Purple Grenadier Fly-In Safari: Day-by-day
More detailed information of what each day entails, and the various places you’ll stay on the Purple Grenadier 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 & light aircraft
After a transfer of some 60 minutes to Wilson Airport, board your light aircraft to Laikipia, flying over the Central Highlands and landing within 45 minutes or so at Nanyuki's little airport. A guide from Kicheche Laikipia will meet you for the 2–3-hour drive to camp through the wildlife-rich Ol Pejeta Conservancy.
Kicheche Laikipia
With only six tents, Kicheche Laikipia is a small camp offering comfort and quality, one of a handful of properties located in the 360km² Ol Pejeta Conservancy. It’s the most luxurious option in the conservancy, with a wide range of activities, and a lovely location, with views across a small dam.
With only six tents, Kicheche Laikipia is a small camp offering comfort and quality, one of a handful of properties located in the 360km² Ol Pejeta Conservancy. It’s the most luxurious option in the conservancy, with a wide range of activities, and a lovely location, with views across a small dam.
"Amazing bush breakfast at an idyllic location provided by our wonderful guide..."
Mr & Mrs LfromDenverArrived 23 Sep 2024, 3 nights
Kicheche Laikipia is very comfortable and offers space and luxury, but with a tastefully rustic edge. The welcoming managers, friendly staff and communal dining all combine to make this a sociable and relaxed camp. The end result is luxury, but with a total lack of pretension, and all of that would add up to a very fine place to stay. However, the camp's eco credentials and its very high standards of guiding make it one of the best in northern Kenya See our full report on Kicheche Laikipia
Activities
4WD Safari
Birdwatching
Canoeing
Guided walking safari
Mountain biking
Night drive
Laikipia to the Mara by 4WD & light aircraft
Today enjoy a game drive to Nanyuki Airport before your 60–90-minute flight to the Maasai Mara, possibly via Wilson Airport; in clear weather, you can spot Mount Kenya en route. On arrival, you'll be met by a guide from Kicheche Valley for the 30–45-minute drive to camp, watching out for wildlife.
Kicheche Valley
The newest of three Kicheche camps in the Mara region in Kenya, the upmarket and unfenced Kicheche Valley Camp opened in 2011. The camp is set in a secluded, wooded valley in the eastern part of the Mara Naboisho Conservancy. A spring close to the central dining and lounge area attracts plentiful wildlife.
The newest of three Kicheche camps in the Mara region in Kenya, the upmarket and unfenced Kicheche Valley Camp opened in 2011. The camp is set in a secluded, wooded valley in the eastern part of the Mara Naboisho Conservancy. A spring close to the central dining and lounge area attracts plentiful wildlife.
"Good game and beautiful setting"
Mr BGfromNewport CoastArrived 27 Nov 2024, 3 nights
Kicheche Valley is a high-end safari camp, embodying chic rusticity, and is the most comfortable of Kicheche’s three camps in the Mara. We loved the wooded location, the well-established feel of the main dining and lounge areas, and the manager’s enthusiasm for their vegetable garden. This is a great camp for returning Mara enthusiasts who want to relax and enjoy being pampered rather than cram their days with activity. See our full report on Kicheche Valley
Activities
4WD Safari
Birdwatching
Cultural excursion
Fly-camping
Guided walking safari
Hot air ballooning
Maasai Mara to Nairobi by light aircraft & road
Following a final game drive in the Maasai Mara, board your 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
Northern White Rhinos visit
One hour, usually as part of your drive
Visit the Endangered Species Enclosure at Ol Pejeta Conservancy for a close encounter with the last two remaining northern white rhinos. You can visit either by game drive vehicle or visit on horseback if you're an experienced rider. Other rare species include Jackson's hartebeests and Grevy's zebras.
More about Northern White Rhinos
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