Kenya Tea Tour and Safari

Welcome to Kenya! Meet your hosts and begin your journey in the vibrant capital — a city where wildlife meets modern life.

All international inbound flights should arrive at Jomo Kenyatta International Airport (NBO) in Nairobi, Kenya. Upon arrival regardless of time or airline please proceed through customs and immigration, and ensure you have collected all your luggage. Then, exit the terminal building and head to the paging area, where you will be greeted by our Safari/Airport representative holding a sign with the DK Grand Safaris logo and your surname beneath it. After a warm welcome, you will be assisted with your luggage and transferred to your city hotel for check-in and an overnight.

Nairobi, one of Africa’s most influential cities, serves as a major hub and regional headquarters for many key commercial and financial institutions. It is also the starting point for most East African safaris due to its strategic location and well-connected international airport. Uniquely, Nairobi is the world’s only wildlife capital just four miles from the city centre lies Nairobi National Park, along with attractions such as the Karen Blixen Museum, the Giraffe Centre, and the Nairobi National Museum, among others.

• Lodging: The Boma Hotel or similar

• Meals: NA

After a leisurely breakfast at your city hotel, you will meet your concierge in the hotel lobby, where you will receive a comprehensive briefing on the logistics of your entire safari. This will give you an opportunity to ask any questions you may have and ensure you're fully prepared for your adventure. As a special welcome, you'll be presented with thoughtful gifts, including a good luck charm and a safari cap, setting the tone for an exciting journey ahead.

After the briefing, depart from Nairobi for the scenic drive to Gatura Green Purple Tea Farm, located approximately 1.5 hours away (depending on traffic). Enjoy the picturesque journey through Kenya’s lush highlands, with views of rolling hills, tea plantations, and local villages along the way. Upon arrival at Gatura, you’ll be warmly welcomed by the farm team and introduced to the history and unique process of purple tea production a rare variety grown only in Kenya.

Begin your interactive farm experience, which includes: Tea picking – learn how to select the best leaves and try your hand at harvesting, Roasting and drying – witness the artisanal process that gives purple tea its distinctive flavor and color and Tea tasting – savor a variety of teas and learn how to distinguish subtle notes and aromas.

For those seeking a bit of adventure, enjoy an optional waterfall trek through the scenic countryside, with the opportunity to take a refreshing swim in the natural pool. Indulge in a delicious farmhouse lunch prepared with fresh, locally sourced ingredients. Quench your thirst with refreshing hibiscus iced tea, a perfect complement to the meal.

After lunch, depart for the city, arriving back at your hotel in the late afternoon. Enjoy the rest of the afternoon at leisure, taking advantage of your hotel’s amenities perhaps a swim, spa treatment, or a quiet coffee on the terrace. Dinner will be served at the hotel, offering a selection of Kenyan and international cuisine. Overnight at your city hotel, resting up for the exciting safari days ahead.

• Lodging: The Boma Hotel

• Meals: Breakfast, Lunch, and Dinner included

After breakfast, check out from your city hotel and begin your journey northwards toward the scenic slopes of Mount Kenya and the Aberdare Ranges. Enjoy a picturesque drive through Kenya’s fertile central highlands, passing charming rural communities and vast farmlands that showcase the country’s rich agricultural heritage.

Along the way, you’ll encounter several notable highlights, including the Del Monte Pineapple Plantations one of Kenya’s most iconic agricultural estates, renowned for its expansive pineapple farms and fruit-processing facilities; the Tana River, the longest river in Kenya stretching approximately 1,000 kilometers (621 miles); and sweeping farmland views where local communities cultivate bananas, maize (corn), beans, and a variety of vegetables. You will also experience the unique moment of crossing the Equator, transitioning from the Southern to the Northern Hemisphere a perfect photo opportunity! If the weather is clear, you may also catch your first glimpse of the snow-capped peaks of Mount Kenya, Africa’s second-highest mountain and a breathtaking sight.

Upon arrival, check in at your camp, beautifully nestled between the foothills of Mount Kenya and the Aberdare Ranges, within the 90,000-acre Ol Pejeta Conservancy a model of sustainable wildlife conservation. The camp offers a tranquil haven that blends seamlessly with its natural surroundings while providing modern comfort and luxury. Enjoy a delicious lunch, then take some time to relax and soak in the serene atmosphere before your afternoon adventure.

Later in the afternoon, depart for an exciting game drive within the private and exclusive Ol Pejeta Conservancy. Here, you’ll encounter a rich diversity of wildlife including zebras, lions, Thomson’s and Grant’s gazelles, oryx, elands, baboons, black-faced monkeys, reticulated giraffes, Cape buffaloes, impalas, cheetahs, and elephants. With over 500 bird species recorded, Ol Pejeta is also a paradise for birdwatchers, offering endless opportunities for photography and wildlife observation. As the sun sets over the plains, return to your camp for dinner and an overnight stay, surrounded by the tranquil sounds of the African wilderness.

• Lodging: Sweetwater’s Tented Camp

• Meals: Breakfast, Lunch, and Dinner included

Spend an unforgettable day exploring the conservancy, the conservancy is also the largest black rhino sanctuary in East and Central Africa, protecting over 150 endangered black rhinos and more than 40 southern white rhinos. Most notably, it is home to the world’s last two remaining northern white rhinos, Najin (born in 1989) and her daughter Fatu (born in 2000), both originally from the former Republic of Czechoslovakia. The late Nola, who lived at the San Diego Zoo until 2015, and Sudan, the world’s last male northern white rhino who passed away in Kenya in March 2018 at age 45, were also part of this critically endangered subspecies. Today, scientists in Germany are working on advanced IVF techniques to bring hope for the future of the northern white rhino.

Among the most remarkable experiences you can book directly through the camp is the unique “Riding with Rhinos” adventure an exclusive, one-hour guided ride within a predator-free enclosure alongside Najin and Fatu. This once-in-a-lifetime encounter offers a close and unforgettable connection with these gentle giants.

Beyond game viewing, the conservancy offers a range of optional activities, including: A visit to the Chimpanzee Sanctuary, founded by Dr. Jane Goodall, which provides lifelong refuge for orphaned and rescued chimpanzees from West and Central Africa, A meeting with Baraka (meaning “Blessing” in Swahili), a blind black rhino who lost his sight after defending his territory but continues to thrive under care at the sanctuary and may be Walking and hiking safaris, which provide a more intimate way to explore the landscape and learn about the smaller flora and fauna often missed on vehicle drives.

• Lodging: Sweetwater’s Tented Camp

• Meals: Breakfast, Lunch, and Dinner included

After enjoying a delicious breakfast, you will check out and proceed by road to the enchanting Samburu Game Reserve. This rugged and tranquil reserve, nourished by the meandering Ewaso Nyiro River, captures the essence of remote Old Africa, characterized by its acacia-scented air and profound natural serenity.

Upon arrival, you will be warmly welcomed and transferred to your camp for check-in and lunch. Nestled in northern Kenya, Samburu Game Reserve is renowned for its dramatic landscapes, rich biodiversity, and unique ecosystems. The semi-desert terrain along the Ewaso Nyiro River supports an array of wildlife specially adapted to thrive in these conditions, making it a truly special destination.

In the afternoon, embark on an exhilarating game drive through the reserve. A birding safari in Samburu Game Reserve offers a rare opportunity to observe a wide array of bird species in one of Kenya’s most stunning and remote landscapes. Whether you’re an experienced birdwatcher or a casual enthusiast, Samburu’s rich diversity of avian life is sure to captivate and inspire.

As the sun sets, the reserve transforms into a breathtaking tapestry of colors, providing the perfect backdrop for your first evening in this wildlife paradise. Birding in Samburu is not just about spotting a variety of species; it’s about immersing yourself in the beauty of the wilderness, observing the interactions between the birds and their environment, and experiencing the unique way these creatures adapt to the harsh yet beautiful conditions of the region.

• Lodging: Elephant Bed Room Camp

• Meals: Breakfast, Lunch, and Dinner included

Spend the next day at Samburu Game Reserve, where you’ll embark on thrilling morning and afternoon game drives through a stunning landscape characterized by hilly terrain, lush riverine forests, towering doum palms, acacia woodlands, and expansive scrubland. The reserve’s dramatic scenery, combined with its rich biodiversity, makes it one of Africa’s most exceptional safari destinations.

Morning and evening game drives offer the perfect time for bird watching, as many species are most active during these cooler times of day. Samburu is home to over 450 species of birds, ranging from small songbirds to large raptors. Samburu is also renowned for its unique "Samburu Five"—the Grevy's zebra, Somali ostrich, reticulated giraffe, gerenuk, and Beisa oryx—species that are seldom found outside this region.

In addition to its stunning natural beauty, Samburu offers a rich cultural experience. You’ll have the opportunity to meet the local Samburu people, who maintain a traditional pastoral and nomadic lifestyle deeply connected to the land. Engaging with the community provides valuable insights into their unique customs, traditions, and way of life. You might learn about their intricate beadwork, traditional dances, and age-old rituals.

As the sun begins to set, enjoy the breathtaking views of the landscape bathed in golden light, creating the perfect backdrop for your adventures. Whether you’re captivated by the wildlife or inspired by the local culture, your day in Samburu is sure to be filled with unforgettable memories

• Lodging: Elephant Bed Room Camp

• Meals: Breakfast, Lunch, and Dinner included

After an early breakfast at the camp, you’ll be transferred to Samburu Airstrip to board your scheduled morning flight to the famous Masai Mara. It is a true “bucket-list” destination for nature lovers, photographers, and adventurers alike. Often regarded as the best place in Africa to see big cats, the reserve inspired the acclaimed wildlife documentary series Big Cat Diary. Upon arrival in the world-renowned Masai Mara Game Reserve, your safari adventure begins. The reserve boasts over 95 species of mammals and more than 400 species of birds. It's especially famous for its high concentration of big cats lions, leopards, and cheetahs as well as its starring role in the Great Wildebeest Migration, when millions of wildebeest and zebras thunder across the plains and plunge through the crocodile-laden Mara River in one of nature’s greatest spectacles.

Game viewing begins immediately upon entering one of the parks gate, as you drive through the reserve en route to your camp. Keep your eyes open this stretch often offers your first unforgettable wildlife sightings. Upon arrival at your camp, you'll be welcomed with warm hospitality and immediately feel immersed in your wild surroundings. Lunch will be served al fresco, allowing you to enjoy a leisurely meal while gazing out over the rolling Mara plains or the peaceful Mara River in the distance. The setting invites you to relax and savor the moment, surrounded by the raw beauty of the African wilderness.

Later in the afternoon, you’ll head out on your first thrilling game drive through this iconic reserve. As you traverse the Mara’s vast, golden savannas, you’ll have the chance to encounter a dazzling array of wildlife. As the sun begins to set, return to camp for a special evening experience. Dinner follows, served in an intimate, atmospheric setting bringing the perfect close to your first day in this legendary land.

• Lodging: Karen Blixen Tented Camp

• Meals: Breakfast, Lunch, and Dinner included

The next day will be spent in Masai North Conservancy with morning and afternoon game drives having been scheduled for you, giving you plenty of time to capture stunning photos and immerse yourself in the natural beauty around you. Our professional guide will be on hand to share insights about the behaviors of your favorite animals, birds, plants, and insects. The scenic appeal of the umbrella-shaped acacia trees, the vast savannah plains, the mild climate, and the diversity of wildlife make this destination perfect for game-viewing.

A walking safari in Mara North is one of the most authentic ways to experience Africa’s wilderness. Accompanied by experienced Maasai guides and armed rangers, you’ll trade the 4x4 for boots and walk through open savannahs, acacia woodlands, and riverbanks, areas inaccessible by vehicle. You’ll learn to identify animal tracks, dung, and spoor, observe smaller wildlife and insects, and hear fascinating insights into the medicinal uses of local plants.

As the sun dips below the horizon, the bush transforms. A night game drive in Mara North opens a window into a world few get to see. With red-filtered spotlights and expert guides, guests set off in open safari vehicles to explore the conservancy after dark. This is the time when elusive predators like leopards, aardwolves, and bat-eared foxes become active.

For an extra touch of adventure, you can opt for a Balloon Safari, which begins at sunrise, offering breathtaking views of the plains below as the winds carry you deeper into the reserve. The 360-degree view from the balloon provides plenty of photographic opportunities as you soar over the Mara River, swamps, forests, and wildlife-filled savannah. After your flight, a delicious breakfast will be served in the picturesque Mara plains, often under the shade of a solitary balanite tree, where you’ll be greeted with a glass of sparkling wine. From there, you can either continue your safari adventure or enjoy a leisurely game drive back to your camp, reflecting on the incredible experience of the morning’s balloon flight.

• Lodging: Karen Blixen Tented Camp

• Meals: Breakfast, Lunch, and Dinner included

After a hearty breakfast, you will check out and be transferred to the Masai Mara Airstrip for your midday flight to Nairobi’s Wilson Airport. Upon arrival, our attentive concierge team will be on hand to welcome you and assist with all onward arrangements.

You’ll have the opportunity to enjoy lunch at a charming local restaurant or a comfortable city hotel, savoring a final taste of Nairobi’s vibrant culinary scene. Following lunch, you will be transferred to reserved day rooms at a city hotel, available until 18:00 hrs. Here, you can refresh, shower, rest, or enjoy a siesta, giving you a comfortable pause before your onward journey.

As your time in Kenya comes to a close, you will be transferred to Jomo Kenyatta International Airport for your outbound international flight. With stunning landscapes, rich cultures, and incredible wildlife experiences still fresh in your mind, you’ll depart with a heart full of unforgettable memories and stories to share.