Itinerary Overview: Icons of Africa: Wilderness & Luxury

Embark on an extraordinary 10-day journey through East Africa, where wilderness meets luxury. From the vibrancy of Nairobi to the mist-shrouded forests of Bwindi, the legendary plains of the Masai Mara, and the breath-taking beauty of Namunyak, each destination offers a distinct and immersive experience. Encounter Africa’s most iconic wildlife, connect with rich cultural traditions, and retreat to world-class accommodations carefully selected for comfort and exclusivity.

Trip duration: 10 days
Starting From: $15,165 per person

Day 1: Arrival in Nairobi

Upon arrival at Jomo Kenyatta International Airport, you will be warmly greeted and privately transferred to Hemingways Eden, a luxurious boutique residence nestled in the tranquil Langata area. Overlooking a serene lake and the lush Giraffe Sanctuary Forest, this intimate retreat offers a peaceful escape from the city’s hustle.

Spend the afternoon unwinding at The Deck, the hotel’s signature restaurant, where fresh, locally sourced ingredients are crafted into exquisite culinary delights. If you wish, indulge in a revitalizing spa treatment, setting the tone for relaxation before your safari adventure begins.

For those eager to explore, Nairobi is rich with culture and wildlife experiences. Depending on your arrival time, you may visit:

  • The David Sheldrick Wildlife Trust – Witness the incredible work of this renowned elephant orphanage, where rescued calves are rehabilitated before returning to the wild.
  • The Giraffe Centre – Get up close with the endangered Rothschild’s giraffes in this conservation sanctuary.
  • Karen Blixen Museum – Step into the colonial past at the former home of the famed author of Out of Africa.
  • Nairobi National Park – A rare opportunity to see lions, rhinos, and buffalo against a backdrop of Nairobi’s skyline.

Enjoy a restful evening at Hemingways Eden, preparing for the adventures ahead.

Accommodation: Hemingways Eden
Meals: Breakfast

Days 2 to 5: Bwindi Impenetrable Forest

A short flight from Nairobi transports you to the heart of Uganda’s Bwindi Impenetrable Forest, a UNESCO World Heritage Site and one of Africa’s most biodiverse rainforests. Home to nearly half of the world’s remaining mountain gorillas, Bwindi is a truly awe-inspiring destination.

Your luxurious home for the next three nights is Mahogany Springs Lodge, an intimate retreat tucked in the heart of the forest, offering panoramic views of the lush rainforest and nearby Bwindi National Park. This lodge is perfectly positioned for your gorilla trekking adventure, providing an authentic and immersive experience.

Your stay includes an unforgettable gorilla trek—an exhilarating adventure through the dense rainforest in search of one of the world’s most elusive creatures. Once you encounter a family of gorillas, you’ll spend a precious hour in their company. This intimate time offers the rare opportunity to observe their social behaviour, watch them forage, and marvel at their playful interactions.

To further enrich your stay, there are several optional activities to choose from, including:

  • A second gorilla trek
  • A Batwa Tribe experience – Step back in time and engage with the Batwa people, the forest’s original inhabitants, to learn about their age-old traditions and survival skills.
  • A scenic forest walk – Explore the lush rainforest with a guide, spotting unique bird species and wildlife.
  • A local village visit – Immerse yourself in the daily life of the communities surrounding Bwindi, and enjoy the warm hospitality of the residents.

After a day of adventure, retreat to the luxurious Mahogany Springs Lodge. Enjoy a gourmet dinner while overlooking the breath-taking forest, and unwind in the tranquil ambiance that perfectly complements this once-in-a-lifetime journey.

Accommodation: Mahogany Springs Lodge
Meals: Breakfast, lunch, and Dinner

Day 5-8: Mara North Conservancy

After breakfast, you will be transferred to the airstrip for your scenic light aircraft flight back to Entebbe, where you’ll connect to your scheduled flight to Kichwa Tembo Airstrip. Upon arrival, you will be greeted by your driver and transferred to &Beyond Kichwa Tembo Tented Camp, your exclusive home for the next four nights in the heart of the Mara North Conservancy, one of Africa’s premier conservation areas.

This intimate location offers unparalleled access to the Masai Mara, one of the world’s greatest wildlife reserves

During your stay your days will be filled with game drives, where you’ll experience Africa’s iconic wildlife in its natural habitat. From the legendary Big Five to vast herds of wildebeest migrating across the plains and the elusive predators stalking their prey, the wildlife viewing is second to none.

Optional experiences:

  • Night game drives – Venture into the Mara after dark to spot nocturnal creatures and see the savannah come to life under the stars.
  • Guided nature walks – Explore the wilderness on foot with expert Maasai guides, gaining a deeper understanding of the land’s flora, fauna, and culture.
  • Hot air balloon safari – Witnessing the breath-taking landscape from the sky as the sun rises over the savannah.

As the day winds down, enjoy a sundowner cocktail on the Oloololo Escarpment, where the views across the Mara plains offer a perfect backdrop to your African adventure. With exquisite service, luxurious tented accommodations, and a deep commitment to sustainability and conservation, Kichwa Tembo Camp epitomizes the romance and excitement of a safari in the Masai Mara.

Accommodation: &Beyond Kichwa Tembo Tented Camp
Meals: Breakfast, Lunch, and Dinner

Days 8 to 10:  Namunyak Wildlife Conservancy

The final chapter of your African Journey takes you to the remote Namunyak Wildlife Conservancy, nestled in the rugged beauty of Kenya’s Matthews Mountain Range. After a scenic light aircraft flight, you’ll arrive at Sarara Camp, a luxurious haven where the wild heart of Samburu culture and wildlife awaits. Here, you’ll spend the next two nights, immersing yourself in an extraordinary and intimate connection with both nature and the indigenous Samburu people.

Each day at Sarara Camp offers a wealth of exceptional activities, allowing you to explore the Conservancy from every angle:

  • Day and night game drives – Enjoy searching for iconic wildlife, including elephants, lions, and cheetahs. Experience the thrill of nocturnal safari, where predators prowl and the sounds of the night come alive.
  • Guided nature walks – Embark on foot through the rugged terrain with expert Samburu guides, learning about the intricate balance of the ecosystem and the deep relationship between the land and its people.
  • Reteti Elephant Sanctuary – Visit this sanctuary, where orphaned elephants are rehabilitated and reintroduced into the wild.

A highlight of your stay is the unique opportunity to witness the “Sarara Singing Wells”, a centuries-old tradition where Samburu herders sing to their livestock as they draw water from deep wells. This ritual is both captivating and humbling, offering insight into the connection between the Samburu people and their land.

At Sarara Camp, the experience is as much about the people as it is about the place. The camp blends seamlessly with its stunning surroundings, offering an oasis of comfort. With expansive views of the wilderness, fine cuisine, and warm, personalized service, Sarara Camp provides an intimate retreat—a wonderful conclusion to your incredible East African adventure.

Accommodation: Sarara Camp
Meals: Breakfast, Lunch, and Dinner

Day 10: Farewell to Africa

After a final morning in the wilderness, you will be transferred to the airstrip for your flight back to Nairobi, where your incredible journey concludes. Reflect on the unforgettable experiences and memories made, knowing that you have witnessed some of the most breathtaking landscapes and remarkable wildlife on Earth.

Travel Dates & Prices

All the itineraries on our website are designed to give you a little pinch of safari inspiration. Whether you’re dreaming of trekking with gorillas, exploring breathtaking landscapes, or experiencing a game drive, we’ve got you covered!

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