May 2024 Classic Kenya Big Cat Safari

Overview & Photographic Opportunity

This safari is purely based on some of the most popular and most visited parks/reserves that Kenya has to offer. This particular itinerary gives the guests a once in a lifetime opportunity to witness and photograph the “Big 5”.

The safari will begin in Nairobi (10th May 2024), where upon arrival, the guests will spend 1 night at the Sankara Hotel. The following day (11th May 2024), they will embark on a remarkable safari experience beginning with the dry, semi-arid regions of Northern Kenya, to the foothills of Mount Kenya and finally the vast, open savannah plains of the Maasai Mara.

Over the course of the safari, guests will also encounter the famous big cats that include lions, cheetahs and the elusive leopards. Big cat activity during this period is at an all time high and being the low season, guests are not expected to come across many vehicles and will often have the freedom to capture some amazing images.

The main highlights of this trip are not only to photograph the “Big 5” but also to get a glimpse of the endemic species of animals that have adapted to living in certain environments. From the “Special Samburu 5” who reside in the spectacular landscapes of Northern Kenya to the last remaining two “Northern White Rhinos” that call the world famous Ol-Pejeta Conservancy home, to the avian rich shores/forests of Lake Nakuru and eventually ending with the endless, spotted plains of the Maasai Mara.

Guides

All our guides who will accompany you throughout the duration of your safari are personally trained by Aatish and Aashit. They will share their extensive knowledge of the wildlife, flora and fauna not only of the surrounding areas, but also the different parks and reserves of Kenya. To get the perfect photograph it is important to be able to study the animal and understand it’s overall behaviour, so as to perfectly position the vehicle and most importantly not to harass the animal or destroy the environment in any way possible. Over the years, having spent numerous hours closely interacting with the wildlife, they will assure you the perfect position to guarantee you that picture perfect shot.

All guides have a minimum of the bronze level qualification from the Kenya Professional Safari Guides Association (KPSGA), which was set up to, ensure excellent standards in guiding. They have a vast knowledge in a variety of fields, which include, ornithology, botany, geography, entomology and of course a extensive knowledge of the different animals encountered whilst on safari.

Camps, Hotels and Lodges

While in Nairobi, guests will spend the night at The Sankara Hotel. The hotel is located overlooking Nairobi’s Westlands area and is located about a 30 minute drive from Nairobi’s central business district. The hotel is famed for its exceptional standards of efficiency, service and five star hospitality. The hotel is only a 30 minute drive from Nairobi’s Jomo Kenyatta International Airport.

On safari, the guests will be staying at luxury camps that are ideally located right in the respective parks/reserves, hence maximising their chances for game viewing. The camps/lodges enjoy spectacular locations in the world’s best-known wildernesses. All tents/rooms include king size/single beds, full indoor plumbing with flush toilets and hot showers/bath tubs and personal balconies offering breathtaking views of the surrounding area(s).  The camps/lodges boast excellent cuisines from all around the world and they cater for vegetarians, non-vegetarians and guests with special dietary requirements.

Some of the properties are also well equipped to cater for the perfect family getaway. They are ideal for families with a setup of two bed-roomed family tents complete with a spacious lounge and an outside deck for that magical view of the savanna.

A number of the camps and lodges are equipped with fully functioning swimming pools, where the little ones can indulge themselves to some innocent fun and games.

Vehicles

All vehicles used while on safari are entirely safari modified land cruiser 4x4s that are custom built to deal with the harshest of terrains and also to ensure your comfort and safety. They are capable of carrying up to a maximum of 7 PAX, but we recommend only 3-4 PAX per vehicle to ensure the utmost satisfaction, easy wildlife observation and photography. All vehicles are also fully equipped with roof hatches to improve all round game viewing and offer you a 360-degree panoramic view of your surroundings.

Guests/Participants

This safari will be for a minimum of 4 guests and a maximum of 8 guests. Each vehicle will comprise of 4 guests ensuring them maximum space for all their photographic gear and equipment and maximum comfort while on game drives.

The cost of the safari will be 3585 USD per person sharing, and includes:

• 1 night accommodation in Nairobi on a Bed & Breakfast Basis
• All accommodation while on safari on a Full Board Basis
• All Park Entrance Fees
• All ground transfers while on safari in a custom built 4×4 land cruiser
• Sole use of the 4×4 land cruiser(s)
• Services of an English speaking, highly trained, professional safari guide
• Daily game drives in custom built 4×4 Land Cruisers