Hamerkop Fly-In Safari: Day-by-day
More detailed information of what each day entails, and the various places you’ll stay on the Hamerkop 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 Laikipia by road and air
It's a drive of some 60 minutes through Nairobi's traffic to Wilson Domestic Airport before your light aircraft to Laikipia. The flight north takes around an hour before landing at Loisaba Airstrip, where a Sosian guide will meet you for the hour’s drive through rural countryside to the ranch.
Sosian
Built in the 1940s, then abandoned during the 1990s, Sosian was restored as a riding and game-viewing base in 2002. It's still a working cattle ranch, too, with a 1,600-head herd of Boran cattle - which is the largest stud Boran herd in Kenya. The main building is an Argentine estancia-style ranch house with views across lawns to the remote savannah of north-west Laikipia, close to the Ewaso Narok River.
Built in the 1940s, then abandoned during the 1990s, Sosian was restored as a riding and game-viewing base in 2002. It's still a working cattle ranch, too, with a 1,600-head herd of Boran cattle - which is the largest stud Boran herd in Kenya. The main building is an Argentine estancia-style ranch house with views across lawns to the remote savannah of north-west Laikipia, close to the Ewaso Narok River.
"I adored Sosian...The manager was great company and the food was wonderful"
Ms E.fromNew YorkArrived 3 Nov 2020, 4 nights
What we like so much about Sosian is the sense of being a house guest on a long-established country farm with a huge variety of wonderful distractions. A safari that includes river swimming and camel or horse-riding is far from the norm, but typifies the sort of activities you can find in Laikipia – though not usually all in the same place. When you add in really excellent cuisine that relies greatly on the lodge's own garden produce, very comfortable rooms and top-quality hosting, it makes for a highly recommended stay. See our full report on Sosian
Activities
4WD Safari
Birdwatching
Cultural excursion
Guided walking safari
Horse-riding
Night drive
4WD & light aircraft from Laikipia to the Mara
After an hour’s rural drive to Loisaba Airstrip, board a morning flight of about 90 minutes to the Maasai Mara, possibly stopping at other airstrips along the way. The plane passes over Maasai villages and farmland before landing at Mara North Airstrip, where your Offbeat guide will be waiting.
Offbeat Mara
Located in the quiet Mara North Conservancy in Kenya, Offbeat Mara sits near the Olare Orok River. It is nestled into the bush so discreetly that you can barely see it once you are outside of camp. Small, comfortable and unfenced, it's an authentic tented camp with a local lion pride regularly seen and heard nearby.
Located in the quiet Mara North Conservancy in Kenya, Offbeat Mara sits near the Olare Orok River. It is nestled into the bush so discreetly that you can barely see it once you are outside of camp. Small, comfortable and unfenced, it's an authentic tented camp with a local lion pride regularly seen and heard nearby.
"Outstanding in every way! Simply stunning location...fulfils every expectation"
Mr FfromExmoor SomersetArrived 14 Sep 2022, 4 nights
Offbeat Mara is hosted by an excellent and efficient team, and the guiding is good too. Around 90% of the staff are local Maasai and take great pride in their work, resulting in a friendly, laid-back atmosphere which appeals strongly to families. We love the unfussy, wild and rustic feel of the camp, which also appeals to real safari enthusiasts, without compromising on the odd creature comfort. See our full report on Offbeat Mara
Activities
4WD Safari
Birdwatching
Cultural excursion
Fly-camping
Guided walking safari
Hot air ballooning
Mara to Nairobi by road & light aircraft
After a final bush breakfast, you’ll depart the Maasai Mara on a mid-morning light-aircraft flight to Nairobi’s Wilson Airport, arriving around midday. You may approach over Nairobi National Park – your final chance to spot some wildlife. A private driver will be ready to transfer you to the international airport.
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
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