Luxury Kenya Safari | The guest tents at Sand River Camp all have amazing views of the river.

Kenya | Kilimanjaro Elephant, Born Free Lion & Migrating Wildebeest | 7 Nights Amboseli National Park, Meru National Park & The Masai Mara

Experience three iconic game areas on one of Kenya’s best safari itineraries: Amboseli, Meru and the Masai Mara, home to pioneering conservation projects, remarkable history and the Great Wildebeest Migration. Not only are Tortilis Camp Amboseli, Elsa’s Kopje Meru and Sand River Masai Mara luxurious, but you’ll get to marvel at big cats, big tuskers, big skies and more.

Wonderfully varied terrain including the foot of Mount Kilimanjaro at Amboseli, the baobab-dotted wilderness of Meru and the game-rich grasslands of the Masai Mara.
The chance to see the famous elephant of Amboseli, go on game drives in Meru and the Masai Mara, witness the Great Wildebeest Migration, go on a walking safari, have cultural visits and go hot-air ballooning.
Luxurious accommodation, including two tented rooms and a private cottage (Tortilis Camp Amboseli and Elsa’s Kopje Meru also offer private houses). Tortilis Camp Amboseli and Sand River Masai Mara have swimming pools, and Tortilis Camp Amboseli and Elsa’s Kopje Meru offer spa treatments. For more information see Tortilis Camp Amboseli, Elsa’s Kopje Meru and Sand River Masai Mara.

Two nights at Tortilis Camp Amboseli

Fully refreshed after our night at the elegant Hemingways boutique hotel in Nairobi, we were ready to see more of this country we’d heard so much about. The first of our light aircraft flights brought us to Tortilis Camp Amboseli, and the land of giants. The towering massif of Mount Kilimanjaro is actually across the border in Tanzania, but we enjoyed stunning views from the private deck of our tented suite. I found the perfect spot to write in my journal but my literary endeavours were interrupted by a curious whistling sound. Following it, we spotted a diminutive dik-dik calling to its mate. We also saw a herd of elephant at a distance – Amboseli National Park is the place to encounter them up close, and plans were made for the next day. Waking early, we took a game drive towards the Amboseli Elephant Research Project to learn all about these gentle giants. As we drew near, a huge bull elephant stepped in front of the vehicle. He looked at us for a moment, then shook the dust from his immense ears as he strode away. He’s unhappy because his pants are too big, chuckled our guide, pointing to the elephant’s baggy skin. After lunch and a siesta, our to-do list consisted only of the wonderful safari tradition of sundowners. After a day of elephant, there was only one choice for us: Tuskers, Kenya’s national beer.

Fully refreshed after our night at the elegant Hemingways boutique hotel in Nairobi, we were ready to see more of this country we’d heard so much about.

The first of our light aircraft flights brought us to Tortilis Camp Amboseli, and the land of giants. The towering massif of Mount Kilimanjaro is actually across the border in Tanzania, but we enjoyed stunning views from the private deck of our tented suite. I found the perfect spot to write in my journal but my literary endeavours were interrupted by a curious whistling sound. Following it, we spotted a diminutive dik-dik calling to its mate. We also saw a herd of elephant at a distance – Amboseli National Park is the place to encounter them up close, and plans were made for the next day.

Waking early, we took a game drive towards the Amboseli Elephant Research Project to learn all about these gentle giants. As we drew near, a huge bull elephant stepped in front of the vehicle. He looked at us for a moment, then shook the dust from his immense ears as he strode away. He’s unhappy because his pants are too big, chuckled our guide, pointing to the elephant’s baggy skin. After lunch and a siesta, our to-do list consisted only of the wonderful safari tradition of sundowners. After a day of elephant, there was only one choice for us: Tuskers, Kenya’s national beer.

Two nights at Elsa’s Kopje Meru

We left the snows of Mount Kilimanjaro behind us as we flew north this morning. I was really excited for our time in Meru National Park, a place I’d wanted to see ever since I’d read Born Free as a child. Imagine raising a lion cub and then releasing her back into the wild! I was thrilled to discover that Elsa’s Kopje Meru is located directly above the site of George and Joy Adamson’s original camp. I think Elsa would’ve approved of the Kenyan safari lodge named in her honour, with its cottages cleverly built into the rocky hillside. We took a short walking safari with our guide, scrambling to the top of Mughwango Hill for its breathtaking views. This semi-arid region is brought to life by 13 rivers, and we counted them shining like silver threads in the sunlight. During our private dinner that evening, my partner suddenly blew out all our candles, leaving us illuminated by thousands of stars instead… In the morning, we decided to try different activities. While I visited the nearby rhino sanctuary to spend time with these prehistoric-looking beasts, my partner headed to a couple of secret fishing spots that only the guides knew, to cast a line or two. I’m not sure who was the prouder when the centrepiece of our lunch turned out to be the catch of the day! Later, we caught up with a couple of modern-day Elsas, resting in the shade. Inspired by their example, I decided to have a bubble bath on our deck, purring contentedly just like a big cat.

I was thrilled to discover that Elsa’s Kopje Meru is located directly above the site of George and Joy Adamson’s original camp. I think Elsa would’ve approved of the Kenyan safari lodge named in her honour, with its cottages cleverly built into the rocky hillside. We took a short walking safari with our guide, scrambling to the top of Mughwango Hill for its breathtaking views. This semi-arid region is brought to life by 13 rivers, and we counted them shining like silver threads in the sunlight. During our private dinner that evening, my partner suddenly blew out all our candles, leaving us illuminated by thousands of stars instead…

In the morning, we decided to try different activities. While I visited the nearby rhino sanctuary to spend time with these prehistoric-looking beasts, my partner headed to a couple of secret fishing spots that only the guides knew, to cast a line or two. I’m not sure who was the prouder when the centrepiece of our lunch turned out to be the catch of the day! Later, we caught up with a couple of modern-day Elsas, resting in the shade. Inspired by their example, I decided to have a bubble bath on our deck, purring contentedly just like a big cat.

Two nights at Sand River Masai Mara

A glance at the map of our itinerary showed a spearhead shape formed by our flight paths and now we were shooting straight as an arrow to the land of the ultimate warriors, the Maasai. Our Kenya safari would now coincide with another amazing African journey: the Great Wildebeest Migration. Sand River Masai Mara is perfectly located in the Masai Mara – without even leaving camp, we could see three river-crossing points where the wildebeest would run the gauntlet of waiting lion and crocodile. After hearing thrilling tales of snapping jaws and flashing claws, we were relieved to see a few small groups of wildebeest splash safely across. They were the vanguard of the vast herds, which would arrive soon. We spent the afternoon relaxing in the camp. I’d never played billiards before, but at least the house cocktails went down easily, even if the billiard balls didn’t! The next morning our hot-air balloon rose with the sun, and we drifted silently over the endless plains, with views right across to the Serengeti. Our shadow darkened a tiny fraction of the grass in comparison with the massed wildebeest assembling on the river’s edge. We sensed a hesitation in the antelope today, which was explained when our pilot pointed out a pride of lion to us, camped out on a rocky kopje. They deigned to give us a cursory glance as we passed over. That afternoon, we enjoyed a cultural visit to an authentic Maasai village, where the leaping warriors told us that they could jump almost high enough to catch our balloon! We almost believed them.

A glance at the map of our itinerary showed a spearhead shape formed by our flight paths and now we were shooting straight as an arrow to the land of the ultimate warriors, the Maasai.

Our Kenya safari would now coincide with another amazing African journey: the Great Wildebeest Migration. Sand River Masai Mara is perfectly located in the Masai Mara – without even leaving camp, we could see three river-crossing points where the wildebeest would run the gauntlet of waiting lion and crocodile. After hearing thrilling tales of snapping jaws and flashing claws, we were relieved to see a few small groups of wildebeest splash safely across. They were the vanguard of the vast herds, which would arrive soon. We spent the afternoon relaxing in the camp. I’d never played billiards before, but at least the house cocktails went down easily, even if the billiard balls didn’t!

The next morning our hot-air balloon rose with the sun, and we drifted silently over the endless plains, with views right across to the Serengeti. Our shadow darkened a tiny fraction of the grass in comparison with the massed wildebeest assembling on the river’s edge. We sensed a hesitation in the antelope today, which was explained when our pilot pointed out a pride of lion to us, camped out on a rocky kopje. They deigned to give us a cursory glance as we passed over. That afternoon, we enjoyed a cultural visit to an authentic Maasai village, where the leaping warriors told us that they could jump almost high enough to catch our balloon! We almost believed them.

What sets it apart

On our Kenya safari, we were able to experience so much of this country, and take in some of its biggest sights – from giant elephant bulls to big cats, and towering snow-capped peaks. We learnt more about conservation, from the early days of Elsa the lioness to today’s high-tech satellite tracking of migrating elephant. We shared some wonderful views – from hilltops, outdoor showers and our hot-air balloon – and enjoyed laughing with our new Kenyan friends. Looking back, we’re both amazed at how much we saw in just seven nights, and yet we still had lots of time to relax with coffee and cocktails. Plus, I managed to lose three games of billiards on the bounce. We had front-row seats to the Great Wildebeest Migration, and while we didn’t see a kill, I’m not too sorry about that – there was still plenty of drama. And we had the iconic experience of watching elephant in the shadow of Kilimanjaro. Starting our itinerary in Nairobi meant that we weren’t rushed on arrival, plus we experienced some of the buzz of this happening city. And our favourite moment? It’s impossible to choose, but one thing’s for sure: we’ll be back. It’s easy to see how people fall in love with Kenya – we’re a great example!

On our Kenya safari, we were able to experience so much of this country, and take in some of its biggest sights – from giant elephant bulls to big cats, and towering snow-capped peaks.

We learnt more about conservation, from the early days of Elsa the lioness to today’s high-tech satellite tracking of migrating elephant. We shared some wonderful views – from hilltops, outdoor showers and our hot-air balloon – and enjoyed laughing with our new Kenyan friends.

Looking back, we’re both amazed at how much we saw in just seven nights, and yet we still had lots of time to relax with coffee and cocktails. Plus, I managed to lose three games of billiards on the bounce.

We had front-row seats to the Great Wildebeest Migration, and while we didn’t see a kill, I’m not too sorry about that – there was still plenty of drama. And we had the iconic experience of watching elephant in the shadow of Kilimanjaro.

Starting our itinerary in Nairobi meant that we weren’t rushed on arrival, plus we experienced some of the buzz of this happening city.

And our favourite moment? It’s impossible to choose, but one thing’s for sure: we’ll be back. It’s easy to see how people fall in love with Kenya – we’re a great example!

Day 1

You’ll be met as you disembark from your international flight at Jomo Kenyatta International Airport in Nairobi, and assisted through customs and immigration. You’ll then take a private transfer to Hemingways, where you’ll spend one night.

Day 2–3

You’ll be able to gaze at Mount Kilimanjaro while sipping on sundowners when you stay at Tortilis Camp Amboseli.

After a private transfer from Hemingways to Wilson Airport, you’ll take a scheduled light aircraft flight to Amboseli National Park. A transfer will take you to Tortilis Camp Amboseli, where you’ll spend two nights.

Day 4–5

Central Meru Elewana Elsas Kopje GameD rive Sundowners

After a transfer from Tortilis Camp Amboseli to the airstrip, you’ll take a scheduled light aircraft flight to Meru National Park. A transfer will take you to Elsa’s Kopje Meru, where you’ll spend two nights.

Day 6–7

After a transfer from Elsa’s Kopje Meru to the airstrip, you’ll take a scheduled light aircraft flight to the Masai Mara. A transfer will take you to Sand River Masai Mara, where you’ll spend two nights.

Day 8

After a transfer from Sand River Masai Mara to the airstrip, you’ll take a scheduled light aircraft flight to Wilson Airport in Nairobi. A private transfer will take you to Jomo Kenyatta International Airport, where you’ll be assisted through check-in for your international flight.

Our safaris are tailor-made to match your personal safari dream, taking into account when you’d like to travel, how long you’d like to be away for, who you’d be travelling with, what safari lodge style you’d prefer, and more.

This luxury safari trip idea is simply to show you what’s possible. For a general overview of our safari price categories, and what they include, take a look at this blog.