Gabar Goshawk Fly-in Safari: Day-by-day
More detailed information of what each day entails, and the various places you’ll stay on the Gabar Goshawk 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 Amboseli by road & light aircraft
Following a drive of about an hour to Wilson Airport, board your light aircraft south to Amboseli, touching down in around 30 minutes. A driver-guide from Selenkay will transfer you to camp by 4WD in time for lunch; watch out for wildlife during the 1–2-hour drive through plains and woodland.
Selenkay Adventure
Selenkay Adventure Camp is a simple, budget camp of dome tents in the 60km² Selenkay Conservancy, a Maasai wildlife sanctuary north of Amboseli National Park.
Selenkay Adventure Camp is a simple, budget camp of dome tents in the 60km² Selenkay Conservancy, a Maasai wildlife sanctuary north of Amboseli National Park.
"Wonderful introduction to Maasai culture and safari"
Mr and Mrs GfromBucksArrived 16 Aug 2019, 3 nights
We haven’t yet had the opportunity to visit Selenkay Adventure Camp, and we are looking forward to doing so. As the camp is closely linked to the high-end Porini Amboseli Camp and shares some of that tented camp’s infrastructure, services and guides we would expect it to offer a well-managed and rewarding experience – but at a much lower price. At Selenkay Adventure Camp you'll be doing something much more like traditional simple camping than is normally the case in today's large and luxurious tented camps. See our full report on Selenkay Adventure Camp
Activities
4WD Safari
Birdwatching
Cultural excursion
Guided walking safari
Night drive
Amboseli to Maasai Mara by 4WD & light aircraft
Today, having returned to Wilson Airport by game drive and light aircraft, change planes for your flight across the Great Rift Valley to the Maasai Mara. On arrival, a driver-guide from Ol Kinyei Adventure Camp will escort you to camp in time for lunch after a journey of some 3½–4½ hours.
Ol Kinyei Adventure
Ol Kinyei Adventure Camp is a simple, budget camp of dome tents in the 65km² Ol Kinyei Conservancy, an exclusive 18,000 acre Maasai wildlife sanctuary on the northern border of the Maasai Mara National Reserve.
Ol Kinyei Adventure Camp is a simple, budget camp of dome tents in the 65km² Ol Kinyei Conservancy, an exclusive 18,000 acre Maasai wildlife sanctuary on the northern border of the Maasai Mara National Reserve.
"The highlight of our trip. The vehicles were the best we saw anywhere."
Mrs J.fromColchesterArrived 27 Dec 2018, 3 nights
We haven't yet had the opportunity to visit Ol Kinyei Adventure Camp, but as the camp is closely linked to Porini Mara Camp and shares some of that tented camp's infrastructure, services and guides, we would expect it to offer a well-managed and rewarding experience – but at a much lower price. Unlike at the much larger and more luxurious tented camps, at Ol Kinyei Adventure Camp the accommodation is much more like traditional, simple camping. See our full report on Ol Kinyei Adventure Camp
Activities
4WD Safari
Birdwatching
Cultural excursion
Guided walking safari
Hot air ballooning
Night drive
Safari in Maasai Mara National Reserve
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. Read all about Maasai Mara Safari
Maasai Mara to Nairobi by light aircraft & road
Enjoy a game drive of an hour or so before your plane to Wilson Airport, a flight of up to 1¼ hours depending on stops. Look out for wildlife after take off, then marvel at the Great Rift Valley before descending over Nairobi – and a 2-minute cab ride to the Aero Club.
Aero Club of East Africa
The dozen rooms at the old Aero Club of East Africa, at Nairobi’s domestic Wilson Airport are available for non-members and make a very convenient base if you’re flying out of Wilson the next morning – or if you've just arrived at Wilson and won't be leaving Nairobi until the next day. The convivial bar is a real bonus. Java House Aero Club is open from 06:30 to 21:00 for meals and snacks.
The dozen rooms at the old Aero Club of East Africa, at Nairobi’s domestic Wilson Airport are available for non-members and make a very convenient base if you’re flying out of Wilson the next morning – or if you've just arrived at Wilson and won't be leaving Nairobi until the next day. The convivial bar is a real bonus. Java House Aero Club is open from 06:30 to 21:00 for meals and snacks.
"We loved this hotel and the closeness to the airport."
Ms K.fromUSAArrived 19 May 2023, 1 night
Staying at the Aero Club is a very reasonable, secure option for those on more of a budget. The club interior is quirkily interesting, the shady grounds are very pleasant and the excellent restaurant and bar are dependable. See our full report on Aero Club of East Africa
Activities
4WD Safari
Birdwatching
Cultural excursion
Elephant encounter
Nairobi to Lewa Conservancy by air & 4WD
This morning, a cab will transfer you to Wilson Airport for your flight over the fertile hills of central Kenya's densely farmed Central Highlands to touch down at Lewa Downs after about 40–60 minutes. It's then an enthralling 1½–2-hour 4WD drive through this wildlife-rich conservancy to the remote Il Ngwesi.
Il Ngwesi Eco-Lodge
Il Ngwesi is a quirky safari lodge with strong ties to the local community, set in its own private wildlife conservancy. Il Ngwesi has a rustic charm and authenticity which is rarely found in standard safari lodges.
Il Ngwesi is a quirky safari lodge with strong ties to the local community, set in its own private wildlife conservancy. Il Ngwesi has a rustic charm and authenticity which is rarely found in standard safari lodges.
A stay here feels like an escape from the modern world to a simpler time without Wi-Fi and outside distractions. There is a real connection with nature here, from the constant twitter of birds to elephants frequenting the waterhole and the fresh animal tracks which appear daily outside your room.
We love the strong sense of community that radiates through the lodge. This is one of the only lodges in Kenya to be one hundred per cent owned and run by the community, in this case the Mukogodo Maasai community, with all proceeds going back into the local people. It is an impressive model of community-led conservation and the lodge supports a number of different projects in the area. The people of the Il Ngwesi conservancy take a great pride in their lodge.
"3 superb nights.. camp is stunning.. game drives were excellent.. "
Mrs H & Mr SfromUKArrived 5 Aug 2022, 3 nights
Il Ngwesi is also a favourite haunt of William and Kate, with the royal couple having stayed at the lodge on several occasions. At first you might wonder why, as it is not particularly glamorous or luxurious, or the type of place you might expect to find a prince. It does however feel like the antithesis of the standard luxury safari lodge, and we imagine the Cambridges found the pared-back simplicity refreshing, while enjoying the remoteness and exclusivity of the Il Ngwesi Conservancy. See our full report on Il Ngwesi Eco-Lodge
Activities
4WD Safari
Birdwatching
Cultural excursion
Guided walking safari
Night drive
Laikipia to Nairobi by road & light aircraft
After a farewell 1½-hour game drive from Il Ngwesi, hop on board your flight of 40–60 minutes south to Wilson Airport, perhaps glimpsing the peaks of Mount Kenya en route. A driver-guide will be waiting to take you to JKI Airport or to help you explore the city before you check in.
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.