Kenya Big Five Animals & Conservation Safari Package
8 Days: Kenya – Big 5 & Conservation
Nairobi, Ol Pejeta Conservancy, Mara Naboisho Conservancy
All-inclusive African Safari adventure, combining 1 night Ole Sereni Hotel, 3 nights Ol Pejeta and 3 nights Encounter Mara
Day 1: Overnight at Ole Sereni Hotel, Nairobi
On arrival at JKIA you will be met by a Penwell representative who will transfer you to Ole Sereni Hotel for your overnight stay. Located close JKIA, Ole Sereni Hotel offers the ideal location from which to start your safari adventure as it is the only city hotel situated within a game park.
With the stunning greens and golds of Nairobi National Park’s landscape punctuated by giraffe, zebra, antelope and buffalo lounging near their waterhole, the views alone make Ole Sereni one of a kind. Add to that the convenience of their location, between Nairobi’s International and regional airports, and their world class restaurants, conferencing facilities and spa; you are able to get a hotel that perfectly complements the experience of East Africa. Whether you are enjoying the area’s natural beauty or vibrant business environment, Ole Sereni would be the best way to go.
Day 2: Overnight at Ol Pejeta, Ol Pejeta Conservancy
After an early breakfast at Ole Sereni Hotel, pack your bags and depart with your personal guide for your transfer to Wilson Airport. Once at Wilson Airport catch your connecting flight to Nanyuki Airstrip. On arrival at Nanyuki Airstrip a welcome table will be set up either at the airstrip or a short distance away, with tea and coffee, cold drinks and snacks allowing you to refresh while a representative briefs you on the surrounding area of Nanyuki. You will then be transferred to Ol Pejeta Bush Camp, situated in the Ol Pejeta Conservancy. Once you reach the entrance of the Ol Pejeta Conservancy a short game drive will take you into camp.
Once in camp you will get the opportunity to settle in your new surroundings and relax before heading to the dining area to enjoy a delicious dinner, and maybe a drink or two while sharing stories of old times. There is also an option of going on a night game drive if you wish to do so.
More information about Ol Pejeta
Ol Pejeta consists of 6 non-permanent large tents which are all situated along the river at Ol Pejeta Wildlife Conservancy in Nanyuki, Kenya. The accommodation style is that of a traditional and comfortable safari camp adventure. Ol Pejeta is built entirely on an eco-friendly design that is well-suited around the conservation strategies of the conservancy. All local produce and goods are either obtained directly from the Ol Pejeta Conservancy or made in camp.
Guests are able to engage in various recreational activities such as day and night game drives, guided bush walks, bush breakfasts, visits to the Sweetwaters Chimpanzee Sanctuary, visits to local schools and take part in two main conservation community development projects such as The Endangered Species Enclosure and Lion Tracking.
Day 3: Overnight at Ol Pejeta, Ol Pejeta Conservancy
After an early breakfast in camp head to the lounge area where your guide will get you for your morning game drive in Ol Pejeta Wildlife Conservancy. While on the game drive you will have the opportunity to view all the local wildlife pertinent to the conservancy such as the Big Five. You will stop and enjoy a delicious packed lunch from Ol Pejeta before heading back to camp.
Once back at camp you will have the opportunity to relax and refresh before meeting everyone in the dining area for a three course home cooked meal prepared by the amazing chefs. You can also enjoy a refreshing gin and tonic around the camp fire while talking about the adventures of the day.
Day 4: Overnight at Ol Pejeta, Ol Pejeta Conservancy
After an early breakfast in camp, head to the lounge area where you will be met by your expert guide and head out into the bush on foot for a morning guided walk in the Ol Pejeta Wildlife Conservancy. There is no better way to experience the wilderness of East Africa up close and personal than on foot with the sun rising in the background. The morning walk will last for around 3-4 hours (temperature dependent), offering the chance to the Big Five.
A picnic lunch will be served before your journey back to camp for a well-deserved rest. Once you are relaxed and refreshed you will enjoy dinner at the camp and head to the campfire where whiskies are poured and safari tales are told late into the night.
Day 5: Overnight at Encounter Mara, Mara Naboisho Conservancy
After breakfast, you will be transferred to Nanyuki Airstrip for your SafariLink flight to Mara Ol Seki Airstrip. On arrival at Mara Ol Seki Airstrip you will be met by private driver guide and transferred to Encounter Mara, situated in the Mara Naboisho Conservancy, Kenya.
Located in Kenya adjacent to the Masai Mara National Reserve, this private conservancy is a ground breaking project of tourism benefiting conservation and community. With its high concentration of wildlife, and generous personal space and freedom on offer, visitors enjoy exceptional wildlife encounters such as big cats, herds of elephants, giraffe and wildebeest. The Masai Mara Naboisho Conservancy strictly monitors the number of tourists who enter the area, reducing the number of vehicles and human impact on the environment and wildlife (responsible safaris).
Once in camp, you will have the opportunity to settle into your new surroundings while taking in the beautiful landscape of the Masai Mara Naboisho Conservancy. You then have the option of either going on a night game drive or heading straight to the dining area for a delicious cooked meal, followed by some refreshing drinks at the bar side.
Encounter Mara
Built in total harmony with the land, Encounter Mara is an authentic safari camp which blends seamlessly with the bush. Hidden away in the forest, it is not unusual to see a giraffe or zebra strolling through the camp. The camp offers 10 spacious tents with panoramic views of the rolling savannah ahead. These views are best enjoyed from the comfy couch on the veranda. With the main area looking out at a salt lick which regularly attracts everything from big cats to plains game, it’s easy to stay in camp for the day relaxing in the lounge with a cold drink in hand, watching the wildlife come to you.
Day 6: Overnight at Encounter Mara, Mara Naboisho Conservancy
After an early breakfast in camp, you will head to the lounge tent where you will meet your guide driver and depart on a game drive in Mara Naboisho Conservancy. You will then have the opportunity to view all the local inhabitants and wildlife pertinent to the Conservancy such as big cats, elephants, giraffe and wildebeest. You will stop and enjoy a delicious packed lunch from Encounter Mara before heading back to camp. Once back at camp you will have the opportunity to relax and refresh before meeting everyone in the dining area for a three course home cooked meal before heading to the camp fire for a refreshing drink and good company.
Day 7: Overnight at Encounter Mara, Mara Naboisho Conservancy
After an early breakfast in camp you will meet up with your expert guide and depart on a morning guided walk in the Mara Naboisho Conservancy. You will get the opportunity to view all wildlife pertinent to the conservancy such as giraffe, wildebeest, elephant and any of the big cats.
Once back at camp you will have the opportunity to relax and refresh before meeting everyone in the dining area for your final three course dinner. You can either choose to head back to your tent for a good night’s rest before your departure or head to the camp fire area with a drink.
Day 8
After breakfast, pack your bags and depart for Mara Ol Seki Airstrip for your SafariLink flight to Wilson Airport. You will then be transferred to JKIA where you will bid farewell to your guide for your onward journey.
What people say
“The trip itinerary that Penwell Safaris put together for me was the perfect balance of cultural and environmental explorations. Each camp I stayed in, from the Ngorongoro Crater to Central and Southern Serengeti, to the island of Rubondo, had a team of knowledgeable and friendly staff who celebrated the natural beauty of their surroundings. Their love and respect for their country inspired me to take in every moment with complete awe and appreciation for the diverse, intelligent ecosystems and majestic wildlife that thrived in the Bowl of Plenty and endless plains of the bush. Driving through thousands of wildebeests and zebras while they fed on grass and instinctively migrated through the great Serengeti was an overwhelming sight to behold with muffled sounds of hoofs and grunts, yet deeply peaceful at the same time. It sometimes took my breath away. Even the industrious dung beetles rolling their dung balls were as exciting to observe as the the big five and scavenging hyenas. But the strikingly beautiful faces and welcoming attitude of the Tanzanian people were the icing on the cake. Pure joy and a sense of belonging came through every “Mambo” greeting they shared with each other and with us as we wandered through their vast, abundant land. My trip was a life-affirming adventure that I would recommend to anyone. And I plan to go back for more!”
— Sue Baile
“We traveled to Africa in August 2018 and visited Rwanda, Uganda, and Tanzania. The tours were very well organized and could not have asked for a better experience or accommodations. Every guide and driver we had were knowledgeable, personable, and funny. They really wanted you to have the best Safari experience possible. In Uganda, it was such a great experience to see the gorillas in the rain forest. It was a hard trek but totally worth the experience. We got to see so much wildlife in Tanzania (lions, zebra, cape buffalo, hyena, jackals, cheetah, elephant and so much more), but most importantly we were lucky to see 5 Wildebeest migrations across the river!
We were really impressed with the food offerings and the chef at each camp was sensitive to the dietary needs of our party (vegetarian for one traveler and lactose sensitivity to another). From the early morning game drives and morning tea in the bush, to afternoon lunches at the camps, to beautiful sundowners in the evening, and delicious dinners we felt catered to at every stop. The staff at each camp was amazing! We look forward to our next trip over to Africa!”
— Marc Foreman
“I could not describe how magnificent my experience was on a 10 day safari through the Serengeti with Kathy. Of all of my world travels, this was the most memorable trip. From sundowners on top of beautiful rock structures, to an extraordinary lakeside breakfast watching the sunrise to the thrill of watching a cheetah hunt and kill. Every moment of the trip was memorable. Kathy brings a breadth of experience and opportunity that few other African safari companies can provide. I cannot plan my next trip soon enough! Happy Travels! Asante.”
— Michael Wilcox
“I met Kathy back in the late 1980s. One day 5 friends began talking about taking a trip together and Kathy mentioned Africa. How could anyone say “no” to tagging along with Kathy, since she was/is a world traveler and traveled to Africa tons of times. Kathy said she loved planning the trip and managed it all, from phone calls and tons of emails. She asked us if we wanted to rough it, go glamping or a bit of both. She arranged the entire trip and Oh Em Gee, WOW!! That was THE trip of a lifetime! We traveled to Arusha, where we met up with THE BEST safari guide (father, brother & uncle) there is, Jadim George Luangila. This was an amazing trip filled with wonderful people, 100% white glove customer care, the most beautiful animal kingdom you will ever witness, along with the most gorgeous night skies.
When you get that desire to travel to Africa, it’s a MUST you call Kathy Harvey!”
— Lisa Goldman