Wilderness Kenya

In the heart of Kenya’s untamed wilderness lies the Maasai Mara—a symphony of untamed beauty. Picture endless savannas, their golden grasses swaying like whispers of forgotten legends. Here, the Mara River winds through the heart of wilderness, its waters a lifeline for creatures both fierce and fragile.

Lions, their amber eyes ablaze, survey their kingdom from rocky outcrops. Leopards, elusive as shadows, weave tales of moonlit hunts. And The Great Migration, nature’s grand spectacle, unfolds—a breathtaking canvas of wildebeest and zebras surging across the plains, defying hippo and crocodile-infested waters.

As dawn paints the sky, hot-air balloons ascend, revealing panoramas that defy mere words. Giraffes stretch their necks toward the sun, while African elephants parade in silent majesty. Each sunrise is a promise, each sunset a whispered secret shared with the wind.

In the Maasai Mara, time stands still, and the wilderness thrives—a sanctuary where your soul finds solace, and the pulse of the earth beats in harmony with your own.

Day 1: Arrive in Nairobi 

• On arrival at Jomo Kenyatta International Airport (JKIA), Wandering Sarathy, your Trip Captain will meet and transfer you to your hotel in Nairobi. 
• Today is a day to relax and prepare for the wild wilderness adventure safari to Maasai Mara. 
• Optional visit to the Giraffe Center to get close to the rare Rothschild's giraffes, feed them, and even share a kiss with these exquisite creatures.

Day 2: Nairobi to Maasai Mara

• Depart from Nairobi and journey toward the Maasai Mara National Reserve.
• Along the way, pause at the Viewpoint of the Great Rift Valley, where the horizon stretches infinitely, inviting awe.
• Arrive in Maasai Mara in time for lunch, and as the sun dips low, check into the camp
• Embark on an afternoon game drive, seeking elusive cheetahs, majestic lions, and the enigmatic wild dogs.
• Return to our camp, spend time playing some games. Wrap up after an early dinner and retire for the day. 

Day 3: Full Day in Maasai Mara

• Rise with the sun, anticipation coursing through your veins, for an exhilarating morning game drive.
• Witness the untamed drama of the savannah—the Big Five—lion, leopard, buffalo, elephant, and rhino—roam freely against the backdrop of the skyline. 
• After a hearty breakfast, venture out again, the golden grasslands stretching before you like a canvas painted by the gods.
• Witness the Great Migration—millions of wildebeest and zebras crossing the Mara River.  This natural spectacle is awe-inspiring (August is the best time to witness it)
• For an unforgettable experience, take a hot-air balloon ride over the Mara. Drift silently above the wildlife, capturing breathtaking views (optional)
• Enjoy a picnic lunch surrounded by the savannah’s symphony of sounds.

Day 4: Maasai Mara to Lake Nakuru

• Bid farewell to Maasai Mara, its red earth etched into your memory, and set forth toward Lake Nakuru National Park.
• En route, feast your eyes on the cerulean expanse of Lake Naivasha and the imposing silhouette of Mount Longonot.
• As the sun retreats, arrive in Lake Nakuru, where the pink hues of flamingos dance on the water’s surface.

Day 5: Lake Nakuru to Lake Naivasha

• At dawn, embark on a game drive in Lake Nakuru, where lions prowl, giraffes stretch their necks, and rhinos stand sentinel.
• Visit Baboon Cliff, where the world unfolds beneath you—a mosaic of blue water, green forest, and distant hills.
• Explore Makalia Falls, the spray kissing your skin as you stand in awe of nature’s grandeur.
• After a leisurely lunch, continue to Lake Naivasha, its tranquil shores beckoning.
• Glide across Lake Naivasha by boat, the air alive with the calls of birds—herons, kingfishers, and eagles. 
• Step ashore on Crescent Island, where giraffes graze, zebras wander, and antelopes leap. 

Day 6: Lake Naivasha to Nairobi

• Bid farewell to this wild paradise and return to Nairobi, your heart brimming with memories of Africa’s untamed beauty.
• Dive into vibrant Maasai culture by shopping for colorful beadwork, fabrics, and handicrafts at the Maasai market. 
• After nightfall, Nairobi comes to life! Explore chic nightclubs, bars, and live music venues. Drink some locally brewed beer and have a wild dance with the locals.  

Day 7: See You Soon

•  The morning is free to spend as you like before transferring to the airport for your departure flight. Bid adieu and head out with happy memories.  

NOTE: We don't cover nearly enough of Kenya. Though Maasai Mara is the main draw, which we cover in detail, if you have an additional 2-3 days, you can visit Mombasa, or Diani and Amboseli. We can help with all the planning so you may visit them worry-free. 

The itinerary is loosely drafted and allows you to do as little or as much as you like.

This itinerary is just to give you an idea of the tour structure but by no means final and is subject to change.

Start Date: TBA

End Date: TBA

Pick-up & Drop-off at Jomo Kenyatta International Airport. (IATA: NBO, ICAO: HKJK)

Arrive no later than 12:00PM (airport pick-up @ 1:00PM) on Day 01. 

TBA per person (excludes GST + TCS. Flights extra)   

• These rates are for Indian Nationals only.
• Group Size: Minimum of 8 participants - Maximum of 14 participants (+) WANDERING SARATHY as your Tour Lead. Please make sure that the trip has reached the minimum number of participants before you reserve your flight ticket.
• Even a single member can join this trip. If you're a single-member traveling alone, you'll be assigned to a room with another member of the same gender.
• Suitable for members between the age group of 18-55 years. Generally, we have participants between 18-35 years. 
• A stay at an additional cost may be arranged if you're arriving or departing a day earlier or later.

INCLUSIONS

• Accommodation on twin/double sharing basis
• Meals as mentioned in the itinerary (Veg options available)
• Airport Transfers
• Private Safari in a microvan with a game-viewing roof hatch
• English Speaking Driver-Guide
• All Park Entrance Fees
• All Government Taxes and Levies
• Services of WANDERING SARATHY, the trip leader who acts as a facilitator and a story-teller.

EXCLUSIONS

• International flight tickets, eVisa ($55), Travel Insurance
• Hot Air Ballooning ($450); Maasai Village Visit ($20), Boating in Lake Naivasha ($20), Giraffe Centre ($15)
• 5% GST + TCS as applicable
• Any taxes/charges the local Government may levy, in future
• Additional costs arising due to mishaps, political unrest, natural calamities like – landslides, road blockage, etc. In such a case, extras will have to be paid on the spot by the participants directly.
• Personal expenses such as laundry, bottled water, beverages, incidentals, tips, gratuities, medicines, etc.
• Any item not specified in the ‘Inclusions’

• Please make a booking deposit of Rs.25,000/- to confirm your spot.
• Rs.50,000/- to be paid before May 26, 2024
• Balance to be paid before June 25, 2024

Please write to us at unusualescapes@gmail.com for our Bank Account Details to transfer the Booking Fee (or) UPI ID: unusualescapes@aubank. Your spot will be confirmed as soon as we receive your Booking Fee.

**If you can find anyone else to replace you, there’ll be NO cancellation charges. We will then refund your money in full including the non-refundable booking fee.

In the event of cancellation of your travel plans due to any avoidable/unavoidable reason/s, we must be notified of the same in writing. Cancellation charges will be effective from the date, we receive advice in writing, and cancellation charges would be as follows:

• Booking amount: (Non-Refundable)
• 60 days prior to arrival: 50% of the Trip cost will be deducted
• 45 days prior to arrival: 70% of the Trip cost will be deducted
• 30 days prior to arrival: No Refund

A refund of the money/equivalent voucher in case of cancellation will be made within 10 working days after the cancellation request is received (by mail). If you can find anyone else to replace you, there’ll be NO cancellation charges. We will then refund your money in full.