On Safari: Exploring Wildlife Conservation in Kenya

• 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.

11 DAYS FROM $10,495

Signature Land Light

DAYS 1–2 I NAIROBI, KENYA Arrive in Nairobi and transfer to our hotel. The next morning, visit Kazuri, a ceramic bead workshop that employs disadvantaged Kenyans. Then head to the Giraffe Centre to learn about the center’s breeding program for endangered Rothschild’s giraffes. Enjoy an after-hours tour of the Nairobi National Museum before our welcome dinner. Tamarind Tree Hotel | Meals: 1B, 1L, 1D DAYS 3–4 I 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 some of the 400-plus bird species that have been identified here.

After breakfast the following day, 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 time in the field observing herd dynamics and collecting biological samples. Tortilis Camp | Meals: 2B, 2L, 2D

DAYS 5–7 I 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.

Travel to 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. On your final day at Lewa, 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. Elewana Lewa Safari Camp | Meals: 3B, 3L, 3D

DAYS 8–10 I MASAI MARA NATIONAL RESERVE Fly by charter to the legendary 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. Watch for timeless scenes of predator and prey on 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. Kichwa Tembo Camp or Elewana Sand River Masai Mara | Meals: 3B, 3L, 3D

DAY 11 I 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 join caretakers for the afternoon feeding at the David Sheldrick Wildlife Trust, the world’s most successful rescue and rehabilitation program for orphaned elephants—featured in National Geographic magazine’s September 2011 issue. Enjoy the opportunity to shadow the center’s caretakers and get up close to the young elephants during their afternoon feeding. Transfer to the airport for your evening flight home. Meals: 1B, 1L

Zebras sprint across the Sand River, which follows the border between the Masai Mara and Tanzania's Serengeti. A National Geographic Expert, Expedition Leader, and local guides will accompany this trip.

Washington Wachira Naturalist, Photographer Naturalist Washington Wachira is a published 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. A native of Kenya, Washington was awarded the African Sustainable Tourism Fellowship Award in 2016 and is a member of the African Primatological Consortium for Conservation. Find the departure(s)Washington will join on our website.

INFORMATION

Dates: 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.

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