Wings Over the Wild: A 7 Days Aerial Safari From Nairobi to Samburu and the Mara Wings

You will arrive at Jomo Kenyatta International Airport, where you will be warmly welcomed by our representative and transferred to Tamarind Tree Hotel, a stylish property conveniently located near Wilson Airport. You will check into your elegant room and unwind after your journey. In the evening, you will enjoy a sumptuous dinner at the hotel’s acclaimed restaurant or relax by the outdoor pool. If time permits, you will explore the
hotel’s serene surroundings before retiring for the night, ready for the adventure ahead.

After breakfast, you will transfer to Wilson Airport for your scenic flight to Samburu. From the moment you take off, you will marvel at Kenya’s landscapes as they unfold beneath you, from the patchwork of farmlands to the rugged northern terrain. On arrival at Samburu airstrip, your guide will greet you and drive you to Elephant Bedroom Camp, a luxurious and intimate camp set along the Ewaso Nyiro River under towering doum palms. After a refreshing welcome drink, you will settle into your beautifully appointed tent with a private plunge pool and panoramic views. In the late afternoon, you will embark on your first game drive in Samburu National Reserve, a unique ecosystem that is home to species found nowhere else in Kenya, such as the reticulated giraffe, Grevy’s zebra, Beisa oryx, Somali ostrich, and the graceful gerenuk. As the sun sets, you will return to camp for cocktails and a candlelit dinner under the African sky.

You will rise with the sun for an early morning game drive when predators such as lions and leopards are most active. With luck, you may spot cheetahs stalking their prey or elephants gathering at the river to drink. After a hearty breakfast back at camp, you will have the option to relax in your tent, take a dip in your private plunge pool, or simply watch the wildlife from your deck as they come to drink at the river. Later in the day, you will enjoy an afternoon game drive exploring Samburu’s varied habitats, from rocky outcrops to acacia- studded plains. You will also have the opportunity to visit a Samburu village and learn about the traditions, beadwork, and lifestyle of this proud warrior tribe. As evening falls, you will return to camp to enjoy a bush dinner accompanied by the sounds of nature.

After breakfast, you will board your flight from Samburu to the world-famous Maasai Mara. As you soar over the Great Rift Valley, you will admire breathtaking views of escarpments and winding rivers. Upon landing at the Mara airstrip, your guide will transfer you to Tipilikwani Camp, a classic safari retreat overlooking the Talek River. You will be welcomed with warm hospitality and check into your spacious tent, which offers comfort and an authentic bush experience. After lunch, you will embark on an afternoon game drive in the Maasai Mara, home to an unrivaled concentration of wildlife. You will likely encounter elephants, giraffes, hippos, and perhaps the big cats for which the Mara is renowned. As the golden light bathes the savannah, you will enjoy a scenic sundowner before returning to camp for dinner.

You will start the day with an early morning game drive, a magical time when the Mara comes alive with activity. You may witness predators returning from their nocturnal hunts or spot the iconic sight of giraffes silhouetted against the sunrise. After breakfast, you can choose to relax at camp or continue exploring on a full-day game drive with a picnic lunch in the wild. The Maasai Mara is famous for its rich diversity of wildlife, including lions, cheetahs, leopards, buffaloes, zebras, and more than 450 bird species. Your guide will take you to prime spots for photography and unforgettable wildlife encounters. As evening falls, you will return to camp to enjoy a delicious dinner and share stories around the campfire.

You will have the option to start your day with a thrilling hot air balloon safari (at an additional cost), drifting silently over the Mara plains as the sun rises, followed by a champagne breakfast on landing. Later, you will continue with your scheduled morning and afternoon game drives, searching for elusive leopards lounging in trees or cheetahs sprinting across the savannah. Between drives, you can visit a Maasai village to learn about their culture and traditions, or simply relax in camp and enjoy the tranquil setting. As your final evening in the Mara unfolds, you will enjoy a special bush dinner under the stars, making this a night to remember.

After an early morning game drive and breakfast, you will bid farewell to the Mara and board your flight back to Nairobi. Upon arrival, you will be transferred to Jomo Kenyatta International Airport for your outbound flight, carrying unforgettable memories of your flying safari across Kenya’s iconic landscapes.