SAFARI IN KENYA
Prepared for Vanessa Lee
Day 1 - 2: The Maasai Mara
Arrive at Jomo Kenyatta International Airport, where you will be met by a Tradewinds representative to help you through customs and find your bags. Here you will meet Ben and the helicopter to begin your helicopter adventure.
You’ll fly south, stopping at Lake Magadi, a rift valley lake often filled with flamingos. Continue on to the Maasai Mara for two days of game drives and bush walks, immersing yourself in the wildlife-rich plains.
Richard's River Camp, 2 nights.
Day 3 - 4: Lewa Wildlife Conservancy
After a hearty breakfast, take to the skies for a spectacular helicopter flight over the Mara plains, spotting wildlife from above. Continue your journey over the lush tea plantations of Kericho, then soar above the shimmering rift valley lakes. Pause for a coffee break on the edge of Lake Bogoria, where hot springs bubble up from the earth, creating a stunning and unique landscape.
Your next stop is the Lewa Wildlife Conservancy in Laikipia, a haven for endangered species like the Black and White Rhino and the Grevy’s Zebra. Here, you’ll enjoy thrilling bush experiences, from trekking for rhinos to horse riding through the conservancy, as well as traditional game drives.
Sirikoi Tents, 2 nights.
Day 5: Lake Turkana
Rise early for a breathtaking flight through the Suguta Valley, known for its dramatic hoodoo and painted valleys. As you soar over crocodile-infested pools, you'll make a stop on the vast sand dunes, where you can enjoy the thrill of jumping off these natural structures. Continue your journey over Lake Logipi, a striking soda lake, before Arrive at Koros Camp in time for lunch, and spend your afternoon either exploring the rugged terrain by helicopter or enjoying an exhilarating quad bike adventure.
Koros Camp, 1 night.
Day 6 - 8: Segera Conservancy
After breakfast, your journey continues as you fly through the breathtaking Mathews Mountain Range, stopping to explore the ancient cycad forest. From there, continue to Ololokwe, an iconic flat-topped mountain, the perfect vantage point to look out over the vast Samburu landscape. Afterward, fly over the stunning reserves of Shaba and Samburu, before arriving at Segera Retreat, a luxurious lodge set in a private conservancy.
Over the next three days, enjoy a mix of game drives and bush walks, immersing yourself in the spectacular landscapes and abundant wildlife of this remote corner of Kenya. One morning, take a flight to the peaks of Mount Kenya, soaring around the towering summits of Batian and Nelion before landing at one of its serene lakes for a memorable breakfast in the mountains.
Segera Retreat, 3 nights.
Day 9: Departure
After an early breakfast, you’ll board your helicopter one final time for a scenic flight back to Jomo Kenyatta International Airport. Upon arrival, you’ll be assisted through the airport before boarding your flight home, bringing your Kenyan safari to a close.
End of Safari
MAASAI MARA
The Maasai Mara is one of Kenya’s most acclaimed wildlife reserves, renowned for its open savannahs, wildebeest migration, prides of lion and vast herds of plains game. Game viewing in the Mara is unrivaled. Your day can be as active or relaxing as you please. Game drives - day and night, bush walks, cultural visits, and picnic lunches are just some of the activities.
No where in the world is there a movement of animals as immense or impressive as the wildebeest migration. Over two million animals migrate from the Serengeti National Park in Tanzania to the greener pastures of the Maasai Mara National Reserve in Kenya between July and October.
The Mara is home to one of the world’s highest densities of lion, with 15 lions per 100 kilometers squared– and some impressive black manned male specimens!
LAKE MAGADI
RICHARD'S RIVER CAMP
Richard's River Camp offers a luxury tented camp in the very heart of the Masai Mara. Designed with privacy, exclusivity as well as adventure in mind ensuring a warm and memorable safari.
The camp is perfectly situated on the banks of the Njageteck River in the private Mara North Conservancy, the camp allows for total privacy and exclusivity. The Ngoyanai springs provide permanent water, drawing in large numbers of animals to the area around camp. This camp is also particularly known for its resident lion pride which can often been seen hunting right in front of the camp, and almost always can be heard roaring during the night.
LEWA WILDLIFE CONSERVANCY
There is no landscape in Kenya, outside of National Parks, more crucial for the future of elephants than Laikipia. 7,000 elephants are protected by private and communal landowners and a network of inspiring conservation organizations. Lewa Wildlife conservancy is one of these organizations, it is a safe refuge for the critically endangered black rhino and the endangered Grevy’s zebra, as well as the elephant, lion, giraffe, wild dog and other iconic wildlife species in Kenya. The Conservancy is also home to more than 490 species of birds.
With 62,000 acres of land, and only 9 properties between Borana and Lewa conservancy you are bound to experience an exclusive safari feeling. This area is very different from the Maasai Mara.
LAKE BOGORIA
SIRIKOI LUXURY TENTS
There are four Sirikoi Luxury tents, each tented room sits on its own private deck overlooking the natural watering hole. The fire is lit each evening. Lunch and dinner is served at the main deck close to the swimming pool, with much of the produce coming from the organic vegetable garden.
There are two resident giraffes who walk around the property and are always interested in a tasty orange.
THE SUGUTA VALLEY
Geologists have long been captivated by this remarkable section of the Great Rift Valley, where ancient sediments and fossilized remains have unlocked the secrets of a lake that has risen and fallen over the last 18,000 years. This unique landscape tells the story of a dynamic natural history, shaped by time and tectonic forces.
Adding to the area's breathtaking diversity are the vast, windswept Suguta sand dunes. Expansive and constantly reshaped by the strong desert winds, these dunes create a mesmerizing scene that seems to change with every passing moment—making them an ideal landing spot for a helicopter adventure.
At the southern tip of the Suguta Valley lies the Silale Crater, a vast caldera blanketed in grasses and shrubs. This stunning natural formation is home to the Pokot tribe, whose vibrant culture thrives in this remote and rugged terrain. Here, you'll have the opportunity to stop just west of the crater and engage with the Pokot people, who will welcome you with one of their spectacular traditional dances, offering a rare glimpse into their rich heritage and way of life.
POKOT TRIBE
LAKE TURKANA
The world’s largest desert lake, Lake Turkana, lies nestled in the remote wilderness of northern Kenya. This otherworldly landscape is one of the harshest and most isolated places on Earth, where black volcanic rocks dominate the terrain and searing daytime temperatures create an unforgiving environment. Yet, amid the starkness, it is undeniably breathtaking—an arid beauty that captivates the soul.
At the southern end of the lake, the collapsed Nabuyatom Volcano stands as the most iconic landmark along the shore. Surrounded by the shimmering jade waters of the lake, Nabuyatom is a stunning geological feature, with its caldera rising from the depths. Its striking presence serves as a reminder of the raw power that has shaped this dramatic landscape over millennia.
KOROS CAMP
What started as a simple family base, has evolved into a unique 6 bed camp for the ultimate private retreat. In a remote and unspoilt spot, Koros Camp is nestled away amongst acacia trees and semi arid scrubland at the northern end of the South Horr valley.
The area invites exploration, and one of the best ways to experience it is by taking a quad bike ride through the rugged terrain. Ride through dry riverbeds and expansive landscapes, with the chance to spot wildlife along the way—perhaps even encountering a majestic elephant in the wild.You might even be lucky enough to spot an elephant on your journey.
SEGERA RETREAT
Segera Retreat is a splash of green in a golden savannah. With a legacy of true Kenyan ranch life set against the filmic grasslands that landscape the foothills of Mount Kenya, Segera has been rejuvenated into a fertile home for conservation, community, culture and commerce. Behind a living cactus boma, the lush gardens flicker with sunbirds and inspire with sculptures, pools and elegant thatched villas.
Segera emits creative energy and the kind of hospitality you find with favourite friends. It is a beacon for interesting minds, mavericks, art lovers and those looking for fantastic wildlife experiences, wellness, incredible dining experiences and new ways to engage with Kenya's evolving culture. Segera's exclusively private 50 000 acres are home to lion, leopard, cheetah, elephant and buffalo as well as endangered species such as reticulated giraffe, Grevy's zebra, Lelwel's Hartebeest and African wild dog. You'll seek out these species along with classic plains game and up to 150 bird species on daily game drives in open-sided safari vehicles with talented guides.
MOUNT KENYA
Set off on an early morning scenic flight around the peaks of Mount Kenya, the second highest mountain in Africa. Within 40 kilometers we rise 3,000 meters, watch below as you fly through a diversity of geographical features and vegetation zones. There is often the chance to spot elephant and other mountain animals.
We will eventually reach the peaks, Batian and Nelion, where you will see the vast and desolate nature of Mount Kenya with its towering summit, sheer cliffs and glaciers.
We will then fly down to one of the blue mountain tarns - either Lake Michelson or Lake Alice, for a picnic and a chance to fish for rainbow trout. A wonderful way to spend the morning in this crisp fresh air, surrounded by alpine flora. It is a helicopter excursion like no other, peaceful and remote, with the place to ourselves.
SEGERA GARDEN VILLAS
Segera's five Garden Villas are set in landscaped botanical gardens centred around a vast swimming pool and surrounded by a cactus wall. This cactus 'boma' creates a safe haven so you can stroll around freely night and day. The Garden Villas are romantic, one-bedroomed spaces with the option of sleep-out beds and private outdoor dining spaces.
Each thatched villa sits high on stilts gazing out across the savannahs and woodlands to the waterholes and salt licks that magnetise wildlife. With outdoor baths, en-suite bathrooms and private decks.
