Photos © Bill Yancey
Kenya Conservation Safari
Join Us For An Experience of a Lifetime! | Next safari will be in 2020 – dates/price/final itinerary to be determined. Please check back for more information!
Contact us to reserve your spot for 2020.*
Join us for an exclusive adventure to African Conservation Centre’s (ACC’s) community-based wildlife conservation projects in Kenya! Guided by our world-renowned scientists and community leaders, you’ll experience wildlife off-the-beaten-tourist-track, visit projects and people in diverse and stunning ecosystems and learn first-hand how ACC innovations are shaping the future of conservation. You will also experience one of the most magnificent wildlife spectacles on the planet – the Great Migration in the Maasai Mara!
“People who have been far, see far.”
Enjoy exclusive access to ACC’s conservation programs, scientists and community leaders.
Our safari gives guests the rare opportunity to spend quality time in the field with conservation experts and leaders including:
- Dr. David Western (Amboseli Conservation Program)
- Dr. Shirley Strum (Uaso Ngiro Baboon Project)
- Lucy Waruingi (ACC/Bioinformatics)
- John Kamanga (SORALO, Maasai Culture/Coexistence)
- Samantha du Toit (Ecological Monitoring)
- Guy Western (Rebuilding the Pride – Lion Conservation
- Johnson Sipitiek (ACC Conservation Enterprise)
Visit four unique Kenya locations with flights in-between to maximize time at each site.
We visit Laikipia, Maasai Mara, Magadi, and Amboseli. Each site offers special activities such as: walking with baboons, visiting community resource centres, learning about Maasai culture, and wildlife viewing and photography.
Walk and hike in the wild.
Walk and hike in the wild. In addition to viewing and photographing wildlife in open 4 x 4 vehicles, we’ll have the opportunity to stretch our legs and experience the diverse and beautiful Kenyan landscapes on foot.
Experience real ecotourism.
We stay in lodges, camps and Maasai manyattas that truly benefit wildlife and the community: Twala Cultural Manyatta, Elephant Pepper Camp, Shompole Wilderness Lodge and Tortilis Camp.
Carolyn Greene, (ACC-US Executive Director), is your host on this adventure, along with ACC’s and Kenya’s leading scientists and community leaders. The Safari is managed by Cheli & Peacock Safaris.
Cheli & Peacock Safaris, is one of Kenya’s leading eco-tourism operators. For more than 30 years, they have developed a reputation for professional service, outstanding food, and attention to detail. Cheli & Peacock Safaris employ from the local communities and support both National Reserves and community conservation initiatives. C & P has been a longtime partner of ACC.
Day 1 – July 15
Ole Sereni Hotel
Nairobi, Kenya
We arrive in Nairobi, where a representative from Cheli & Peacock Safaris (C & P) will transfer us from Jomo Kenyatta International Airport to Ole Sereni Hotel. Ole Sereni is located on the edge of Nairobi National Park with easy access to airports. The hotel is known for its hospitality, food and lovely views of the park. Enjoy a good night’s rest before our safari adventure begins!
Day 2 – July 16
Ole Sereni Hotel
Nairobi, Kenya
This morning we enjoy a welcome breakfast with our safari host, Carolyn Greene. We will spend a leisurely day in Nairobi learning about giraffes at the Giraffe Centre, meeting African Conservation Centre staff, and visiting orphaned elephants and other wildlife at the David Sheldrick Wildlife Trust.
Day 3 – July 17
Twala Cultural Manyatta
Laikipia
Today, we transfer to the airport for our flight to Nanyuki. From Nanyuki, we’ll drive through the wildlife-filled Laikipia landscape to our destination: Twala Cultural Manyatta (a 1 ½ hour drive). Initiated by Maasai women and supported by ACC, this Manyatta provides an income for the women and a unique and authentic experience for visitors that fosters respect and understanding of the local environment and culture. After settling into our huts and enjoying a delicious lunch, we’ll learn about Twala’s enterprise projects (aloe, bee keeping, beading, tourism), and enjoy a short walk and sundowner. This evening, we’ll join new Maasai friends for dinner and fireside conversation.
Day 4 – July 18
Twala Cultural Manyatta
Laikipia
Today we’ll rise early to meet with world renowned primatologist, Dr. Shirley Strum and visit one of the longest running primate field studies in the world, the Uaso Ngiro Baboon Project. While walking among a habituated troop of baboons, we’ll learn what makes these monkeys so special and how this project has positively impacted the surrounding community. In the afternoon we can visit a local school and learn more about Twala projects and Maasai culture.
Day 5 – July 19
Elephant Pepper Camp
Maasai Mara
This morning we fly to the world-famous Maasai Mara to witness the Great Migration! Our home in the Mara is Elephant Pepper Camp, secluded in the Mara North Conservancy, the heart of the Maasai Mara ecosystem. Elephant Pepper Camp is the perfect base from which to explore the spectacular wildlife of the Mara and in the process, learn about ACC and partner conservation efforts underway to save this unique place. We’ll enjoy a walk and evening game viewing before settling into our tents for the night.
Day 6 – July 20
Elephant Pepper Camp
Maasai Mara
With over 450 bird species and both resident and transient populations of lion, leopard, buffalo, elephant, and giraffe, to name a few, we will spend most of today photographing and learning about wildlife!
Day 7 – July 21
Elephant Pepper Camp
Maasai Mara
Upon waking, fresh tea or coffee will ease us into a morning of game drives or bush walks across the conservancy in the company of highly experienced local guides. In the evening, we may visit with a member of the conservancy to learn more about conservation efforts. A night game drive after sundowners in the bush ends another exciting day in the Mara!
Day 8 – July 22
Shompole Wilderness Camp
Magadi/South Rift
This morning, we say farewell to the Mara and take a chartered flight to Magadi in the South Rift (30-minute flight). A representative from Shompole Wilderness Camp will meet us and transport us to our tented camp nestled under fig trees on the banks of the Ewaso Ngiro river. Along the way, we’ll stop to view flamingos on Lake Magadi. The afternoon and evening will include a walk, sundowner, and dinner at camp with our South Rift guides. Wildlife is abundant in this relatively unknown area of Kenya, with only rhino missing from the diverse ecosystem.
Day 9 – July 23
Shompole Wilderness Camp
Magadi/South Rift
We’ll be up early to join the Rebuilding the Pride (RTP) team as they track lions. You’ll learn about RTP and what it takes to conserve these amazing cats! In the afternoon, we will visit the Lale’enok Resource Centre that ACC helped build. We’ll meet with staff members to learn what this innovative Maasai community is doing to coexist with wildlife and preserve their cultural heritage. In the evening, we may visit a Maasai boma, followed by a game drive back to camp.
Day 10- July 24
Tortilis Camp
Amboseli
Enjoy one more morning game drive or walk in Shompole before transferring to the airstrip for a chartered flight to Amboseli (40-minute flight). On arrival, we will be met by a representative from Tortilis Camp and transferred to our lodge – one of the top eco-lodges in the world! Here, will be meet our guide – the founder of ACC and world-renowned conservation leader and Amboseli expert, Dr. David Western. David will give a short overview of ACC’s community-based programs in Amboseli and will join us for a sundowner and dinner. Amboseli opens your eyes to Africa’s vast space: a photographer’s paradise. It’s famous for its many elephants, big cats, and abundant plains game – all in the backdrop of Mt. Kilimanjaro!
Day 11 – July 25
Tortilis Camp
Amboseli
Today we will visit Amboseli’s elephants, made famous by Cynthia Moss’ research. These elephants are relatively used to people so we can get closer to them than in other areas. You will learn about ACC’s efforts to protect elephants and lions from conflict and poaching. You will also learn about ACC ecosystem rehabilitation efforts – a key component to creating healthy habitat for elephants and all the species in Amboseli. After a mid-day break, we’ll enjoy another game drive and evening walk outside the park to get a feel of the land and watch the sunset fall over the plains.
Day 12 – July 26
Tortilis Camp
Amboseli
Today begins with an early morning game drive and visit to ACC’s newest community resource centre, Noonkotiak with ACC staff, Johnson Sipitiek and David Maitumo. The Centre brings together the community resource assessors who monitor wildlife, livestock and human activity in the Amboseli Ecosystem and houses the offices of the Amboseli Ecosystem Trust. You will learn how ACC works with communities to benefit wildlife, people and the entire ecosystem. Finish the day with a swim, more wildlife viewing and a wonderful meal under the stars.
Day 13 – July 27
Ole Sereni Day Room
Nairobi, Kenya
After breakfast, we’ll take a morning flight from Amboseli to Nairobi. Our day rooms at Ole Sereni will give us a chance to rest and freshen up before a farewell lunch/tea with ACC friends. We’ll enjoy a final group dinner before our international flights home.
Access to Conservation Projects and World-Renowned Scientists/Conservation Leaders
Our safari provides exclusive access for small groups of conservation-minded people to ACC and partner conservation projects, experts and community leaders.
Our Itinerary
Our itinerary takes you to four of ACC’s program locations where we spend 12 days immersing ourselves in wildlife, culture, photography and conservation. We balance fun, educational experiences, relaxation, adventure, and photography so you don’t just visit Kenya, you experience it.
Expert Guides
An ACC staff member or partner will guide our activities and experience at each location we visit. These guides are top Kenyan experts in wildlife, culture, conservation and science. We will also have expert guides driving us on game drives.
Small Groups
We travel with a maximum of 10 guests. A small group allows better opportunities for wildlife viewing and closer connections to community members, guides, ACC staff, scientists and other safari guests.
Exclusive Safari Activities
We stay in lodges, camps or manyattas that allow us to enjoy bush walks (with expert guides), off-road exploration, walking with cattle, plant and bird walks, walking with baboons, nighttime wildlife drives, and time with local community members.
Open 4 x 4 Safari Vehicles
Every guest has a window seat with clear views for photography or wildlife watching.
Flights
We maximize time for wildlife viewing and activities by flying between locations. This saves time (and your back) and gives guests an extraordinary view of Kenya’s landscapes.
ACC-US Host
Our host, Carolyn Greene, has more than 20 years of experience working in conservation. She will be your go-to person before, during and after the safari. She will work closely with each couple or individual to answer all questions, cater to specific interests as much as possible, and do her best to ensure everyone has the adventure of a lifetime!
Testimonials | January 2017 Kenya Conservation Safari
“This ACC safari has to be included as one of my top favorite trips of all time. What made this trip so unique is the close interactions with Maasai women, knowledgeable ACC staff, and world-renowned conservationists, all while surrounded by fabulous wildlife. More than just a picture-taking opportunity, the safari allowed us to learn of the struggles of the local communities and their efforts to coexist with wild animals in such an incredible ecosystem. Very special!”
— Lisa Fiore
“I can’t even begin to explain how much I learned and experienced on this trip. Seeing incredible wildlife is only a small part of it. More importantly, I learned so much about community based ecosystem conservation: preserving the environmental diversity, protecting wildlife, and sustaining the livelihood of local communities – all three at the same time because they are intricately connected. Dr. David Western (the father of community based conservation) and Dr. Shirley Strum (“mama baboon”) have been great teachers and their lifetime dedication to science based conservation is inspiring. It has been a privilege to spend time with them. I also learned so much about Maasai culture and people. The Maasai are, seriously, some of the most eloquent and intelligent people I have met. Their lives are very harsh but the conservation movement gives them a chance for a better future and they will be able to play a significant role in it as well. Above all, I have learned that you should never give up on what you believe in. You can create a movement with many small steps along the way, as long as you have a clear vision and really believe in it.”
— Ning Mosberger-Tang
“Having focused only on what clothes to bring and what shots to have, I was overwhelmed by what we saw, what we learned, and how we were treated. Anyone lucky enough to interact with the A.C.C. and its knowledgeable people will experience a safari you’ll not soon forget.”
— Ted Chapin
“I have been very fortunate to be on numerous African safaris in Kenya, Tanzania, Zimbabwe and South Africa and though all have provided amazing opportunities to view wildlife, none have provided such an in-depth view of the interdependency of local communities and wildlife as the Kenya Conservation Safari offered by the African Conservation Centre. Delving into this interdependency is critical to fully appreciating the integral role of local communities in saving Africa’s wild animals. Being able to spend numerous nights living in a Maasai boma at Twala was magical, sitting around the fire talking with the women about the issues they face, talking with the men about the drought and balancing their herds with land reform challenges was fascinating; it was a completely different experience than dropping in on a Maasai group, seeing them dance, hearing them sing, buying their beautiful beaded jewelry and leaving. Having the chance to meet with some of Africa’s leading conservationists including Drs. David Western and Shirley Strum on the ACC trip was a fantastic way to learn more about the challenges that the animals and communities face and discuss possible revolutionary solutions and brought a greater depth of appreciation when viewing wildlife in the Mara and Amboseli. The ACC safari was extremely well organized by the staff of ACC, especially the Executive Director of ACC-US Carolyn Greene and the Executive Director of ACC-Kenya, Lucy Waruingi. They went out of their way to be sure the safari was well balanced, that individual interests were met, that the participants physical and medical needs were well tended to, and that all participants got the most out of the experience. The ACC Community Conservation Safari is an opportunity of a lifetime that shouldn’t be missed!”
— Jacquie McKenna
Safari Fees | Travel, Meals & Accommodations
Contact us to reserve your spot for 2020.*
Group Size — Approx. 10 People | Price — TBD
Your Safari Fee Includes Most Everything:
- Bed and breakfast and dayroom at Ole Sereni Hotel
- Group meals in Nairobi
- Entrance fee to Giraffe Centre
- Full board accommodation at Twala Cultural Manyatta, Elephant Pepper Camp, Shompole Wilderness Lodge, and Tortilis Camp
- Soft drinks, beer and house wine at Twala, Elephant Pepper Camp, Shompole, and Tortilis
- All tips for guides, lodge staff, and transportation (except for airport pick-up when you arrive and hotel tips for porters)
- Airport/Airstrip transfers
- Park entrance fees
- Game drives in 4-wheel drive vehicle
- Scheduled flights mentioned above
- Private charters in a Cessna 208
- Laundry
- All transfers mentioned above
- All domestic flight departure taxes
- All known Government taxes
- AMREF Flying Doctors cover
Fees Not Included:
- All drinks, meals and extras at Ole Sereni Hotel when not with group
- All items of a personal nature
- Champagne, luxury spirits & wines
- Any activities not included in the itinerary
- All statutory increases beyond our control
- International flights and visa fees
- Any unforeseen tax increases
- Meals on your own
- Entrance fee to David Sheldrick Wildlife Trust ($50 pp to be paid ahead of time)