As seen on
Kenya Laikipia, Maasai Mara & Lamu safari adventure
Kenya
From
This trip supports
- Overview
- Itinerary
- Esential info
- Packing list
Grade:
Entry Level
Type:
Wildlife
Duration:
10 Nights
2 - 12
Group size
Leaders
Highlights
- Stay far removed from overcrowded traditional safari spots
- Explore the untouched northern Laikipia region
- Track the Big 5 in the timeless Maasai Mara
- Enjoy the beaches and pristine waters of Lamu's coast
'Safari' is the Swahili word for travel
... and your journey begins here: This 11-day adventure offers a rare opportunity to explore Kenya far from the well-trodden tourist trail—immersing you in stunning landscapes, untamed wildlife, and meaningful connections with local communities. From the vast savannahs of Laikipia and the Maasai Mara to the historic Swahili coast of Lamu, each destination reveals a different face of Kenya—raw, beautiful, and deeply real.
Your journey begins with an overnight stay in Nairobi to recover from international travel before heading into the wild. From there, you fly to the Laikipia Plateau, one of Kenya’s most exciting and under-explored safari regions. At Moon’s Camp in Lolldaiga Conservancy, you’ll enjoy personalized, conservation-driven experiences—encountering rare wildlife, joining walking safaris, and even helping with local ecological projects. Hosted by passionate locals, this is a safari as it was meant to be: intimate, soulful, and deeply connected to place.
(This itinerary includes several internal flights to bring you to these special regions of Kenya - all of these are included in the cost of the adventure.)
Next, you’ll venture into the remote southern reaches of the Maasai Mara, where Enkewa Camp offers world-class wildlife viewing in a secluded setting, far from the crowds. With expert Maasai guides, you'll track the Big Five, enjoy sundowners on the plains, and engage with the local community.
Finally, unwind in the timeless charm of Lamu Island at Peponi Hotel. Here, barefoot luxury meets Swahili culture, where days are spent sailing dhows, exploring winding alleys, or simply relaxing on pristine beaches. This is not just a safari; it’s a journey through the soul of Kenya—where adventure, culture, conservation, and authentic encounters come together to create something truly unforgettable.
Day 1: Arrival in Nairobi – Karibu Kenya!
Transfer
4 star hotel
Your Kenyan adventure begins with a warm welcome at Jomo Kenyatta International Airport, where you will be met and guided through immigration and customs. You’ll then be transferred to the Trademark Hotel in the leafy suburb of Gigiri, Nairobi’s embassy district, approximately 35 to 40 minutes from the airport.
Nairobi is East Africa’s most cosmopolitan city, home to over 4.5 million people and a fascinating blend of urban life and wildlife. Uniquely, Nairobi National Park sits just outside the city, where rhino, lion, cheetah and giraffe roam against a backdrop of high-rise buildings. Other local highlights include the Karen Blixen Museum, the Giraffe Centre, the Daphne Sheldrick Elephant Orphanage and vibrant local craft markets.
Trademark Hotel offers contemporary comfort and is located next to the Village Market, Nairobi’s premier lifestyle complex, which features over 150 shops, 20 restaurants and the weekly Maasai Market on Fridays.
Use this first night to relax, explore at your leisure and prepare for your adventure ahead.
Overnight: Trademark Hotel, Nairobi
Day 2: Journey to Laikipia – Welcome to Moon’s Camp
Flights
Transfer
Breakfast
Lunch
Dinner
Camping
After breakfast, your driver will transfer you to Wilson Airport (approx. 30 minutes), for your scheduled 45-minute flight to Nanyuki*. On arrival, the Moon’s Camp team will greet you and drive you to camp, a scenic 45-minute to one-hour journey.
Located in the private Lolldaiga Conservancy, Moon’s Camp is a small, sustainable tented camp run by passionate owners Ed and Moon. Set against a backdrop of riverine forests, granite ridges and snow-capped Mount Kenya, this is one of Kenya’s best kept secrets.
Your en-suite canvas tent is positioned with privacy and views across a watering hole regularly visited by elephants, zebra, impala and warthogs. Built with an emphasis on sustainability, the camp runs entirely on solar power, uses grey water systems and supports local conservation projects, which you may visit during your stay. On arrival, you will meet the camp team who will help you plan your activities for the coming days.
Overnight: Moon’s Camp, Lolldaiga Conservancy
*Scheduled flight Nairobi Wilson Airport - Nanyuki airstrip included
Day 3: Safari and Conservation in Lolldaiga
Wildlife
Breakfast
Lunch
Dinner
Camping
Today you will explore the Lolldaiga Hills with your guide, either in an open-sided Land Rover or on foot. This region is known for its diverse habitats and rich wildlife, including lion, leopard, elephant, giraffe, oryx, Grevy’s zebra and sometimes wild dogs.
Activities include bush breakfasts, hikes, horse riding (on request), vintage Land Rover self-drives, and conservation experiences such as tree planting or river walks. You can also visit local communities, explore caves with rock art or enjoy an ethno-botany walk with Moon.
Back at camp, children can take part in interactive activities like Safari Bingo or the ‘Become a Moran’ kids’ club, while adults might enjoy a massage in the camp’s peaceful spa tent.
Overnight: Moon’s Camp
Day 4: Explore, Relax and Immerse
Wildlife
Breakfast
Lunch
Dinner
Camping
Today is free for you to choose how active or restful you would like to be. You could take a longer walking safari through the forest, visit a conservation initiative or enjoy a leisurely breakfast in the bush. For those who wish to relax, the camp offers home-cooked meals, books, board games and Starlink wifi.
The camp’s setting in a private conservancy means you will enjoy the wildlife without the crowds. You may see giraffe while sipping your morning tea, or listen to the sounds of the African night from your veranda after dinner.
Overnight: Moon’s Camp
Day 5: Into the Wilds of the Maasai Mara
Flights
Transfer
Breakfast
Lunch
Dinner
Camping
After breakfast, you will return to Nanyuki Airstrip for your scheduled flight to Keekorok in the Maasai Mara*, a journey of approximately 1 hour 15 minutes. You will be met at the airstrip by the team from Enkewa Camp and driven 30 minutes to the camp, located in one of the most remote and wildlife-rich corners of the reserve.
Enkewa Camp is a small, exclusive, eco-conscious property run by a professional Maasai team. With just seven tents, a lounge and a dining area, the camp offers a calm and intimate setting surrounded by savannah and acacia woodland. Tents are fully insect-proof and feature en-suite bathrooms with hot safari showers and flushing toilets.
Once you have settled in, your guide will help plan your safari activities for the next two days.
Overnight: Enkewa Camp, Maasai Mara
*Scheduled flight from Nanyuki airstrip - Masai Mara Keekorok airstrip included
Day 6: Morning and Afternoon Game Drives
Wildlife
Breakfast
Lunch
Dinner
Camping
Today you will head out on morning and afternoon game drives through the Maasai Mara, renowned for its predator population and sweeping landscapes. The Mara is home to lion, leopard, cheetah, hyena, elephant, buffalo, giraffe and more, with excellent opportunities for photography and wildlife viewing year-round.
You might stop for a bush breakfast or return to camp for lunch and rest before another drive in the late afternoon. As the sun sets over the savannah, enjoy a sundowner in a sce
Overnight: Enkewa Camp
Day 7: Discover More of the Mara
Wildlife
Breakfast
Lunch
Dinner
Camping
Today you can explore further afield with a full day safari, or visit a traditional Maasai village introduced by one of the camp staff. You may also wish to visit a local market or take part in community projects supported by the camp.
Balloon safaris can be arranged on request for a breathtaking perspective over the Mara. Enkewa is family friendly, with tailored experiences for children, allowing you to engage more deeply with the land, the culture and the rhythm of safari life.
Overnight: Enkewa Camp
Day 8: Travel to Lamu Island
Boat/Ferry
Flights
Transfer
Breakfast
Lunch
Dinner
Boutique Hotel
This morning you will transfer to Keekorok Airstrip for your flight back to Nairobi Wilson Airport (1 hour)*, followed by a connecting flight to Lamu Island (approximately 1 hour 30 minutes)**. Upon landing, you will be met by a Peponi Hotel representative and transferred by boat across the channel (15 to 20 minutes) to Shela village.
Peponi Hotel is a much-loved family-run retreat with over five decades of history. Your Superior Room features Swahili design, sea views, a private outdoor area and a swing bed for relaxing in the ocean breeze. Set on the beachfront, this charming property is a haven for rest and cultural discovery.
Overnight: Peponi Hotel, Lamu
*Scheduled flight from Keekorok airstrip - Nairobi Wilson Airport included
**Scheduled return flights from Nairobi Wilson Airport to Lamu included
Day 9: Lamu Island
Wildlife
Breakfast
Lunch
Dinner
Boutique Hotel
Lamu Island feels like a step back in time. With no cars on the island, people walk, use donkeys or sail traditional dhows. The Old Town is a UNESCO World Heritage Site filled with winding streets, carved doors and Swahili architecture influenced by centuries of Indian, Omani and Portuguese trade.
Today you can explore the town, relax on the beach, go snorkelling, visit mangroves or enjoy a sunset sail. The calm waters, fresh seafood and warm hospitality make this a perfect end to your journey.
Overnight: Peponi Hotel
Day 10: Beach, Dunes, and Dhows
Boat/Ferry
Wildlife
Breakfast
Lunch
Dinner
Boutique Hotel
Enjoy another day at your own pace. Take a boat to nearby islands, join a local fisherman or visit art galleries and cultural centres. Peponi can arrange activities based on tides and seasons, including dhow picnics and fishing trips.
Back at the hotel, relax in the poolside garden or book a massage to round off your stay in comfort.
Overnight: Peponi Hotel
Day 11: Departure
Boat/Ferry
Transfer
Breakfast
After breakfast, you will be transferred by boat to Lamu Airport for your return flight to Nairobi (approximately 1 hour 30 minutes)*. Your driver will meet you at Wilson Airport and take you to Jomo Kenyatta International Airport for your international departure (transfer time approximately 45 minutes).
We hope this journey leaves you with unforgettable memories of Kenya’s landscapes, people and wildlife.
*Scheduled return flights from Lamu to Nairobi Wilson Airport included
Adventure Optional Extras
Plant an additional 15 trees for your adventure
Carbon Compensation is not the perfect solution, and it is important to first reduce our carbon emissions as much as we can, yet trees remain an excellent natural technology to sequester carbon dioxide from the atmosphere to slow global warming.
For every client and guide who attends a YellowWood Adventure, we donate £30 to our partner charity WeForest to plant 15 trees to (over) compensate for the carbon footprint of the tour.
We also invite our clients to match this with an optional additional £30 for another 15 trees to be planted to help compensate for the carbon footprint of their international flights.
WeForest run many tree planting and tree maintenance projects such as this seedling nursery in the Amhara region of Ethiopia, the Amazon Rainforest in Brazil and many other projects in other countries including Zambia, Malawi, Tanzania & India.
Click Here to find out more about their amazing projects around the world.
Not Included
- Visa, travel & health insurance
- International arrival/departure flights
- Additional meals/drinks/activities not mentioned
Contents
Travel & Arrival
International Flights
Jomo Kenyatta International Airport, East Africa's major flight hub is located 13km / 8mi outside Nairobi and has good connections to Uganda, Rwanda, the Seychelles, Zanzibar and Tanzania.
Arrival in Nairobi from outside of Kenya is generally into Jomo Kenyatta International Airport (JKIA), which is located just 10 miles from Nairobi’s city centre.
Domestic Flights
Nairobi Wilson Airport, about 45 minutes by road from Jomo Kenyatta International, is the hub for most internal flights and a gateway to Kenya’s key safari destinations. Chartered flights offer a direct way to reach remote camps, with 4X4 transfers from airstrips to lodges.
Luggage is limited to one soft-sided checked bag and one carry-on, with a combined weight of 15kg (33 pounds), including camera gear. These limits apply on all scheduled and chartered flights. Bags must be soft, without wheels, and within these maximum dimensions: 25 cm wide, 30 cm high and 62 cm long.
The following flights are included in the cost of the adventure:
- Scheduled flight Nairobi Wilson Airport - Nanyuki airstrip
- Scheduled flights from Nanyuki airstrip - Masai Mara Keekorok airstrip
- Scheduled flights from Keekorok airstrip - Nairobi Wilson Airport
- Scheduled return flights from Nairobi Wilson Airport to Lamu
Transfers
Included in the cost of your adventure is a group transfer to and from the airport.
Group transfers are only available on the official start and end dates of the trip. Arriving or departing on any other days means group transfers will not be included. If you plan to arrive before or after the adventure dates and need assistance with transfers or accommodation, please add these services when booking, or contact us directly to make the arrangements.
Once you have made a booking, you will be prompted to complete a travel information form where you can provide us with your exact flight times and details. This will enable us to organise your private transfers accordingly. Please note that private transfers may be subject to availability.
You are also welcome to book your travel independently, and we will provide clear instructions on how to meet the group at the designated time and location at the start of your trip.
Finding flights
International Flights are not included in the cost of your holiday, and whilst we are happy to help advise you, responsibility for booking the correct flights rests with you. We recommend that you use a comparison tool such as www.momondo.co.uk or www.skyscanner.net when searching for flights.
Foreign Travel Advice
For the latest travel advice from the Foreign & Commonwealth Office including security and local laws, plus passport and visa information, check www.gov.uk/foreign-travel-advice
Accommodation
We’re proud to work with locally owned and thoughtfully run camps and hotels that align with our values of responsible and experiential travel. Our accommodation choices are based on their quality, comfort, location along the route, and the warm, genuine welcome our guests receive. Here is the first-choice accommodation for this journey:
Trademark Hotel, Nairobi
A contemporary and well-appointed hotel in the leafy diplomatic suburb of Gigiri, just 10 minutes from the city centre. Ideal for a restful first night, it offers easy access to Nairobi’s highlights and excellent amenities including a rooftop pool, multiple restaurants and shops within the adjoining Village Market complex.
Moon’s Camp, Lolldaiga Conservancy, Laikipia
A small, characterful and eco-conscious tented camp hosted by the owners. Set in a wildlife-rich private conservancy, the camp offers an authentic and peaceful experience with a focus on sustainability. Each tent overlooks a watering hole and features en-suite bush-style bathrooms. Activities include game drives, walks, and conservation projects.
Enkewa Camp, Maasai Mara
A beautifully located, owner-run camp in a remote part of the Mara. This eco-sustainable camp offers spacious luxury tents, excellent guiding, and a strong community ethos. Here you can enjoy game drives, cultural visits, and bush meals, all in a quieter, less-travelled area of the reserve.
Peponi Hotel, Lamu Island
A beloved boutique hotel with over 50 years of history, located on Shela Beach. Its Swahili charm, ocean views, and warm Korschen family hospitality make it a favourite for guests seeking a peaceful coastal retreat. Rooms are individually designed, and the hotel offers excellent food, a beautiful pool and dhow excursions.
Please note that while we make every effort to stay in these properties, there may be rare occasions where availability means we must use an alternative of a similar standard and location. A final, confirmed list of your accommodation with contact details will be provided a few weeks before departure.
Facilities
Unless you have booked a single room (where they are available) and paid the single room supplement for those nights, you will be sharing a twin room with another client (of the same gender).
Guiding & Your Group
Supporting you on your holiday will be an experienced and knowledgeable local, English speaking, Omani guide. This ensures you access to information on the country and culture of Oman, as well as directly supporting local trade and tourism.
Your Group
Your group will be any number from our minimum group size of 4, up to a maximum of 12 clients. This number works really well with the ratio of guides, and ensures the optimum level of service to you during your adventure.
We get clients booking alone, as couples and in small groups of friends. If you have a group of friends or family who are interested in having their own customised trip, then please let us know and we can cost it for you.
Insurance
Holiday insurance is essential for all Yellow Wood Adventures. Unfortunately, anyone without insurance is not able to take part in the holiday, so please make sure you arrange cover. We recommend arranging your insurance cover when you book so that if you have problems during the run up to your holiday, and need to cancel, you are covered.
YellowWood partners with battleface as a travel insurance provider. Click here for a quote.
battleface insurance is provided in the UK by battleface Insurance Services Limited, a UK insurance intermediary authorised and regulated by the Financial Conduct Authority. Details provided on this webpage are for information only. Terms, conditions, exclusions, and limitations apply. Always read the description of cover contained within your policy to ensure it is suitable for your needs.
Prior to the holiday, we will ask you to send us details of your insurer, policy number, 24 hour emergency assistance contact details and the name, address, and telephone numbers of your NOK or persons to be notified in the event of an emergency.
You must ensure the travel insurance you purchase provides you with suitable cover for the entirety of your trip. Your travel insurance must include cover in the event that you have to cancel for a reason outside your control prior to departure, for any medical expenses you may incur whilst away (including repatriation in the case of medical need) and for the activities which you may participate in during your trip.
Health
Your health and safety are our priority, and it is important to be well prepared before travelling to Kenya. Malaria is present in many parts of the country, particularly in lowland and coastal areas, as well as around lakes and game parks. We recommend speaking to your GP or a travel health specialist well in advance of your trip to discuss the most suitable antimalarial medication for you. Alongside medication, protecting yourself from mosquito bites is key. Wearing long sleeves and trousers in the evenings, using insect repellent with DEET, and sleeping under a mosquito net when provided are all highly effective.
While most travellers enjoy a healthy and incident-free trip, it is wise to be aware of other potential health risks. These may include traveller’s diarrhoea, sunburn and dehydration, so staying hydrated, practising good food hygiene and using high-factor sun protection is essential. For the latest medical advice, including recommended vaccinations and up-to-date health alerts, we suggest reviewing the guidance from the UK government’s official travel health site, TravelHealthPro.
If you have any health conditions or concerns, please let us know.
When packing for your journey, always pack light. The small local flights between parks and camps often have a 15kg weight limit, including hand luggage. We recommend using a light, soft duffle bag as your main bag and a backpack as your hand luggage. Soft-sided bags are essential, and two smaller duffles are better than one large, hard-framed case.
Layers are important, as temperatures can vary throughout the day. Most camps offer a laundry service which helps with packing light, although undergarments are not usually laundered due to cultural reasons. Some camps are unable to accommodate high voltage items such as hairdryers or shavers, so it is best to leave them behind. While many camps provide night torches, a head torch can be very useful, though it is not essential.
Compulsory
- Travel documents (passport and visa, vaccination certificates if required, plane tickets, cash for tipping, credit cards etc.). Please photocopy all travel documents and keep separate from originals.
- Toiletries and sunscreen (soap, shampoo and conditioner are provided in most properties)
- Insect repellent (for the body) and anti-malarial prophylaxis if required
- Sunglasses
- Hat
- Trousers
- Shorts
- Shirts and t-shirts
- Sweater or fleece
- Warm jacket for cold mornings
- Lightweight waterproof jacket
- Trainers or walking shoes & Sandals or flip flops
- Swimwear
- Binoculars
- Camera, battery charger and ideally a spare battery and memory card if possible
- Torch/flashlight
- Refillable water bottle. Important: Please note that plastic water bottles are illegal in the Masai Mara and in most of the other reserves in Kenya.
This trip supports
Need a little help?
All adventures can be tailored as private bespoke trips.
Please contact us for more information:
+44 207 846 0197
Related Adventures
Booking Process
Select dates: Choose the dates for your adventure and consider adding any extra adventures or add-ons to enhance your experience.
Check the box to agree to our Terms & Conditions.
Make Booking: Click on "Make Booking." If you're booking more than 56 days before your adventure, you'll be redirected to secure WorldPay to make your deposit. If it's 56 days or less before your adventure, you'll need to make full payment. Rest assured, your money is held securely by the Travel Trust Association.
Your booking will show as 'pending' in your YellowWood online account.
Confirmation: We'll be in touch as soon as possible to confirm your booking or discuss any availability limitations. Please refrain from booking transport or flights until we've emailed you to confirm your booking. (Note: Receipt of your booking form is not confirmation.)
Making payment: Once your booking is confirmed, we'll change the status of your final invoice from 'Pending Approval' to 'Outstanding,' indicating that it's ready for payment online.
You will receive a reminder email for your final payment 56 days before the departure date.
Feel free to contact us with any questions about your adventure or booking, we're here to help!
Grading
To help you choose the right adventure for you, we have given each itinerary a grading that relates to the level of Walking / Trekking you will experience during the trip. This grading can be found on the Yellow map on the adventure page of the website.
All of our trips involve a level of general activity so are designed for people who are in good health, enjoy the outdoors, and have a taste for adventure and some level of fitness. As will be clear from our destinations, the climate (and altitude) may be different to that which you are used to, so please take this into consideration when choosing the most suitable holiday.
Please read our Adventure Itinerary & Essential Information for more information and don't hesitate to contact us if you would like to chat through whether you have found a suitable adventure for you.
Grade 1-3: Entry Level
You need to be in good physical health to enjoy your active holiday, but you don’t need to be an experienced hiker. These itineraries offer a mix of sightseeing and easier walking for around 2-4hrs a day, with the emphasis on sights and cultural experiences.
Walks will be well marked or on defined pathways, and often around sites of interest. The expected amount of descent/ascent will depend on the landscapes of the destination, but will not exceed 400m/day, and will often be much less. Walks are at low altitude (below 3000m).
You will not be required to carry more than a day sack with water and essentials. Ensure you are aware of the weather conditions likely in the destination you are visiting and have a pair of comfortable and worn in walking shoes/boots.
Grades 4-6: Intermediate
You need to have a good level of fitness and be a regular walker for these adventures, with ideally some trekking experience. You can expect to be walking for 3-6 hours per day, not including rest stops, normally on good trail paths but with some uneven surfaces at times.
You will not be required to carry more than a day sack. You may be walking in more challenging temperatures. You will generally be walking at low altitude (below 3000m) but may walk at altitudes up to 4000m. The amount of ascent could be up to 800m in a day but will frequently be less. You may walk on consecutive days.
Ensure you are aware of the weather conditions likely in the destination you are visiting and have suitable clothing for this adventure.
Grades 7-9: Challenging
You need to have a good level of fitness with previous experience of trekking. Extra training before your trip will ensure that you get the most out of your adventure. Areas will be remote and terrain uneven.
Expect to walk for 5 – 8 hours a day, not including breaks, with some very steep ascents and descents. You will be walking at altitude (over 3000m but not higher than 5000m).
Ensure you are aware of the weather conditions likely in the destination you are visiting and have suitable equipment/clothing for this adventure (see the packing list for your adventure).
Please check individual itineraries for details of what you will need to be carrying with you.
Get in touch
CLICK HERE to schedule a call online with YellowWood Founder Sam McManus.
Or call us directly 24/7 on: