Kenya Walking & Wildlife Safari Tour
Wildest Kenya from the Mathews Range to the Masai Mara
- Available: June, July, August, September, October, December
- Activity: Level 3
- Accommodations: Luxury Safari Camps, Deluxe Camping
Highlights
- Marvel at the prolific wildlife and stunning scenery of the renowned Masai Mara
- Walk the forests and valleys of the remote Mathews Range, a hidden gem
- Get off the beaten track on a camel-supported mobile safari in Laikipia's wilderness
Itinerary
Arrive in Nairobi
Day 1
Welcome to Kenya! You will be met and guided through immigration, customs, and luggage claim, after which you'll meet your MT Sobek representative and safari guide. Take a short drive to your boutique safari lodge on the banks of the Mbagathi River, the southern border of Nairobi National Park. Take in the breathtaking views and perhaps spot some wildlife before meeting your guide and other hikers for dinner and a briefing.Accommodation: Ololo Safari Lodge
Transportation: Private transfer
Meals: Dinner
Safari in Nairobi National Park
Day 2
Begin your adventure with a game drive in Nairobi National Park. Watch for black and white rhinos, lions, leopards, buffalo, zebras, and giraffes against a backdrop of savanna grasslands, forests, and rocky gorges. After savoring a farm to table lunch, walk up to the lodge's impressive organic farm to stroll along thriving vegetable gardens, collect freshly laid eggs, and meet the dairy cows. Visit the workshop where carpenters craft the wood furniture you see around the lodge. On the return walk, stop at Kitengela Hot Glass, a workshop where Kenyan artisans create impressive art pieces, tableware, beads, and more from recycled glass. Back at the lodge enjoy another delicious meal and swap stories with fellow hikers about the day's sightings.Accommodation: Ololo Safari Lodge
Activity: Game drives, 25-minute walk
Transportation: Private transfer
Meals: Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner
Hike Rugged Trails into the Mathews Range
Day 3
After breakfast, check out of your lodge and head to the airstrip for your flight to Samburu, an arid region named after one of several tribes that call it home. A 4x4 transfer takes you through dramatic low country following dry riverbeds to meet your safari guides, crew, and camels. Choose to ride a camel or walk on an hour's journey through Samburu territory, where you'll encounter these semi-nomadic people herding their livestock. After a break for lunch, begin walking toward the mountains, climbing into the wilds of the Mathews Range. Enter the deep forest that drapes these mountains which rise from the desert floor, and arrive at a charming and nostalgic tented camp shaded by the canopy on the banks of the Ngeng River. Enjoy a sundowner and a shower before dinner and slip into bed under a cozy duvet with a hot water bottle in this cooler climate.Accommodation: Kitich Forest Camp
Activity: 4 hours/6 miles hiking with 2,132' elevation gain and 2,624' elevation loss
Transportation: 1-hour flight, 2.5-hour private transfer
Meals: Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner
Eperience a Walking Safari in the Kitich Forest
Day 4
Today you explore the dense Kitich Forest on the upper slopes of the Mathews Mountains guided by Samburu and Ndorobo people, who know these mountains and woodlands better than anyone. Walking through undulating hills and valley slopes past forest orchids and giant cycads you get an intimate look at the wilderness around you. Here are chances to see a myriad of bird and butterfly species as well as elephants, leopards, buffalo, wild dog, greater kudu, waterbuck, giant forest hog, and the rare De Brazza Monkey. Stop at burbling springs and crystal-clear rivers where you can take a refreshing swim or try your hand at fly fishing for barbel. Return to camp in the late afternoon for sundowners and dinner, listening to the chorus of tree frogs and perhaps the roar of a lion or trumpet of an elephant as you drift off to sleep in the wilderness.Accommodation: Kitich Forest Camp
Activity: Walking with optional fishing and swimming
Meals: Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner
Explore Lush Kojos Valley
Day 5
As effervescent light and gentle birdsong fills the valley, your wake-up call of steaming hot Kenyan tea or coffee arrives on your tent's veranda. Take time to absorb your surroundings over a leisurely breakfast in the dappled sunlight as the Ngeng River gently flows by. Today's hike takes you into the Kojos Valley, an otherworldly dell filled with giant cycads - ancient plants that have survived and evolved for millions of years. Enjoy a picnic lunch in a scenic spot along the trail. Refreshed and refueled, summit the spectacular escarpment of Murit Pass and take in the views. Descend and return to camp through shaded valleys studded with boulders and more prehistoric cycads.Accommodation: Kitich Forest Camp
Activity: 5 hours/6.2 miles hiking with 1,200' elevation gain
Meals: Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner
Journey to Laikipia and Begin Your Mobile Safari
Day 6
Begin your last morning at Kitich with a pre-dawn wake-up call and head out on a final walk, descending into a cool valley as the sun rises and the forest awakens with the chattering of birds and the odd elephant rumble. Explore the flora and fauna below the canopy before returning to camp for breakfast and heading to the airstrip for your charter flight to Laikipia. Meet your walking team for a short but scenic drive to camp for lunch. Begin your safari below Loseramoru kopje, hiking across large plains and through mixed bush crisscrossed with wildlife tracks, looking for herds of common and Grevy's zebra, oryx and Grant's gazelle, and the herds of reticulated giraffes that are found in large number here. Your walk culminates with a drink atop a kopje for a panoramic view of the area, nand retiring to tonight's location of your mobile camp.Accommodation: Nyarara Camp
Activity: 2 hours/1-3 miles hiking
Transportation: 2 hours/1-3 miles hiking
Meals: Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner
Ride Camels or Walk in Laikipia
Day 7
Start the day with an early wake-up call and a hearty breakfast while the team takes down the camp and loads it onto pack camels, who will transport camp ahead of you while you walk. You can choose to ride camelback or just have the camels carry your day pack. Laikipia, nestled between Mount Kenya and the northern deserts, is renowned for wildlife conservation. Here you'll explore the high plains, home to diverse species including Grevy's zebras, lions, black rhinos, and elephants. Arrive at Paul's Rock, the site of your next camp at the edge of the Ewaso Nyiro River. After lunch, enjoy an afternoon walk, soaking in the rich scenery. Complete the day with a sundowner as the sun dips below the horizon, returning to camp to watch the river where elephants come to wallow in the mud and tawney and martial eagles nest in the trees.Accommodation: Ewaso Camp
Activity: 4-5 hours/6 miles hiking
Meals: Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner
Take a Final Walk in Laikipia
Day 8
After breakfast, walk toward your final camp, enjoying the cooler morning temperatures. Rolling plains, acacia woodlands, and rugged hills form a picturesque backdrop for your exploration, and you may encounter a variety of wildlife. Arrive in time for lunch at the permanent base camp with such luxuries as a lap pool and cocktail bar. Settle into your tent, which has views of a bustling waterhole frequented by elephants, giraffes, oryx, zebras, and warthogs. In the afternoon, explore the surrounding area with your expert guide, catching glimpses of wildlife and immersing yourself in the scenery of the Laikipia Plateau. Climb a nearby kopje for sunset views.Accommodation: Tumaren Camp
Activity: 3 hours/6 miles hiking
Meals: Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner
Travel to Masai Mara National Reserve
Day 9
After breakfast, drive to the airstrip for your flight to the Masai Mara. A lodge representative will meet you upon arrival and drive you to the camp for a delicious lunch. This afternoon, head out for your first game drive in the Mara, one of Africa's most famous wildlife reserves. The image of acacia trees dotting endless grass plains and perhaps a Maasai warrior epitomizes Africa for many. The highlight is undoubtedly the annual wildebeest migration traversing the vast plains of the Serengeti National Park and the Masai Mara nNational Reserve. Large prides of lions and herds of elephants, as well as giraffes, gazelles, eland, and rhino can also be spotted in the reserve.Accommodation: Speke’s Camp
Activity: Game drive and wildlife viewing
Transportation: 1.5-hour flight
Meals: Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner
Discover Wildlife Wonders of the Masai Mara
Day 10
Today, you will explore the breathtaking landscapes of the Masai Mara on a captivating game drive. Immerse yourself in the natural wonders of the savanna, encountering iconic wildlife up close, from majestic lions to graceful giraffes. In the afternoon, enjoy a guided walk, gaining insights into the Maasai culture and their deep connection to the land as you experience more outstanding wildlife sightings on this unforgettable adventure.Accommodation: Speke’s Camp
Activity: Game drive and 3 hours/7 miles walking
Meals: Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner
Float Over the Masai Mara in a Hot-Air Balloon
Day 11
Early this morning, depart on a special excursion—viewing the Mara from above on a hot-air balloon flight over the winding rivers, forests, and plains below. A beautiful champagne breakfast in the bush awaits upon landing. The rest of the day will be spent on game drives, as you soak in the last opportunity to see the nawe-inspiring animals that reside in this world-famous game park.Activity: Approximately 1-hour hot-air balloon ride (weather dependent)
Meals: Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner
Say Farewell to Kenya & Depart
Day 12
After breakfast, check out of camp and transfer to the airstrip for your flight to Nairobi. Upon arrival, you will be met by your representative and head to a farewell lunch. You'll have use of a day room to rest and freshen up before your departure flight (please book flights to depart after 8:00 pm).Transportation: Private transfer
Meals: Breakfast, Lunch
Why Travel With Us?
- MT Sobek is a pioneering adventure travel company and that has been exploring remote destinations since 1969. Our walking safaris offer a unique perspective of the Kenyan landscape and cultures.
- This perfectly paced 12-day active adventure has been uniquely crafted by our award-winning Africa expert to include exciting activities from hiking and wildlife spotting to hot-air ballooning.
- MT Sobek works with professional local expert guides to provide a rare opportunity to enjoy an immersive, once-in-a-lifetime experience in the African wilderness.
Know Before You Book
There are private shower and toilet tents for Days 6 and 7 on the mobile safari portion of your safari in Laikipia. They are located away from the sleeping tents. If you need to use the facilities at night, expect to walk to them unaccompanied. For safety, there will be askaris (Swahili for guards) patrolling around camp and a fire burning to deter wildlife.
Dates & Prices
- 2025
- Go Private
- Go Custom
- Inclusions
2025
Scheduled Dates
Price is per person, double occupancy in USD.
The earlier you book, the more choice of available dates you’ll have and once you book, your price is guaranteed.
Which Includes:
Which Includes:
Which Includes:
Which Includes:
Which Includes:
Which Includes:
Go Private
Go Private
Gather your favorite travel companions to share an MT Sobek adventure on an easy-to-book Private departure.
Call or email us to get the ball rolling.
*Private trips require a 25% non-refundable deposit.
Looking for a private family adventure?
This trip can accommodate guests with a
minimum age of 18.
Private Trip Pricing: 2025
4 guests from $15,495 per person double occupancy
5 guests from $15,395 per person double occupancy
6 to 7 guests from $14,995 per person double occupancy
8 to 9 guests from $14,795 per person double occupancy
10 to 12 guests from $14,595 per person double occupancy
Included Costs:
Internal Airfare: $1,125
Park Fees: $1,475
*Seasonal rates may apply.
*Private trips require a 25% non-refundable deposit.
Take Over One of These Dates
- Jun 16 - 27, 2025
- Jul 14 - 25, 2025
- Aug 18 - 29, 2025
- Sep 15 - 26, 2025
- Oct 20 - 31, 2025
- Dec 15 - 26, 2025
Make Your Own Dates in These Months
-
June, July, August, September, October, December
Go Custom
Create Your Very Own Adventure
Dreaming of an adventure designed exclusively for you? With insider access and decades of experience, our travel experts create custom tailored adventures that are perfect for families, couples, and large groups. MT Sobek's custom adventures are designed to our exacting standards and led by our award-winning adventure guides.
When to start planning? Earlier is always better when designing a custom trip. More time allows for better availability of preferred accommodations, guides and your desired activities. Ideally, start the conversation with us at least 6 months before you want to travel. If you are looking for a custom trip that departs within three months, chances are greatly diminished in securing requested accommodations and the best guides.
*Custom trips require a 25% non-refundable deposit once an itinerary is agreed upon.
Start PlanningInclusions
Price Includes
- Expertise and services of our experienced adventure guides
- All accommodations as noted in the itinerary
- All breakfasts, almost all lunches and dinners as noted in the itinerary
- Snacks and water between meals
- Additional regional guides and experts on many trips
- Comprehensive Trip Planner with detailed pre-trip information
- Private guided tours at historic sites, museums, wineries and other select attractions as noted in the itinerary
- Special events and other select attractions as mentioned in the itinerary
- All gratuities at hotels and restaurants
- Equipment and experienced guides for activities as described in the itinerary
- Park and other entry fees (unless otherwise noted)
- Fares for trains, ferries and other modes of travel as listed in the itinerary
- Select transfers as mentioned in the itinerary
- Baggage transfers and porterage
Price Does Not Include
- International airfare, airport taxes, and excess baggage fees
- Alcoholic beverages (MT Sobek provides wine at select events)
- Gratuities for MT Sobek guides and guide-drivers
- Travel Protection Program
- Personal expenses
Need help picking your next adventure? Call us to answer your questions.
Your Guides
The best people to immerse you in a destination are the ones who live there, which is why we feature local Adventure Guides on our trips. Here are a few that you might meet on this adventure.
James M.
James took his first exams in Tour Guiding in 1997 and is among the few Gold Level Guides out of thousands under the membership of Kenya Professional Safari Guide Association (KPSGA) Number 0488. Born on the biodiverse Kikuyu Escarpment, his passion for natural history grew through his childhood years, leading him to spend his time in museum libraries tackling subjects such as mammalogy, entomology, botany, osteology, ornithology, anthropology, and geology. A well-rounded guide, James loves to take a deep dive on walking tours dedicated to birds, trees, or insects.
Moses N.
After starting life as the son of coffee pickers on the slopes of Mount Kenya, Moses worked to complete a degree in Tourism and Wildlife Management at Nairobi University and set off on extensive multi-month adventures, where he acted as driver, guide, mechanic, and cook all in one. Having gained experience in the many ecosystems, tribes, and cultures across East Africa, he shifted gears to become a luxury safari guide, sharing his wealth of knowledge about natural history, and spending time with his family.
Raymond T.
Raymond is Maasai and has lived in wildlife-protected areas since his childhood. Growing up in a Maasai village in harmony with wildlife, he developed a strong interest and respect for Tanzania’s wild creatures. He graduated from a 4-year program at the College of African Wildlife Management and has been showing guests the wonders of East Africa and Zambia since 2011. He is excited to share his abundant enthusiasm for the landscapes, people, and wildlife of Tanzania with you!
Activity Level
This trip is rated activity level 3. Guests can expect to be walking 5-7 miles on most days on flat/undulating terrain. Some days have steeper hikes at elevations of over 6,000 feet. There are a variety of activities available like fishing, swimming, and game drives, while not on foot.
Learn more about activity levels here.
Activity Snapshot
Day 2
Game drives, 25-minute walk
Day 3
4 hours/6 miles hiking with 2,132' elevation gain and 2,624' elevation loss
Day 4
Walking with optional fishing and swimming
Day 5
5 hours/6.2 miles hiking with 1,200' elevation gain
Day 6
2 hours/1-3 miles hiking
Day 7
4-5 hours/6 miles hiking
Day 8
3 hours/6 miles hiking
Day 9
Game drive and wildlife viewing
Day 10
Game drive and 3 hours/7 miles walking
Day 11
Approximately 1-hour hot-air balloon ride (weather dependent)
Accommodations
Experience the best of Kenya's wilderness from a variety of luxury private tented camps, all superbly located in mountain, river, or savanna settings with stunning panoramic views.
Weather
Kenya's climates range from temperate subtropical in the west and southwest highlands, to hot and humid along the coast, and hot and dry in the north and east, with temperatures averaging 68F-86F.
FAQs
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Guest Reviews
"A prominent reason we have chosen MT Sobek as our favorite adventure travel company has been the excellent travel guides."
Carol & Burt D.
MT Sobek Guests
"I've taken six MT Sobek trips and they have all exceeded my expectations. The staff, the food, the logistics and the communications have always been exceptional. Thank you for being my "go to" adventure travel company!"
Margaret I.
MT Sobek Guest