Black Kite Fly-in Safari: Summary
Black Kite Fly-in Safari in a nutshell
This fly-in safari begins on the southern boundary of Nairobi National Park before exploring three stunningly varied habitats across Kenya: Meru National Park; the Maasai Mara ecosystem and Amboseli National Park.
Starting at The Emakoko, guests can safari within the park or visit the nearby Sheldrick Elephant and Rhino Orphanage, Giraffe Centre or Karen Blixen Museum. Although easy to access from the airports, The Emakoko’s spectacular location overlooking the Mbagathi River feels far removed from the bustle of the city.
Elsa’s Kopje, Elephant Pepper and Tortilis Camp boast similarly impressive vistas, located within the remoter regions of Meru and Amboseli national parks, as well as the quieter northern Mara Conservancy. These destinations are largely removed from the crowds, granting guests a greater element of exclusivity, with guided walking safaris at Elephant Pepper and Tortilis Camp adding a further sense of immersion in wilderness.
Run by the same supplier, the three camps share a consistency in quality and comfort and offer long-stay discounts. They share a focus on great guiding, and for those whose main pull is the wildlife, Meru’s Rhino Sanctuary, coupled with Amboseli’s beautiful "big tuskers" and Elephant Pepper’s opportunity for night drives, means there is a fair chance of sighting all of the "Big 5" alongside plentiful birdlife and a plethora of other interesting species.
At a glance
| Starts: | JKI Airport Nairobi | |
|---|---|---|
| 1 night | The Emakoko - Nairobi, Kenya | Full Board & Activities |
| 3 nights | Elsa's Kopje - Meru National Park, Kenya | Full Board & Activities |
| 3 nights | Elephant Pepper Camp - Maasai Mara Conservancies, Kenya | Full Board & Activities |
| 3 nights | Tortilis Camp - Amboseli and the Chyulu Hills, Kenya | Full Board & Activities |
| Ends: | JKI Airport Nairobi |
The Emakoko
Nairobi, Kenya
Elsa's Kopje
Meru National Park, Kenya
Elephant Pepper Camp
Maasai Mara Conservancies, Kenya
Tortilis Camp
Amboseli and the Chyulu Hills, Kenya
Highlights
Our thoughts on five of the top experiences of this Black Kite Fly-in Safari.
- Seeing big tuskers backed by Mt Kilimanjaro
- Safari to the backdrop of Nairobi city
- Exploring off the beaten track in Meru
- Watching wildlife from a hammock at Elephant Pepper
- Ticking off the "Big 5" at Meru's Rhino Sanctuary
Activities
Some activities which can be included in the Black Kite Fly-in Safari: talk to us about those which interest you.
4WD Safari
Birdwatching
Cultural excursion
Elephant encounter
Fly-camping
Guided walking safari
Hot air ballooning
Night drive
Key species to see on the Black Kite Fly-in Safari
Based on our travellers' observations, we’ve estimated the likelihood of seeing these species during the Black Kite Fly-in Safari. Click on the animals and our wildlife surveys page for more info.
100% chance
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100% chance
100% chance
100% chance
100% chance
100% chance
99% chance
96% chance
92% chance
83% chance
82% chance
72% chance
42% chance
25% chance
11% chance
9% chance
Side-trips whilst on this safari
We may be able to build in some of these optional excursions from the Black Kite Fly-in Safari. Talk to us: they’re usually best arranged when you book.
Balloon flight over the Mara
3 hours in total - morning only
With the sun rising over the Loita Hills, you scramble into the balloon basket for the start of a once-in-a-lifetime experience. You’re about to go drifting with the breeze above the trees and plains of one of the world’s greatest wildlife regions.
More about Balloon Safari
Nairobi Elephant Orphanage visit
One hour, by pre-booking only
Visit the Sheldrick Wildlife Trust Elephant Orphanage for a close-up encounter with elephant orphans – and sometimes rhino orphans. You can visit during daily between 11:00 and 12:00, or make special arrangements for a private visit in the afternoon.
More about Elephant Orphans visit
Nairobi Giraffe Centre visit
One hour visit is generally recommended
Visit the AFEW Giraffe Centre for an eyeball-level encounter with gentle Rothschild giraffes. They visit this tree-level platform to be fed pellets.
More about Giraffe Centre visit
Safari in Maasai Mara National Reserve
All day from sunrise to sunset
If you're not staying in the Maasai Mara National Reserve itself, you're likely to be staying in one of the outstandingly wildlife-rich Maasai-owned private conservancies just outside the reserve boundary. A full-day game drive in the reserve gives you the chance to visit the Mara River and see some of the reserve's fabled wildlife locations.
More about Maasai Mara Safari
Safari in Nairobi National Park
Half day - AM or PM, or full day
It is truly remarkable that the plains and woodland of Nairobi National Park, an area of around 70km² (some 17,000 acres) should exist in a near-natural state so close to the city that in any other conurbation they would just be suburbs.
More about Nairobi Nat. Park SafariPlan and book your trip with Expert Africa
All of our trips are tailor-made, so we'll always adapt them to suit you. Talk to an Expert and let us plan and arrange your perfect trip.
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