. Moving on foot, you’ll have the advantage of being able to observe smaller, on the ground details that would normally be overlooked. Track animal paths, learn about wildlife such as antlions and dung beetles, and observe giraffes, zebras and eland as they graze. Walks will be tailored to your pace, whether short and relaxed or extended for more exploration.
Get involved with the Big Life Foundation
Get involved with the Big Life Foundation, which works to conserve wildlife in the Amboseli ecosystem by preventing poaching, protecting habitats and reducing human-wildlife conflicts. You’ll have the chance to participate in activities that highlight anti-poaching efforts and wildlife monitoring while learning more about the impact of the foundation’s work.
Days 5–8
On safari in the Maasai Mara
One of Africa’s most renowned safari destinations, the Maasai Mara is home to astounding concentrations of wildlife, including zebras, wildebeest and cheetahs. In addition to spectacular game viewing, your expert guides will lead you in a tailored programme of activities designed to enhance your stay.
Where you could stay
Make it mine
Hot air balloon
Game drives
A sunrise hot air balloon ride
Admire the beauty of the Maasai Mara from the skies on a hot air balloon ride. As the dawn breaks, sip a fresh cup of Kenyan coffee while your balloon is inflated, ready to lift off in the ambient glow of sunrise. Bathed in golden light, the savannahs below come alive with waking wildlife. Finish your experience with a champagne breakfast on the plains, toasting to the splendour of your surroundings.
A daily dose of safari
Embark on both morning and evening game drives, when the Maasai Mara’s abundant wildlife is at its most active. Using their knowledge of the terrain and the animal’s habits, your guides will navigate to the best spots for wildlife viewing, allowing you to glimpse both predator and prey in their natural habitat.
More to experience
Maasai culture
Out of Africa
Visit a Maasai community
Maasai culture has a strong presence throughout Kenya, and you’ll be invited to a Maasai village to learn about their traditions and daily life. Cattle herding is central to their nomadic lifestyle. Discover its significance in cultural identity, wealth and status, as well as its role in basic needs such as food, clothing and shelter.
A scenic picnic on the Out of Africa hill
Enjoy an intimate private picnic on the kopje featured on the poster for the Oscar-winning film, Out of Africa. Your lodge’s team will assemble a comfortable set up of checked blankets, cushions and safari chairs ready for you to enjoy a delicious picnic and sparkling wine in an elegant and romantic setting.
Days 8–11
Three nights in the Laikipia Plateau
Lesser known than some of Kenya’s more eminent destinations, the Laikipia Plateau is no less impressive. Located between Mount Kenya and the Great Rift Valley, its jaw dropping densities of wildlife are second only to the Maasai Mara . You’ll have the opportunity to spot several endangered species, including black rhinos, Grevy’s zebras and African wild dogs on its plains.
Where you could stay
Connect with nature in Laikipia
In your Jeep
On the Ground
In the skies
Spot rare wildlife on safari
Your expert guides will take you on both morning and evening game drives to spot the animals and wildlife at their most active. They’ll track game and navigate to the best areas for sightings, giving you the best chance of seeing black rhinos, African wild dogs, reticulated giraffes and the Big Five.
A guided walking safari
Laikipia is an excellent destination for walking safaris due to its density of wildlife and low visitor numbers. Your experienced guide will take you out on foot to track game, including black rhinos, showing you how to spot tracks and observe smaller species as you go. Explore the varied terrain, navigating acacia-studded plains, wooded valleys and rocky hills, learning about the topography from your guide.
A helicopter flight to Lake Turkana
Take an unforgettable helicopter trip over the stunning waters of Lake Turkana. Located in the Great Rift Valley, it’s the world’s largest permanent desert lake, and the green hue of its alkaline waters has earned the nickname ‘Jade Sea.’ From your vantage point in the skies, you’ll be able to truly appreciate its magnitude and its beauty as you learn more about its fascinating qualities.
Days
We had the most amazing experience working with Jamey and Betty at Jacada Travel. I cannot recommend Jamey enough- he listened to everything we wanted to see and do and put together such an incredible itinerary for us. It was our first time visiting Africa and it could not of been planned out more perfectly. Between the activities he had…
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.
