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This Safari

Anthony & I have had the fortune to be able to tour Kenya since COVID-19 hit the world. As countries shut down we were locked into Kenya, a country which we know well, and found ourselves with nothing left to do but explore!
 
We have always been proud of being Kenyan, but also extremely proud of what Kenya has to offer not only from a wildlife point of view, but also from a people and topography standpoint. It truly is a magical country and I find the experience of a safari in Kenya will change you forever.
 
This trip we have put together as a simple trip, which gives you a taster of what Kenya has to offer but also takes you to the homes of some our most favourite people.
 
I would certainly recommend this to people of all ages, who want to experience something special, but also who want to give back!
 
Anthony & Emma

Day 1 - 3

Nairobi National Park

Welcome to Nairobi National Park, an island of incredible flora and fauna surrounded by a sea of humanity. Nowhere in the world is there a National Park of this magnitude, home to some of the most endangered species on the planet, next to a capital city. Where on earth can you land on an international flight and be amongst four of the big five in less than half an hour of clearing customs.

Nairobi is the gateway to the safari world, and what better place to arrive than in this incredible city and enjoy a wilderness that has been set aside by Mzee Jomo Kenyatta way back in 1946. This is Kenya’s first national park, and one of the first protected areas set aside for wildlife in the world.

The park is teaming with game and incredible birds, having boasted one of the highest world bird counts of a capital city in one day. There are over 400 species of birds in the park along with 80 species of mammal, over 40 different reptiles and amphibians and well over 500 tree and plant species. It is an extraordinary space!

The park is not only famous for its age, but also, and most importantly the hugely successful Black Rhino population with well over 80 Black Rhino and more than 10 White Rhino. The park is just under 120 Square Kilometres which makes it one of the largest Black Rhino populations in the world per square kilometre. The park Rhinos have been relocated to different areas in the country and the Black Rhino program is one of the most successful in Africa.

From other members of the Big 5, the park has over 30 adult resident Lions that roam the plains, and 10 resident Leopard which are being seen more frequently. Recently a female Cheetah with her three cubs have moved into the park and are seen on regular occasions in The Emakoko area.

Any visitors to Kenya and in fact East Africa MUST visit Nairobi National Park to not only support the incredible conservation work in the park, but also to enjoy the amazing views!

Day 1 - 3

The Emakoko

The Emakoko allows people to start and finish their safari in the wildlife environment they have traveled so far to enjoy. Within 15 minutes of clearing customs you can be viewing game in Nairobi National Park. The only “transfer” delays likely to be encountered en route to or from The Emakoko are the natural pauses to watch a pride of lions or waiting for a rhino or journey of giraffe to cross the road.

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.

Take a private game drive into one of the most unique game parks in the world, Nairobi National Park or visit the communities that border it. Otherwise an excursion into Nairobi to visit the David Sheldrick wildlife trust, the giraffe centre, or the local shops is also possible.

Day 3 - 6

Namunyak Wildlife Conservancy

In the northern frontier of Kenya lies the Namunyak Wildlife Conservancy, an area of 850,000 acres of pristine wilderness in the Mathews Range. The savannah plains of the conservancy are home to elephant, leopard, reticulated giraffe, wild dog and kudu in ever increasing numbers. This remote and dramatic landscape is also home to the local Samburu people whose age-old traditions, including the famous “singing wells,” are as much a part of the fabric of this land as the wildlife.

The conservancy is itself community-owned and is one of the best examples of indigenous communities building sustainability for people and wildlife through truly unique and experiential safari experiences. Camel supported safaris are very popular as are walking safaris and visits to the amazing community run Reteti elephant sanctuary. To the eastern side of the conservancy is the new Sera conservancy and rhino project and really one of the last frontiers of conservation before heading towards Lake Turkana and the Northern frontier.

Day 3 - 6

Sahara Camp

In the northern frontier of Kenya, lies the Namunyak Wildlife Conservancy, an area of 850,000 acres of pristine wilderness in the Mathews Range. The savannah plains and lush mountain slopes are home to elephant, leopard, reticulated giraffe, wild dog and kudu in ever increasing numbers. This remote and dramatic landscape is also home to the local Samburu people whose age-old traditions, including the famous ‘singing wells’ are as much a part of the fabric of this land as the wildlife.

Sarara is a conservation brand that partners with indigenous communities to build sustainability for people and wildlife through truly unique and experiential safari experiences. Part of the community-owned Namunyak Wildlife Conservancy in the heart of the Mathews Range, and in partnership with the Northern Rangelands Trust, Sarara has fast become a flagship model for community conservation across Africa.

Day 6 - 9

Laikipia

Area Overview

The Laikipia plateau is fast becoming a region to rival the Maasai Mara. Rolling savannahs interspersed with riverine woodlands and granite inselbergs dot the landscape, with multiple rivers and streams eventually running off into the Ewaso Nyiro, northern Kenya’s largest river. Home to all the Big Five, this idyllic region affords a huge variety of experiences and activities without the larger numbers of visitors that are sometimes found in national parks. Guests have the possibility of seeing northern species of giraffe, ostrich, and zebra amongst others. Horseback, camel, and walking safaris are very popular.

Laikipia encompasses an area the size of Wales, and is located east of the Great Rift Valley and north of the snow-capped peaks of Mt Kenya, on the edge of Kenya’s fabled Northern Frontier District. A patchwork of huge ranches, many of which are still working cattle ranches, have assumed the role of custodians of Kenya’s free roaming wildlife and are now geared towards adventurous and often luxurious safari tourism. Groundbreaking conservation projects work in tandem with the local ecotourism industry, generating sustainable income for the local Samburu and Laikipiak and Mokogodo Maasai communities, amongst many others.

Day 6 - 9

Ol Malo House

Property Overview

Situated on the northern edge of the Laikipia plateau, Ol Malo House is nestled into a rugged escarpment looking out across the time-honored lands of Kenya’s Northern Frontier District.

These miles of dense thorn bush are favoured by the shy, elusive antelope from which the house takes its name, “the place of the Greater Kudu.” This is an ancient land inhabited by wildlife and peoples of a time long ago, undisturbed and living by the rhythm of nature.

Experience & Activities

The are many activities on offer here including endless wild walks, camel and horse rides, mountain biking, picnics by the river, game drives, lots of interaction with the local Samburu tribe or just relaxing and watching the sun go down at the end of the day.

Day 9 - 13

Maasai Mara

Area Overview

The Mara conservancies are Maasai owned group ranches that have combined to conserve a total area nearly the size of the Maasai Mara National Reserve itself, covering 1450 km2 (560 mi2) across fifteen conservancies. The wildlife in the conservancies can be comparable to the main Maasai Mara game reserve, and in fact some areas have higher densities of predators than in the central reserve. Because there are fewer camps, the conservancies can offer a more exclusive experience than in the central reserve, with generally fewer game viewing vehicles around sightings.

There are opportunities in some conservancies to do night drives, walking safaris, as well as visits to some of the villages of the local Maasai who own the land.

The conservancy approach is widely seen as the way forward for wildlife conservation and eco-tourism in Kenya, because it not only secures vital space for wildlife but includes the local population as custodians of their national heritage. This has been vital not only for conservation of the whole greater Mara but also wildlife corridors and the prosperity of many hundreds of Maasai families. Nearly forty tourist camps contribute to employment amongst the communities and provide a presence, alongside Maasai anti poaching units, for the protection of the wildlife.

Day 9 - 13

Tangulia Mara

Property Overview

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 the Swahili word meaning “to lead.”

Tangulia Mara camp is located on the Mara River on the edge of the Mara Reserve, north of Musiara marsh. The area is rich in biodiversity and offers prime wildlife and big cat viewing, and, during the migration, ready access to some of the main river crossing points.

Experience & Activities

Activities include shared game drives in the Mara
Reserve and the Mara Triangle, bush breakfasts and lunches, guided walks on the escarpment, Maasai village visits.

Beautiful Kenya

This trip we have put together as a simple trip, which gives you a taster of what Kenya has to offer but also takes you to the homes of some of our most favourite people.

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Private Houses

“If there were one more thing I could do, it would be to go on safari again.”, Karen Blixen

“We decided on a short break Safari and although hoping for Masai Mara for travel reasons decided to come to Nairobi National Park. Emakoko was mentioned to us and looked lovely online. We were not disappointed at all. What a wonderful team there and we had a fantastic stay. From wonderful wildlife and game drives including sunset drinks in the park to a very comfortable room with great views from the veranda. The food was to die for and we probably put on a few lbs eating! To Emma, Anthony, our game driver Joe and the whole team who were wonderful – Thanks!”

“Amazing hosts, Emma and Anton, make you feel like family. Jackson was an amazing guide, the entire staff is awesome. Food is fresh and creatively prepared, and Patrick is a great bartender. Take a walk on the grounds to see the resident giraffe, garden and chickens. The park is amazing and a great way to start or end your safari adventure. We saw lions, giraffes, zebras, cheetahs and more!”

“Having spent 15 years visiting Kenya and many safari camps, emakoko is without a shadow of a doubt our all time favourite. We can’t recommend the camp enough. The food is exquisite, the highly trained chefs produce the most amazing dishes every meal, and the attention to detail in the sumptuous and relaxing camp is superb. Only 45 minutes from both Jomo Kenyatta and Wilson airport, we have had the pleasure of staying at both the beginning and the end of our trips to Kenya, and both options are so convenient, we wouldn’t chose any other way to spend our pre/post trips to Kenya. Fully recommended for families too.”

“What an amazing lodge. The staff, the location, the accommodations, the food and experiences were all incredible. A lot of people skip Nairobi National Park when they go on a Kenyan safari which in my opinion is a mistake. It may be a small National Park however it is impressive. It is a great way to start or end your Kenyan safari given its proximity to Nairobi and how exceptional The Emakoko is. Thank you, Jackson for your great guiding, lots of laughs and for taking such good care of us from beginning to end you ensured that we had an amazing experience. Thank you, Anthony/Emma and the rest of the staff for running such a warm and welcoming home away from home. You set the bar very high for the rest of our trip. The views from the cliff rooms are incredible and the outdoor lift to get to the rooms is an experience all on its own. We left wanting for nothing except wishing that we had stayed longer than 2 nights. We hope to come back.”

“Close to the airport and neat way to start off a Safari trip to Kenya. We experience exceptional service, the rooms were large and accommodating, and the safari trips were surprisingly good for being right in Nairobi. We saw lions, rhinos fighting, and enjoyed happy hour at sunset. Elizaben was an exceptional guide and Phanis was the sweetest and most welcoming member of the staff (waking us up each morning with coffee/hot chocolate and cookies).”

“I have been in Nairobi a few times before and opted to stay in Nairobi National Park on this visit. Emakoko is a stunning lodge and provides a marvelous experience for exploring this wonderful park. I had the best rhino experiences on my month long trip to Kenya. They were truly extraordinary. Many other animals and birds are also present. Jackson was a superb guide and we appreciated his knowledge and lovely manner. the entire staff is wonderful as is the owner. the food is excellent. Thank you for a wonderful stay.”

“What an incredible spot this place is – a must for a pit stop when you are on safari in Kenya, or just need an escape from Nairobi. The food was out of this world, a real culinary experience and the staff are just first class. This stunning lodge, so beautifully furnished, is a complete breath of fresh air. Being nestled along the banks of a lovely river gives all rooms a lovely view across into Nairobi National park. Game drives in the park were filled with highlights of hunting jackals, sparring giraffes, more rhinos than we could count & a tree climbing lion. All of this just a stone’s throw from the hustle and bustle of Nairobi. It was such a treat our only regret was that we did not stay longer – next time we will for sure!”

“We decided on a short break Safari and although hoping for Masai Mara for travel reasons decided to come to Nairobi National Park. Emakoko was mentioned to us and looked lovely online. We were not disappointed at all. What a wonderful team there and we had a fantastic stay. From wonderful wildlife and game drives including sunset drinks in the park to a very comfortable room with great views from the veranda. The food was to die for and we probably put on a few lbs eating! To Emma, Anthony, our game driver Joe and the whole team who were wonderful – Thanks!”

“Amazing hosts, Emma and Anton, make you feel like family. Jackson was an amazing guide, the entire staff is awesome. Food is fresh and creatively prepared, and Patrick is a great bartender. Take a walk on the grounds to see the resident giraffe, garden and chickens. The park is amazing and a great way to start or end your safari adventure. We saw lions, giraffes, zebras, cheetahs and more!”