A 10 day wildlife watching tour to Kenya. Whilst the main objective was to search out the exciting animals to be seen on Kenya's wide open plains the trip was memorably varied. A day in Nairobi, a stay by Lake Naivasha followed by the magnificent Masai Mara made for a wonderful trip. The organisation was excellent and accommodation perfect - all the facilities one might need but in a wonderfully African setting. If you are looking for a tour operator who always answers the phone (no numbers to press, no music, just a real person!), who produces a sumptuous brochure, provides excellent pre-trip information, is always friendly and helpful (and tolerant!), and in our experience comes up with a wonderful holiday experience, then Naturetrek are the company for you.
P.C. Devon, Oct 22
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Wildlife of Kenya's Maasai Mara
Tour Code: KEN02A 10-day wildlife holiday, staying in a luxury camp in the Maasai Mara and at Lake Naivasha.
£4,895 (Inc flights)
£4,195
Highlights
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Summary
This mammal-watching safari will explore two of the richest areas, Lake Naivasha, which sits within the spectacular Rift Valley, and the open grassy plains of the Maasai Mara. We start at Elsamere on the shores of Lake Naivasha, once home to Joy and George Adamson, but today home to Hippos and Black-and-White Colobus Monkeys. We then move to the world-famous Maasai Mara where we stay for 5 nights at a luxury bush camp. Here, on a series of game drives and bush walks, we go in search of the abundant mammals that have made the Mara so famous, including Elephant, Burchell’s Zebra, Blue Wildebeest, Thompson’s Gazelle, Maasai Giraffe and predators such as Cheetah, Lion and Spotted Hyena.
- Visit the world-famous Maasai Mara
- Exceptional wildlife of Lake Naivasha
- Abundant African mammals including Elephant & Maasai Giraffe
- Spectacular Rift Valley scenery
- Two nights at Elsamere, former home of Joy & George Adamson, authors of ‘Born Free’
- Five nights at the luxury Basecamp Masai Mara
- Lion, Cheetah & Leopard all possible
- Expertly guided by local Kenyan naturalists
Grading
Leisurely game walks and vehicular safaris .
This is a traditional African safari, covering all aspects of general wildlife including both mammal viewing and bird watching. You will spend seven nights in Kenya in a truly spectacular game viewing area, surrounded by traditional flat-topped acacia trees, thorny scrublands and the bright red-cloaked Maasai people dotted across the plains. Vast herds of antelope, zebra, elephants and prides of lions share their home with hundreds of bird species.
Outline Itinerary
What's Included?
- Flights
- Accommodation:
In Nairobi we use a comfortable tourist hotel. For the 2 nights at Lake Naivasha we stay at Elsamere, the former home of Joy and George Adamson. Basecamp Masai Mara is a small permanent bush camp on the edge of the Maasai Mara Game Reserve. Additional information can be found in the detailed tour itinerary.
- Food:
All meals included, except dinner on Day 1 and lunch and dinner on Day 9.
Reviews
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A wonderfully planned trip to Kenya. Two excellent locations providing stunning views, delicious food and incredible experiences. We were very lucky to have two wonderful guides who knew their stuff! Lake Navashia gave us our first view of hippos and at least 52 new birds! Basecamp on the Masai Mara was a fantastic location and incredibly comfortable, with great staff who couldn't do enough. The trips onto the Mara included picnics, elephants coming to breakfast, watching lions hunt, giraffes wandering across the grasslands and crocodile waiting for the great migration! A totally mind blowing experience! Naturetrek were organised, easy to contact, gave us clear and concise information at the time of booking and pre flight. A great tour operator, we have used them before and will again.
K.A. South Yorkshire, Oct 22 -
This safari was an amazing adventure full of excitement from beginning to end. No sooner had we arrived at Elsamere and enjoyed our first delicious lunch on the lawn with the haunting calls of the fish eagles and in the company of a troop of colobus monkeys, we were guided around the extensive grounds along hippo trails, clambering over fallen trees to see spotted owls, love birds and bee-eaters as well as the resident, rescued birds of prey. After a lovely evening meal there were opportunities to watch films about the life of Joy Adamson or browse in the museum before an exciting night watching hippos graze on the lawn outside our rooms. On our full day at Elsamere we had a fabulous boat ride on Lake Naivasha with a superb local guide who pointed out pied kingfishers, giant kingfishers and a wide variety of waterbirds as well as pods of hippos where we watched a baby hippo riding on its mother's back. Fish were thrown to tempt the fish eagles to swoop down so we could watch them in action and just when the critical moment came, a pelican snatched the fish and the fish eagle then dive bombed the pelican and a struggle broke out. Our experiences were not just limited to wildlife activities and during our afternoon excursion to see giraffes, warthogs and flamingos, we were invited to join a group of local people celebrating a baptism in the lake and were enthralled by their beautiful singing. After our massage on the African Highway, we had our first taste of the Maasai Mara, being treated to a meeting with the unusual coalition of five male cheetahs before our arrival at Ilkeliani Camp, which was truly spellbinding as we were greeted so warmly by the friendly staff and with dancing, singing and jumping by the Maasai warriors as we were led through the camp to a champagne reception. Amongst many wonderful wildlife sightings were large families of elephants, prides of lions feasting, a beautiful leopard exploring a gully, fighting topi and buffaloes, baby jackals and the thrill of watching the famous coalition of five cheetahs stalk, chase and bring down a wildebeest right in front of us. Davies and Eustace were outstanding in their ability to predict the behaviour of the animals we watched and we were always in the best position to observe the action whilst allowing the animals the freedom to continue their lives and activities without interference. Another highlight for me was enjoying this safari with friends and having the opportunity to visit the Maasai village to learn more about the traditions of this unique tribe. The choice to take picnic breakfasts on our morning game drives meant that we were able to see as much as possible without the need to rush back to camp, thus we were privileged to watch hyenas running home with their stolen bounty, lions feasting on a buffalo as the vultures crept closer, hippos returning to the river after their night's feeding, a tower of twenty-three giraffes and elephant families strolling along the skyline as hot air balloons floated by at sunrise. Many of these sights would not have been possible without the tremendous generosity of Davies and Eustace who were always willing to give their time to show us that extra surprise whenever the opportunity arose. Asante sana.
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Ok so it is my third visit to Elsamere and the Mara with Naturetrek - the same tour - it really is the experience of a lifetime - from the spiritual home of Joy Adamson - the road trip through the heart of Kenya to the plains of the Mara with an experienced guide who is a delight to be with - so knowledgeable and articulate - then the visit to the colourful Masai village - and home with treasured memories of sharing the trip with a wonderful group of fellow travellers and an abundance of photographs to relive every minute - all thanks to NATURETREK.
G.L. Surrey, Oct 19 -
The two locations provided a careful balance allowing us to enjoy both birds and mammals in their own habitats. We were treated to a magnificent wildlife extravaganza with a wide variety of water birds and owls at Lake Naivasha and amazing sightings on the Mara. Our guide Davies' understanding of animal behaviour and his ability to predict their movements allowed us to enjoy fantastic views of cheetahs, lions, hyenas and a leopard that we might otherwise have missed. At our accommodation, the staff anticipated our every need and we were treated royally. Our welcome by the Masai warriors, the champagne reception and the warmth extended to us by every member of staff made our arrival very special. I loved every minute of this holiday.
SM, Surrey, Oct 19 -
We have used Naturetrek several times and have been more than happy with their service and their holidays and this was no exception. This trip was to Lake Naivasha and Masai Mara - both were perfect for nature watching and relaxing. We were very fortunate with wildlife sightings and our driver/guide was excellent. We booked an extension which also worked well, with transfers and tours being really great.
L.C. Cambridgeshire, Oct 18 -
This holiday was undoubtedly the trip of a lifetime! Everything about this tour was perfect. The accommodation was excellent, the food delicious and the safaris far exceeded my wildest expectations. The staff at Elsamere and Ilkeliani Camp were delightful, a special thank you to them all. The guides, Davis and Nicholas, were brilliant. Their knowledge, passion and field-craft was truly amazing. The views of all the animals and birds were exceptional and this was possible because of the expertise of our two guides. Our group of 12 was a great bunch which only enhanced the enjoyment of the trip. Thank you Naturetrek for an experience that will stay with us forever, priceless!
P.E. & R.B. Cambridgeshire, Oct 18 -
A visit to Elsamere and the Masai Mara in Kenya was a truly spiritual and educating experience - the places themselves are magical, the accommodation staff genuinely caring and attentive, the tour guides extensively knowledgeable on the wildlife and their land. Davis our guide put us at ease as soon as we met up and any reservations we had were dispelled immediately and holiday mode kicked in. This was my second year on the trip and was as good if not better the second time around and the group bonded so well that we have formed an email group to share photos, experiences and keep in touch.
G.M. Surrey, Oct 18 -
This was a fantastic trip, a truly magical experience. We had great company and saw a wealth of wildlife, not to mention the stunning scenery. The trip was extremely well organised and run; the local agents were so helpful and obliging and our particular leader was always ready to go the extra mile to ensure our satisfaction. We couldn't have asked for more. We look forward to travelling with Naturetrek again.
D. & H.S. Scotland -
I enjoyed this trip very much. As I am a photographer I was very pleased to get a wide range of shots including mammals and birds. Lots of zebra, wildebeest, Thompsons gazelle, impala, giraffe, waterbuck, eland and hippo... and a 15 strong pride of lions. I am most delighted with the shots. I am trying to organise some fellow photographers to make a trip in the near future. I can't wait.
J.Y. Aberdeenshire -
An excellent trip. The unfenced campsite allowed a remarkable experience with the wildlife, you felt part of their environment. The guides were very knowledgeable not only on birds and mammals...The trips to the Masai village and local school were enjoyed by all. A trip that managed to pack an awful lot into a short space of time. Very memorable.
L.S. Middlesex -
As first timers on safari it was great to be in the company of so many specialists and we learned a great deal from them. The wild animals were magnificent.
H.S. Hampshire -
The guide, Charles, was excellent throughout the trip. The camp and all staff had excellent communications skills and their duties were executed with attention to detail. The access to wildlife and sensitivity of approach was good. The group was a great plus, with mixed interests and ages.
A.G. London -
For me it was magical - a trip I have wanted to do since early childhood. The drivers were friendly and worked tirelessly to find all of the mammals. I have no hesitation in recommending this holiday.
M.T. Hampshire -
Ten days visiting Lake Navaisha and the Massai Mara, where all the wild nature experiences were around us- Kills being devoured by several species, including hyenas, Vultures and eagles on separate occasions family togetherness of a variety of big cats, Dung beetles doing their thing, a great boat trip on lake Navaisha, in short all that you could hope to see. This not to mention the life around our lodges, plenty to see if you needed a rest day (no one did!). This was a great holiday.
J.S. Greater Manchester -
Having never travelled outside of Europe before, I booked a trip to Kenya with Naturetrek. Despite lots of worries and fears beforehand, I really had the time of my life. We stayed in three locations in total; all of which were very comfortable and welcoming. Everywhere we went, the food was amazing and the staff even catered for me - a non vegetable eater which was above and beyond the call of duty! Being able to get close to the Baboons and Colobus Monkeys at Elsamere was one of many highlights. There were lots of optional nature walks with highly knowlegeable and friendly guides. When we reached the Masai Mara, we were not disappointed. We were very lucky to see such a wide variety of animals, including two leopards. Our two guides were amazing at spotting things and knowing exact where to go. Another highlight was two pairs of dung beetles - busily pushing their dung down the road and then burying it in the ground. Fascinating! The group of people I was with have become really good friends as we all got on so well. The holiday certainly delivered everything it promised and more. I still think about this trip weeks later - it certainly was a holiday of lifetime and I've caught the travel bug!
J.I. Middlesex -
Thanks for a great holiday, the accommodation far exceeded our expectations, as did the food. Our game trips were spectacular and the guides extremely helpful and knowledgeable. Special mention to Zachary who obviously takes great personal pride in ensuring his charges get the most from his country and its wildlife. We are busy narrowing down the potential short-list for our next Naturetrek trip. Thanks again!
S.P. Yorkshire -
I had a fantastic time. We saw excellent wildlife and our local guides were very knowledgeable. Lake Naivasha was superb. The other people on the trip were really nice, we gelled very well and I think we have made new friends that we will see again. Overall and excellent holiday that I would not hesitate to recommend. Even the food was fantastic!
C.G. Surrey -
Excellent trip, great wildlife, great accommodation, great food.
I.L. Berkshire -
Wonderful people, knowledge of the guides/drivers very impressive. Learnt a lot about the area - saw three leopards - fabulous. Wonderful experience. Will book with Naturetrek again.
S.W. Coventry -
The trip was better value than I expected.
J.M. Croydon -
Our Naturetrek holiday exceeded our expectations, the tour leaders were fantastic and highly knowledgeable. The accommodation was fantastic and the local people always friendly and helpful. The wildlife was fantastic and scenery beyond beautiful. All in all the perfect trip for us.
A.L. Warwickshire -
The three guides were exceptional, very accommodating, courteous and did their level best to ensure we saw as much as we possibly could, going to great lengths to find the leopard - without, unfortunately, success! Their knowledge and enthusiasm was amazing and from a photographic point of view, were mindful to place us in the best position possible - bearing in mind the angle and light.
Mr & Mrs B. Berkshire -
The guides were very knowledgeable and worked hard to find all the animals that lived in the areas we visited. They were patient when the photographers wanted to get just the right picture. Their driving skills were impressive and I always felt safe with them. The holiday fulfilled all my expectations.
J.S. Berkshire -
I enjoyed every aspect of this holiday and it exceeded my expectations. It was my first visit to Africa and managed to see both Cheetahs and Leopards at close range. The guides were particularly good not only for their knowledge but also the care they showed towards each member of our party. I felt very welcomed in Kenya. This holiday was perfect for me. The accommodation and food were also excellent.
J.H. Staffordshire -
The hotels/tents were fantastic, when someone says tent you think of getting on all fours and crawling in - these were like bungalows and the view from all tents and dining tent, as well as the hotel where we stayed at Elsemere. Words can't describe the views, and the birds were fantastic. Not to forget the 3 drivers/guides, their knowledge was amazing, and they helped me so much as everyone else who needed it.
J.H. West Midlands
Dates & Prices
2025
2026
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Naturetrek Bargain mammal Holidays
These tours are best suited to keen, active mammal-watching enthusiasts – whether expert or beginner – and people looking for an action-packed mammal-focused tour.
Our bargain mammal-watching tours offer:
- An expert English-speaking local naturalist leader
- Outstanding value for money
- Dawn-to-dusk mammal-watching with limited time for rest, relaxation and outside interests
- Enviable mammal lists!
- Focused searches for endemic species, while also looking for non-endemics
Naturetrek’s selection of bargain mammal-watching holidays includes tours to the Americas in Brazil, Peru and Panama. In Africa our selection includes Botswana, Zambia, Ethiopia and South Africa, while in Asia we offer bargain mammal tours to India, Nepal, Sri Lanka and Borneo.
Our specialist recommends...
“I’d recommend Ecuador – Amazonian Mammals for a good introduction to South America’s rainforest mammals. In Africa, it’s hard to beat our Zambia’s South Luangwa National Park holiday for its combination of Leopards, other ‘big game’ and first-class accommodation! In Asia, try India – Bandhavgarh National Park for Tigers and other Indian mammals.”
Paul Stanbury - Operations Manager
Mammal Watching Holidays
Many of the world’s mammals are instantly recognisable to us. Animals such as Lions, Tigers, elephants and bears capture our imaginations from an early age. At Naturetrek, we take great pleasure and pride in helping people to fulfil their lifelong dreams of seeing these iconic species in the wild. We also enjoy introducing our clients to some of the world’s more unusual mammals, many of which are just as fascinating.
Naturetrek Mammal Watching Tours
Many of our tours have a primary focus on mammals and we offer the widest choices of mammal-watching holidays across the globe, from the poles to the tropics. Our holidays are guided by at least one professional naturalist tour leader and usually benefit from additional guiding by expert local naturalist guides. We have holidays to see an incredible range of the world’s most sought-after mammals, such as orangutans, lemurs, bats, polar mammals, big cats, and mammals of the African savannah. A significant number of tours also targets some of the planet’s more unusual and elusive species, from pottos and pangolins to slender lorises and obscure cetaceans.
Here’s a selection of our mammal tours:
- India’s Kanha and Pench Tiger Reserves
- A cruise to Spitsbergen in search of Polar Bears
- A chance to see the ‘Big Five’ and much more in South Africa’s Kruger National Park
- Search for Blue, Fin and Sperm Whales in the Azores
- Close-up views of Brown Bear and Wolverine in Finland
- Enjoy the mammals of Kenya’s Masai Mara, while staying in luxury camps
- Search for elusive nocturnal mammals, such as Aardvark, Black-footed Cat and Aardwolf, in the Kalahari Desert
Bargain mammal selection
We offer a range of action-packed bargain holidays for the dedicated mammal enthusiast, which are exceptional value for money, from Belize to Zambia.
Our specialist recommends...
Paul Stanbury - Operations Manager
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Safari Holidays – Experience Earth’s Greatest Continent for Wildlife
Why choose Africa for wildlife safaris?
When people think of visiting Africa, safari holidays are regularly at the top of the list. Riding in an open-top jeep along dusty tracks and looking out across sun-baked savannahs teeming with big game is arguably one of life’s best experiences.
For the nature enthusiast, Naturetrek’s African safari holidays offer unparalleled opportunities. Africa is the world’s greatest continent for wildlife, being home to many of the planet’s most iconic mammals and birds.
Many of these animals are relatively easy to observe and exist in scarcely believable abundance, guaranteeing that our African safari tours are always full of amazing sightings.
From the Okavango Delta in Botswana and Zambia’s South Luangwa National Park to Namibia’s Etosha National Park and the superb Kruger National Park in South Africa, our African wildlife safaris will take you to all the continent’s most unmissable destinations.
Classic African safari holidays
We offer classic safari-style packages to Botswana, Zambia, Kenya, Tanzania, South Africa and Namibia.
On these African safari tours you will stay in or very near the prime game-rich areas such as national parks and reserves, heading out daily for wildlife watching in vehicles. There will usually be additional chances to join night drives and look for nocturnal species.
On the majority of our African wildlife safaris, even those in our bargain range, we are able to use superb accommodation, including in remote locations. Tented, fully serviced camps with private facilities are the norm.
Expert naturalist guides
All of our African safari tours are led by expert naturalist guides. Most of our tours are led by superb local guides (the quality of guiding in many parts of Africa is second to none), while some of our longer tours are joined by a UK leader.
What wildlife might I see?
Africa is the best place in the world for seeing large concentrations of big game such as African Bush Elephant, Lion, Cape Buffalo, Giraffe and Blue Wildebeest. On Naturetrek’s African safari tours we visit some of the world’s most famous national parks and reserves, such as the Serengeti, Kruger and Okavango Delta, as well as some less well known regions, in search of a full range of the continent’s most spectacular mammals, from Hippos, Wild Dogs and White Rhinos to Leopards, bushbabies and African Wildcats.
The birdlife is equally staggering, with an enormous variety of charismatic species found across the continent, from bee-eaters and hornbills to finches, weavers and a stunning diversity of birds of prey. Naturetrek’s African wildlife safaris offer a chance to search for a superb variety of species and avian spectacles, such as flamingo-lined lakes in the Rift Valley, bizarre Shoebills in Uganda’s swamps, and giant Ostriches strutting across endless savannahs.
See our list of the best African Safari Holidays
Our specialist recommends...
"We offer a superb choice of expert-led African safari holidays ranging from 9-day bargain tours in Zambia’s South Luangwa National Park to a 17-day birdwatching and mammal-viewing safari through Namibia, Botswana and Zambia. For those who have previously enjoyed a traditional safari, I would recommend our ‘South Africa’s Rare Mammals’ tour, which targets some of the continent’s most rarely seen creatures, such as Aardwolf, Black-footed Cat, Cape Porcupine, African Wildcat, Brown Hyaena and the iconic Aardvark
Paul Stanbury – Operations Manager
Big Cat Safari Holidays
Big cats are among the most admired and sought-after mammals on the planet, and we are proud to offer a broad and comprehensive range of big cat safari holidays. We offer inspiring and truly memorable wildlife tours to enjoy sightings of all of the world’s iconic species in their natural habitats, including Tigers in India and Nepal, Jaguars in the Pantanal, Pumas in Chile and Snow Leopards in India and Mongolia and we certainly do not neglect the smaller cats either.
We offer a range of itineraries around Africa and encounter the continent’s high-profile species like Lions, Cheetahs and Leopards and also the lesser known species such as Caracal, Sand Cat, Black-footed Cat, Serval and African Wild Cat. We also have wildlife holidays that catch sightings of the Asiatic Lion in India and the elusive Leopard in Sri Lanka.
We also offer a pioneering tour to try to see the most difficult of all big cats the Sunda Clouded Leopard in Borneo with Leopard Cat, Marbled Cat and Flat-headed Cat all having being seen on our Borneo holidays. Closer to home, we offer holidays in Europe to go in search of Wildcat and both Eurasian and Iberian Lynx.
We have run these holidays for many years with great success, working with the best local contacts and guides and staying at the very best locations with carefully crafted itineraries which allow the optimum amount of time to achieve sightings.
Our specialist recommends...
Tom Mabbett - Operations Manager
Why Naturetrek?
At Naturetrek we craft expertly-guided group and tailor-made wildlife holidays and cruises to all seven continents. On one of our holidays, you can be assured that our passionate team will enable you to experience and enjoy the best of the world's wildlife and natural spectacles in as comfortable and rewarding a manner as possible, caring as best we can for the environment in the process. We are proud to provide:
- The widest choice of wildlife holidays worldwide
- Tours managed and led by naturalists, for naturalists
- Outstanding value and exceptional customer service
Furthermore, as a Naturetrek client, our office team are always to on hand to help you – so if you have any queries about your holiday, whether before or after you have booked, we will be delighted to answer them on the phone. Please just give our team a call!