A 7 night itinerary combining Kicheche Mara Camp and Elephant Pepper Camp in the world famous Masai Mara - Kenya - the itinerary includes transfers, all game drives on safari and internal flights. Guide Price from £1650 per person (excluding international flights)
Flexible Departures
Day 1 – You will be warmly met at Jomo Kenyatta International Airport (Nairobi) and transferred to Wilson Airport for your short flight to the Masai Mara, departing at 10.00.
Flying into the Mara is the best way to start your safari - you will fly from Nairobi over the Great Rift Valley, and then over the vast open plains of the Masai Mara where you get your first glimpse of elephant, giraffe, wildebeest and zebra far below you. At the landing strip there is a small pool which is home to a pod of hippo - you are thrown straight into the action.
On arrival you will be warmly met and transferred to Kicheche Mara Camp. The camp prides itself on offering a friendly and relaxing stay, with our hosts treating you as welcome guests, not mere travel statistics. To maintain this intimate and relaxed atmosphere there is a maximum of twenty-two guests at any time. Each tent is comfortably furnished with an en-suite bathroom and flushing toilet, low wattage lighting is supplied 24 hours. The majority of the tents are in secluded positions overlooking the plains and nearby hills, while others are closer together for families or friends. The spacious Nyati tent acts as the camp lounge with comfortable seating, a library, board games, cards and local crafts. Our cook produces delicious and healthy meals, and the menu features both African and international dishes. Fresh produce is flown in regularly and bread and pastries are baked daily. In-camp meals are taken al-fresco whenever possible when guests may sit at the communal table with their hosts, or are welcome to dine alone. Early morning and late afternoon are the most productive hours for game drives and our safari customised 4WD vehicles give everyone a perfect view. Watching wildlife at close range, but without encroaching on their space, is endlessly fascinating and our guides' instincts and experience provide superb photo opportunities of wild animals. A different perspective is gained through escorted walks, and guests can also visit the nearest Masai village. Safety is paramount when leaving camp on foot so all walks are escorted by an armed ranger. Our interpretive guides will point out the spoor of a leopard, the nest of a rare bird or signs of recent migration activity that would pass unnoticed by the eyes of strangers... The amount of time spent in the field makes it crucial to have top quality guides who have wide experience of the Mara and are skilled in interpreting its flora, fauna and ecology. All our guides are KPSGA qualified (Kenya Professional Safari Guides Association) and undergo further training on a regular basis.
Day 2 and 3 - Full days to explore the incredible natural wonders of the Masai Mara - staying at Kicheche Mara Camp.
Day 4 - After breakfast you will be transferred to Elephant Pepper Camp.
Situated right on the Northern Edge of the Masai Mara reserve this 8-tented bush camp, is tucked away in a prime wildlife area. Surrounded by the Mara's ubiquitous game, it's a seasonal camp, which is taken down for a month or so in the rainy seasons. Elephant Pepper Camp has been recently refurbished and designed to attract and introduce people to an authentic Masai Mara wildlife Safari Experience. Elephant Pepper Camp (originally Mara Bush Camp) offers a unique, comfortable environment and is aptly named after the Warburgia Ugandense tree, which is commonly known as the Elephant Pepper tree. The true bush experience of walking and unwinding around the glowing embers of a campfire all add to the authenticity of a true bush experience. Creative comforts are not sacrificed either with en-suite bathrooms being part of each spacious tent. Looking from the camp across the plains one can see the ‘greatest game show on earth' when the annual wildebeest migration thunders past to seek new grazing in the lush savannahs of the Masai Mara.
Leave the modern world behind, return to the traditional bush safari camp: starlit nights, campfire tales and hurricane lamps. Elephant Pepper Camp is a step back in time but with modern comforts: evenings by the campfire and dinner under the stars are a special feature of this tented camp. This is an original bush camp, eco-friendly, committed to finding a way of life that does not harm the wilderness; revenue from the camp goes back to the local community. Elephant Pepper Camp is put up for the season and then packed away to leave no trace behind. The homely atmosphere of this camp is part of its charm. Clients can relax with nature, no generators, no vehicles passing, no permanent structures jarring the skyline, just the sights and sounds of the bush that completely surround you. All our guests will enjoy a panoramic view of the Masai Mara plains; ideal for capturing the breathtaking sights the Mara has to offer. The game is literally on your doorstep. The staff are friendly and welcoming: arriving in camp is like coming home. The appetising food is prepared by chefs trained by the owners' family using traditional North Italian recipes mixed with international and local favourites. A barbecue by the campfire, dinner in the mess tent, or a bush breakfast on the open plains are some of the lasting memories to take home. The Masai Mara defies description: undoubtedly the spectacular migration of Wildebeest and Zebra searching for lush grazing following the rains, stalked by the omnipresent predators, is one of the world's greatest wildlife marvels. But the migration is by no means the only feature – this fascinating eco-system is home to enormous herds of plains game, the Big Cats and Elephant as well as colourful birds, small game, riverine wildlife and stunning scenery. Activities include game drives in 4WD vehicles, guided bush walks, night game drives, bush breakfasts, picnics & sundowners.
Day 5, 6 and 7 - Full days in the Masai Mara - staying at Elephant Pepper Camp.
Day 8 - After lunch you will be transferred back to the airstrip for your flight back to Nairobi, departing at 15.45.
On arrival in Nairobi at 17.00, you will be met and transferred to your accommodation in the city or to the international airport for your flight back to the UK.
End of Arrangements
Itinerary Includes: Full board accommodation on safari, Soft drinks, beer and house wine at Elephant Pepper Camp, National Park Fees, All game drives / walking safaris, Return flights from Nairobi to the Masai Mara, Laundry, All Transfers outlined in the itinerary, Membership for the duration of your safari of the Flying Doctors' Society of Africa.
Does not include: Personal Travel Insurance, Drinks at Kicheche, Items of a personal nature, International Flights, Tourist Visas, Tips and gratuities, Accommodation in Nairobi.