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FROM US$9,290-US$11,960

Black Kite Fly-in Safari

Explore Kenya in-depth with visits to Nairobi and Meru national parks, the Mara Conservancies and Amboseli. Nestled in remoter regions, four camps provide fantastic access to rich game, a range of activities and beautifully diverse landscapes.

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.


Day 1

Starts: JKI Airport Nairobi

On arrival at the airport, you’ll be greeted by a driver after you’ve collected your bags.

Day 1

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
Day 1

The Emakoko

1 night
Full Board & ActivitiesNairobi, Kenya

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

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. KfromCanada

Arrived 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

96%
120 reviews of The Emakoko by travellers since August 2007

Activities

4WD Safari

Birdwatching

Cultural excursion

Elephant encounter

Day 2

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
Days 2-5

Elsa's Kopje

3 nights
Full Board & ActivitiesMeru National Park, Kenya

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.

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.

"The service was phenomenal and the staff went out of their way to be helpful"

BrihatfromLancashire

Arrived 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

97%
23 reviews of Elsa's Kopje by travellers since August 2007

Activities

4WD Safari

Birdwatching

Day 5

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
Days 5-8

Elephant Pepper Camp

3 nights
Full Board & ActivitiesMaasai Mara Conservancies, Kenya

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 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).

"A superb tented camp in a great location with excellent guides"

Mr SfromSoutham

Arrived 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

99%
17 reviews of Elephant Pepper Camp by travellers since August 2007

Activities

4WD Safari

Birdwatching

Cultural excursion

Fly-camping

Guided walking safari

Hot air ballooning

Night drive

Day 8

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
Days 8-11

Tortilis Camp

3 nights
Full Board & ActivitiesAmboseli and the Chyulu Hills, Kenya

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 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.

"Tortilis was spectacular...we will remember it fondly for the rest of our lives!"

Mr & Mrs B. fromLomita

Arrived 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

95%
31 reviews of Tortilis Camp by travellers since August 2007

Activities

4WD Safari

Birdwatching

Cultural excursion

Guided walking safari

Night drive

Day 11

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.

Day 11

Ends: JKI Airport Nairobi

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Experiences 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.


Balloon flight over the Mara

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
96% (30 reviews)
Nairobi Elephant Orphanage visit

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
95% (57 reviews)
Nairobi Giraffe Centre 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
88% (37 reviews)
Safari in Maasai Mara National Reserve

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
87% (21 reviews)
Safari in Nairobi National Park

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 Safari
95% (15 reviews)

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