10-day Kenya Safari & Seychelles Islands bucket-list trip

Land in Nairobi Airport and be whisked away to the serenity and beauty of Hemingways Nairobi boutique hotel. This gorgeous all-suite hotel will help you immediately relax, recharge and get ready for your adventure. There is a superb Spa onsite, pool and restaurant.

Spend the day in Nairobi visiting a few must-see attractions. First, the David Sheldrick Elephant orphanage. You can see orphaned baby elephants being bottle fed and witness firsthand what important work they do here for elephant conservation. If you are lucky, you may get to cuddle with a baby and experience their loving nature firsthand. Next, visit the Karen Blixen Museum (author of Out of Africa) in the upscale suburb of Karen. Lastly, visit the Giraffe Centre, have lunch and you may get kissed by a Giraffe while dining. This is a must-visit to see the incredible Giraffe conservation work they perform.

You will hop your charter flight to Northern Kenya where you will be met by your driver. You will ride to Larsen’s Camp which sits within the Samburu National Reserve in northern Kenya. The Samburu National Reserve, conjoined with the smaller but no less attractive Buffalo Springs Reserve, lies a mere 320 kilometres from Nairobi. Larsen’s Camp Samburu is a 5-star property situated 10 minutes by car from Reteti Elephant Sanctuary. This is true wilderness, and home to varieties of animals and birds rarely seen in other parts of the country.

Have lunch on arrival. Relax and get acquainted with the camp before heading out on your first game drive from 4:00-6:00 p.m. Elephants, Reticulated Giraffe and Lion are all spotted in this area. Once back at camp, shower, relax and have a wonderful group dinner. You will head out on safari later in the day.

On your second full day, you will go on two game drives - one at 6:30 a.m. and another at 4:00 p.m. You will be gently awakened with tea or coffee with biscuits every morning followed by sunrise on Safari. In the evenings, watch the sunset from the roof of your safari jeep - truly magic. You will witness elephants, lions, gazelles, zebras, and if you are lucky - leopards who are very hard to spot. In between safaris, you will enjoy the serenity of the Lodge which includes an onsite SPA and pool. After your afternoon game drive, experience a “Sundowner”. A sundowner is simply a ‘happy hour’ during sunset over the African Bush (a truly unforgettable experience)! Enjoy dinner at Larsen's camp.

After your morning game drive, it’s time to transfer to Sanctuary Olonana for the rest of your safari. Sanctuary Olonana sits on a private stretch of the Mara River, where the famous last scene from "Out of Africa" was filmed. Arrive in time for lunch. You will enjoy an afternoon Game drive followed by a visit to the Maasai village. Get an insight into the vibrant and still traditional way of life of the Maasai. Learn about the medicinal plants that grow here, the importance of cattle and the stages of life through which all Maasai pass, from young boy or girl to respected elder.

Today is an amazing day which begins with sunrise in a HOT Air balloon! Your balloon is inflated against the first rays of sunrise and once aloft floats gently over the plains and the plethora of game. The balloon lands around one hour after taking off with breakfast being prepared nearby. The smells of bacon, sausages and eggs drift on the breeze as you begin breakfast with platefuls of exotic Kenyan fruits and homemade pastries and, of course, glasses of bubbly to toast your flight. After you return to the Sanctuary, treat yourself to a SPA treatment after lunch. After your afternoon game drive, dinner in the bush is a must.

After 2 wonderful nights at Sanctuary Olonana, enjoy your last morning game drive followed by breakfast. It’s time to transfer back to Nairobi via charter to either hop your flight home OR hop a flight to the once-in-a-lifetime visit to the Seychelle Islands.

Seychelle Islands extension

Arrive by flight from Nairobi to Seychelles Airport in Mahe. The Seychelle Islands are made up of 115 islands in the Indian Ocean, but there are 3 main Islands. I recommend staying in Mahe and doing day trips to LaDigue. Hotel recommendations include the Savoy Resort & Spa or Story Seychelles, which is 150 ft. from the beautiful Beau Vallon Beach – the only beach on Mahé that’s swimmable all year. 

Things to do in Mahe

• Explore the capital, Victoria, home to hip galleries, shops and a 118 yr old Clock tower. 

• There is also an amazing Hindu Temple. 

• Return to your resort and enjoy a swim. 

• Visit the Botanical Gardens.

Day trip to LaDigue is a MUST. The amazing Anse Source D'Argent with Big rocks formed by old mountaintops is pure paradise. It is rated one of the top 20 beaches in the world! Snorkel at St. Pierre Island, and see giant tortoises on Curiuese. The tortoises can live to be 200 years old. There is much to read about the conservation efforts of Nature Protection Trust of Seychelles.

Finally, enjoy your last day with all your resort has to offer before flying home tomorrow!