Wahlberg's Eagle Fly-in Safari: Day-by-day
More detailed information of what each day entails, and the various places you’ll stay on the Wahlberg's Eagle 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 El Karama by 4WD & light aircraft
It’s a drive of around an hour to the domestic airport, where you’ll hop on a plane for Laikipia, arriving at Nanyuki Airport in about 60 minutes. Here you’ll join a guide from El Karama for the 90-minute drive to camp, watching for wildlife as you enter the conservancy.
El Karama Lodge
With a name meaning 'treasured possession' or 'answer to prayer' in Arabic, El Karama, as it's usually known, is a working cattle ranch and wildlife sanctuary on the banks of the Ewaso Nyiro River in the Laikipia region north of Mount Kenya. It was named for purely sentimental reasons by its owners, the Grant family, who still run the ranch and manage the lodge: a small, rustic retreat and the only lodge on the ranch.
With a name meaning 'treasured possession' or 'answer to prayer' in Arabic, El Karama, as it's usually known, is a working cattle ranch and wildlife sanctuary on the banks of the Ewaso Nyiro River in the Laikipia region north of Mount Kenya. It was named for purely sentimental reasons by its owners, the Grant family, who still run the ranch and manage the lodge: a small, rustic retreat and the only lodge on the ranch.
"The best surprise of the trip...the highlight was finding an aardwolf."
E & DfromNew MexicoArrived 20 Jan 2019, 3 nights
Our first stay at El Karama was a revelation: we'd known about this ranch-stay for years but never been there before. The welcome was one of the warmest we've experienced in Kenya; the food was wonderful; and the wildlife can be very good. We loved the genuine, low-key hosting, the flexible approach to guests' requirements and the warm and friendly staff. We've been back several times since, and happily nothing's changed: in fact El Karama is better than ever. See our full report on El Karama Lodge
Activities
4WD Safari
Birdwatching
Guided walking safari
Horse-riding
Night drive
El Karama to Basecamp Eagle View by 4WD & light aircraft
Today you’ll return to Nanyuki Airport for the 1¾-hour light-aircraft flight south to the Maasai Mara. The Naboisho Conservancy is teeming with wildlife and is known for its big cats, so keep your eyes peeled during the 20-minute game drive by 4WD from the airstrip back to Basecamp Eagle View.
Basecamp Eagle View
Basecamp Eagle View is located in a stunning spot, with arguably the best views in the quiet 211km² Mara Naboisho Conservancy, a Maasai-owned conservancy north of the Maasai Mara National Reserve. It is small, with nine tented rooms set high on a hill. Each of these is cantilevered to the hillside, overlooking plains dotted with acacia trees of various species.
Basecamp Eagle View is located in a stunning spot, with arguably the best views in the quiet 211km² Mara Naboisho Conservancy, a Maasai-owned conservancy north of the Maasai Mara National Reserve. It is small, with nine tented rooms set high on a hill. Each of these is cantilevered to the hillside, overlooking plains dotted with acacia trees of various species.
"Wouldn’t hesitate to recommend this camp."
Mr & Mrs HfromYorkArrived 2 Feb 2023, 3 nights
Location, community engagement and responsible tourism are the key elements here, which makes for a positive impact stay in the Mara. The views are exceptional for this reserve, where the terrain is generally fairly flat. The camp holds its own in terms of comfort and style against most mid-range camps in the Mara. See our full report on Basecamp Eagle View
Activities
4WD Safari
Birdwatching
Cultural excursion
Fly-camping
Guided walking safari
Hot air ballooning
Basecamp Eagle View to Nairobi by 4WD & light aircraft
Enjoy a final game drive through the Naboisho Conservancy as you head back to the airstrip in time for your 60-minute flight to Nairobi. Your driver will be waiting for you outside the domestic airport, and you may have the chance to stop for a meal before your international flight.
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
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