Striped Hyena Safari: Summary
Striped Hyena Safari in a nutshell
This example of a private Expert Africa safari itinerary offers an unusual twist on more traditional safari itinerary. First, by concentrating on the Maasai Mara for five nights, you'll get to know this region really well. In addition, the central part of the itinerary consists largely of a long guided walk between two permanent safari camps, with an overnight stay in a temporary fly-camp deep in the bush, mid-way through the walk. This gives you exceptional experiences of close encounters with wildlife great and small, and immersion in the sights, sounds and smells of Kenya's best wildlife area.
You'll start at the beautiful Kicheche Valley Camp in the private Naboisho Conservancy, bordering the Maasai Mara National Reserve. In the heart of "big five" country, you're likely to see leopards, lions, elephants, giraffes and dozens of other large mammal species on safari game drives with a highly qualified driver-guide in a comfortable vehicle, that is perfect for photography.
From Kicheche, you'll set off on foot with your private guide across the Naboisho and Olare Motorogi conservancies, accompanied by an armed guard as a precaution. On arrival at the fly camp, enjoy a cool drink before dinner in the bush and retiring to a modest dome tent where your luggage awaits. Temporary shower and toilet facilities are nearby and Maasai askaris (guards) keep watch for absent-minded buffalos.
After breakfast, you'll continue on foot to the wonderful Kicheche Bush Camp, the time of your afternoon arrival depending on your walking speed and how often you pause to take photos or to marvel at the natural wonders around you. You may also find yourself deep in conversation with your Maasai guide – about wildlife, conservation, Maasai culture and any number of other topics.
The rest of your safari is spent in the Olare Motorogi Conservancy, a wildlife haven where your camp is set on the plains beneath scattered acacias. Its location makes it possible to visit the busier Maasai Mara National Reserve, where the Mara River is a particular draw for large numbers of hippos and crocodiles, and for the many dramatic wildebeest river crossings that take place every year around July–October.
At a glance
| Starts: | JKI Airport Nairobi | |
|---|---|---|
| 2 nights | Kicheche Valley - Maasai Mara Conservancies, Kenya | Full Board & Activities |
| 1 night | Kicheche Fly Camp - Maasai Mara Conservancies, Kenya | Full Board & Activities |
| 2 nights | Kicheche Bush Camp - Maasai Mara Conservancies, Kenya | Full Board & Activities |
| Ends: | JKI Airport Nairobi |
Kicheche Valley
Maasai Mara Conservancies, Kenya
Kicheche Fly Camp
Maasai Mara Conservancies, Kenya
Kicheche Bush Camp
Maasai Mara Conservancies, Kenya
Highlights
Our thoughts on five of the top experiences of this Striped Hyena Safari.
- Spending two days walking in the Maasai Mara
- Experiencing the Mara with highly knowledgeable guides
- Staying in private, little-visited conservancies
- Absorbing images of big cats and other megafauna
- Immersing yourself in Kenyan culture with your guide
Activities
Some activities which can be included in the Striped Hyena Safari: talk to us about those which interest you.
4WD Safari
Birdwatching
Cultural excursion
Fly-camping
Guided walking safari
Hot air ballooning
Night drive
Key species to see on the Striped Hyena Safari
Based on our travellers' observations, we’ve estimated the likelihood of seeing these species during the Striped Hyena Safari. Click on the animals and our wildlife surveys page for more info.
100% chance
100% chance
100% chance
100% chance
100% chance
100% chance
100% chance
100% chance
99% chance
98% chance
89% chance
11% chance
8% chance
6% chance
3% chance
3% chance
Side-trips whilst on this safari
We may be able to build in some of these optional excursions from the Striped Hyena Safari. Talk to us: they’re usually best arranged when you book.
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 SafariLet us help you customise your trip
All of our holidays on this site are just ideas; none are fixed. All of our trips are tailor-made, so we'll always adapt them to suit you. Talk to an Expert and let us help you to work out your perfect trip.
Talk to an Expert
Call us now! We’ll match you with the Specialist in our team who is best suited to help you. Then together we can start planning your trip.
Set up your itinerary
Based on our experience and your ideas, your specialist will create a detailed, costed itinerary. We’ll refine it together, until we have a trip that you’re perfectly happy with.
Prepare for your trip
The same Specialist will make the seamless arrangements for your trip, send you detailed travel documents, and be available to answer any questions before you depart.
Travel with peace of mind
After you set off, you’ll be cared for by our partners in Africa, most of whom have worked with Expert Africa for decades. And if you ever need us urgently, we’re available 24/7.
When you return
We love to learn about your trip, and so will always be grateful if you’ve the time to give feedback to your Specialist when you return.
Other ideas for Kenya safaris
Look at these ideas in Kenya: then talk to us. Will will design a trip that's perfect for you.
Big Cat Fly-in Safari
8 days • 2 locations • 1 country
NAIROBI AIRPORT TO NAIROBI AIRPORT
Combining two of Kenya’s best wildlife-viewing areas, this slow-paced safari to the Lewa Conservancy and Maasai Mara guarantees iconic wildlife. The long-established, well-rated camps are great value, too.
Visiting Maasai Mara, Laikipia
US$5,010 - US$8,850 per person
Purple Grenadier Fly-In Safari
6 days • 2 locations • 1 country
NAIROBI AIRPORT TO NAIROBI AIRPORT
Fantastic guiding from intimate, well-run mid-range tented camps, in superb conservancy locations: this safari is all about making the most of the incredible wildlife in Laikipia and the Maasai Mara.
Visiting Laikipia, Mara Conservancies
US$5,010 - US$7,130 per person
Wahlberg's Eagle Fly-in Safari
6 days • 2 locations • 1 country
NAIROBI AIRPORT TO NAIROBI AIRPORT
A great value safari in Laikipia and the Maasai Mara that provides an immersive, authentic bush camp experience with activities for families of all ages.
Visiting Laikipia, Mara Conservancies
US$5,000 - US$6,450 per person
Steppe Eagle Fly-in Safari
7 days • 2 locations • 1 country
NAIROBI AIRPORT TO NAIROBI AIRPORT
Two comfortable tented camps overlooking the Ewaso Nyiro and Mara River put you at the heart of the action. Experience spectacular diversity in species and habitat with safari in Samburu and the Masaai Mara National Reserve.
Visiting Maasai Mara, Samburu
US$5,680 - US$9,310 per person
Tawny Eagle Fly-in Safari
7 days • 2 locations • 1 country
NAIROBI AIRPORT TO NAIROBI AIRPORT
Explore Laikipia and the Maasai Mara ecosystem with stays in the Ol Pejeta and Naboisho conservancies. Two smart yet authentically rustic bush camps provide a traditional safari experience, offering a high standard of guiding and excellent level of care.
Visiting Laikipia, Mara Conservancies
US$4,340 - US$8,630 per person
Gabar Goshawk Fly-in Safari
7 days • 3 locations • 1 country
NAIROBI AIRPORT TO NAIROBI AIRPORT
Experience Amboseli and Laikipia during this economically priced safari. Two simple camps offer adventure before a stopover in Nairobi and a final stay in the charming, wildlife-rich Il Ngwesi Eco-Lodge.
Visiting Laikipia, Nairobi and 1 other area
US$5,800 - US$6,580 per person
Hamerkop Fly-In Safari
8 days • 2 locations • 1 country
NAIROBI AIRPORT TO NAIROBI AIRPORT
Different wildlife, contrasting camps and a whole host of activities, this is a safari for those wanting to get out and about and not just sit in a vehicle.
Visiting Laikipia, Mara Conservancies
US$6,350 - US$10,960 per person
Lanner Falcon Fly-In Safari
8 days • 3 locations • 1 country
NAIROBI AIRPORT TO NAIROBI AIRPORT
Three sister camps offer access to wonderfully remote regions across northern Kenya and the Maasai Mara ecosystem. Enjoy an exclusive safari experience focused on great wildlife, superb guiding and considerable comfort, with a range of activities.
Visiting Samburu, Mara Conservancies and 1 other area
US$6,620 - US$8,400 per person
Golden Weaver Fly-In Safari
6 days • 2 locations • 1 country
NAIROBI AIRPORT TO NAIROBI AIRPORT
A rustic, adventurous week on safari with great community involvement that offers incredible value for money in two very different locations – the Amboseli and Maasai Mara ecosystems.
Visiting Amboseli & Chyulu Hills, Mara Conservancies
US$3,280 - US$3,720 per person
Peregrine Falcon Fly-In Safari
6 days • 2 locations • 1 country
NAIROBI AIRPORT TO NAIROBI AIRPORT
Discover two of Kenya’s quieter wildlife havens with visits to Meru National Park and Mara North Conservancy. Top-quality sister camps provide considerable comfort and a range of activities by which to explore the game-rich surroundings.
Visiting Mara Conservancies, Meru
US$6,910 - US$8,980 per person
Other safari ideas across Africa
Talk to us: help us to understand what you like and we can create a safari that will really suit you.
Fruit Bat Safari
6 days • 2 locations
LUSAKA AIRPORT TO LUSAKA AIRPORT
Offering a highly specialised experienced, this safari uses two simple bases for access to South Luangwa and Kasanka National Parks. Visit between October and December when you will witness the world’s largest mammalian migration of millions of fruit bats.
US$4,980 - US$6,080 per person
Aardwolf Safari
5 days • 2 locations
MAUN AIRPORT TO MAUN AIRPORT
Two sister-camps within private concessions bordering Moremi Game Reserve offer access to excellent game, varied landscapes and a range of land and water-based safari activities. A great-value safari in one of Botswana’s best wildlife regions.
US$5,220 - US$9,290 per person
Hadeda Ibis Guided Safari
7 days • 3 locations
KILIMANJARO AIRPORT TO KILIMANJARO AIRPORT
This great-value safari, in a private 4WD with your own driver-guide, journeys through the stunning landscapes of northern Tanzania’s Great Rift Valley, focusing on its three top national parks.
US$4,810 - US$6,070 per person
Rock Hare Self-drive Safari
20 days • 12 locations
WINDHOEK AIRPORT TO VICTORIA FALLS AIRPORT
An in-depth look at Namibia from the Namib Desert to the Caprivi, with additional stops in Botswana and Victoria Falls. This three-week adventure includes an unrivalled mix of environments and is great value.
US$5,260 - US$8,380 per person
Ground Hornbill Safari
9 days • 3 locations
VICTORIA FALLS AIRPORT TO BULAWAYO AIRPORT
This Zimbabwean odyssey explores Hwange National Park from two small camps, renowned for their great guiding, before ending with insights into cultural history, a little luxury and first-class rhino tracking in the Matobo Hills.
US$5,270 - US$8,560 per person
Wattled Crane Safari
5 days • 2 locations
MAUN AIRPORT TO MAUN AIRPORT
A good-value Botswana safari staying at comfortable lodges in prime wildlife-viewing areas – Chobe National Park and the Moremi Reserve in the Okavango Delta.
US$4,690 - US$8,310 per person
Nile Monitor Safari
6 days • 2 locations
LUSAKA AIRPORT TO LUSAKA AIRPORT
Great-value South Luangwa safari to two sister camps: a classic safari camp for 4WD safaris by day and night and its simpler sibling: a remote, seasonal bushcamp for expert-guided walking safaris.
US$4,570 - US$4,800 per person
L'Hoest's Monkey Safari
7 days • 3 locations
KIGALI AIRPORT TO KIGALI AIRPORT
Meet three iconic primates – gorillas, chimps and golden monkeys – and explore Rwanda's fascinating culture on this excellent value privately guided adventure.
US$5,570 - US$6,830 per person
Dwarf Mongoose Fly-in Safari
6 days • 2 locations
DAR ES SALAAM AIRPORT TO DAR ES SALAAM AIRPORT
Stay in two eco-friendly, rustic bush camps in Nyerere National Park and Ruaha National Park. Remote wilderness, a diversity of habitats and a good range of activities are available in these two wildlife havens.
US$4,450 - US$5,320 per person
Honey Badger Safari
6 days • 2 locations
MAUN AIRPORT TO MAUN AIRPORT
Two smart sister camps offer access to the Central Kalahari Game Reserve and the heart of the Okavango Delta. Experience a spectacular range of habitats and wildlife through diversely exciting safari activities.
US$5,790 - US$10,150 per person