Extended safari in Kenya staying in superb small camps and including three diverse habitats; the wetlands of Lake Nakuru National Park in the Great Rift Valley, the open plains of the Masai Mara & the wild bush of the Laikipia Plateau.
Tailor-made Luxury 9 days
'From Price' is the average price per person for ground arrangements for two people sharing.
Flights are typically an additional $940 per person economy class from London
Our holidays are rated 5.0 out of 5 stars
…We were really happy with the service we got from Tourdust which can be best described as friendly, efficient and expert.....
Matthew McSweeney. See all Reviews 
The Great Rift Valley is a spectacular introduction to Kenya, a chance to unwind from your journey but still see some great wildlife. Lake Nakuru is Kenya’s second most popular wildlife park and for good reason. Although small in size it surrounds a beautiful lake that is teeming with pelicans and flamingos. The park plays host to a variety of terrain, shallows, mud flats along with classical African Acacia Woodlands and grasslands. Lake Nakuru is rich with big game and good sightings are virtually guaranteed. Lion, hyena, rhino, buffalo, giraffe and Zebra are all common.
The vast open plains of the Masai Mara National Reserve have year round heavily populated wildlife. Head out in open safari vehicles on guided game drives, either shorter morning / afternoon trips or take a picnic lunch and enjoy a full day on the plains. There is always a good chance of seeing lion, leopard, cheetah and ever present elephant, buffalo and wildebeest.
Once you have made the most of your safari in the Masai Mara, you will appreciate the slower pace the Laikipia reserve has to offer. As this is a private area you will be able to do guided safari walks and night drives. There is good game viewing in this area including lion, endangered African Hunting Dog, Grevy’s Zebra and Laikipia Hartebeeste. El Karama Ranch is set in front of the magnificent back-drop of Mount Kenya and has a gorgeous pool area.
DAY 1: ARRIVE NAIROBI AND TRANSFER TO LAKE ELEMENTAITA
On arrival you will be met by your driver and transferred by road to Lake Elementaita. Afternoon at leisure, late afternoon for afternoon game drive and return to lodge for dinner.
Meals included: Dinner and afternoon scheduled shared game activity included
Accommodation: Sunbird Lodge in an en-suite cottage
Transport: Road transfer from Nairobi to Lake Elementaita. Driving time +/-2 hours
DAY 2: SAFARI IN LAKE NAKURU NP & LAKE NAIVASHA
Full day exploring Lake Naivasha and a game drive in Lake Nakuru National Park. Lake Nakuru is Kenya’s second most popular wildlife park and for good reason. Although small in size it surrounds a beautiful lake that is teeming with pelicans and flamingos. The park plays host to a variety of terrain, shallows, mud flats along with classical African Acacia Woodlands and grasslands. Lake Nakuru is rich with big game and good sightings are virtually guaranteed. Lion, hyena, rhino, buffalo, giraffe and Zebra are all common.
Meals included: All meals and scheduled shared game activity included
Accommodation: Sunbird Lodge in an en-suite cottage
DAY 3: TRANSFER TO THE MASAI MARA
After breakfast transfer to the airstrip for light aircraft flight across to the Masai Mara, arriving in time for lunch, some quiet time in camp enjoying the views over the Mara River which attracts an abundance of wildlife before your late afternoon game drive.
Meals included: All meals and scheduled shared AM & PM game activities included
Accommodation: Entim Camp in an en-suite tent
Transport: Flight from Naivasha to Masai Mara and airstrip transfers
DAY 4: ON SAFARI IN THE MASAI MARA
Get up very early for a 6am start after breakfast and spend a full day in the Masai Mara reserve on game drives. You’ll take along your picnic lunch to enjoy at the scenic Hippo pool on the banks of the Mara River. Ecologically Masai Mara is an extension of the great Serengeti plains and teems with abundant wildlife. We traverse the park in search of elephant, buffalo, lion, cheetah, leopard, zebra, giraffe, hippo, crocodile and a whole ark-full of other animals. Expert naturalist guides ensure you get the very best chance of seeing most of these animals and understand their habits.
Meals included: All meals and scheduled shared AM & PM game activities included
Accommodation: Entim Camp in an en-suite tent
DAY 5: ON SAFARI IN THE MASAI MARA
Today you may want to rather do a morning game drive with return to camp to relax before the afternoon game drive, as some of the best game viewing can be done from the camp.
Meals included: All meals and scheduled shared AM & PM game activities included
Accommodation: Entim Camp in an en-suite tent
DAY 6: TRANSFER TO LAIKIPIA
Light aircraft flight to Laikipia via Nairobi. On arrival you will be met and transferred by road into camp which will take about an hour with some game viewing en route. This afternoon will be at leisure until you gather late afternoon for high tea before your first game viewing activity.
Meals included: Dinner and afternoon game activity included
Accommodation: El Karama in an en-suite Banda
Transport: Flight from Masai Mara to Laikipia via Nairobi and transfers from the airstrips.
DAY 7: ON SAFARI IN LAIKIPIA
Start the day with early morning game drive in search of endangered wild dogs, return to camp for breakfast and day at leisure. As this is a working ranch you will be able to take a guided farm tour or guided walk of the gardens. Depart on late afternoon activity, return to the camp for the evening to enjoy dinner and drinks around the fire.
Meals included: All meals and scheduled shared AM & PM game activities included
Accommodation: El Karama in an en-suite Banda
DAY 8: ON SAFARI IN LAIKIPIA
Take an early morning walk and spend the day relaxing around the pool. Final afternoon activity with dinner at the lodge.
Meals included: All meals and scheduled shared AM & PM game activities included
Accommodation: El Karama in an en-suite Banda
DAY 9: FLY BACK TO NAIROBI
Flight back to Nairobi, dinner at local restaurant before transfer to international airport for your return flight home.
Meals included: Breakfast only
Transport: Flight to Nairobi, airstrip transfer and Nairobi transfers.
Guide price is based on recommended accommodations. Alternative accommodations and upgrades are available. Please get in touch for alternatives and upgrade options.
International flights from the UK to Kenya typically cost £750 - £1250 return per person (see below for more detail) depending on the airline and when you are travelling. Please get in touch for a flight inclusive quote.
Direct Flights from the UK (London Heathrow only): £750 - £1250 return
British Airways and Kenya Airways fly direct from London Heathrow to Nairobi. Prices start from £750 return but direct flights at this price are usually only available if booking very early or for visits out of the school holidays. During peak holiday periods, prices are usually over £1250 return.
Indirect Flights from the UK: £650 - £900 return
KLM flights via Amsterdam are a superb alternative to direct flights, particularly if you are flying from Manchester, Glasgow or other regional airports, where you would need to stop anyway. Prices start from £650 return, and are usually available under £800 pp year round as long as you have a little flexibility in your dates. Qatar, Turkish and Ethiopian Airlines offer slightly less convenient one stop flights with longer stop-overs / less convenient flight times (e.g. Turkish lands at 4am in Nairobi). We sometimes recommend these flights for those on a tight budget or those late booking during peak periods when flight prices on BA, Kenya Airways or KLM can double.
If you book a flight inclusive package with Tourdust, your booking is protected by the ATOL scheme. We charge a £20 per person service charge for researching and booking flights for you. If you wish to book flights yourself, then we are happy to sell a ground arrangement only package.
Price includes: meals and activities with accommodation as mentioned, conservation fees, road and air transfers as specified.
Excludes: international flights from UK to Nairobi, airport taxes, visa fees, medical requirements such as malaria, additional tours and transfers, gratuities, drinks and all items of a personal nature.
Price for ground arrangements is valid year round (except Christmas and New Year). Price quoted excludes international flights. Please get in touch for a flight inclusive quote for your dates.
It is best to avoid the long rains that run from the second half of March, April, May and into early June. During this period it tends to rain through the night and into the morning. It is usually possible to get a dry spell between 10am and 2pm for getting out on safari.
The short rains bring some rain during September and October, but this is less of an impediment and they have usually cleared up by October.
December, January, July and August are peak season, expect flight costs to be substantially higher.
For the latest travel advice from the Foreign and Commonwealth office check www.gov.uk/travelaware
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Call 855 686 7694 9am and 6pm GMT Monday to Friday
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I was also just about to email you to thank you and the team for arranging yet again, another wonderful experience.
Mount Kenya was spectacular and wild - I think I prefer it to Kili in many ways. The entire support team was professional, friendly and all round fantastic in making sure that we were safe, well fed and well looked after. In particular, we would commend Peter the guide as well as Paul one of the porters who doubled-up as his deputy on summit day. Our route was often shrouded in mist and rain that rapidly gathered in the valleys and moorlands, and we were very impressed at how Peter managed to navigate us safely through all of that notwithstanding. In addition, we loved learning about the history of Mount Kenya from him in the evenings. And ofcourse, I was blown away by the lovely birthday surprise at the end complete with balloons and a delicious cake that had journeyed with us from day 1. One thing we might recommend because of the sudden change in weather (it would sometimes get extremely cold and wet) is for the equipment list to be a little bit more detailed in terms of its recommendations e.g. layers to be moisture-wicking, walking boots be waterproof, doubling up on socks to avoid blisters etc.
El Karama is a beautiful conservancy and the lodge a true labour of love. Great hospitality in a relaxed environment. Delicious, fresh food. We enjoyed the drives, even if we didn't see much wildlife as the heavens opened on us for the last two outings. However, since it was very much geared towards families, I am not sure if I would stay again without kids. That said, I think it was perfect for a 3d/2n stay post mountain, and a much better choice than flying to the masai mara given the limited time we had.
Our transits were smooth. Samuel the driver was always on time, drove safely and kept the vehicle clean.
So it was a brilliant experience and one which I certainly will cherish for some time to come. It was great to work with you for a third time, and I certainly hope it won't be the last
Juhae C
reviewing Mount Kenya Sirimon Naro Moru Trek
on 01 March 2024
Dear Lisa, We are now back home and had a fantastic time. All the arrangements went seamlessly, transport and hotels were great. Laikipia was amazing, a very personal experience and they did all they could to accommodate everything we wanted to do. The river location was fantastic and ideal for the children as they got to swim in it. It is somewhere we would all like to return to. There might not have been the numbers that you get on the Masai Mara however we got to see lions with cubs, two black leopards, a golden leopard and the wild dogs as well as a huge number of other animals and birds. Thank you for suggesting to stay for 4 nights, it was just the right amount of time. The tamarin Hotel was a good choice as we were able to eat at the Carnivore restaurant which was an experience. Mauritius was lovely and relaxing, just what we needed after a very active time in Laikipia. Accommodation and service was great. Weather was good for most of the time, a few showers over the last couple of days. Thank you once again for organising it all. Sally
Sally M
reviewing Laikipia Wilderness and Plains
on 11 August 2023
Hi Lisa
It was a fantastic experience, thanks very much. All the arrangements were seamless and our guiding/support team were excellent, if there is a way for you to formally commend the team to your ground operators then I would be grateful if you could do that, they really were brilliant.
Many thanks for your help in arranging the trip, and for your patience during the multiple re-arrangements over the past couple of years.
Kind regards, John
John B
reviewing Mount Kenya Sirimon Naro Moru Trek
on 14 November 2022
I was also just about to email you to thank you and the team for arranging yet again, another wonderful experience.
Mount Kenya was spectacular and wild - I think I prefer it to Kili in many ways. The entire support team was professional, friendly and all round fantastic in making sure that we were safe, well fed and well looked after. In particular, we would commend Peter the guide as well as Paul one of the porters who doubled-up as his deputy on summit day. Our route was often shrouded in mist and rain that rapidly gathered in the valleys and moorlands, and we were very impressed at how Peter managed to navigate us safely through all of that notwithstanding. In addition, we loved learning about the history of Mount Kenya from him in the evenings. And ofcourse, I was blown away by the lovely birthday surprise at the end complete with balloons and a delicious cake that had journeyed with us from day 1. One thing we might recommend because of the sudden change in weather (it would sometimes get extremely cold and wet) is for the equipment list to be a little bit more detailed in terms of its recommendations e.g. layers to be moisture-wicking, walking boots be waterproof, doubling up on socks to avoid blisters etc.
El Karama is a beautiful conservancy and the lodge a true labour of love. Great hospitality in a relaxed environment. Delicious, fresh food. We enjoyed the drives, even if we didn't see much wildlife as the heavens opened on us for the last two outings. However, since it was very much geared towards families, I am not sure if I would stay again without kids. That said, I think it was perfect for a 3d/2n stay post mountain, and a much better choice than flying to the masai mara given the limited time we had.
Our transits were smooth. Samuel the driver was always on time, drove safely and kept the vehicle clean.
So it was a brilliant experience and one which I certainly will cherish for some time to come. It was great to work with you for a third time, and I certainly hope it won't be the last
Juhae C
reviewing Mount Kenya Sirimon Naro Moru Trek
on 01 March 2024
Dear Lisa, We are now back home and had a fantastic time. All the arrangements went seamlessly, transport and hotels were great. Laikipia was amazing, a very personal experience and they did all they could to accommodate everything we wanted to do. The river location was fantastic and ideal for the children as they got to swim in it. It is somewhere we would all like to return to. There might not have been the numbers that you get on the Masai Mara however we got to see lions with cubs, two black leopards, a golden leopard and the wild dogs as well as a huge number of other animals and birds. Thank you for suggesting to stay for 4 nights, it was just the right amount of time. The tamarin Hotel was a good choice as we were able to eat at the Carnivore restaurant which was an experience. Mauritius was lovely and relaxing, just what we needed after a very active time in Laikipia. Accommodation and service was great. Weather was good for most of the time, a few showers over the last couple of days. Thank you once again for organising it all. Sally
Sally M
reviewing Laikipia Wilderness and Plains
on 11 August 2023
Hi Lisa
It was a fantastic experience, thanks very much. All the arrangements were seamless and our guiding/support team were excellent, if there is a way for you to formally commend the team to your ground operators then I would be grateful if you could do that, they really were brilliant.
Many thanks for your help in arranging the trip, and for your patience during the multiple re-arrangements over the past couple of years.
Kind regards, John
John B
reviewing Mount Kenya Sirimon Naro Moru Trek
on 14 November 2022
I had just the most incredible time on the climb.
The team were incredible and just so accommodating. I really only have good things to say as it was such a great experience.
George was as good as a guide as it gets, very articulate and made sure I was comfortable the whole way up with frequent briefings.
Finn R
reviewing Mount Kenya Sirimon Naro Moru Trek
on 10 May 2019
The trip was amazing everything was better than we could have imagined.
There was a moment climbing the mount Kenya where my wife accused me of tricking her into doing this (half kidding) as some of the nights got pretty cold, but we were dressed well and the sunrise at the peak was astonishing.
Safari was spectacular, Ben who was our main guide and driver was awesome! We saw everything excepts rhinos which were more of a hope than a reality. We also were able to watch a rock python eat a Thompson gazel live. It was one of the most interesting and unsettling things I have ever seen.
Just overall, so many moments that make you think wow or I can't believe I am here. Thank you for your help in getting everything set up. I don't believe I could have booked the trip without your help and guidance. It was an amazing way to start our marriage and truly the trip of a lifetime!
William K
reviewing 11 Day Mount Kenya Trek and Masai Mara Safari Combined
on 29 October 2018
We both suffered but enjoyed it immensely. Just how it should be!!!!
Our route up the mountain, the Burguret trail is very arduous and certainly should not be used for people who are not very fit and experienced trekkers. It mainly followers animal trails through the forests and bog lands around the mountain. The Chogoria route down was great. The guide and porters were great. Wild camping means just that, really just what I wanted, but I have lived in Kenya.
Jonathan B
reviewing Mount Kenya: Burguret Chogoria Traverse
on 24 September 2018
Speke's camp was absolutely ideal - small and personal, with great hosts. We'd definitely recommend the "tented safari" experience to others. The kid's didn't miss having a pool (too interested in Safari). Speke's camp give you your own landrover and driver/guide, which gave us great flexibility (much better I suspect than what is offered by some of the larger camps). Our guide was brilliant. See below for the review we just posted on rip Advisor.
I think the only negative of the trip was getting through Nairobi airport (multiple security checks, and they ask you to "board" two hours in advance, which in fact means going into crowded transit lounge with no facilities), but there's not anything anyone can do about that
It's also worth saying that Peponi really is a unique experience. It's a proper East African institution, with all the locals dropping into the bar. It's the perfect antidote to anyone wanting to get away from the soulless all inclusive resorts which could be absolutely anywhere in the world (which seem to be a bit of a feature of Zanzibar). Lamu is still amazingly undeveloped.
We stayed at Speke's camp for 4 nights in August 2018 - a family of two adults and two children. For us it was the perfect location to experience the Mara. The camp is only a short drive outside the main Mara reserve and is in an amazingly picturesque location, set by a small river in the shade of trees. Wildlife roams near (and sometimes through!) the camp. You get to feel very close to nature when you have a buffalo rooting up grass just outside your tent in the middle of the night!
The camp itself is small and has a very personal feel to it. There are only eight or so guest tents, so you get to meet everyone passing through. One of the great pleasures was getting to chat to other guests over the evening meal or round the camp fire, swapping stories of the day's sightings. If you do want a little more privacy, then it's absolutely fine to eat in your own group.
Whilst you do sleep and eat under canvas, it is an extremely civilised experience: the beds are comfy (with hot water bottles provided to ward off the chill of the evenings); there are bucket showers which sound much more primitive than they really are; the communal area is very elegantly laid out; tea is brought to the tent before setting out on early morning game drives, and the food was fantastic.
What really makes the experience however are the wonderful hosts. Both Adrian and Veronique made a real effort to get to know us and ensure we were well looked after; and it's certainly worth picking Adrian's brains on the history of the region (it's not called Speke's camp for nothing)
The final word must go to our wonderful guide/driver Ambrose and our Masai spotter Marco. It was a real privilege to have our own land-rover and to be shown the reserve by such knowledgeable and charming individuals. Ambrose is a proper naturalist, can identify a lilac breasted roller at 200 yards, and knows where to see the best wildlife without simply following other trucks. On our final afternoon, with 30 minutes before we had to leave the Mara Triangle, we had seen every animal and bird that was on our wish list (including a live Cheetah kill), but had not seen a rhino. Marco saw a speck on the horizon, Ambrose drove like the clappers and as a parting gift we were able to see this most elusive animal up close. Notwithstanding all the awe-inspiring nature, I think my wife's personal highlight was driving the land rover back to amp along the dirt track through herds of zebra and ambling giraffe. A truly amazing experience all round.
Jonathan I
reviewing Laikipia & Masai Mara Family Safari
on 24 August 2018
If you’re looking for a more personal experience of Kenya, something a little different from the standard safari and beach package holidays, then you should definitely speak to Tourdust!
We decided to have a family holiday with our two teenage boys in Kenya in 2014, a decision that turned out to be far from straight-forward as the FCO extended their no-essential travel guidance area by area in the months leading up to our holiday. After researching the travel companies specialising in Kenya , we chose Tourdust to organise our holiday, partly based on their highly informative website but mainly based on a conversation with Ben, who within a matter of minutes clearly understood what we were looking for.
Ben’s recommendation of the Laikipia Wilderness Camp, followed by the Sosian Ranch and then the Msambweni Beach House was absolutely perfect for us. Everywhere we went the experience was personalised, the service was outstanding and the quality of facilities was second to none. Yes, we did safari drives to see the fantastic range of wildlife in the area, but we also swam in the rivers, rode camels, went on game walks and ate delicious meals cooked on an open camp fire before sleeping out under the endless African skies listening to the lions roaring! Then a flight down to the coast and we relaxed in the luxury of the a villa overlooking the Indian Ocean, with massages on the beach, personal staff on hand and nothing too much trouble.
We knew that we didn’t want a standard package safari and beach holiday but what we got was beyond all our expectations – a truly personal, family experience of Kenya that we will remember forever!
Joanna H
reviewing Best of Kenya Family Safari
on 07 October 2014
Terri and I just got back from Mt. Kenya, the tour you arranged for us was fantastic.
Shawn M
reviewing Mount Kenya Sirimon Naro Moru Trek
on 31 July 2013
Daisy and I really enjoyed the trek, it was the highlight of our holiday. I'm full of admiration for the our Guide Francis, cook Wilson and his team of porters. Not only did they feed us like kings but Francis never put a foot wrong on the whole mountain and, as you know, they don't have all the high tech equipment we have such as good boots and 4 season sleeping bags. That really brought home the income gap and I was glad we had brought a decent tip with us. We both enjoyed chatting to Francis as we walked and at meal times and he gave us a very interesting perspective on Kenya life.
At the Rock House Patrick and his wife were very helpful especially sorting out our forward coach trip. It would be great if you could feed back our thanks to the guys.
Transport to and from the mountain was fine, better than I was expecting. The huts were a bit of a shock to the system but you quickly get used to them and its definitely better than tents! The acclimatization day was interesting, I think it may well have helped us summit fairly easily but we were the only group who did it. Overall I would recommend it if you have time.
I will recommend Tourdust to others and I'd give you 5/5.
chris k
reviewing Mount Kenya Sirimon Naro Moru Trek
on 31 July 2013
A big thank you to the team at Tourdust for our fantastic trek to Mount Kenya.
We made it. It was a tough climb and not for those who are afraid of heights. I learnt loads about the flora and fauna of Africa from our expert guide Francis and we enjoyed great food prepared by Ngari.
Full write-up and pictures of my trip are here
Kathryn B
reviewing Mount Kenya: Sirimon - Chogoria Trek
on 04 April 2013
We had an excellent trip, thanks!
The guide was very knowledgeable and flexible with breaks, timings, etc. He kept phone contact with the main office to ensure all connections/vehicles were in the proper place at the right time. The lodging was acceptable for a trek. Nothing great, mostly hard huts or tented camps, but nice to have a warm shower on days between our tenting nights. The one night we were supposed to be in The Pelican Lodge, we were changed to Lake Nakuru Lodge, which was fantastic!During the trek, the cook made wonderful breakfasts and dinners. There was a decent variety of soups, vegtable and meat dishes. Lunch was a basic 'box lunch' with a sandwich, chicken, boiled egg and fruit. Lunch was acceptable and fueled us for the journey, it just got a little redundant by the end of the trek.
All pre-trip literature was informative and sufficient.
I have already and will continue to recommend this trip to others. For the trek: the days are long and tiring, but it was very worth the effort, and the sense of accomplishment is immeasurable. The safari itself was also great. The amount of time spent driving between the trek end to Nakuru and Nakuru to Masai Mari got old... however, this is unavoidable when trying to do it all.
Thanks again for aranging a very enjoyable trip!
Alan B
reviewing Mount Kenya: Burguret Chogoria Traverse
on 11 January 2013
Altogether a great trip. We were extremely well looked after by Tourdust, and Francis and his team from the moment we were picked up at our hotel in Nairobi to the moment we were dropped off at Lewa safari Park. Francis was an excellent ‘Leader’, bright and knowledgeable, and with very good judgement. We would very happily recommend both Francis and his team, and Tourdust. The final ascent to the non-technical peak of Mt Kenya, Lenana, was perfectly judged despite the foot of snow that had fallen overnight. A great trip.
Julian W
reviewing Mount Kenya Sirimon Naro Moru Trek
on 06 July 2012
We had a great time! We really appreciated that the trip was booked with a local tour operator, which we learned was one of the biggest and best in Kenya. Patrick was exceptionally helpful, and came to meet us 3 times to check in and make sure things were going well.
There was an unfortunate change to our flight to Lamu which happened 2 weeks before leaving, but were only told the morning of, and it meant waking early, somewhat unnecessarily, except that our flight was changed to the intl. airport instead, and it also meant stopping in another city on the way, which added time to our flight, and detracted from our time in Lamu.
Nevertheless, we had an amazing time, and are very pleased with the trip!
I would rate both customer service and our experience a 5. I would definitely recommend you to others, and am looking forward to saving up again so I can book my next trip.
Jaclyn R
reviewing 11 Day Mount Kenya Trek and Masai Mara Safari Combined
on 17 August 2011
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