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4 days - Giraffe Manor and the Masai Mara

Giraffes, the Mara and the coast

Four days from Nairobi's Giraffe Manor to the Masai Mara's big cats, ending with a flight to the Indian Ocean coast at Diani.

1 Country
2 Stops
3 Nights
Luxury to Top Luxury Service level
  • The storyThe headline tells the journey in a few lines, one after another.
  • At a glanceThe figures beneath it are the essential facts of the trip.

The journey

When to go

Masai Mara game
Balloon and flying conditions
Diani beach finish
Masai Mara game Balloon and flying conditions Diani beach finish Avoid
July Primary window

The herds arrive from the Serengeti and the first Mara River crossings begin. Dry and busy, the start of the headline season. Crisp, clear mornings, good for balloon flights and small-aircraft transfers. Cooler, dry weather on the coast, with steady winds that suit kitesurfing.

Herds arrive Clear mornings Dry and breezy

The route

Nairobi Masai Mara
01

Kenya

Nairobi and Giraffe Manor, then the Masai Mara, with a flight to the Diani coast on the last day.

Early arrival in the Kenyan capital of Nairobi, go through all the formalities, and onward to adventure! Upon exiting the terminal, you will meet our driver, who will take you to your hotel for your rest. Today you will spend the day in the Giraffe Kingdom! Relax, and enjoy, the day is at your at your disposal.
After breakfast, check out from the hotel strictly according to regulations, transfer to the airport Willson. We leave for Masai Mara National Park, a true home for the Big Five, and this park also hosts the Big Migration for several months of the year. Regardless no matter what time of year you're in the park, you'll see lions, leopards, cheetahs, elephants, rhinos zebras, gnu, antelope, etc.
Wake up before dawn and hurry to the savannah for a safari Rising Sun. After a cup of coffee, you'll drive to the park and watch the sun spread its rays over the savannah. And ravenous cats, taking advantage of the morning chill, prowl around in search of their breakfast. Alternatively, you can book a hot-air balloon ride and observe the life of the morning savannah from a bird's-eye view. Then we will return to the lodge for breakfast and back to the savanna because we will spend the entire day in the park on the safari. But we can stay at the lodge after breakfast, rest, have lunch, and only then go on safari when the heat is down a little.
Today is your chance to go on an early safari, have breakfast, get some rest up, and fly back to Nairobi. The best way to complete a safari in Kenya is to head to the shores of the Indian Ocean. So when you arrive in Nairobi, we suggest you have lunch at the famous Carnivore Restaurant, and then a domestic flight will take you directly to the white-sand beaches of Diani.

The detail

About this trip

Enjoy luxury and wildlife on a 4-day Kenya VIP journey, staying at Giraffe Manor and exploring the Masai Mara. Throughout this exclusive 4-day journey, you will delight in personalised service, exquisite cuisine, and unparalleled wildlife encounters. The quaint elegance of Giraffe Manor and the pristine wilderness of the Masai Mara combine to create an experience that seamlessly blends luxury with the pristine beauty of nature. This is a VIP adventure that will forever be etched in your memory.

What is included

  • Giraffe Manor – breakfast with friendly giraffes at Nairobi’s most iconic boutique hotel.
  • Masai Mara Safari – thrilling game drives across endless plains.
  • Big Five Encounters – lions, elephants, and more in their natural habitat.
  • Luxury Camp Stay – intimate comfort surrounded by wilderness.
  • Sundowners – golden light, cool drinks, and spectacular sunsets.

What is not included

  • International flights (From/ home)
  • Additional accommodation before and at the end of the tour
  • Tips (Tipping guideline US$10.00 pp per day)
  • Personal items (Souvenirs, travel insurance, visa fees, etc.
  • Increase in taxes and/or fees for parks set by the government

Good to know

Frequently asked questions

When is the best time for Giraffe Manor and the Masai Mara?
July to October score highest. The herds arrive in July, river crossings are at their most reliable in August, and September has fewer vehicles. Mornings are clear for balloon flights and light aircraft. April is the wettest month, when low cloud and storms can delay balloon flights and flights, and some camps close.
How does the Giraffe Manor night work?
The Rothschild’s giraffes of the Giraffe Kingdom come to the house, so plan to be up early and follow the staff’s guidance around the animals. Giraffe Manor is small and fills far ahead, so we secure it first and build the rest of the trip around your date.
Can I add a balloon ride over the Masai Mara?
Yes. On day 3 you can swap the sunrise safari for a hot-air balloon ride, which is optional. Tell us when you book so we can reserve places. Launches depend on the morning weather, and your travel insurance should cover balloon flights.
How do the flights work, and where does the trip end?
You fly from Wilson Airport to the Mara after a strict hotel check-out, and light aircraft take soft bags only. On day 4 you fly back to Nairobi, have lunch at the Carnivore restaurant, then fly on to Diani. Tell us whether you fly home from Mombasa or return to Nairobi.
Can you combine more than one country in a single trip?
Yes. Many of our journeys cross borders, for example Botswana with Victoria Falls in Zimbabwe, or Cape Town with a safari and the Falls. Tell us the places you have in mind through the enquiry form and we will plan the route and transfers as one itinerary.
What meals are included on safari?
Meals depend on the camp or lodge and are set out in your itinerary. On safari they are usually taken at camp, with a picnic or packed meal on some days. Tell us about any dietary needs when you enquire.
Do I need vaccinations or medication before an African safari?
Health requirements depend on where you are travelling from and where you are going, and they change. Check your country's official travel health advice or TravelHealthPro (travelhealthpro.org.uk), and see a travel clinic well before you depart. Ask about malaria prevention early.
What should I pack for an African safari?
Lightweight, breathable clothing that covers your arms and legs helps against sun and insects, in neutral colours. Bring comfortable closed shoes (boots if you will walk), a hat, sunscreen, insect repellent, binoculars and a camera with spare batteries and memory cards. Your itinerary lists any luggage limits for charter flights.
How do I stay safe on safari?
Your guides brief you on how to behave around wildlife. Follow their instructions, stay in the vehicle or camp area as told, and never approach or disturb animals. Conditions differ by country and change over time, so check your government's current travel advice before you book and again before you travel.
What is a typical day on safari?
A safari day usually has an early game drive, time to rest at camp in the heat of the day, and an afternoon activity before sundowners and dinner. Some camps add walks, boat trips or cultural visits. Your itinerary sets out the plan for each day.

On this trip

Photographs from the route, not stock library scenery.

Giraffes on a lawn in front of an ivy-covered brick manor house

Book it in this order

Work down the list. Each step depends on the one above it.

Field notes

The practical detail that decides whether a trip runs smoothly.

Check-out and flights

The flight to the Mara leaves from Wilson Airport after a strict check-out from the hotel. Pack the evening before.

Light aircraft

Bring a soft bag and keep valuables and medication in a daypack. We confirm bag limits for your flights.

Giraffe Manor

The Rothschild's giraffes of the Giraffe Kingdom come to the house, so plan to be up early and follow the staff's guidance around the animals.

The Mara across the year

The Big Five live in the reserve all year, and the migration is there for several months. Ask us about timing when you book.

Lunch before the coast

On day four you have lunch at the Carnivore restaurant in Nairobi before the afternoon flight to Diani.

Plan this journey

Make this trip your own

Every journey is planned around your dates and your party. Tell us who is travelling and when, and a specialist will come back with a tailored itinerary and a quote. Payment is by invoice.

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