Striped Hyena Safari: Summary
Striped Hyena Safari in a nutshell
This example of a private Expert Africa safari itinerary offers an unusual twist on more traditional safari itinerary. First, by concentrating on the Maasai Mara for five nights, you'll get to know this region really well. In addition, the central part of the itinerary consists largely of a long guided walk between two permanent safari camps, with an overnight stay in a temporary fly-camp deep in the bush, mid-way through the walk. This gives you exceptional experiences of close encounters with wildlife great and small, and immersion in the sights, sounds and smells of Kenya's best wildlife area.
You'll start at the beautiful Kicheche Valley Camp in the private Naboisho Conservancy, bordering the Maasai Mara National Reserve. In the heart of "big five" country, you're likely to see leopards, lions, elephants, giraffes and dozens of other large mammal species on safari game drives with a highly qualified driver-guide in a comfortable vehicle, that is perfect for photography.
From Kicheche, you'll set off on foot with your private guide across the Naboisho and Olare Motorogi conservancies, accompanied by an armed guard as a precaution. On arrival at the fly camp, enjoy a cool drink before dinner in the bush and retiring to a modest dome tent where your luggage awaits. Temporary shower and toilet facilities are nearby and Maasai askaris (guards) keep watch for absent-minded buffalos.
After breakfast, you'll continue on foot to the wonderful Kicheche Bush Camp, the time of your afternoon arrival depending on your walking speed and how often you pause to take photos or to marvel at the natural wonders around you. You may also find yourself deep in conversation with your Maasai guide – about wildlife, conservation, Maasai culture and any number of other topics.
The rest of your safari is spent in the Olare Motorogi Conservancy, a wildlife haven where your camp is set on the plains beneath scattered acacias. Its location makes it possible to visit the busier Maasai Mara National Reserve, where the Mara River is a particular draw for large numbers of hippos and crocodiles, and for the many dramatic wildebeest river crossings that take place every year around July–October.
At a glance
| Starts: | JKI Airport Nairobi | |
|---|---|---|
| 2 nights | Kicheche Valley - Maasai Mara Conservancies, Kenya | Full Board & Activities |
| 1 night | Kicheche Fly Camp - Maasai Mara Conservancies, Kenya | Full Board & Activities |
| 2 nights | Kicheche Bush Camp - Maasai Mara Conservancies, Kenya | Full Board & Activities |
| Ends: | JKI Airport Nairobi |
Kicheche Valley
Maasai Mara Conservancies, Kenya
Kicheche Fly Camp
Maasai Mara Conservancies, Kenya
Kicheche Bush Camp
Maasai Mara Conservancies, Kenya
Highlights
Our thoughts on five of the top experiences of this Striped Hyena Safari.
- Spending two days walking in the Maasai Mara
- Experiencing the Mara with highly knowledgeable guides
- Staying in private, little-visited conservancies
- Absorbing images of big cats and other megafauna
- Immersing yourself in Kenyan culture with your guide
Activities
Some activities which can be included in the Striped Hyena Safari: talk to us about those which interest you.
4WD Safari
Birdwatching
Cultural excursion
Fly-camping
Guided walking safari
Hot air ballooning
Night drive
Key species to see on the Striped Hyena Safari
Based on our travellers' observations, we’ve estimated the likelihood of seeing these species during the Striped Hyena Safari. Click on the animals and our wildlife surveys page for more info.
100% chance
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95% chance
16% chance
9% chance
8% chance
8% chance
8% chance
Side-trips whilst on this safari
We may be able to build in some of these optional excursions from the Striped Hyena Safari. Talk to us: they’re usually best arranged when you book.
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
Safari in Maasai Mara National Reserve
All day from sunrise to sunset
If you're not staying in the Maasai Mara National Reserve itself, the chances are you'll be in one of the outstandingly wildlife-rich Maasai-owned private conservancies just outside the reserve boundary. However, a full-day game drive in the reserve is usually included, to visit the Mara River and see some of the reserve's fabled wildlife locations.
More about Maasai Mara SafariLet us help you customise your trip
Like all of our holidays on this site, this is just an idea. All of our trips are tailor-made, so we'll always adapt them to suit you.
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Prepare for your trip
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When you return
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