MAASAI MARA & FOSTER ELEPHANT SAFARI

ELEPHANT SAFARIS

On our Maasai Mara & Foster Elephant Safari, see conservation efforts at work while visiting your Foster Elephants & explore Kenya’s Maasai Mara National Reserve.

TOUR OVERVIEW

On our Maasai Mara and Foster Elephant Safari you will explore one of Kenya’s most famous wildlife reserves and one of Africa's oldest wildlife conservation organizations. This safari takes you to the iconic location of the Maasai Mara National Reserve where you’ll spend days exploring this vast wilderness. During migration season you may have the opportunity to see millions of wildebeest and zebra crossing the Mara River or thundering through the savanna.

During this safari, you will visit the Sheldrick Wildlife Trust Nairobi Nursery and three of their exclusive, private camps – Ithumba Hill, Umani Springs, and Galdessa. Here you will learn about their orphaned elephants projects, be surrounded by elephants, and possibly meet your foster elephants! The Maasai Mara and Foster Elephant Safari is perfect for those with a passion for elephants and those looking to enjoy a classic style safari in East Africa.

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WHAT
YOU WILL SEE

UPCOMING DATES

WILDEBEEST MIGRATION SEASON

JUL 15 – JUL 27, 2023 Full

AUG 6 – AUG 18, 2023

AUG 18 – SEP 1, 2023

*Some itineraries may differ slightly due to length of stay at various camps/lodges.

LOCATIONS

  • Sheldrick Wildlife Trust Nairobi Nursery
  • Giraffe Centre/ Nairobi
  • Maasai Mara National Reserve
  • Umani Springs Lodge / Kibwezi Forest
  • Galdessa Camp / Voi / Tsavo East NP
  • Ithumba Hill Camp / Tsavo East NP

TRIP LENGTH

14 Days

*Itineraries are customizable

TOUR SIZE

Maximum of 6-8 Guests

*If trip is full you may need to share at Sheldrick properties

INCLUDED:

  • SWT Camps & Lodges All Inclusive
  • Local Air and Ground Transportation
  • Airport Transfers
  • Experienced Driver Guide
  • All Park Fees
  • AMREF Flying Doctors Insurance
  • 4×4 Land Cruiser Safari Vehicle Equipped with Power Outlets and Cooler
  • Drinking Water on Game Drives

TOUR HIGHLIGHTS

  • Visit the Sheldrick Wildlife Trust Nairobi Nursery and Giraffe Centre in Nairobi learning about local conservation efforts.
  • Experience wild and unspoiled savannas in remote locations of the Maasai Mara National Reserve.
  • Stay at the Sheldrick Wildlife Trust private, self-catering, all inclusive camps in three locations: Galdessa, Ithumba Hill, and Umani Springs.
  • See elephants, giraffes, zebras, wildebeest, cheetah, lions, leopards, hyena, cape buffalo, rhino and impala in their natural habitat.
  • Take an optional Hot Air Balloon ride to view a stunning sunrise over the Maasai Mara plains.
  • During the Great Migration see millions of wildebeest and zebra thunder across remote grasslands on their continuous journey following the rains.

TOUR EXTENSIONS

See endangered black rhinos, visit national parks, trekking with Gorillas and other trip extensions we can offer.

DAY-BY-DAY ITINERARY

Please Note:

You must have fostered an elephant within the last 12 months to stay at the Sheldrick Wildlife Trust private properties and go on private visits to the Nairobi Nursery. Elephants can be fostered for $50 (at your own cost) through the SWT website.

Lodging in the Maasai Mara and length or order of stay at Sheldrick Wildlife properties may change based on departure dates. Inquire for specific details.

DAY 1: ARRIVE IN NAIROBI, KENYA

Upon arrival transport provided to your hotel.

2 Nights Lodging at the Tamarind Tree Hotel or similar

DAY 2: SHELDRICK WILDLIFE TRUST & GIRAFFE CENTER VISIT

Visit the Giraffe Centre, home of the Rothschild Giraffe conservation sanctuary. Enjoy lunch at The Talisman Restaurant and both public and private visits to Sheldrick Wildlife Trust's Sheldrick Wildlife Trust's Nairobi Nursery to see the newest and youngest orphaned elephants. Dinner and overnight at hotel.

Please note: Foster visits are not taking place until further notice.

DAY 3 & 4: ITHUMBA HILL

Drive to Ithumba in Tsavo East National Park. Visit the stockades daily in the morning and evening. Watch the orphans play at their afternoon mud bath while they interact with wild elephants.

Lodging and all meals at Ithumba Hill Camp, an exclusive SWT self-catering property.

2 Nights Lodging at Ithumba Hill Camp

DAY 5 & 6: GALDESSA

Drive to Galdessa Camp. Daily, enjoy game drives as we travel to and from the stockades and the watering hole at Voi reintegration unit. It’s here you’ll witness the older orphaned elephants and wild elephants sharing afternoon mud baths.

Lodging and all meals at Galdessa Camp, an exclusive SWT self-catering property on the Galana River.

2 Nights at the Galdessa Camp

DAY 7 & 8: UMANI SPRINGS

Drive to Umani Springs, another private retreat reserved only for SWT foster parents. At this Reintegration unit, visit with the more vulnerable orphaned elephants who are in need of special care during their transition to the wild.

Lodging and all meals at Umani Springs, an exclusive SWT self-catering property in the Kibweze Forest.

2 Nights at Umani Springs

DAY 9: NAIROBI

Drive to Nairobi arriving in the afternoon. Enjoy dinner as a group staying overnight at the hotel prior to tomorrow's departure for the Maasai Mara.

1 Night at the Tamarind Tree Hotel or similar

DAY 10, 11, 12 & 13: MAASAI MARA NATIONAL RESERVE

Half day drive from Nairobi to Maasai Mara with scenic stops along the way and an evening game drive in the reserve.

Enjoy morning and evening game drives daily. When not on safari, relax and enjoy spectacular views from camp.

Optional: Hot Air Balloon Rides or Maasai village visits available.

Lodging at exclusive, eco friendly luxury tented camps situated perfectly near iconic wildlife migratory crossing points.

Option to Fly: Flights are available to the Mara at an additional cost.

4 Nights at Mara Crossings Camp or Mara Entim Camp or similar based on availability

Day 14: Nairobi & Departure

Drive to Nairobi for your flight home. Day room at the hotel to freshen up prior to your departure. Transportation provided to airport.

Day Room Use Only at Four Points by Sheraton or Tamarind Tree Hotel

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