After arriving at Jomo Kenyatta International Airport, transfer to the hotel. Relax and join the Expeditioner group. Overnight in Nairobi.
WHAT we’re doing
Embracing the Allure of Kenya's Untamed Terrain
We’re tracking Kenya’s wildlife - The Big 5 of Cape Buffalo, Lion, Leopard, Elephant, Rhinoceros as well as the Great Migration of the Wildebeest & Zebras. We’re staying in camps in the heart of the Mara, right along the river and with a resident hippo pool. We’re cruising Lake Naivasha for more hippos & a variety of birds. Immersing ourselves in Masai tribe culture and going on a guided walking safari. Doing a sunset sundowner and maybe even a hot air-balloon ride!
This trip is about your inner Expeditioner like the safari travelers of old - stepping into the heart of the wild, experiencing awe of the animal kingdom, learning about an ancient culture. From the pulse-raising thrill of spotting a lion to the serenity of a sunset over the Mara, you’ll find wonder, exhilaration, stillness, deep connection, and maybe even a new perspective on life.
Our Daily Itinerary
Unfold the Journey
- Day 1 - Arrival in Nairobi; dinner and relax
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Day 2 - Flights or road trip into Masai Mara: Afternoon to evening first game drives.
Rewire: Wildlife photography with Nithin Bharadwaj
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Day 3 - Masai Mara game drives + Masai village.
Rewire: Wildlife photography with Nithin Bharadwaj Deep-Dive: local Masai tribe interaction
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Day 4 - Masai Mara game drives
Rewire: Wildlife photography session with Nithin Bharadwaj Afterparty: Sunset sundowner in the Mara Rev it Up: Hot Air balloon ride
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Day 5 - Lake Naivasha: Boat cruise
Recentre: Nature walk with wildlife
- Day 6 - Depart from Nairobi
- Answer the call
Our Daily Adventure
Unfold the Journey
We drive to Masai Mara (6-hour drive). If you want to take a flight you can do so (charges extra). The afternoon-evening is spent in a thrilling game drive, trying to spot Big 5 animals and various others like Zebras, Giraffes, Wildebeest, Impalas, Hyenas, Jackals, Elands; and birds like Rollers, Vultures, Storks, Starlings, Ostriches to name a few. While you drive across a river, you may spot Hippos and Crocodiles enjoying the cool water! Overnight in Masai Mara.
Rewire (Included): Wildlife photography workshop with pro-photographer Nithin Bharadwaj, who will give instruction on getting the best images.
We dive deeper into the Mara with full-day game drives, witnessing its stunning landscapes and incredible wildlife. Later, we visit a Masai Village to learn about the traditions and way of life of this famous tribe. From their vibrant clothing to their rhythmic jumping dance, it’s an immersive cultural experience. Overnight in Masai Mara.
Rewire (Included): We continue the photography workshop with in-house expert Nithin Bharadwaj.
One more day of game drives, hoping to complete sightings of the Big Five. Overnight in Masai Mara.
RewAfterparty (Included): As the day closes, we enjoy a sunset sundowner with the other Expeditioners, toasting the magic of the Mara. A clear evening can mean witnessing the Milky Way! Rev it Up (Optional): Go on a sunrise hot air balloon ride over the savannah, watching the day begin in Mara from a new angle!
We travel to Lake Naivasha, check in and relax in our cozy stay after a hectic Day 4. Later, we go for a tranquil boat ride among hippos and diverse birdlife.. Overnight in Naivasha.
Recentre: We go on a guided nature walk on Crescent Island lets us stroll in peace alongside zebras & giraffes in a rare, predator-free environment.
After breakfast, we return to Nairobi and fly out with unforgettable memories of Kenya’s wild charm and cultural depth.
How you’re experiencing Kenya
The Essence
With our Experts
Nithin Bharadwaj, an avid wildlife photographer, brings years of experience as a Canon pro DV & DSLR specialist and a naturalist at a luxury safari lodge. His expertise ensures that every trip blends raw wilderness with comfort, making the beauty of nature truly accessible.
Nithin and Komal’s deep-rooted love for nature and wildlife has led to them forming Off the Radar. Their journey, shaped by a minimalist, vegan lifestyle and a commitment to conscious living, has been profoundly influenced by their time in the wild. They have 13+ years of experience and 50+ trips conducted, making them experts at not only the photography sessions but on how to have an extraordinary time in Kenya.
Sensory highlights
We see the golden sunrise over the savannah, hear the animal calls & rhythmic chants of the Masai, breathe in the earthy scent of the African bush, feel the glow of a sunset during sundowner, and taste the flavors of Kenya’s vibrant cuisine. This is a land where nature reigns supreme and awakens every one of our senses!
Trip Feel
You’ll feel humbled while witnessing the Great Migration, achievement as you get that smashing picture of a lion chasing prey, exhilaration in a hot air balloon, peace walking alongside wildlife in Naivasha, a strong connection with other Expeditioners as you share stories, and deep respect as you engage with the Masai tribe. Expect to be filled with gratitude at sunset and in sync with nature throughout. This is Kenya - where the untamed can lead to the beautiful unexpected!
New Things to Discover
Through our Deep Dive, Rewire, Rebalance, Afterparty, and Rev It Up experiences (see day-wise plan for details), you’ll experience Kenya beyond the regular safari. From the nature walk to a hot air balloon ride, sundowner and extensive photography workshop, this Expedition is as diverse as the land itself. Expeditioners who embrace every activity may even receive a surprise on their next GE trip!
Who you’ll meet
- Your companions: The Expeditioner family for the trip, soon-to-be lifelong friends! Kenya’s people: Warm, welcoming, and deeply connected to the land Our expert guide: Masters of the wild, storytellers of the land, and keepers of hidden secrets. We have Nithin who will be our in-house expert and photography instructor! A part of yourself that’s new or that you haven’t experienced in a while
Why this trip is for you
Unlock the true you
We design our trips specifically for ‘Great Expeditioners’: active travellers who want to do/see everything on their vacation, and also engage in experiences way beyond just sight-seeing. Expeditioners want to utilise travel time to learn & grow - through activity, culture & exploration, new people and also unwinding.
Those coming on this Expedition welcome the invitation to do something new, understand a completely different culture from their own, learn or upgrade their photo-making skills and embrace all of Kenya’s biodiversity.
Kenya’s rich beauty, with the quiet stillness of the land to the rush of spotting the Big 5 animals, from the deep traditions of the Masai to the chill energy at sunset with the rest of the folks, is unparalleled. Every experience is rooted in the land and connects everything around it.
Our focus is on the community we create along the way too, for which we carefully assemble the travellers for each Expedition. By the end, you will not only have incredible memories or new stories, but also a sense of belonging with fellow Expeditioners-turned-friends.
Stay, meals, transport
We’ve curated stay, meals, and inter-city travel to ensure comfort & convenience along with a dive into the Mara, allowing you to focus on immersing in every experience. The safari camps sit along the river inside the national reserve - right where the wild comes alive.
You’ll stay in camps complete with en-suite bathrooms, so you can experience the thrill of the wilderness without giving up the essentials. Though nestled inside the park, the camps are fully equipped and secure with a close-up view of the animals, offering a balance of adventure & relaxation.
Things to Expect, Fitness & Preparation
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Vaccines
For Kenya, both Yellow Fever and Oral Polio vaccinations are mandatory. The Yellow Fever vaccine is valid for life, while ... Read More
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Photography Instruction
Whether you're a beginner or a pro, this Expedition is designed to elevate your wildlife photography game. If you're just ... Read More
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Cell / internet service
Mobile networks and WiFi are accessible especially in urban areas and popular spots. However, connectivity within the park may be ... Read More
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Weather
Safari weather is all about contrast - early mornings / late evenings are crisp and refreshing, while afternoons bring the ... Read More
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Drinking Water
In keeping with the sustainable mindset, don’t waste water and carry a refill bottle.
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Food
Kenyan cuisine is a flavorful mix of local traditions and hearty meals. We can accommodate vegetarian / Jain / vegan ... Read More
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Physical fitness
A moderate fitness level is recommended to fully enjoy the activities we have. While you don’t need to be a ... Read More
Things to Carry
1. Earth-coloured clothing for game drives
2. Warm layers for evenings & early mornings
3. Skull cap / beanie, sun hat, sunglasses
4. Balaclava is mandatory for coverage
5. Binoculars
6. Power bank for charging
7. Torch
8. Camera/s & gear
9. Comfortable shoes
Inclusions
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● Accommodation in a business hotel at Nairobi on twin sharing
● Accommodation in comfort camps / lodges on twin sharing at Masai Mara
● All meals as per the itinerary from Breakfast on Day 2 to Lunch on Day 6
● Transfers from Nairobi and back by road
● Nithin Bharadwaj’s expert safari guidance + photography instruction
● Game drives (6 am to 6 pm) as per itinerary in 4x4 Land Cruisers
● All specialty activities except those marked “optional”
● Park entrance fees
● Camping fees
● Government taxes
Exclusions
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● GST at 5%
● TCS as applicable
● International flights + Visa fees
● Domestic flight to Masai Mara from Nairobi
● Meals on Day 1 + additional meals not mentioned in the itinerary
● Off-roading charges for game drives (if permitted during trip dates)
● Travel, medical, evacuation & personal accident insurance
● Personal expenses - laundry, alcoholic beverages, minibar, phone fees, mineral water etc.
● Tips to drivers and at camp
● Hot air balloon ride
● Anything not included in Inclusions
Inclusions
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● Accommodation in a business hotel at Nairobi on twin sharing
● Accommodation in comfort camps / lodges on twin sharing at Masai Mara
● All meals as per the itinerary from Breakfast on Day 2 to Lunch on Day 6
● Transfers from Nairobi and back by road
● Nithin Bharadwaj’s expert safari guidance + photography instruction
● Game drives (6 am to 6 pm) as per itinerary in 4x4 Land Cruisers
● All specialty activities except those marked “optional”
● Park entrance fees
● Camping fees
● Government taxes
Exclusions
-
● GST at 5%
● TCS as applicable
● International flights + Visa fees
● Domestic flight to Masai Mara from Nairobi
● Meals on Day 1 + additional meals not mentioned in the itinerary
● Off-roading charges for game drives (if permitted during trip dates)
● Travel, medical, evacuation & personal accident insurance
● Personal expenses - laundry, alcoholic beverages, minibar, phone fees, mineral water etc.
● Tips to drivers and at camp
● Hot air balloon ride
● Anything not included in Inclusions
F.A.Q’s
Demystifying Your Journey
You need to apply for a visa to enter Kenya. Great Expeditions does not offer visa processing - you can choose to do it on your own OR we can facilitate this service through our sister concern, BIT. Please reach out to us if you require this service.
Great Expeditions does not offer any flight bookings. You can choose to do it on your own OR we can facilitate this service through our sister concern, BIT. Please reach out to us if you require this service. If you’re booking on your own, please plan to arrive in Nairobi on Day 1 by midday!
Please make your own forex plans - Great Expeditions does not assist with this.
Great Expeditions does not offer Travel / Medical Insurance. You can choose to do it on your own OR we can facilitate this service through our sister concern, BIT. Please reach out to us if you require this service.
Here is a list of vaccination centres recognised by the Government of India - https://ihpoe.mohfw.gov.in/vaccination_centres.php
You can pay via any - NEFT, UPI, or Credit card (with 2% bank charges). Reach out to us for details.
You need 2-3 camera bodies to switch between perspectives quickly, plus a wide-angle, a standard zoom, and a super telephoto lens to capture everything from sweeping landscapes to close-up wildlife action. A bean bag for stability during the drives is a game-changer.
Game drives or safaris are entirely safe as long as you adhere to the guidelines and take proper precautions. You’ll be accompanied by experienced guides in this Expedition and it’s essential you follow their instructions. Always stay inside the vehicle unless permitted to exit, keep a safe distance from animals to avoid provoking them, don’t make loud noises. By following these rules, you will ensure a safe and exciting Kenya adventure!
Yes, children are allowed. Please reach out to us for more information if you’re bringing kids for this experience.
Policies and Disclaimers
Transparency Matters
Booking Policy:
For booking your seat on the Expedition, we need -
○ Valid passport copies with at least 6 months from date of travel
○ PAN Card copy of every traveler
Payment:
- Non-refundable deposit for confirmation: 25% of trip cost
- 150 days before the date of travel: 50% of trip cost
- 120 days before the date of travel: 75% of trip cost
- 90 days before the date of travel: 100% of trip cost
Cancellation Policy:
● Cancellation fee of 25% of trip cost - 121 days before departure
● Cancellation fee of 50% of trip cost - between 91 - 120 days before departure
● Cancellation fee of 100% of trip cost - 90 days before departure
