Big Cat Fly-in Safari: Day-by-day
More detailed information of what each day entails, and the various places you’ll stay on the Big Cat 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 Laikipia by road & light aircraft
A driver will meet you at JKI Airport for the transfer of up to an hour to Wilson Airport, in time for your 45-minute flight over the Central Highlands to Lewa Downs Airstrip. From here, enjoy a relaxed drive to Lewa Wilderness, taking 30–90 minutes depending on wildlife en route.
Lewa Safari Camp
Lewa Safari Camp is one of five permanent places to stay on the 250km² Lewa Conservancy, and though it is run by a well-known safari outfit, it is the only one that is owned by the conservancy itself. Profits are all ploughed back into conservation and the surrounding communities. Comfortable tented rooms add to the overall feel-good factor.
Lewa Safari Camp is one of five permanent places to stay on the 250km² Lewa Conservancy, and though it is run by a well-known safari outfit, it is the only one that is owned by the conservancy itself. Profits are all ploughed back into conservation and the surrounding communities. Comfortable tented rooms add to the overall feel-good factor.
"Tent was clean, spacious and comfortable"
Mr & Mrs RfromGlosArrived 10 Feb 2024, 4 nights
Lewa Safari Camp is a well-run property, and is comfortable and well kept. Dining at separate tables rather than guests all eating together creates a slightly more formal atmosphere than at the other properties on the Lewa Conservancy, but the activities are great and service very friendly. We think this is a good place from which to base yourself to explore Lewa. See our full report on Lewa Safari Camp
Activities
4WD Safari
Birdwatching
Cultural excursion
Guided walking safari
Horse-riding
Night drive
Laikipia to the Mara by light aircraft & 4WD
After a 4WD transfer to Lewa Downs Airstrip, board your 60–90-minute flight south-west over the Rift Valley into the Maasai Mara National Reserve. A guide will meet you at Musiara Airstrip for the ten-minute drive to Governors’ Camp – or longer if you stop for wildlife en route.
Governors' Camp
One of the oldest camps in the Mara, located on a thickly forested meander of the Mara River, Governors' Camp is also one of the biggest. This is really the main location of a giant camp split into three neighbouring sites, consisting of this the main Governors' camp, Little Governors' and Governors' Il Moran camps, all clustered around the river in the northwest corner of the Maasai Mara National Reserve. The name refers to the site supposedly being favoured by the colonial governors of Kenya.
One of the oldest camps in the Mara, located on a thickly forested meander of the Mara River, Governors' Camp is also one of the biggest. This is really the main location of a giant camp split into three neighbouring sites, consisting of this the main Governors' camp, Little Governors' and Governors' Il Moran camps, all clustered around the river in the northwest corner of the Maasai Mara National Reserve. The name refers to the site supposedly being favoured by the colonial governors of Kenya.
"A great location in the trees on the riverbank."
Family BfromEssexArrived 25 Aug 2023, 2 nights
The location of Governors’ Camp is unbeatable, with superb game-viewing around the Musiara Marsh. The popularirty of the area means that you rarely have those special moments to yourself – but if you can forgive this, and are comfortable with formal times for meals and drives, then Governors’ is worth considering. See our full report on Governors' Camp
Activities
4WD Safari
Birdwatching
Cultural excursion
Guided walking safari
Hot air ballooning
Maasai Mara to Nairobi by light aircraft & road
After a final drive to the airstrip, enjoy the Rift Valley geological formations below during the flight of an hour or so back to Nairobi. A driver-guide will be waiting at Wilson Airport to transfer you to the international airport, or will accompany you around the capital before 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.
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
Scenic Biplane Flight on Lewa Conservancy
30 or 60 minute flights
Soar high and fly low over the rolling hills and plains of Laikipia’s famed Lewa Conservancy, on a scenic biplane flight. Offering you the chance to spot wildlife from the air, this flight takes place in an open-cockpit WACO biplane – a truly unique excursion in Kenya.
More about Scenic Bi-plane Flight