Hidden Kenya
12 days, 11 nights
Price Range:
$11,876 – $23,703
(all-inclusive price per person, depending on dates & camps selected)
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Just because Kenya is historically Africa’s most popular safari destination doesn’t mean you can’t get utterly away from it all. Explore the secluded side of Kenya on this journey into Meru National Park and Shaba National Reserve, little-visited wildlife meccas that were home to naturalist Joy Adamson, who nurtured the lioness Elsa of “Born Free” fame. And while the Maasai Mara is globally renowned, our remote camps avoid the crowds – except the crowds of animals, of course.
Our Expert Says
Kenya is indeed the most classic of safari destinations and this route is designed to incorporate those classic spots as well as some less-visit visited regions in a manner that retains our 'authentic safari' philosophy. The camps we've collected enhance the experience by way of their remote nature and traditional luxury of earlier days. This safari may make you feel just a bit like Hemingway -- though of course, you'll be shooting only photos.
– Jordy Oleson
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Day 1: Nairobi
A rough outpost amidst a highland swamp as the colonial capital of British East Africa in 1907, Nairobi today is the urban heartbeat of independent Kenya and one of Africa’s most important cities. Nairobi has long been a meeting point for adventurers and travelers from all over the world, and most Kenya safaris still originate here. Nairobi’s national museum and the historic home of Karen Blixen, author of Out of Africa, are popular attractions.
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Days 2-4: Shaba Nat'l Reserve
In the eastern corner of the Samburu ecosystem is Shaba National Reserve, the secluded wilderness where famed conservationist Joy Adamson released her first hand-raised leopard into the wild. At home in this rugged, hilly landscape watered by the Ewaso Ngiro River is a magnificent collection of wildlife, including Grevy’s zebra, reticulated giraffe, elephant, buffalo, lesser kudu, oryx, Grant’s gazelle, Somali ostrich and abundant lion.
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Days 5-7: Meru Nat'l Park
The wild and verdant savanna of Meru National Park gained global renown in the writings of naturalist Joy Adamson, who lived here with her husband, George, and Elsa the lioness of Born Free fame. The park is crossed by three major rivers and numerous mountain-fed streams, creating lush habitat for zebra, elephant, cheetah, leopard, reticulated giraffe, eland, waterbuck, hippopotamus, hartebeest, buffalo and more than 300 recorded species of birds. Snow-capped Mount Kenya stands sentinel over all.
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Days 8-11: Maasai Mara Nat'l Reserve
The famed Maasai Mara is one of Africa’s most acclaimed wildlife reserves, renowned for its wildebeest migration, prides of lion and huge herds of plains animals. The Mara is the northern portion of the Serengeti Plains, and we find excellent wildlife viewing all year long in these grasslands. The reserve is named for the Maasai tribespeople, the traditional inhabitants of the area who graze cattle here, and the Mara River that runs through it.
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Day 12: Nairobi/Home
Your safari adventure ends today in Nairobi, Kenya.