12-Day Kenya & Tanzania Grand Safari
$13,800 / personPrivate · lowest rate, US$, subject to availability
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Kenya
11-Day Chyulu Hills, Laikipia & Maasai Mara Safari
Three of Kenya's most exclusive private landscapes: the volcanic Chyulu Hills, the Laikipia plateau, and a private concession beside the Maasai Mara.
Duration11 days10 nights
From$12,500per person sharing, US$. Estimate, subject to availability
Trip overview
A private circuit through some of the most exclusive ground in Kenya, three nights on a Maasai owned ranch in the Chyulu Hills with Kilimanjaro on the horizon, three nights on the Laikipia plateau, and three nights on a private concession bordering the Maasai Mara, with an optional hot air balloon flight over the reserve.
CountryKenyaKenya
Duration11 days10 nights
ArrangementPrivateyour own vehicle and guide
Starts & endsNairobi
Best timeJun – Oct
From$12,500Per person sharing, in US dollars. An indicative starting price: your exact rate is quoted for your dates and party size, subject to availability. All prices shown are estimates. Your final price is confirmed in your written quote.
Map route
The route, stop by stop
1
Nairobi
Day 1 · Arrive
2
Chyulu Hills
Days 2 to 5 · 3 nights
3
Laikipia
Days 5 to 8 · 3 nights
4
Maasai Mara
Days 8 to 11 · 3 nights
5
Nairobi
Day 11 · Ends here
What you are likely to see
Elephant
Lion
Grevy's zebra
Wild dog
Leopard
Cheetah
Solid tone means often seen on this route. Outline means possible, and worth the patience. Sightings vary with season and luck, and nothing wild is guaranteed.
Best months to travel
J
F
M
A
M
J
J
A
S
O
N
D
Best
Quieter
Green season
Day by day
11 days, in order
Each day lists the route, the meals included and the lodge for that night. Ask us for the expected driving time on any day.
01
Nairobi
Arrival in Nairobi
The flight into Nairobi is met by a private transfer, which continues to a quiet boutique property set among indigenous trees, where birdsong replaces the noise of the city.
The rest of the evening is free, a chance to recover from the journey before the flight south to the Chyulu Hills in the morning.
Private arrival transferEvening at leisure
Accommodation
One night
6 photos
House of Waine
Karen/Langata, Nairobi, at the foot of the Ngong Hills Hotel · 6 photos
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House of Waine is an elegant boutique hotel in the leafy Karen and Langata suburbs of Nairobi, at the foot of the Ngong Hills, set in around two and a half acres of tranquil gardens. It makes a gracious base before or after a safari, around fifteen minutes from Wilson Airport for light aircraft flights […]
One night in Nairobi, at a property such as House of Waine. The exact hotel is confirmed with the final itinerary.
02
Nairobi to Chyulu Hills
Nairobi to Chyulu Hills
A light aircraft from Nairobi heads south east to the Chyulu Hills, landing on a ranch owned by the Maasai community. The setting is spectacular: green volcanic hills rolling away on one side, the plains of Tsavo stretching below, and Kilimanjaro rising on the horizon.
Lunch is taken on arrival, and a first game drive follows in the afternoon, across a landscape of open grassland, old lava flows and scattered acacia, where elephant, giraffe and zebra are all at home.
Scheduled flightAfternoon game drive
Accommodation
Night 1 of 3
4 photos
ol Donyo Lodge
Chyulu Hills, Mbirikani Group Ranch, between Amboseli and Tsavo Lodge · 4 photos
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ol Donyo Lodge is a Great Plains Conservation lodge on the slopes of the Chyulu Hills in southern Kenya, set on the Maasai owned Mbirikani Ranch between Amboseli and Tsavo. The hillside position gives wide views over the plains towards Mount Kilimanjaro. There are just eight suites plus a two bedroom family suite, each with […]
Night 1 of 3 in the Chyulu Hills, at a property such as ol Donyo Lodge. The exact lodge is confirmed with the final itinerary.
03
Chyulu Hills
Full Day in the Chyulu Hills
Hemingway called these the green hills of Africa, and the first of two full days crosses the ranch's volcanic landscape of hill, plain and old lava, with drives in the morning and afternoon.
The wildlife moves freely between the ranch, Amboseli and Tsavo, so large elephant bulls, lion and cheetah can all appear, often with nobody else in sight. The land is shared with Maasai herders, and their relationship with the wildlife is a big part of what makes this place special.
Morning and afternoon drives
Accommodation
Night 2 of 3
4 photos
ol Donyo Lodge
Chyulu Hills, Mbirikani Group Ranch, between Amboseli and Tsavo Lodge · 4 photos
View lodge & photosClose
ol Donyo Lodge is a Great Plains Conservation lodge on the slopes of the Chyulu Hills in southern Kenya, set on the Maasai owned Mbirikani Ranch between Amboseli and Tsavo. The hillside position gives wide views over the plains towards Mount Kilimanjaro. There are just eight suites plus a two bedroom family suite, each with […]
A second night at the same property in the Chyulu Hills.
04
Chyulu Hills
Second Full Day in the Chyulu Hills
The second full day explores more of the ranch and its wildlife, with drives timed for the best light. The views are the thing: Kilimanjaro at dawn, clear of cloud and tinged with pink, and the long lines of the Chyulu Hills catching the golden evening light.
The evening is the last in the hills, and a fine one to spend watching the sun go down over the plains.
Morning and afternoon drives
Accommodation
Night 3 of 3
4 photos
ol Donyo Lodge
Chyulu Hills, Mbirikani Group Ranch, between Amboseli and Tsavo Lodge · 4 photos
View lodge & photosClose
ol Donyo Lodge is a Great Plains Conservation lodge on the slopes of the Chyulu Hills in southern Kenya, set on the Maasai owned Mbirikani Ranch between Amboseli and Tsavo. The hillside position gives wide views over the plains towards Mount Kilimanjaro. There are just eight suites plus a two bedroom family suite, each with […]
A third night at the same property in the Chyulu Hills.
05
Chyulu Hills to Laikipia
Chyulu Hills to Laikipia
The flight connects through Wilson Airport and continues north to Laikipia, where the land rises to a high plateau with views toward Mount Kenya. The private conservancies here offer far more than the game drive alone.
Camel safaris, a bush spa, and the chance to sleep out on a star bed, beneath a sky crowded with stars far from any town, are all part of life on the plateau.
Scheduled flight via NairobiCamel safaris and star beds
Accommodation
Night 1 of 3
3 photos
Loisaba Lodge
On the Laikipia plateau Lodge · 3 photos
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Night 1 of 3 on the Laikipia plateau, at a property such as Loisaba Lodge. The exact lodge is confirmed with the final itinerary.
06
Laikipia
Full Day in Laikipia
The first of two full days on the Laikipia plateau, with morning and afternoon drives and the wider range of activities a private conservancy allows. Walking with a guide, riding a camel through the bush and meeting the local communities all make the day about far more than the view from a vehicle.
Laikipia holds some of Kenya's rarer species, including African wild dog, Grevy's zebra and reticulated giraffe, and the conservancies keep vehicle numbers low, so sightings are rarely shared.
Morning and afternoon drivesConservancy activities
Accommodation
Night 2 of 3
3 photos
Loisaba Lodge
On the Laikipia plateau Lodge · 3 photos
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A second night at the same property on the Laikipia plateau.
07
Laikipia
Second Full Day in Laikipia
The second day on the plateau moves at whatever pace suits. A drive at dawn, a long lunch, an afternoon walk along a river, a treatment at the bush spa, or a night out on the star bed are all possible.
The evening is the last in Laikipia, with Mount Kenya often catching the last of the light.
Morning and afternoon drives
Accommodation
Night 3 of 3
3 photos
Loisaba Lodge
On the Laikipia plateau Lodge · 3 photos
View lodge & photosClose
A third night at the same property on the Laikipia plateau.
08
Laikipia to the Maasai Mara
Laikipia to the Maasai Mara
A flight south west crosses the Rift Valley to a private concession adjacent to the Maasai Mara Reserve. As the aircraft descends, the long grass and the herds on it come into view.
Lunch is at camp, and an afternoon game drive follows. On conservancy land the vehicles are few, so the sightings tend to be private, and the sense of wilderness is complete.
Scheduled flightAfternoon game drive
Day 82 photos
Accommodation
Night 1 of 3
8 photos
Cottar’s 1920s Camp
Olderkesi Conservancy, bordering the Maasai Mara Tented camp · 8 photos
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Cottar’s 1920s Camp is a traditional, family-run safari camp in the private Olderkesi Conservancy, which borders the Maasai Mara National Reserve. Guests have access both to the conservancy, with its savannah, riverine woodland and hills, and to the reserve itself, giving a wonderful mix of exclusive game viewing and classic Mara wildlife. The camp recreates […]
Night 1 of 3 at a private Mara concession, at a property such as Cottar's 1920s Camp. The exact lodge is confirmed with the final itinerary.
09
Maasai Mara
Full Day in the Maasai Mara
The day can start in the air. An optional hot air balloon flight lifts off at dawn and drifts silently over the plains as the sun comes up and the herds below begin to stir, landing for a champagne style breakfast in the grass.
Game drives follow across the reserve and the conservancy around it, in search of the lion, cheetah and leopard the Mara is famous for.
Optional hot air balloonMorning and afternoon drives
Day 92 photos
Accommodation
Night 2 of 3
8 photos
Cottar’s 1920s Camp
Olderkesi Conservancy, bordering the Maasai Mara Tented camp · 8 photos
View lodge & photosClose
Cottar’s 1920s Camp is a traditional, family-run safari camp in the private Olderkesi Conservancy, which borders the Maasai Mara National Reserve. Guests have access both to the conservancy, with its savannah, riverine woodland and hills, and to the reserve itself, giving a wonderful mix of exclusive game viewing and classic Mara wildlife. The camp recreates […]
A second night at the same property in the Maasai Mara.
10
Maasai Mara
Second Full Day in the Maasai Mara
The balloon is on offer again for anyone who missed it, and the day follows the plains in the morning and afternoon. The Mara never quite repeats itself, and a second full day often brings the sighting the first one did not.
The evening, the last of the safari, is spent back at camp, with the sounds of the Mara all around.
Optional hot air balloonMorning and afternoon drives
Day 102 photos
Accommodation
Night 3 of 3
8 photos
Cottar’s 1920s Camp
Olderkesi Conservancy, bordering the Maasai Mara Tented camp · 8 photos
View lodge & photosClose
Cottar’s 1920s Camp is a traditional, family-run safari camp in the private Olderkesi Conservancy, which borders the Maasai Mara National Reserve. Guests have access both to the conservancy, with its savannah, riverine woodland and hills, and to the reserve itself, giving a wonderful mix of exclusive game viewing and classic Mara wildlife. The camp recreates […]
A third night at the same property in the Maasai Mara.
11
Maasai Mara to Nairobi
Departure
A last early game drive on the Mara, and then the flight back to Nairobi. A day room at a hotel such as the Nairobi Serena allows a shower and some rest before the transfer to the airport for the evening departure.
Flight to NairobiDay roomDeparture
Accommodation
No overnight
10 photos
Nairobi Serena Hotel
Central Nairobi, beside Central Park Hotel · 10 photos
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Nairobi Serena Hotel is a five star city hotel set beside Central Park, close to Nairobi’s central business district and a short drive from Jomo Kenyatta International Airport. It is a convenient place to begin or end a safari. The hotel’s design celebrates African heritage, drawing on Ethiopian, North African, West African and East African […]
No overnight. Day room at a property such as Nairobi Serena Hotel before the departure flight.
The price
The price, in full
Written plainly so there are no surprises at the airport. Anything optional can be added to the quote before you pay.
Included
Already in the price you see.
- All internal flights
- Accommodation as specified
- All meals as mentioned
- Transfers and game drives
- Park fees and entrance charges
- Services of a professional guide
Not included
Budget for these separately.
- International flights
- Visa fees
- Travel insurance
- Personal expenses, including tips
- Drinks and meals not mentioned
- Optional activities, including the hot air balloon flight
Before you book
Questions, answered
What travellers ask us most about a safari like this one. Anything else, ask below and a specialist in Nairobi replies within one business day.
Is this a private safari?
Yes. This safari is private: your own vehicle and guide for the whole trip, and we never merge your party with another to cut costs.
How do we book, and how much is the deposit?
Press Book this safari. You can hold your dates for three days without paying while a specialist checks availability with the lodges and parks, or pay a deposit of 30, 40 or 50 percent, or the full amount, by credit or debit card through Pesapal. You can also pay by bank transfer, or in person at our Nairobi office by card. The standard schedule is a 30 percent deposit to confirm and the balance 60 days before arrival; bookings made within 60 days of departure, and gorilla or chimpanzee permits, are paid in full at booking. Card details go to Pesapal, never to Volcan.
Will we see the Great Migration and a river crossing?
The herds usually reach the Maasai Mara around July and stay until about October, crossing the Mara River many times in that period. For the rest of the year they are in the Serengeti in Tanzania. The timing is set by the rains, so no operator can promise a crossing on a given day, but our guides follow the reports every morning and position you as well as experience allows.
Do we need a visa?
Kenya: most visitors need an Electronic Travel Authorisation (eTA), applied for online before travel at etakenya.go.ke. Rules depend on your passport and change from time to time, so check them before you book flights, and always apply through the official government portal, never a third-party agent. We tell you what applies to your route when we confirm your trip.
Which vaccinations and health precautions do we need?
See a travel clinic at least six weeks before you go. Malaria is present in most safari areas of East Africa, so ask about antimalarials, insect repellent and cover-up clothing for the evenings. A yellow fever certificate can be required depending on your route and where you arrive from.
What vehicle will we travel in?
A Toyota Land Cruiser from Volcan’s own fleet, in the company’s colours, with the same driver-guide from the first day to the last. It is yours alone for the whole safari, and every vehicle carries reusable water bottles.
Can children come on this safari?
Yes, and a private vehicle makes it easy to set the pace around them. Child rates depend on the lodges, and some camps and activities set minimum ages, so tell us the ages of everyone travelling and we confirm what applies before you pay anything.
What happens if we need to cancel?
Tell us in writing as early as possible. The cancellation charges for your trip are set out in your written booking confirmation. Gorilla permits, internal flights and non-refundable lodge deposits already paid on your behalf cannot be recovered, so they are charged in full. Refunds go back to the card or account the payment came from. The detail is in our Booking & Payment Terms.
Enquire
Plan this safari with us
Send your dates and who is travelling. A specialist checks availability with the lodges and parks and replies within one business day with an itemised price.
- Free, and no obligation
- Ask about changing the dates, lodges or pace
- Answered by the team in Nairobi who plan the trip
Availability
11-Day Chyulu Hills, Laikipia & Maasai Mara Safari
Dates are held for 72 hours without payment while you check flights. Nothing is charged until the itinerary is confirmed in writing.
From
$12,500
Per person sharing, in US dollars. An indicative starting price: your exact rate is quoted for your dates and party size, subject to availability. All prices shown are estimates. Your final price is confirmed in your written quote.
Prices are for guidance and are confirmed against current lodge and park rates before any payment.
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