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 properties 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. All profits are directly reinvested into Lewa's conservation and the surrounding communities. Traditional tented rooms provide comfort at the sociable, friendly camp where guests can enjoy a range of safari and cultural activities.
Lewa Safari Camp is one of five permanent properties 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. All profits are directly reinvested into Lewa's conservation and the surrounding communities. Traditional tented rooms provide comfort at the sociable, friendly camp where guests can enjoy a range of safari and cultural activities.
"Tent was clean, spacious and comfortable"
Mr & Mrs RfromGlosArrived 10 Feb 2024, 4 nights
Lewa Safari Camp is a well-run property, both comfortable and well kept. While guests enjoy individual dining, pre-dinner drinks at the bar or around the lounge's fire and laughter by the swimming pool help create a sociable, relaxed atmosphere. With a photographic hide, waterhole, and spa located at the camp, there are plenty of ways to spend an afternoon between the varied and exciting range of morning and afternoon safari activities. 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."
Mr & Mrs 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
Private activities
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
Looking for inspiration on where to travel next?
Visit our trip chooser to explore your options and find inspiration for your perfect African adventure
Inspire meExperiences 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
Anti-poaching Dogs Display
Approx. one hour
Interact with the dog keepers and learn about what it takes to look after the specially trained canine team. Guests are encouraged to try and evade the sniffer dogs, not only is this great fun, but it helps to offer genuine training for the dogs.
More about Anti-poaching Dogs Display