Think Big Cat, Big Five in Kenya

A possible, beautiful itinerary for you

1. Arrival in Nairobi

   As you land in the Kenyan capital, you are welcomed by warm smiles. Your Blueflower representatives guide you to your hotel, a peaceful residence that lets you sync with the rhythm of Africa: mellow, relaxed… just what you needed.

2. On the Foot of Mount Kenya

   Africa’s second highest mountain serves as a dramatic backdrop for your camp in Lewa Wildlife Conservancy. This area has a long safari tradition and your camp has been at the forefront. With deliciously appointed cottages, the contrast is sublime: indoors you are in a paradise of comfort, outdoors a wild landscape unfolds.

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Success in Conservation

At Lewa, conservation efforts have been successful in maintaining a viable environment for critically endangered species. Centred around the Black Rhino, a wealth of wildlife have followed in its wake: Grevy's zebra, lions, elephants, white rhino… you name it. This is one of the few areas in Africa where you are practically guaranteed to spot the Big Five.

Feeling Adventurous

Beside game drives, there are many unique ways to enjoy Lewa. Before being a conservancy, it used to be a cattle ranch. After a morning game drive and breakfast, you head to the stables to saddle up. Riding within sight of lions and giraffes makes quite an impression on you. In the afternoon, the Maasai guides take you on a short walking safari: this is the purest way to enjoy wildlife, and alongside fearsome warriors, you feel as one with Africa.

Into the Mara

It is time to continue to the Maasai Mara, Kenya’s most renowned and famous wildlife area. The abundance of big cats and the Great Migration make the Mara a popular destination among safari enthusiasts. Luckily, your exclusive tented camp is located in the heart of the Mara, by the banks of the Njageteck River. The water attracts a rich array of animals, and a lion pride has claimed lordship over the territory. You can see the lions hunt from the comfort of your hammock.

Big Cat Story

The Maasai Mara is home to lions, cheetahs and leopards. On a regular game drive you are likely to spot these species in their natural habitat. Your expert guides and trackers place you in vantage points where you experience the thrill of pride hunting, the frenetic chase of a cheetah at top speed, the elegant cunning of a stalking leopard. But a safari in the Mara is not just about spotting animals, but following their stories, the drama of the seasons, the bonanza of the migrations, the scarcity and the struggle for life. With guides who are also storytellers, you will feel you are witnessing a live documentary.

Big Cat Close Up

Everyone covets a prize in the wild. For the old-time hunter, it is a trophy to hang over the fireplace —thankfully those days are mostly behind us. For the first-time safari-goer, there is the thrill of spotting species left and right. For the long-time Africa lover, catching a glimpse of a rare bird gets the heart pumping. For me, the last time I was in the Mara, I wanted to capture a perfect lion photograph, without the use of long lenses nor tricks, a picture that would capture a meaningful encounter raw. Following tracks and the sounds of the night, we scurried to the pride’s territory. We approached without lights, on a pitch-black night. I could smell the lions before I could even see them, and cold sweat ran through my body. When my guide flashed the lions, I was able to capture the fearsome fangs, the powerful paws, the lion whole. This is how my dream came true; what is yours?

Departure

From small airstrips you fly back to Nairobi. As the great African wilderness stretches beneath you, you notice a pang, a longing. You are barely out of the wild, and you picture yourself returning. It’s a clear diagnosis: you caught the Africa Bug.