BIG SKIES AND BIG CATS
KENYA
JANUARY 24 - February 6, 2025
By Invitation Only
January 24th, 2025: Nairobi Arrival: Transfer to The Emakoko.
Overnight at The Emakoko
January 25, 2025: Sheldrick Elephant Orphanage and game drive in Nariobi National Park:
Our tour starts with a game drive in Nairobi National Park. We will look for the big cats as well as rhinos and other game. From there we will go to the Sheldrick Elephant Orphanage for our private visit with the baby elephants. Daphne Sheldrick is a world–class conservation figure and the premier authority on the successful raising of milk–dependent infant elephant and rhino orphans. During this time the baby elephants are brought out to play and to feed, and we can watch and interact with them. Wardens are on hand to explain the work of the orphanage and to answer any questions.
Overnight at The Emakoko (BLD)
January 26th, 2025: Fly to Ol Malo.
This morning we will transfer to Wilson airport for our flight to Loisaba. There we will be picked up and transfered to Ol Mala. This afternoon we can take a game drive or enjoy one of the many other available activities.
Overnight Ol Malo Lodge (BLD)
January 27th, 2025: Helicopter to Lake Turkana.
This morning we will take to the skies for a flight up to Lake Turkana. The views and landscape are like nowhere elsein the world.
January 28th, 2025: Your choice of activities.
Today you have the option of game drive or any of the other available activities or simply relax by the pool and enjoy a massage.
Overnight Ol Malo (BLD)
January 29th, 2025: Fly to Ripoi Conservancy bordering the Masai Mara National Reserve.
This morning we will fly from Loisaba Airstrip to Siana Springs Airstrip in the Ripoi Conservancy. We will be met by our hosts for the next eight nights, Jackson Looseyia, who will see to our needs throughout our stay at Mara Siana as well as Tangulia. Here we will concentrate on the big cats and smaller animals of the Mara ecosystem.
Overnight Mara Siana Camp (BLD)
January 30th, 31st, February 1st, 2025: Masai Mara.
The Masai Mara National Reserve was named for the Maasai people who inhabit the area, and for the Mara River, which flows through this great reserve. It shares a border with Tanzania’s Serengeti National Park and is essentially a continuation of this park, forming the Serengeti-Mara ecosystem. The Masai Mara is home to an excellent year-round concentration of game and is renowned for its annual visit by the two million animals that make up the Great Migration. Covering an impressive 1 115 km² (430 square miles), the Masai Mara is a land of breathtaking vistas, abundant wildlife and endless plains. The Masai Mara was made famous by the book Out of Africa by Karen Blixen, which was later made into a movie starring Robert Redford and Meryl Streep.Immortalized through famous tales of olden day safaris, the Masai Mara National Reserve is one of the richest and most diverse wildlife areas in the world. Known as the ‘spotted land’ to the Maasai, the reserve is home to a vast number of resident wildlife, as well as part of the annual phenomenon of the Great Migration. The migratory wildebeest, zebra, kongoni and topi join abundant elephant, hippo, buffalo, giraffe, lion and cheetah in the Mara. Leopard and serval are frequently encountered, while endangered black rhino can be found in the dense bush thickets. The Mara River is also famed for its enormous crocodiles, which lay in wait for the wildebeest and zebra during the excitement and drama of the migration. Six species of primates and over 450 birds add to the Mara’s incredible natural diversity. The newly formed Ripoi conservancy is home to year round game that doesn't migrate, as well as a large cheetah population and wild dogs.
Overnight at Mara Siana Camp (BLD)
February 2nd, 2025: Transfer to Masai Mara National Reserve Conservancy.
This morning we will have a game drive transfer from Mara Siana to Tangulia Mara Camp in the Masai Mara National Reserve, here we will concentrate our efforts on the big cats and the river animals such as crocodiles.
Overnight at Tangulia Mara Camp (BLD)
February 3rd, 4th, and 5th 2025: Masai Mara.
After the rains when the first flush of grass turns the Masai Mara’s golden savannah green, the most mesmerizing wildlife spectacle anywhere takes place here: The Great Wildebeest Migration.Between the months of July and October one and a half million wildebeest, accompanied by vast numbers of zebra and gazelles make the long and dangerous trek from drier lands in Tanzania, northwards to this corner of Kenya.Lines of animals stretch as far as the eye can see across the plains. They come to give birth to their young and the grasslands echo with the sounds of the new-born.It is a time of plenty. But it is a time too when the predators are drawn from all around. High above on the hot winds the carrion birds, the vultures and eagles, soar. In the long grasses lion, cheetah, leopard and hyena prowl.Most dramatic of all is the moment when the migration arrives at the Mara River. They must cross it to reach the rich grazing. As the animals throng, crocodiles cruise the waters. Then the bravest takes the plunge into the swirling currents and thousands follow.
Overnight at Tangulia Mara Camp (BLD)
February 6th, 2025: Fly to Nairobi. Transfer to hotel for dayroom use.
Day rooms Four Points by Sheraton Nairobi Airport (B)
Cost per Person Sharing:
Kenya Safari $27,000 US Dollars.
Terms and conditions: All payments should be considered non-refundable, but will be considered on a case by case basis, based on cancellation terms from suppliers. Medical evacuation insurance is mandatory.
This includes:
1. Accommodation at Emakoko, Ol Malo, Tangulia Mara Camp, and Mara Siana as stated above.
2. Dayroom use on the last day at Four Points by Sheraton Nairobi Airport
3. Park and conservancy Entrance fees as per the itinerary.
4. Meals: All Meals included until lunch on February 6th.
5. All airport and airstrip transfer in Nairobi, Loisaba, and Masai Mara Game Reserve.
6. Transfer from Tangulia Mara Camp to MaraSiana Camp.
7. Bottled water in Nairobi and also on Safari
8. Flying Doctor Services
9. Internal domestic flight (Nairobi – Loisaba - Masai Mara – Nairobi on the dates indicated)
10. Nairobi Tour (Private visit to Daphne Sheldrick/ Nairobi National Park)
11. Helecopter trip to Lake Turkana
Not Included:
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Roundtrip international airfare From the USA to Africa
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ETA for Kenya
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Tips to guides and drivers
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Cancellation and medical evacuation insurance
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Phone calls
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Sodas and Alcohol except where explicitly stated
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Laundry
Deposit of $6000 per person due to hold your space for safari. Final payment due October 10, 2024
About The Emakoko:
The Emakoko is a boutique lodge uniquely positioned on the edge of the Nairobi National Park. It is located a short 45 minute drive from either of Nairobi’s airports. The drive through the park itself, with its beautiful scenery and abundance of plains game is a superb way to start any East African safari. What better way to start a holiday by supporting the conservation of this unique area and in particular, by supporting the endangered Black Rhino which are prolific in this park.
The Nairobi National Park, despite its proximity to the capital city of Kenya, boasts a spectacular assortment of birds and wildlife, with over 400 species of bird recorded in one day. With an excellent possibility of spotting four of the Big Five, many Nairobi residents find the lodge a perfect antidote to the hustle and bustle of city life. By staying at The Emakoko you are directly contributing to the protection and conservation of Nairobi National Park and its wildlife.
About Ol Malo:
We are so much more than a safari lodge. At Ol Malo, we specialize in achieving your wildest dreams. Whether this is your first taste of Kenya or your dozenth journey back, we tailor-make each experience so no two trips are alike. We offer you the reins to live out your own adventure, and will leave flexibility in your itinerary to flow with the rhythm of the day.
Life at Ol Malo is about experiences. There are no pre-timed game drives or regimented schedules here. We have helicopters, safari cars, mountain bikes, horses, and camels just waiting to take you on an adventure. All activities are tailored to pursue your every whim; whether that be riding alongside zebra and giraffe on horseback, dancing in the dust with Samburu warriors, camping out on the open plains, exploring the Suguta Valley in a doors-off helicopter, or flying alongside flamingos in Lake Logipi.
Perched on the cliffs of the Laikipia Plateau and overlooking a panoramic skyline of untouched valley, Ol Malo is Northern Kenya’s original luxury bush home. The rooms are safari-inspired and made with wood and natural materials from the land, with added Samburu beading flare. The high-ceilings are constructed with woven thatch and natural stone walls.
Ol Malo is an ideal basecamp for wild exploration. Whether you are sipping tea by the living room fireplace, toasting over the cedar dining room table, taking a dip in the salt water infinity pool, doing yoga on the outdoor lawn, or stargazing on the rooftop deck up a winding staircase, the shared living spaces will make you feel right at home.
About Tangulia Mara Camp:
Tangulia Mara camp is a rustic and cozy tented bush camp perched on a leafy hill overlooking the Olotulo-Murt salt lick, by the Mara River. It is located on private land and has an emphasis on authentic safari and African experiences. Tangulia is a Swahili word meaning “to lead.” Our camp’s mission is to be the leaders in African Safari by allowing our guests a comfortable private stay with an array of unique safari experiences that will remain in your heart for a lifetime.
We have a total of 8 luxurious tents which includes one family tent. We accommodate up to eighteen guests at full capacity. The camp is set to remain quaint to give our guests the ultimate intimate experience.We have handmade king size beds in our tents and an additional single bed in some of our tents. The salt lick is a favorite spot for a lot of the wildlife in the area and this is the reason why we take advantage of this view. The Mara river view is seen from the front porch of most of our tents.
The leafy bushes surround the rest of our tents and leave each one feeling cool, private and intimate. Winding paths lead to each tent,and with our camp being unfenced, wildlife is welcome to roam freely around camp. Our camp askaris escort guests back to their rooms at night.
Running taps and hot showers are available throughout. Our baths and toilet areas are ensuite. Note that the water on the taps is ideal for washing up not for drinking. We provide clean drinking water in beaded glass bottles in each bedside table and bathroom vanity.
Our homey tents are cleaned every day with our dedicated team of staff and replenished with our eco-friendly handmade supplies. We source our incredible products locally and give our guests the best of hypoallergenic and gorgeously scented soaps and shampoos throughout their stay.
Solar lighting and a Wi-Fi hotspot complete the amenities.
Our chef takes great pride in his culinary expertise, learned over many years of catering to an international clientele.
We chose the name Tangulia – meaning “to lead” as our Vision Statement.
About Mara Siana:
Mara Siana Camp is a small tented camp currently under construction. Located in the newly formed Ripoi Conservancy, Mara Siana focuses on harmony between the wildlife and the neighboring community. Boasting resident wildebeest and a large cheetah population as well as wild dogs, the Ripoi Conservancy has an abundance of wildlife at your doorstep. There is also a waterhole just in front of camp for fantastic wildlife viewing at all times.
Comprising only eight tents, Mara Siana can cater to all needs and dietary requirements. Using 100% solar power in the tents, you will have 24 hour electricity for hot running water and charging. Our staff will cater to all of your needs and special requirements.
Being 50% Maasai and 50% female owned gives Mara Siana a unique ability to combine local culture with westrn standards.
About Jackson Looseyia:
Jackson was born in 1967 in the heart of the Masai Mara. He grew up surrounded by wildlife and from an early age found it a source of inspiration. Tracking wild animals is in his blood – he comes from a long line of master hunters and trackers.
Jackson's father was a particularly famous hunter who clashed with the park authorities and ended up being imprisoned for eight years. On his release he became the archetypal poacher turned game-keeper and was appointed head ranger in the Southern Mara.
It was at this time that Jackson was trained in the ways of the wild – his father took him into the heart of the bush for six months solid training. During this time he was shown how to track dangerous animals such as lion and buffalo. The trip had dramatic consequences as during the adventure, Jackson's father was attacked by a buffalo and had his right hand broken. Responsibility for the family was handed to Jackson.
As a young man, Jackson quickly rose to become one of the first Masai guides in the Mara and is now a partner in Tangulia Mara Camp.
Jackson has an intimate knowledge of all the wildlife in the Mara from the smallest insect to the largest predators, but the big cats are his particular favorites. especially the elusive leopard which Jackson describes as "an animal work of art". He has been ranked as one of the top 15 Legendary Guides in Africa by Conde Nast Traveler.
Jackson is probably most well known as a presenter on BBC's Big Cat Live and Big Cat Tales.