Peregrine Falcon Fly-In Safari: Day-by-day
More detailed information of what each day entails, and the various places you’ll stay on the Peregrine Falcon 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 Meru NP by road & light aircraft
Following an hour's drive to Wilson Airport, take to the air over the Central Highlands, passing Mount Kenya en route to Meru National Park. On landing, after about 45 minutes, enjoy the drive to Elsa's Kopje, taking 30–90 minutes depending on wildlife you spot – and how hungry you are!
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.
"Fabulous...few other vehicles...made our game drives peaceful & personal."
Mr & Mrs BPfromSurreyArrived 16 Aug 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).
"The accommodation and facilities here are simple but effective"
Mr & Mrs TfromSevenoaksArrived 16 Sep 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 Nairobi by road & light aircraft
Enjoy a final game drive before leaving the Maasai Mara by light aircraft for Wilson Airport, arriving in around 45–70 minutes depending on stops at other airstrips. A private driver will transfer you to JKI Airport, or will help you to explore Nairobi before it's time to check 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.
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