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Kenya Safari with Great Plains Conservation – Sustainable Luxury & Unforgettable Wildlife Encounters

Kenya Safari with Great Plains Conservation –

Sustainable Luxury & Unforgettable Wildlife Encounters

Luxury Safari with Great Plains Conservation

During our journey, we stayed at three of their unique camps in the Masai Mara: 

. Each one is a design experience in itself - and a sanctuary of warm hospitality, exceptional food, and exclusive access to some of Africa’s richest wildlife areas.

Day 1: Arrival in Nairobi – JW Marriott

We landed in Nairobi and were immediately greeted at the gate by 

. They guided us smoothly through immigration, baggage claim, and directly to our driver - a seamless and exclusive start.

, stayed with us throughout our Nairobi stay (and even picked us up again for our return home). He took us to the newly opened 

, where we were met with high security, warm hospitality, and superb service.


Sightseeing with our guide Stanley through Nairobi, on our way to Wilson Airport to catch the flight to the Maasai Mara.

Day 2: From Nairobi to Mara Expedition Camp

After a fantastic breakfast, Stanley took us to Wilson Airport, with a short sightseeing detour along the way. We flew into the Maasai Mara, where the real adventure began. 

We board the small plane from Wilson Airport in Nairobi and fly towards the savannah of the Maasai Mara.

We landed on a small airstrip in the heart of the wilderness – and were met by 

, our guide for the coming days. From the moment we stepped into the safari vehicle, everything felt intentional.

water bottles, safari guidebooks, handwritten welcome notes, snack boxes, sunscreen, insect repellent, warmers, 

 a cooler filled with any drink we could wish for

 – from iced tea to champagne. We didn’t need to think about a thing.

This is where we truly felt like passenger princesses, with Alex as our guide and driver.

Just minutes after setting off, Alex spotted a lion in the bush. The way he read the land felt magical – as if he was speaking with the animals. We watched in awe, completely alone.

. Kenyan tea, coffee, fresh pastries, and daily handwritten notes from the chef made it clear: Great Plains is all about the details.

, nestled in an acacia grove, we were welcomed by 

 We enjoyed a fresh lunch of salads (directly from the camp’s garden) and local produce on the terrace, then headed out on an afternoon game drive - where we saw a leopard! A rare sight that some guests spend days hoping to witness.

Back at camp, the fire was lit and we toasted with wine to the sound of lions in the distance. Dinner was a beautifully crafted three-course meal under the stars, pre-selected earlier from a personalized menu.

Our incredible tent at Mara Expedition Camp.

Day 3: Sunrise Safari, River Breakfast & Singing Kitchen

Our day started at 6:30 AM with a quick bite on the patio, then off in the vehicle nicely prepped with heated pillows, snacks, and our pre-filled bottles. The rising sun, soft mist, and early animal sightings - giraffes, elephants, buffalos, and yet another leopard - created a truly magical atmosphere. Breakfast was served riverside, beside bathing hippos.

Bush breakfast by the hippos, beautifully set up by our guide Alex.

Lunch featured homemade meatballs and garden-fresh salad, followed by a tour of the camp’s 

 with Risa, who showed us how the Maasai use plants for medicine, insect repellents, and even toothbrushes.

Risa gives us a tour around the garden at Mara Expedition Camp.

, followed by a relaxed gathering around the fire with fellow guests – including a South African-based American couple we’d later reunite with at our final camp, 

 – where food is cooked over an open fire and served with stories and laughter. On the menu: lamb, African spring rolls, and avocado ice cream - an unforgettable experience.

Chef Kimani and his team in the Singing Kitchen at Mara Expedition Camp.

We said heartfelt goodbyes to the Expedition Camp team - it’s incredible how close you grow to the staff in just two days - and drove to 

 (waiter). Perched above a river bend, Mara Toto offers 

luxury canopy suites with copper bathtubs and private decks

. The feeling: a treehouse in the savannah.

That evening, we spotted cheetahs and baboons at sunset, followed by a tranquil dinner among the treetops. Vincent had even drawn a bath for us while we dined.

Our incredible treetop suite at Mara Toto Tree Camp.

Day 5: Safari, Wild Cooking & Maasai Culture

Wake-up call at 5:45 AM. We grabbed coffee and headed out to find giraffes, elephants, lions, hippos, and buffalos - all to ourselves.

For breakfast, we stopped mid-safari to experience 

. The kitchen team prepared a full spread in the bush while we toasted with sabred champagne. The flavors, the views - pure magic.

 for a traditional dinner. A proud Masai, Felix works to empower local communities through education, cultural preservation, and conservation. The evening included dance, storytelling, and one of the most engaging cross-cultural conversations we’ve had

Dinner in the kitchen at Mara Toto Tree Camp.

Day 6: To Mara Nyika Camp & the Women’s Cooperative

After breakfast together with Penny & Felix, we continued to 

. The suites here are connected by raised wooden walkways through the trees, with full privacy and sweeping views.

Farewell and heartfelt thanks to the amazing team at Mara Toto Tree Camp

Kelvin (chef), Samson (guide), Mambo (manager), Simon, and Michael

, where we made jewelry and supported by purchase, and learned about the women’s role in their community. Such a unique way of finding the perfect souvenir from this remarkable trip. The initiative provides education, income, and empowerment - a beautiful example of how Great Plains links conservation with social impact.

 works long-term to protect Africa’s wild ecosystems by empowering communities and safeguarding endangered species. Projects include 

 - and every guest contributes directly to these efforts.

 - surrounded by candlelight, expertly paired wines, and the peaceful sound of the African night

Out visit to Naboisho Women’s Craft Group, supported by Great Plains Foundation.

Our morning game drive began at 6:30 AM and led us to a waterhole where 

 rested together - including cubs. One of the most powerful moments of the entire trip.

After poolside relaxation, we set off on our final evening safari, complete with a sundowner toast and golden light over the savannah.

Our last dinner took place back at the camp, joined by fellow travelers from South Africa and Italy  a lovely swahili dinner paired with an exquisite vintage Merlot from South Africa - the perfect farewell to a magical week.

Seeing lion cubs on the savannah for the first time is an utterly indescribable feeling.

 - Morning Game Drive (with snacks & coffee)


 - Breakfast (in the bush or at camp - you choose!)


 - Lunch in camp or picnic, depending on sightings


 - Sundowner (your drink of choice in the jeep)


Everything is customized to your preferences. You have your own private guide, vehicle and all meals and drinks included.

This is what breakfast on the savannah, set up by a Great Plains camp, can look like.

Choose functional, layered, neutral clothing and avoid black and red colors:

 - fewer tourists, better prices, lush landscapes, and incredible wildlife


Read more about the Great Plains Camps we visited on the trip: 

A typical safari outfit we went for - featuring a hat and a linen shirt in earthy, natural tones.

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