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FROM US$5,010-US$8,850

Big Cat Fly-in Safari

Combining two of Kenya’s best wildlife-viewing areas, this slow-paced safari to the Lewa Conservancy and Maasai Mara guarantees iconic wildlife. The long-established, well-rated camps are great value, too.

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.


Day 1

Starts: JKI Airport Nairobi

On arrival at the airport, you’ll be greeted by a driver after you’ve collected your bags.

Day 1

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
Days 1-5

Lewa Safari Camp

4 nights
Full Board & ActivitiesLaikipia, Kenya

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

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 RfromGlos

Arrived 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

97%
22 reviews of Lewa Safari Camp by travellers since August 2007

Activities

4WD Safari

Birdwatching

Cultural excursion

Guided walking safari

Horse-riding

Night drive

Day 5

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
Days 5-9

Governors' Camp

4 nights
Full Board & ActivitiesMaasai Mara National Reserve, 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.

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.

"Overall I would recommend this camp for families"

Helen B fromLondon

Arrived 8 Aug 2023, 3 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

96%
11 reviews of Governors' Camp by travellers since August 2007

Activities

4WD Safari

Birdwatching

Cultural excursion

Guided walking safari

Hot air ballooning

Day 9

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.

Day 9

Ends: JKI Airport Nairobi

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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

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
96% (30 reviews)
Scenic Biplane Flight on Lewa Conservancy

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

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