An elephant safari in Kenya offers travelers the opportunity to see these gentle giants in some of Africa’s most iconic reserves. The experience also provides a chance for people to learn more about the conservation efforts that are being made to preserve this species.
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Ker & Downey® Africa > Trips > Kenya Elephant Safari
This luxurious 9-day elephant safari encompasses some of Kenya’s best reserves in which to see these majestic gentle giants. A stronghold for the species, and one of the last places in Africa where tuskers roam, Kenya has always been a top safari destination, and renowned for epic elephant sightings. While you’re likely to see the Big 5 on this trip (in one game drive perhaps), it’s perfect for those with an interest in and love for the largest land mammal on earth. We know some areas can get busy during high season, so we have hand-picked some of the finest camps in Amboseli National Park, Samburu National Reserve and the Masai Mara National Reserve where you can see these beautiful creatures, while remaining off the beaten track. Expect magical elephant encounters and other safari experiences during an enthralling nine days.
Are you ready?
Your memorable elephant safari in Kenya begins on arrival at Jomo Kenyatta International Airport in Nairobi. A Ker & Downey® Africa representative will welcome you and transfer you to Hemingways Eden Nairobi, located in the quaint suburb of Langata on the outskirts of the city. Day one is all about settling into the country and there is no better place to do that than Eden. Set on four acres of forested land, bordering the Giraffe Sanctuary, the former private residence of Tonio and Anna Trzebinski has been transformed into a decadent museum and private exhibition space. The hotel is stocked with the family’s own works of art, as well as their own library and antiques that have been gathered across Africa over a lifetime. Spend your first day in paradise enjoying delicious sundowners at Egg Bar followed by gourmet dining at The Deck restaurant.
Built back in 1992, the hotel has since naturally developed into its present form. Out of the nine bedrooms that make up Eden Nairobi, you’ll stay in Lana & Tacha’s Room. Enjoy a king-sized bed, en-suite bathroom with a huge bathtub, over-the-bath shower and breathtaking views of the treetops from this luxurious abode.
Eden’s amenities lend itself to a tranquil retreat. Relax by the bar or on the large veranda that is attached to the main house. Get lost in the family’s library and browse through countless artifacts. If you feel like venturing out, Eden is conveniently located close to some of Nairobi’s top attractions such as the Karen Blixen Museum and the Sheldrick Wildlife Trust.
After a delicious breakfast at The Deck restaurant, your driver will meet and accompany you to Wilson Airport in Nairobi for your scheduled flight to Amboseli National Park. Located on the Kenya/Tanzania border with Mount Kilimanjaro as a backdrop, it doesn’t get more beautiful than Amboseli. The dry plains are fed by the glacial waters of Africa’s most iconic mountain, providing a much-needed life source. Because of this, elephants are plentiful and are easily spotted on the open plains. Watching them bathe in the waterholes is sure to be a highlight of your time here, and you may even catch a glimpse of one of Africa’s super tuskers. On arrival into the Amboseli National Park, a Ker & Downey® Africa representative will welcome you and transfer you to Elewana Tortilis Camp – the perfect base from which to begin your elephant safari. Facing Mount Kilimanjaro, the camp is located on a modest hill in a private concession and boasts stunning views over the plains.
Set among Acacia Tortilis woodland, Elewana Tortilis Camp is an eco-conscious camp that has been designed with total comfort in mind. The main camp features 16 luxury safari tents, while a stay in the exclusive Private House, with access to a private pool, will elevate your stay to the next level.
Guided game drives, bush walks, sundowners and bush meals all form part of your experience at Elewana Tortilis Camp. These can be enjoyed inside Amboseli as well as the private concession in which the camp is located. At camp, you can enjoy down time in the main lounge, bar and dining area taking in the breathtaking views of Mount Kilimanjaro.
Following your morning safari and breakfast with a backdrop of Mount Kilimanjaro, your driver will transfer you from Elewana Tortilis Camp to the local Amboseli airstrip for your scheduled one hour flight back to Wilson Airport. Situated on the banks of the Ewaso Nyiro River in the Rift Valley Province, Samburu National Reserve is a haven for elephants with large breeding herds occurring throughout the park. Whatsmore, the elephants are well habituated to vehicles as researchers from Save the Elephants spend most of the day monitoring them, making your encounters just that much more intimate and enjoyable. On arrival into Samburu, a Ker & Downey® Africa representative will welcome you and transfer you to Elephant Bedroom Camp. After a smooth check-in, you will have time to take in the spectacular scenery of the surrounding landscape and prepare for more magical elephant encounters on your afternoon game drive.
Elephant Bedroom Camp offers an intimate safari experience that combines simplicity with luxury and style. With all the conveniences, including a private plunge pool on the veranda, hot and cold running water and electricity, the 14 spacious luxury tents feature rustic and vibrant African elements.
Elephants frequently visit the camp, so you may not even have to venture far for the action. However, you can enjoy two shared game drives per day and sundowners among other safari activities during your stay. The cozy lounge and dining areas are the perfect place to relax in between thrilling game drives.
After an al fresco breakfast on the banks of the Ewaso Nyiro River, your driver will transfer you to the local Samburu airstrip for your scheduled flight to the Masai Mara National Reserve. Although famous for its annual Great Wildebeest Migration, the Mara ecosystem abounds with elephants. On arrival into the Masai Mara, a Ker & Downey® Africa representative will welcome and transfer you to Kicheche Mara Camp. Here, you’ll have the opportunity to experience first-hand the complicated relations between poaching and human-elephant conflict in the Mara ecosystem. Kicheche Mara Camp has teamed up with the Mara Elephant Project to showcase the project’s crucial work to reduce poaching and minimize the conflict between these creatures and the local community. The project also monitors 23 collared elephants for essential research purposes and it is these animals that you will have the chance to track and gain an insight into the complex issues. This activity, bookable in advance at $100 per person donation, takes around three to four hours and includes an overview of the project. Also included in your stay is a $25 donation per booking to the Mara Elephant Project and on day 3 of your stay here, you will enjoy a scenic hot air balloon ride over the stunning Mara landscape.
Located in the Mara North Conservancy, with only eight luxury tents, you are guaranteed an intimate and relaxed atmosphere at Kicheche Mara Camp. Each luxurious ensuite tent boasts stunning views of the Olare Orok stream and the valley’s western ridge. Triple and quad family tents are also available.
Epic game drives, night drives, escorted bush walks, bush breakfasts and a Community Discovery trip will form part of your experience at Kicheche Mara Camp. The camp lounge provides comfy chairs, a library, board games, and local crafts in addition to its breathtaking view of the valley to be enjoyed during downtime.
Day nine marks the end of your captivating Elephant Safari in Kenya. After a tranquil bush breakfast, you will be assisted on your return transfer to the local Mara airstrip for your scheduled flight back to Wilson Airport. Thereafter, you will be transferred to Jomo Kenyatta International Airport for your connecting flight home.
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Head office:
7 Bree Street, 6th Floor, Touchstone House, Cape Town, South Africa
+27 (0)21 201 2484
[email protected]
United Kingdom: Sportsman Farm, St Michaels, Tenterden, Kent
Ker & Downey® Africa is compliant with COVID-19 Industry Protocols.
Head office: 7 Bree Street, 6th Floor, Touchstone House, Cape Town, South Africa
+27 (0)21 201 2484
[email protected]
United Kingdom: Sportsman Farm, St Michaels, Tenterden, Kent
Ker & Downey® Africa is compliant with COVID-19 Industry Protocols.