Our bush plane safari is the ultimate African expedition. It brings you the best game parks and lodging in Kenya, and the ultimate in transportation. For this journey, we have put together a very particular selection of small lodges and unique facilities so you can enjoy the finest wildlife experiences and a deep taste of Kenyan hospitality. Each lodge takes in a limited number of guests so you have lots of personal contact with your hosts at every stop, and the freedom to design the pace and flavor of your trip, one day at a time.

This trip is not just about Kenya's spectacular wildlife, but also about its people. The safari is set up to give you time with amazing people, like Oria and Iain Douglas-Hamilton, internationally known elephant researchers, and Will and Emma Craig, founders of the Lewa Downs Wildlife Conservancy. In addition, you will have unhurried time with Luca Belpietro and Antonella Bonomi, two Europeans on the forefront of micro-economic development ecotourism projects in Kenya, and the Grammaticas family, owners of the marvelous Little Governors Camp. This safari brings you in-depth experience with in-depth people.

Expect unique opportunities for wildlife viewing, luxurious accommodations, fine cuisine and a wide selection of activities including day and night game drives, walking safaris, horseback safaris, warrior walkabouts, an optional balloon safari followed by a champagne breakfast, and close-range wildlife observation from a blind. Complemented by the pleasure and efficiency of bush plane transit between lodges. With no time spent on overland travel, you can make the most of every hour of this unforgettable experience.

Lewa Downs Wilderness Trails, Lewa Downs Wildlife Conservancy

Elephant Watch, Samburu National Park

Little Governors Camp, Maasai Mara Game Reserve

Campi ya Kanzi, Chyulu Hills (Kuku Group Ranch)

• Elephant Watch takes you into Samburu National Park with Oria and Iain Douglas-Hamilton, internationally known elephant researchers who were instrumental in getting restrictions passed on the ivory trade. You spend unhurried days with these remarkable people and their researchers. Imagine driving through Samburu with Oria at the wheel. She stops the Land Cruiser and opens up the roof. Soon you are surrounded by elephants. "That's Hilary," she says. "Next to her is Nancy. The one with the broken tusk is Barbara. The one scratching against the tree is Jackie. Meet the First Lady herd." It doesn't get much better than this.


• Lewa Downs introduces you to the Craigs, a Kenyan ranching family. As family guests, lodged in a private cottage on ranch grounds, you get an insider's look at this unique conservancy carved out of the vast savannahs owned by the family for more than 80 years. Rhinos, endangered elsewhere, are in abundance here as the Conservancy contains the Ngare Sergoi Rhino Sanctuary. And there are many other species to be seen. After breakfast, Will Craig gives you a warm greeting, asking, "How would you like to spend your day? What about a game safari to see the new baby rhino? Or a morning in the blind down in the wetlands looking for the sitatunga antelope that come there to drink? Or maybe you would like to saddle up and ride out to see some large herds of zebra and wildebeest that have moved onto the plains. You can ride right into the herds." The choice is yours. And after a great day, you can come back and lie by the pool with a good book.


• Little Governors Camp is a special place. On the spot once reserved for Kenya's British Colonial Governors, the Grammaticas family has built one of the best tented safari camps in Kenya. The location is outstanding, with a number of predators close by. This feature, along with mouthwatering cuisine and extraordinary service, gives Little Governors Camp its legendary ambiance. Here, for you, is the Africa of old.


• At Campi ya Kanzi you find yourself ensconced in Italian country elegance enjoying the finest Italian cuisine while gaining entrance to Maasai tribal lands. Owners Luca Belpietro and Antonella Bonomi have established a unique partnership with the tribal council on the Kuku Group Ranch, which gives you a rare opportunity to experience the real African wilderness. The fee you pay for access goes directly to the tribal council to support local schools and medical facilities. In return, you get a privileged look at the landscape and wildlife escorted by local warriors. This is an example of the kind of ethical tourism we work to create and support.

Dates: Schedule as you wish for travel January through March and June through December.
Arrivals and departures out of Nairobi, Kenya.
Prices do not include international air travel.
All itineraries and prices are subject to change.

• Opt to stay at Mara Explorer instead of Little Governors Camp.


• Opt to stay at Il Moran, another camp owned by the Grammaticas family, instead of Little Governors Camp.


• Balloon safari. Float above the plains of the Maasai Mara, to see the landscape from above at close range.