Overview
This safari exudes style – premium tented camps within a private conservancy...read more provide a comfortable base in an exclusive location, internal flights get you into the wilderness quickly, and vehicles are designed with photographers in mind to ensure you will always be set up for the perfect shot. Be prepared for early starts, long days and plenty of advice and enthusiasm.
The exclusive Kicheche Camps are in prime spots within the conservancies, where it is not uncommon to observe wildlife from the veranda. Wilderness fans and photographers alike will fall in love with Africa after a week at Kicheche.
Itinerary
Welcome to Kenya. We have an early morning flight from Wilson Airport directly to the heart of the Mara conservancies. We advise booking accommodation in Nairobi the night before the tour starts to allow for an easy meet at Wilson Airport this morning. The 45-minute flight to the Mara provides great scenery to start our Kenyan adventure.
At the airstrip, we'll be picked up by custom-built 4WD vehicles for the short transfer to Kicheche Camp. The Kicheche crew will be waiting to welcome you and help you settle into camp. After lunch, we'll take our first afternoon game drive in the exclusive Mara conservancies to discover some of the prolific wildlife that inhabits this area. Your first game drive will end with sundowners looking across the plains. Stay: Kicheche Tented Camp (L/D).
Our days at Kicheche usually start early, with camp staff bringing tea, coffee, hot water and biscuits to the tent around 5am. One of the huge benefits of staying within the conservancies is that game drives start right from camp and we can be in position on the plains by first light. For photographers, this means the all-important golden hour is always maximised. Depending on the movement of the game and tips from the bush telegraph, drives can be a moveable feast.
Some days we may find ourselves on a full-day safari (approximately 13 hours) while other days might be broken into morning and afternoon drives. Paul and his team will try to make good calls when it comes to sightings and will always aim to be in the best position for viewing. They will be trying their hardest to ensure that photographic opportunities are frequent, but they will not be dashing around ticking off species like mainstream safari companies.
Early starts are the order of the day, and we normally find shade for lunch in a beautiful spot and to relax. Unless, that is, we come across a migration crossing or hunting cheetah. These drives are not endurance tests but a full day out on the plains can be quite tiring. They also involve patience, as a hungry cheetah will often wait many hours before making their move. Mealtimes are a delight under the stars or in the mess tent if there is bad weather.
It is the game and scenery that make this area so incredible. Camp can often have a lion pride nearby, and their call accompanied by a hyena cackle is an occasional night-time companion. The property is very relaxing for those hours in the middle of the day between game drives and the haute cuisine and hot showers are a big bonus. These luxurious trappings sometimes belie the fact that the camp is right in the heart of the most prolific savannah on Earth. Stay: Kicheche Tented Camp (B/L/D).
This morning, we enjoy a final game drive in the wilderness followed by brunch back at camp, before packing up and taking a late afternoon flight back to Nairobi where the trip ends. Please speak to your sales representative regarding the timings of internal flights. They can book additional post-tour accommodation in Nairobi if required (B).
Trip Inclusions
- Photographic safari guided by Paul Goldstein – every detail considered with photographers in mind
- Six nights at the superb, intimate Kicheche Camps, which are in prime locations across exclusive conservancies
- Off-road driving permitted in the Mara conservancies, getting you closer to the action
- Strict rules enforced on vehicle conduct within the Mara conservancies to prevent overcrowding
- Private conservancies work in harmony with Maasai landowners and ensure low-tourism density – just one bed per 350 acres (141ha) of wilderness
- Six nights in premium tented camps in the exclusive Mara conservancies
- Travel by internal flights to get you straight into the wilderness
- Customised 4WD vehicles for all game drives – open-topped and open-sided with four guests per vehicle to ensure the perfect view and plenty of space
- All breakfasts, six lunches and six dinners
- Named tour leader, chosen for their experience and great customer feedback
- Internal flights to/from the Mara Conservancies
- All transport and listed activities
- Itinerary and inclusions are subject to change
- Price is for land, cruise and internal flights as specified. Flights not specified are not included
Enjoy thrilling animal encounters from the isles of the Galapagos to the plains of Africa. Read more
Exodus chooses their Leaders carefully. Professional, dedicated and are passionate about sharing their home countries. Read more
Wherever possible, Exodus chooses properties that are locally owned and that reflect the area you are visiting. Read more
Availability
A definite departure means minimum numbers have been reached for this departure to operate. Your Global Journeys Travel Advisor will check the availability of your departure date when you enquire. Additional savings may apply. We guarantee the lowest price in Australia. T&C’s apply.
Tour & cruises prices are per person. Prices shown have savings applied, are subject to availability and may be withdrawn at any time without notice. Prices and trip information are correct at the time at this point in time, however are subject to confirmation at the time of booking and are subject to change by Exodus. For cruise itineraries, cabin images are sourced from Exodus. These should be treated as indicative only. Cabin inclusions, upholsteries and room layout may differ to the image(s) shown depending on the ship selected and your sailing dates.
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