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FROM US$9,260-US$11,960

Black Kite Fly-in Safari

Explore Kenya in-depth with visits to Nairobi and Meru national parks, the Mara Conservancies and Amboseli. Nestled in remoter regions, four camps provide fantastic access to rich game, a range of activities and beautifully diverse landscapes.

Black Kite Fly-in Safari: Summary

Black Kite Fly-in Safari in a nutshell

This fly-in safari begins on the southern boundary of Nairobi National Park before exploring three stunningly varied habitats across Kenya: Meru National Park; the Maasai Mara ecosystem and Amboseli National Park.

Starting at The Emakoko, guests can safari within the park or visit the nearby Sheldrick Elephant and Rhino Orphanage, Giraffe Centre or Karen Blixen Museum. Although easy to access from the airports, The Emakoko’s spectacular location overlooking the Mbagathi River feels far removed from the bustle of the city.

Elsa’s Kopje, Elephant Pepper and Tortilis Camp boast similarly impressive vistas, located within the remoter regions of Meru and Amboseli national parks, as well as the quieter northern Mara Conservancy. These destinations are largely removed from the crowds, granting guests a greater element of exclusivity, with guided walking safaris at Elephant Pepper and Tortilis Camp adding a further sense of immersion in wilderness.

Run by the same supplier, the three camps share a consistency in quality and comfort and offer long-stay discounts. They share a focus on great guiding, and for those whose main pull is the wildlife, Meru’s Rhino Sanctuary, coupled with Amboseli’s beautiful "big tuskers" and Elephant Pepper’s opportunity for night drives, means there is a fair chance of sighting all of the "Big 5" alongside plentiful birdlife and a plethora of other interesting species.

At a glance

Starts: JKI Airport Nairobi
1 night The Emakoko - Nairobi, Kenya Full Board & Activities
3 nights Elsa's Kopje - Meru National Park, Kenya Full Board & Activities
3 nights Elephant Pepper Camp - Maasai Mara Conservancies, Kenya Full Board & Activities
3 nights Tortilis Camp - Amboseli and the Chyulu Hills, Kenya Full Board & Activities
Ends: JKI Airport Nairobi

The Emakoko

Day 1

The Emakoko is a unique, owner-managed lodge that opened in 2012. It straddles the southern boundary of Nairobi National Park, marked by the gorge of the Mbagathi River in an area where three rivers converge. The lodge has the national park's much underrated game-viewing areas on its doorstep and easy access to both Nairobi's airports.

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Elsa's Kopje

Days 2-5

Named after Elsa, the lioness raised by George and Joy Adamson and made famous by the story of Born Free, Elsa’s Kopje sits high on Mughwango Hill above George Adamson’s original campsite. The camp is colonial in style, and there are spectacular views over the plains of Meru National Park.

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Elephant Pepper Camp

Days 5-8

Elephant Pepper is a small, tented camp located in the protected Mara North Conservancy. Originally built in 1984, it was named after the grove of elephant pepper trees it's nestled in. From here you can explore the game of the Mara North Conservancy, or venture into the National Reserve itself. This is particularly appealing during the months when the migration will be in the area (roughly July to October).

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Tortilis Camp

Days 8-11

Just outside the southern boundary of Amboseli National Park, Tortilis is named after the Acacia tortilis tree. The trees dominate the area and this luxury safari camp clusters around a gentle rise overlooking lightly wooded plains. When the skies over Kilimanjaro are clear, there are fantastic views of the mountain from the lounge and dining area. The camp is located in the 120 square-kilometre Kitirua Conservancy, which is exclusive to guests of Tortilis.

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The Emakoko

The Emakoko

Nairobi, Kenya

Elsa's Kopje

Elsa's Kopje

Meru National Park, Kenya

Elephant Pepper Camp

Elephant Pepper Camp

Maasai Mara Conservancies, Kenya

Tortilis Camp

Tortilis Camp

Amboseli and the Chyulu Hills, Kenya

About image

Highlights

Our thoughts on five of the top experiences of this Black Kite Fly-in Safari.

  • Seeing big tuskers backed by Mt Kilimanjaro
  • Safari to the backdrop of Nairobi city
  • Exploring off the beaten track in Meru
  • Watching wildlife from a hammock at Elephant Pepper
  • Ticking off the "Big 5" at Meru's Rhino Sanctuary

Activities

Some activities which can be included in the Black Kite Fly-in Safari: talk to us about those which interest you.

  • 4WD Safari

  • Birdwatching

  • Cultural excursion

  • Elephant encounter

  • Fly-camping

  • Guided walking safari

  • Hot air ballooning

  • Night drive

About image

Key species to see on the Black Kite Fly-in Safari

Based on our travellers' observations, we’ve estimated the likelihood of seeing these species during the Black Kite Fly-in Safari. Click on the animals and our wildlife surveys page for more info.


Lion

100% chance

Buffalo

100% chance

Elephant

100% chance

Gerenuk

100% chance

Giraffe

100% chance

Hippo

100% chance

Spotted Hyena

100% chance

Wildebeest

100% chance

Zebra

100% chance

Eland

99% chance

White Rhino

98% chance

Cheetah

92% chance

Leopard

83% chance

Black Rhino

81% chance

Oryx

71% chance

Striped Hyena

42% chance

Wild dog

25% chance

Pangolin

11% chance

Aardvark

9% chance

Side-trips whilst on this safari

We may be able to build in some of these optional excursions from the Black Kite Fly-in Safari. Talk to us: they’re usually best arranged when you book.


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.

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Nairobi Elephant Orphanage visit

Nairobi Elephant Orphanage visit

One hour, by pre-booking only

Visit the Sheldrick Wildlife Trust Elephant Orphanage for a close-up encounter with elephant orphans – and sometimes rhino orphans. You can visit during daily between 11:00 and 12:00, or make special arrangements for a private visit in the afternoon.

More about Elephant Orphans visit
95% (56 reviews)
Nairobi Giraffe Centre visit

Nairobi Giraffe Centre visit

One hour visit is generally recommended

Visit the AFEW Giraffe Centre for an eyeball-level encounter with gentle Rothschild giraffes. They visit this tree-level platform to be fed pellets.

More about Giraffe Centre visit
87% (36 reviews)
Safari in Maasai Mara National Reserve

Safari in Maasai Mara National Reserve

All day from sunrise to sunset

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.

More about Maasai Mara Safari
87% (21 reviews)
Safari in Nairobi National Park

Safari in Nairobi National Park

Half day - AM or PM, or full day

It is truly remarkable that the plains and woodland of Nairobi National Park, an area of around 70km² (some 17,000 acres) should exist in a near-natural state so close to the city that in any other conurbation they would just be suburbs.

More about Nairobi Nat. Park Safari
95% (15 reviews)

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