11 Days Mathews Pristine Mystique

Intro: 11 Days Mathews Pristine Mystique

The majesty of Kenya shines within the golden plains and stretches across the mountaintops. From its wildlife to its people, it emanates with diversity. Settle into the wonders of Kenya and the surprising luxuries of the wild world. Elephants play at the waterhole. Leopards laze in the treetops. Samburu villagers sing at their family well. The magic of Africa opens to you, where the sights and sounds of the Kenya you’ve always wanted come to life.

At a glance

2 Nights Hemingways Nairobi
8 Nights Sarara Camp

Price [On Request] basis

The Journey

2 Nights | Hemingways Nairobi

2 Nights | Hemingways Nairobi

2 Nights | Hemingways Nairobi

2 Nights | Hemingways Nairobi

Days 1-2: Hemingways Nairobi

Upon arrival at Jomo Kenyatta International Airport, you will be met and assisted to transfer to Hemingways Nairobi. Overlooking the Ngong Hills in Nairobi’s tranquil and upscale neighbourhood of Karen, this luxurious boutique hotel is a haven of elegant charm. With great service and a tranquil atmosphere, Hemingways Nairobi makes an ideal 1- or 2-night stopover for travellers beginning or ending their Kenya safari. It is popular with high-level delegations and VIPs, and is a sought-after meeting place for well-heeled Kenyans.
Sarara Camp

Sarara Camp

Sarara Camp

Sarara Camp

Day 3: Mathews Range

Today you will traverse the wild on a flight over the plains of Kenya and into the sights of the Mathews Mountains. The mountain peaks linger over the plains casting shadows along the trees. Land on the airstrip in Sarara Camp, the only way in and out of the conservation area, and arrive with the luxuries of sensational accommodation and the expansive view of the Kenyan wild before you. Sarara Camp is the premier ecotourism hotel, combining comfortable accommodations for the most luxurious requests with the rugged, untouched beauty of the surrounding nature. The lodge is completely owned by the Namunyak community, with all revenue funding the Namunyak Conservation Trust. Settle into your luxury tent, fit for royalty, where a stunning view of the open Mathews Range sits outside of your door. When the cool of the evening arrives, sit along your private terrace; the rich scent of fresh brewed coffee lingers in the silhouette of the mountains.
Sarara Camp

Sarara Camp

Sarara Camp

Sarara Camp

Days 4-5: Explore Namunyak Conservancy

The morning sun radiates over the horizon and the smell of coffee once again drifts through your room. The morning dew gives a soft scent to the surrounding brush. Climb aboard your game driving vehicle and venture into the wilds of Sarara. The trees tower into the air in the distance. The world is perfumed with golden straw. Scour the horizon for signs of life; from elephants to giraffes, the wonders are endless. The vehicle turns a corner and you hear the awkward chirp of the African wild dog, frequently encountered in the valley. The wild dog is severely endangered and incredibly precious. The pack can be heard rustling in the brush beyond you. The alpha gives the pack warning, and eventually chirps the sound of safety. They frolic and play in the gentle sun. Their black and brown spots blend with the distant grass. Their playfulness is infectious. When the sun starts to set over the horizon the mountains change color and the colors of the grass glow in the dusky haze. The rich aroma of vegetables from the camp’s garden roasts in the dwindling light. The day ends beneath the stars filling the night sky like diamonds.
Sarara Camp

Sarara Camp

Sarara Camp

Sarara Camp

Days 6-9: Singing Wells, Mt.Ololokwe, Wildlife

After a delicious breakfast you will follow your guide out of the camp to visit the sensational culture of the Samburu. The Samburu people bring their cattle to a known waterhole in the semi-desert geography. It is a rare spot where both humans and animals find respite and life from the wilderness. The singing wells offer an experience that is completely unique. Each family owns a single well and will sing as they bring water up from the source. The soft melody rises into the air; the cows recognize their family song and journey to their well for a drink. The morning sunlight makes the colors of the villager’s beads and the granite of the earthen rocks sparkle. Orange dust rises from the herd as their bells jingle in the brush. The sensational spectacle continues and you will realize that you are witnessing a tradition that hasn’t changed for centuries.

After the astonishing experience of the singing wells you will be able to visit the Samburu village itself. The Samburu are a tribe closely related to the famous Maasai of East Africa. The Samburu are semi-nomadic, raising cattle, sheep, goats and camels. The Rift Valley province in Kenya is somewhat barren making the Samburu relocate around every five to six weeks to find fresh grazing grounds for their cattle. The huts are built from mud, hide, and grass mats threaded around poles. A thorny fence, known as a boma, is built to protect the family and the herd from wild animals. Their necklaces and bracelets shine in the sunlight with vibrant yellows and vivacious reds. From one loose necklace to hundreds of various sizes that build upon on another, connected in the center and wrapping around their shoulders, the uniqueness is breathtaking. Walk among the people as they continue to live their lives as they have for centuries and more. The goats bleat, the cows moo, and the villagers milk their animals, bead necklaces, and tend to their gardens. The sun drifts behind the mountains and another wonderful day of exploration has come to an end.

Day 7: Mt Ololokwe:
Venture outside of camp to visit the sensational monolith of Ol Lolokwe. The orange granite changes colors in the shifting sun, the shadows of the rock spreading across the savannah. Acacia trees line the savannah floor, the scent of mint spreading from its leaves. Watch the black and white stripes of the zebra graze along the valley floor, nodding their snouts and kicking their heels as you pass them. Standing tall and looming over the valley sits the table top of Ol Lolokwe. The rock is smooth on your fingers, the sun is warm on your skin, and the complete seclusion from the top of the mountain feels like the entire world is at your feet.

Day 8: Walking Safari:
Follow your guide along the valley floor as they take you through the brush to see the wildlife on an incredible walking safari. The vast expanse of the savannah opens up to the foothills of the Mathews Mountain Range. The rustle in the trees in the distance comes from the giraffes grazing on lush acacias. Their tongues wrap around the branches, thorns included, and pull at the prickly stems of the tree. The giraffe takes long and calculated strides almost moving in slow motion. Their spots shine brown and gold in the afternoon sun. The treble of your guide’s voice bounces through the brush as they describe the variety of flora and the diversity of fauna, and as you witness the speed and grace of weavers flying through the air, chirping along the trees, and threading their nest along branches.

Day 9: Day with the Ponies:
The wonders of the Sarara Camp and the Sarara Valley are never ending. Today you will have the opportunity to saddle up onto a bush pony and follow your guide to the beautiful sights of the hard to reach areas. The yellowing straw of the valley waves in the breeze. The mountains beckon you closer. The ponies climb up hard rock and through the tough brush onto plateaus that offer a view of the flatlands below. The stunning coats of impala shimmer against watering holes, their horns large and mighty, the white puff of fur around their chest protruding. The horses meander along the bushes. Camel trains can be seen swaying beside the road. Open your eyes and ears and perhaps you can spot an elusive Black rhino. Black rhino are known for being independent grazers, meandering through the brush like lone cowboys. Their beaks come to a tiny point and their overall size is smaller than the White rhino. A rustle in the brush, a scamper through the grass, or a huff from their feeding could bring you closer to a rhino than you ever knew you could be. Return to Sarara with the wonders of the valley and the mountains forever majestic no matter how much time you spend exploring.
2 Nights | Hemingways Nairobi

2 Nights | Hemingways Nairobi

2 Nights | Hemingways Nairobi

2 Nights | Hemingways Nairobi

Day 10: Return to Nairobi

Enjoy the delicious comforts of breakfast before you catch a flight and return to Nairobi. The city welcomes you back with open arms and always more to explore. Whether shopping for local knick-knacks where the vibrant culture of East Africa is displayed or visiting the continued gems of the city, there is always a pleasant way to spend the day. Marula Studios in the affluent neighborhood of Karen will offer you unique souvenirs from you adventures through Kenya. The workshop is filled with bins of recycled flip-flops gathered from Kenya's beaches. The artistic ideals of conservation and reclamation are showcased as the flip-flops are washed, sorted, glued into blocks, and carved into sensational sculptures, toys, beads, and more. Witness the transformation of the discarded footgear into colorful elephants with trunks raised, sensational bracelets that chime and sparkle, or vibrant bowls decorated with signs of everyday village life. From the secrets of the wild to the enlightenment of culture and history, there is no limit to the majesties of a luxury Kenyan safari trip.
Day 11: Departure, End of Expedition

Today you will wave goodbye to the wilds of Kenya, from the wild imaginations of sculptors to the wildlife of the Sarara Valley, your time traversing the sensations of East Africa have come to an end. Mathews Mountains rise in your memory. The playful elephants linger along the banks of your thoughts. The gentle song of the Singing Wells will forever take your breath away. You may be leaving Kenya but Kenya will never leave you. You have experienced the majesty of the wild and the magic that lasts a lifetime.

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Tour Inclusions & Exclusions

Package Inclusions

Private meet-and-greet service
Fast-track assistance at Jomo Kenyatta International Airport
All transfers within the destination countries, including to / from international airports and local airstrips
Local and scheduled return air transfers
Accommodation and meals as per the itinerary
Twice daily shared & scheduled game drives in custom built open sided 4x4 safari vehicle, with an accredited English-speaking safari guide
All applicable park/conservancy entrance fees
Medical Emergency Evacuation Cover (hospital bills to be settled directly by the client)
Government taxes and levies

Package Exclusions

Visas
Late departure fees and additional lunch on the day of departure
Domestic, chartered and international flights (unless specified)
Cultural village visit
Hot air balloon safari
Exclusive use of a safari vehicle with driver guide per vehicle per day: Price on request
Alcoholic and non-alcoholic beverages consumed at the camp/hotel/resort/lodge (unless included)
Any additional meals not mentioned in the inclusions
Personal expenses, e.g., laundry, phone calls, souvenirs
Any extras incurred at the camp/hotel/ resort/lodge
Tips and porterage
Any services not specifically mentioned under “inclusions”
Deviations from the confirmed itinerary
Personal travel insurance
If required, we can connect you with our trusted insurance partners.
Day room use on the day of departure (available at an additional cost, if required and subject to availability)