Laikipia conservancies
Morning and evening game drives on the private land of Ol Pejeta Conservancy.
Signature Trips
The Kenyan Grand Journey
15 Nights / 16 Days Road / SGR / Air
The flagship Kiota itinerary — a sweeping, unhurried circuit through Kenya's most iconic landscapes, from the private conservancies of Laikipia to the white sands of the coast. Blends wildlife, culture, and rift valley scenery before a well-earned stretch on the beach.
About this journey
The Kenyan
Grand Journey.
The flagship Kiota itinerary — a sweeping, unhurried circuit through Kenya's most iconic landscapes, from the private conservancies of Laikipia to the white sands of the coastline. Wildlife, culture, and rift-valley scenery are given room to unfold before a well-earned stretch on the beach.
It is designed for travellers who want the full breadth of Kenya in one considered passage: conservancies, lakes, the Mara, Kilimanjaro's elephants, and the Indian Ocean, without rushing the days that matter most.
Nairobi → Laikipia → Nakuru → Maasai Mara → Naivasha → Amboseli → Taita Hills → Diani Beach → Nairobi
Highlights
What makes this
journey grand.
Nakuru from The Cliff
Two nights above the flamingo lake, with spectacular views and game drives in the park below.
Big cat country
Game drives across the Mara's open savannah grassland, with time to stay with a sighting rather than hurry past it.
A coast finale
Arrive by rail at the coast and spend three nights at Alfajiri Cliff Villa, with the sea as the last chapter.
- Laikipia's private conservancies: game drives at Ol Pejeta
- Nakuru's flamingo lake and rhino
- Two nights at The Cliff, with spectacular views of the lake
- Maasai Mara's vast plains and big cat country
- Naivasha's lakeside serenity, boat safari, and Hell's Gate
- Amboseli's elephant herds beneath Kilimanjaro at Tawi Lodge
- Taita Hills Wildlife Sanctuary at Lions Bluff Lodge
- Scenic SGR railway journey from Voi to the coast
- Three nights at Alfajiri Cliff Villa, one of the coast's most exclusive properties
Accommodation
Where You'll
Stay.
| Destination | Nights | Hotel / Lodge |
|---|---|---|
| Nairobi | 1N | Ole Sereni |
| Laikipia | 2N | Tambarare Camp |
| Nakuru | 2N | The Cliff |
| Maasai Mara | 2N | Mara Ishara |
| Naivasha | 2N | Enashipai |
| Amboseli | 2N | Tawi Lodge |
| Taita Hills | 1N | Lions Bluff Lodge |
| Diani Beach | 3N | Alfajiri Cliff Villa |
Itinerary
Day by
Day.
Arrive Nairobi
Touch down in Nairobi and transfer to Ole Sereni. Evening at leisure to settle in. Dinner and overnight at Ole Sereni.
Nairobi → Laikipia
Depart after breakfast and drive to Laikipia, checking in at Tambarare Camp for lunch. Afternoon game drive at Ol Pejeta Conservancy with a chance to see elephant, buffalo, and giraffe among others. Dinner and overnight at Tambarare Camp.
Ol Pejeta Conservancy
Full day exploring the conservancy, with an early morning game drive and an evening game drive. Dinner and overnight at Tambarare Camp.
Laikipia → Nakuru
Depart after breakfast and drive to Lake Nakuru. Check in at The Cliff, with spectacular views of the lake, followed by an afternoon game drive. Dinner and overnight at The Cliff.
Lake Nakuru
Early morning game drive in Lake Nakuru National Park with a chance to see flamingos, rhino, and buffalo among others. Return to the lodge for breakfast, afternoon at leisure, then an evening game drive. Dinner and overnight at The Cliff.
Nakuru → Maasai Mara
Depart after breakfast and drive for approximately 6 hours to the Maasai Mara, checking in at Mara Ishara for lunch. Game drive at 4pm with chances to see big cats — lions, cheetahs, and hyenas among others. Dinner and overnight at Mara Ishara.
Maasai Mara
Early morning game drive and afternoon at leisure, with a game drive in the evening. Dinner and overnight at Mara Ishara.
Maasai Mara → Naivasha
Depart after breakfast to Lake Naivasha, arriving in good time for lunch at Enashipai. Afternoon siesta, followed by a boat ride safari on Lake Naivasha. Dinner and overnight at Enashipai.
Hell's Gate
Optional guided walking or cycling safari in Hell's Gate National Park — the only park in Kenya where you can cycle among wild animals — then back to the lodge for lunch. Afternoon at leisure. Dinner and overnight at Enashipai.
Naivasha → Amboseli
Depart after breakfast and drive for approximately 6 and a half hours to Amboseli, arriving in good time for lunch at Tawi Lodge. Afternoon rest, followed by an evening game drive with chances to see elephants and Mt. Kilimanjaro, the climax of Amboseli National Park. Dinner and overnight at Tawi Lodge.
Amboseli
Half day game drive, returning to the camp for lunch and an afternoon siesta, followed by a nature walk and sundowner in Tawi Conservancy. Dinner and overnight at Tawi Lodge.
Amboseli → Taita Hills
Depart after breakfast to Taita Hills Wildlife Sanctuary, about 3 and a half hours' drive, and check in at Lions Bluff Lodge. Afternoon rest and a game drive in the evening. Dinner and overnight at Lions Bluff Lodge.
Taita Hills → Diani (SGR)
Depart after breakfast and transfer to Voi train station to board the train to Mombasa, about 2 hours. Continue by road for about one hour and check in at Alfajiri Cliff Villa. Dinner and overnight at Alfajiri Cliff Villa.
Diani Beach
Full day at leisure — snorkeling, kite surfing, spa, or pure relaxation on white sands. Dinner and overnight at Alfajiri Cliff Villa.
Diani Beach
Full day at leisure — optional dhow cruise, marine park visit, or cultural tour. Dinner and overnight at Alfajiri Cliff Villa.
Diani → Nairobi (Flight)
Depart after breakfast and transfer to Ukunda (Diani) airstrip for your flight to Nairobi Wilson, connecting to your international departure.
End of our service
Summary
How this Kenya
is held.
First Kenya, or the long way
First-time visitors to Kenya, honeymooners — the complete "everything Kenya" experience: savanna, rift valley lakes, mountain views, and coastline.
Interior nights, longer at the marquee stops
Relaxed and comprehensive, 1–2 night stops through the interior with longer stays at the marquee destinations.
Questions, considered
About travelling
the long way.
Is sixteen days too much ground to cover?
The circuit is paced with one- and two-night stops through the interior and longer stays where the landscape deserves them. Road days are part of seeing Kenya change, not wasted transit.
When is the best time to travel?
Choose the dates that suit you. We create travel itineraries throughout the year and shape the journey around when it is convenient for you to go.
Can this be travelled privately?
Yes. The Grand Journey is a private Kiota itinerary, with vehicles, guiding, and lodging reserved around your party.
Sixteen days of Kenya
Laikipia to rift lakes to coast — write with dates and we will start holding lodges.