Golden Jackal Fly-in Safari: Day-by-day
More detailed information of what each day entails, and the various places you’ll stay on the Golden Jackal 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 Lewa Conservancy by road & light aircraft
Following a private transfer of about an hour to Wilson Airport, board your light aircraft over the Central Highlands, landing at Lewa Downs after about 45 minutes. A guide will meet you for the game drive to Borana, taking 30–90 minutes, depending on wildlife – or how hungry you are!
Borana
Borana is an imposing lodge, privately owned by the Dyer family for three generations and set on the ranch of the same name. With a vast swathe of wilderness and few of the usual park rules, Borana treats its guests to an exclusive safari experience and offers a wide array of activities, while staying in understated luxury.
Borana is an imposing lodge, privately owned by the Dyer family for three generations and set on the ranch of the same name. With a vast swathe of wilderness and few of the usual park rules, Borana treats its guests to an exclusive safari experience and offers a wide array of activities, while staying in understated luxury.
"The atmosphere and facilities were excellent."
Mr PfromChipping NortonArrived 1 Jun 2023, 5 nights
Although it's all very informal, and a bit like a family home, Borana is a highly professional setup that runs seamlessly. Part of its charm is the unfussy style, and the fact that guests are encouraged by the delightful hosts and staff to relax and treat the place as if they'd lived here for years. We love this lodge, and although it may not be ideal if you're looking for wall-to-wall wildlife, it will suit you if you'd like the chance to get out of a vehicle and experience the bush in a variety of ways. The arrival of translocated black rhinos in 2013 – very visible as you move around – has also added a string to Borana's bow. See our full report on Borana
Activities
4WD Safari
Birdwatching
Guided walking safari
Horse-riding
Mountain biking
Night drive
Lewa Conservancy to the Mara by 4WD & light aircraft
Today you'll return to Lewa Downs Airstrip to board your light aircraft over the Rift Valley to the Maasai Mara, a flight of about 90 minutes, perhaps stopping along the way. A guide from Rekero will meet you for the ½–1-hour drive to camp, watching out for wildlife en route.
Rekero
A traditionally styled tented camp, Rekero is sited on the north bank of the Talek River, in a prime location in the centre of the Maasai Mara National Reserve in Kenya. It is just 3km upstream from the confluence of the Talek with the Mara, an important "bottleneck" area favoured by predators. During the migration season (roughly July to October) the plains around the camp are thick with wildebeest.
A traditionally styled tented camp, Rekero is sited on the north bank of the Talek River, in a prime location in the centre of the Maasai Mara National Reserve in Kenya. It is just 3km upstream from the confluence of the Talek with the Mara, an important "bottleneck" area favoured by predators. During the migration season (roughly July to October) the plains around the camp are thick with wildebeest.
"great camp location.. fabulous view from the dining deck.. Tents are amazing.."
The VD familyfromLondonArrived 1 Dec 2021, 2 nights
Rekero has one of the most central locations in the Mara but this also makes the surrounding area an attractive target for wildlife-viewing vehicles from other camps, and the area can be very busy in the migration season. Nevertheless, Rekero is a friendly and comfortable camp and we found it easy to relax here. It's run by an enthusiastic and knowledgeable team and we were impressed by the service and attention from staff. The large number of repeat guests is indicative of Rekero's dedication to offering a first-class safari experience, with incredible guiding that justifies its relatively high rates. See our full report on Rekero
Activities
4WD Safari
Birdwatching
Cultural excursion
Hot air ballooning
Maasai Mara to Nairobi by 4WD & light aircraft
After breakfast at Rekero, enjoy a final game drive in the Maasai Mara before your 45–60-minute flight to Nairobi; watch out for wildlife if you approach over Nairobi National Park. A private driver will be waiting to transfer you to the international airport – or to explore the city if there's time.
Ends: JKI Airport Nairobi
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
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
Scenic Biplane Flight on Lewa Conservancy
30 or 60 minute flights
Soar high and fly low over the rolling hills and plains of Laikipia’s famed Lewa Conservancy, on a scenic biplane flight. Offering you the chance to spot wildlife from the air, this flight takes place in an open-cockpit WACO biplane – a truly unique excursion in Kenya.
More about Scenic Bi-plane Flight