Tailor made Kenya safaris

As well as the small group safaris we also put together exciting tailor made safari itineraries for clients who wish to do something different. You may wish to visit different game parks than the small group tours visit, or you may wish to spend longer in some and cut out others. And sometimes you may just wish to visit one or two parks rather than the five on the small group safari.

Here are the 4 most common examples that we do.

1. A variety of game reserves

For first time visitors to Kenya, the 7 night 'Ultimate Kenya Safari and Beach holiday' that we feature is as good as any safari itinerary if you want to spend a week or so on safari and see a maximum variety of wildlife and landscapes.

This one is 7 nights long, and does the following:

• Aberdares: 1 night - good waterhole to see elephants
• Samburu: 2 nights - plenty of game and very dry land
• Mount Kenya: 1 night - great views of the mountain and a stop at the equator
• Lake Naivasha: 1 night - see thousands of flamingos on the way at lake Nakuru (picture on right)
• Masai Mara: 2 nights - the best game park in Kenya for viewing game

Although this is the same itinerary as the small group safari, it can be done with a private exclusive vehicle for a supplement. Travel is by road, although you can opt to fly back from the Masai Mara to Nairobi. And if you have your own exclusive vehicle, you can then change accommodation to suit.

2. The Quick Safari

When you just want a quick 3 night safari in one game reserve then I would definitely recommend choosing the Masai Mara, as it is without doubt the best place to view wildlife in Kenya. A 3 night stay will give you two full days in the camp, and typically you would go on game drives early morning and late afternoon. So depending on flight times etc, you could potentially do 6 game drives on a 3 night stay.

You can of course stay longer, but there will start to be a bit of repetition. Our clients that do choose longer stays tend to do just one game drive a day, and use the lodge or camp as a wonderful place to relax rather than just as a base for game drives. So things like swimming pools, DVD libraries and other facilities become a bit more important.

Its then a case of which lodge or camp to stay in. Although we can sell almost any accommodation in the Masai Mara, there are a few that I would particularly recommend.

The best in my opinion is the trio of Governor's Camps - and my favourite, Little Governors, an intimate camp of just 17 luxury tents by a waterhole and set right by the Mara River for exceptional wildlife viewing. It is in a prime spot for the annual wildebeest migration.

Also highly recommended, and at lower cost is Ashnil Mara Camp, again in a great location by a section of the Mara River that is home to a family of hippos. There are 40 luxury tents, an African inspired lounge, open-air bar, and a swimming pool.

3. Less Travelling - the most common 2 centre safari

There is not getting away from the fact that game parks are a few hours away from each other, and so there will be a fair amount of travel involved. This is not necessarily bad. One of my fondest memories of Kenya was driving through the little villages and getting a glimpse of local life. I remember one day when it was the cup final back in England, and almost every tiny village we drove through had somewhere that was showing the match.

But you can cut down if you want to by flying between game parks. This has a couple of downsides though. First, it significantly increases to cost of the trip. Second, not all game reserves are accessible by air, so there will be a much more limited choice of parks you can visit. The most popular flying safari is this one:

• Samburu - 3 nights +
• Masai Mara - 3 nights

All travel is by light aircraft, but remember that there is a 15kg weight limit. If you are going to the beach afterwards, then you can store some luggage in Nairobi.

As an example of prices, if you stay in the superb Ashnil camps in both parks (Ashnil Samburu and Ashnil Mara) then including all international flights, domestic light aircraft, all meals, all game drives, all transfers, the prices range from £2390 per person in the low season of late April& May, to £3360 per person in the high season of late July & early August.

The reason this type of flying safari is so popular is that you get two very different experiences. The Samburu is the less visited out of the two and so gives a more exclusive feel. It is also a drier and dustier landscape which is home to some animals not seen elsewhere, while the Masai Mara is much greener.

4. Masai Mara + one other game reserve

The previous example was for Samburu + Masai Mara, and you will get a superb wildlife experience in both parks. However sometimes you might be looking for a different type of experience (for one of the locations at least) where the location, personal service and feeling of being in the wilderness is more important than an abundance of wildlife.

So why not combine the Masai Mara (where you will see plenty of wildlife) with a lodge or camp that gives something a bit different, a bit unique. Here are a few examples:

1. Larsens Camp in the Samburu - superb bird watching, also monkeys
2. Elsa's Kopje in Meru - thatched huts from where you can spot game, but also great for bush breakfasts, sundowners, candlelit dining under the stars, great views, and the nearby rhino sanctuary. There is not the abundance of wildlife that you'll see in the Masai Mara, but on the other hand you'll hardly see another vehicle.
3. Tortilis Camp in Amboseli - the area is famed for it herds of elephants, but the real reason for coming is the spectacular backdrop of Mount Kilimanjaro. Please remember though that it is often hidden by clouds, and if this is you main reason for coming you could be in for a disappointment.
4. Borana Lodge, Lewa Downs - again not the abundance of wildlife as in the Masai Mara, but excellent for horseback safaris, walking safaris and the stunning views of Mount Kenya. This is one of those camps where there is a great small communal atmosphere, particularly at dinner time. The hosts are incredibly friendly and will go out of their way to make you stay as enjoyable as possible. Rooms have a fireplace for the cool evenings and overlook a waterhole, and you'll see giraffe, elephant and zebra.
5. Loisaba Wilderness & Star Beds - you'll feel like you are in total wilderness, with very few other people or vehicles around. Again there is less game than in the Masai Mara, but the highlight of you visit is the chance to sleep under the stars. Each star bed is on a raised wooden platform with a partially covered thatched roof. The beds can be wheeled onto the open deck area for a night under the stars. There are lots of activities including a pool and spa, plus camel and horse riding.
6. Kicheche Laikipia Camp - this is a very small eco-camp with just 6 tents set by a waterhole, and you'll see elephants, zebra and lions. The camp organises bush walks, sundowners and safaris are done in 4x4 vehicles.

All the examples I've mentioned above get fabulous feedback and reviews, and if you combine with 2 or 3 days in the Masai Mara where wildlife is more abundant, then you'll have a truly amazing holiday. Afterwards head to Mombasa or Zanzibar for a beach stay.