On Safari: Exploring Wildlife Conservation in Kenya

11 Days From $10,495

Maximum Group Size: 25

Trip Type: Signature Land

Activity-Level: Light

• Visit National Geographic-supported projects protecting big cats, rhinos, and more.

• Go on safari in three stunning reserves, from Amboseli National Park to the Masai Mara.

• Interact with orphaned elephants at the renowned David Sheldrick Wildlife Trust.

On your trip, be on the lookout for...

Lions, elephants, giraffes, zebras, leopards, wildebeests, rhinoceroses, a variety of bird species, and more.

Days 1–2: Nairobi, Kenya

Arrive in Nairobi and transfer to our hotel. The next day, visit Kazuri, a ceramic bead workshop that employs disadvantaged Kenyans. Head to the Giraffe Centre to learn about its breeding program for endangered Rothschild’s giraffes. Enjoy an after-hours tour of the Nairobi National Museum before our welcome dinner.

Accommodations: Tamarind Tree Hotel

Meals: 1 breakfast, 1 lunch, 1 dinner

Days 3–4: Amboseli National Park

Fly by private charter to Amboseli National Park, one of the best places in Africa to spot elephants. The safari begins on the drive to our sustainable safari lodge, which boasts stunning views of Mount Kilimanjaro. Set out on early morning and late afternoon game drives, on the lookout for cheetahs, lions, zebras, giraffes, as well as 400-plus bird species.

Visit the Amboseli Trust for Elephants, home to the longest running study of wild elephants in the world. Its director, Cynthia Moss, has received support from the National Geographic Society for her work. Meet a member of the team to hear about their fieldwork firsthand.

Accommodations: Tortilis Camp

Meals: 2 breakfasts, 2 lunches, 2 dinners

White Rhinoceros (Ceratotherium Simum); Cheetah (Acinonyx Jubatus); African Elephant (Loxodonta)

Days 5–7: Lewa Wildlife Conservancy

A charter flight brings us to Lewa Wildlife Conservancy, situated on the northern flanks of Mount Kenya. Considered a model in the conservation field, the reserve is home to rare species such as reticulated giraffes, Grevy’s zebras, wild dogs, and both white and black rhinos. Settle into your luxurious tented camp before an afternoon safari. Rise at daybreak for a game drive or a guided bush walk, identifying animal tracks and smaller flora and fauna.

At the conservancy’s headquarters to meet the award-winning security team, whose effective patrolling has ensured that not a single rhino has been poached on the reserve in the past five years (to date). If schedules permit, join the rangers and their dogs for a tracking demonstration. Then, delve into Maasai culture during a village visit, meeting with families to learn about everyday life and traditions. Enjoy time to relax by the camp’s pool before a talk by our expert.

Accommodations: Elewana Lewa Safari Camp

Meals: 3 breakfasts, 3 lunches, 3 dinners

Days 8–10: Masai Mara National Reserve

Fly by charter to the Masai Mara National Reserve, famous for its large populations of leopards, cheetahs, and lions, as well as the annual wildebeest migration, which passes through during the fall months. During morning and afternoon wildlife drives in open vehicles, observe plains game such as Thomson’s and Grant’s gazelles, topi and eland antelopes— as well as their stealthy predators—at their most active times of the day. Glimpse hippos submerged in the Mara River and crocodiles sunbathing on the banks.

Get a closer look at efforts to protect the Masai Mara on a visit to one of the region’s conservation NGOs, such as the Anne K. Taylor Fund, an organization supported by National Geographic’s Big Cats Initiative that works with local Maasai communities to reduce poaching and human-animal conflict. After a final safari, toast our adventure at a farewell dinner.

Accommodations: Kichwa Tembo Camp or Elewana Sand River Masai Mara

Meals: 3 breakfasts, 3 lunches, 3 dinners

Day 11: Nairobi/U.S.

Return to Nairobi by charter and pay a visit to Ocean Sole, a social enterprise that creates art by upcycling plastics. Then spend time at the David Sheldrick Wildlife Trust, a world-renowned rescue and rehabilitation program for orphaned elephants that was featured in the September 2011 issue of National Geographic magazine. Enjoy the opportunity to shadow caretakers and observe the young elephants up close during their afternoon feeding. Fly home this evening.

Meals: 1 breakfast, 1 lunch

Your National Geographic Expert

Washington Wachira, Photographer

Kenyan naturalist Washington Wachira is a photographer, a TED speaker, and one of East Africa’s top birders. He received a National Geographic grant for his work with urban birds of prey and was awarded the African Sustainable Tourism Fellowship Award in 2016.

Find the departure(s) Washington will join on our website.

Information

This expedition is offered from January through March, June, October, and December.

Prices are per person, based on double occupancy. Single supplement applies; please see our website. Airfare is not included in the price. Internal flights are an additional cost. All prices and fares are quoted in U.S. dollars and subject to change. This itinerary is for informational purposes only and is subject to change at any time without notice.

Call 1-888-966-8687 or your professional travel advisor

Find details and dates for all our expeditions at natgeoexpeditions.com/wildlife