Black Kite Fly-in Safari: Day-by-day
More detailed information of what each day entails, and the various places you’ll stay on the Black Kite Fly-in Safari. Everything we do is completely tailor-made so while this is an idea which works well, we’ll always design an itinerary just for you.
Starts: JKI Airport Nairobi
On arrival at the airport, you’ll be greeted by a driver after you’ve collected your bags.
Nairobi to The Emakoko by private vehicle
You'll be met at Nairobi's JKI Airport for the drive through Nairobi National Park to The Emakoko, seemingly a world away from the city lights. During the journey of around an hour, look out for wildlife in the park – which can be particularly exciting if you're travelling after dark.
The Emakoko
The Emakoko is a unique, owner-managed lodge that opened in 2012. It straddles the southern boundary of Nairobi National Park, marked by the gorge of the Mbagathi River in an area where three rivers converge. The lodge has the national park's much underrated game-viewing areas on its doorstep and easy access to both Nairobi's airports.
The Emakoko is a unique, owner-managed lodge that opened in 2012. It straddles the southern boundary of Nairobi National Park, marked by the gorge of the Mbagathi River in an area where three rivers converge. The lodge has the national park's much underrated game-viewing areas on its doorstep and easy access to both Nairobi's airports.
"The Emakoko was fine for the daytime we had there."
Mrs A. & Ms. KfromCanadaArrived 24 Sep 2024, 1 night
For a Nairobi hotel, The Emakoko is a very special place. We have stayed here many times since it opened; there is a palpable buzz about it that is infectious. We had to keep reminding ourselves that we were only a few miles from central Nairobi. The location is spectacular, and the opportunity to make a wildlife-watching virtue out of the transfer through the park to either of the airports – often a traffic-jammed torment from most hotels – is an outstanding asset. See our full report on The Emakoko
Activities
4WD Safari
Birdwatching
Cultural excursion
Elephant encounter
Nairobi to Meru NP by vehicle & light aircraft
After up to an hour's drive to Wilson Airport, board your flight of some 45 minutes to Meru National Park, traversing the Central Highlands between Mt Kenya and the Aberdare range. A guide will meet you for the game drive to Elsa's Kopje, taking 30–90 minutes depending on wildlife sightings en route.
Elsa's Kopje
Named after Elsa, the lioness raised by George and Joy Adamson and made famous by the story of Born Free, Elsa’s Kopje sits high on Mughwango Hill above George Adamson’s original campsite. The camp is colonial in style, and there are spectacular views over the plains of Meru National Park.
Named after Elsa, the lioness raised by George and Joy Adamson and made famous by the story of Born Free, Elsa’s Kopje sits high on Mughwango Hill above George Adamson’s original campsite. The camp is colonial in style, and there are spectacular views over the plains of Meru National Park.
"The service was phenomenal and the staff went out of their way to be helpful"
BrihatfromLancashireArrived 14 Oct 2024, 3 nights
Although it remains earthy and unpretentious, Elsa’s Kopje is certainly the most luxurious place to base yourself in Meru National Park. It is a very well-run lodge and we instantly felt at home. The only potential downside is the number of steps for those with limited mobility. See our full report on Elsa's Kopje
Meru NP to the Maasai Mara by vehicle & light aircraft
Today you'll leave Elsa's Kopje for Meru Airstrip and your flight of 60–90 minutes across the Rift Valley to the Maasai Mara. A driver-guide from Elephant Pepper will meet you for the game drive of up to an hour through the bush to camp, looking out for wildlife en route.
Elephant Pepper Camp
Elephant Pepper is a small, tented camp located in the protected Mara North Conservancy. Originally built in 1984, it was named after the grove of elephant pepper trees it's nestled in. From here you can explore the game of the Mara North Conservancy, or venture into the National Reserve itself. This is particularly appealing during the months when the migration will be in the area (roughly July to October).
Elephant Pepper is a small, tented camp located in the protected Mara North Conservancy. Originally built in 1984, it was named after the grove of elephant pepper trees it's nestled in. From here you can explore the game of the Mara North Conservancy, or venture into the National Reserve itself. This is particularly appealing during the months when the migration will be in the area (roughly July to October).
"A superb tented camp in a great location with excellent guides"
Mr SfromSouthamArrived 12 Jul 2023, 4 nights
We really enjoyed our last stay at Elephant Pepper – it's comfortable and well designed, without being too fussy. The style of the tents is just right, so that you feel like you're staying somewhere quite luxurious, whilst also knowing that you're very much in the bush. We think it's a great choice for anyone who wants to take advantage of the fantastic game viewing that the Mara North conservancy has to offer. See our full report on Elephant Pepper Camp
Activities
4WD Safari
Birdwatching
Cultural excursion
Fly-camping
Guided walking safari
Hot air ballooning
Maasai Mara to Amboseli by vehicle & light aircraft
The journey from Elephant Pepper to Tortilis takes around four hours, starting with a short drive to Mara North Airstrip for the flight to Wilson Airport. Tuck in to your packed lunch before an early-afternoon flight to Amboseli, then enjoy the game drive to camp, watching for elephants beneath the looming mass of Kilimanjaro.
Tortilis Camp
Just outside the southern boundary of Amboseli National Park, Tortilis is named after the Acacia tortilis tree. The trees dominate the area and this luxury safari camp clusters around a gentle rise overlooking lightly wooded plains. When the skies over Kilimanjaro are clear, there are fantastic views of the mountain from the lounge and dining area. The camp is located in the 120 square-kilometre Kitirua Conservancy, which is exclusive to guests of Tortilis.
Just outside the southern boundary of Amboseli National Park, Tortilis is named after the Acacia tortilis tree. The trees dominate the area and this luxury safari camp clusters around a gentle rise overlooking lightly wooded plains. When the skies over Kilimanjaro are clear, there are fantastic views of the mountain from the lounge and dining area. The camp is located in the 120 square-kilometre Kitirua Conservancy, which is exclusive to guests of Tortilis.
"Tortilis was spectacular...we will remember it fondly for the rest of our lives!"
Mr & Mrs B. fromLomitaArrived 27 Feb 2024, 3 nights
With its glorious views of Kilimanjaro, well-appointed tents and slightly elevated central areas, Tortilis is one of the Amboseli ecosystem's best bases. Having access in minutes to its own exclusive conservancy makes this one of the region's top choices. See our full report on Tortilis Camp
Activities
4WD Safari
Birdwatching
Cultural excursion
Guided walking safari
Night drive
Amboseli to Nairobi by vehicle & light aircraft
After a final drive to the airstrip, hop on board your light aircraft for the half-hour flight back to Wilson Airport. A driver-guide will accompany you from here, either direct to JKI Airport or – if you arrive in the morning – while you explore Nairobi and perhaps enjoy dinner before checking in.
Ends: JKI Airport Nairobi
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Inspire meExperiences you can add to this trip.
Optional extra day-trips and excursions possible whilst staying at lodges on this trip. These are usually best arranged in advance so talk to us.