Rhino Conservation
Encounter one of the last remaining eastern black rhino populations on the Borana Conservancy
This journey focuses on two of Kenya’s most iconic species. In the renowned Borana Conservancy, witness rhino conservation in action and encounter critically endangered eastern black rhinos. In Chyulu Hills and the nearby parks, get close to elephants, amidst a landscape decorated by volcanic extrusions.
Key Highlights of this Itinerary
2
Game Drives
Drive through the private conservancy in search of predators and other big game.
Chyulu Hills
Stay at Campi ya Kanzi, found amidst the rugged isolation of the Chyulu Hills.
Elephants
Track elephants close to Campi ya Kanzi, as well as in Amboseli and Tsavo.
Why Steppes?
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Why we like it
This trip not only offers a unique perspective on two of Africa’s iconic megafauna but also combines an array of spectacular landscapes. Flexible and easily tailored to each individual’s specific requirements, it provides a wonderful insight into conservation in Kenya.
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Day 1
Nairobi
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Day 2
Nairobi - Laikipia (Borana Lodge)
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Day 3 - 5
Laikipia (Borana Lodge)
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Day 6
Laikipia - Nairobi - Chyulu Hills (Campi ya Kanzi)
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Day 7 - 9
Chyulu Hills (Campi ya Kanzi)
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Day 10
Chyulu Hills - Nairobi
Day 1
Nairobi
Arrive in Nairobi on your international flight and stay at the Tamarind Tree Hotel or similar.
Day 2
Nairobi - Laikipia (Borana Lodge)
Fly by scheduled light aircraft to Laikipia, in the north of Kenya, and then drive by 4×4 to the Borana Conservancy, staying at Borana Lodge.
Day 3 - 5
Laikipia (Borana Lodge)
Spend several days exploring the Borana Conservancy by vehicle and on foot, accompanied by the lodge’s excellent guides. Look out for lions, elephants, rhinos and more, as well as having the chance to go on patrol with the anti-poaching team.
Day 6
Laikipia - Nairobi - Chyulu Hills (Campi ya Kanzi)
Drive back to the airstrip and fly south, via Nairobi, to the Chyulu Hills, which lie between the two Tsavo national parks. Transfer to Campi ya Kanzi, where you will stay for four nights.
Day 7 - 9
Chyulu Hills (Campi ya Kanzi)
Explore this landscape of rolling hills, joining your guide for bush walks and game drives through elephant-rich territory. Also venture farther afield, into Tsavo West National Park, taking game drives in search of Kenya’s iconic wildlife.
Day 10
Chyulu Hills - Nairobi
Fly back to Nairobi and connect with your international flight home.
More Details
Rhino Conservation
Begin in the Borana Conservancy, in Laikipia. Explore the Northern Rangelands – a vast swathe of untamed country running across the high plateau. Home to nomadic herders, this area is packed with the highest densities of rhinos in East Africa.
The Borana Conservancy is at the forefront of rhino conservation. Home to a threatened population of black rhinos, the area is under constant surveillance. Meet the anti-poaching security team that work here and whose job it is to ensure the survival of a species. Even have the chance to join them out on patrol.
Living with Lions Project
Borana’s lions are also being monitored, as part of the Living with Lions project. Collared and tracked, they are under almost constant surveillance. A dedicated ranger feeds this information to local herdsmen, helping to reduce the risk of conflict between them and these iconic African cats.
Chyulu Hills
Fly south to the Chyulu Hills, squeezed between the parks of Amboseli and Tsavo. Riddled with impressive lava tubes, these volcanic formations are dotted with grasslands and montane forests. Stay at the beautifully isolated Campi ya Kanzi, hidden amongst the rolling hills of Chyulu. Offering views of distant Kilimanjaro, this peaceful lodge spreads along a verdant ridge.
Walk through this scenic landscape, or drive in search of impressive game. Descend to the lush plains for encounters with the elephants that roam the grasslands. Led by an expert guide, with a Maasai tracker acting as a spotter, get close to these magnificent animals. Also spot lions, leopards and other wildlife.
Tsavo and Amboseli
Explore further with a visit to the nearby Tsavo West National Park. Decorated with remnants of volcanic activity, this impressive reserve is home to a variety of game. Elephants roam the colourful landscape, frequenting the winding Tsavo River in search of water. In the river, hippos bathe and crocodiles hunt, whilst the birdlife flourishes, flitting across the varied terrain.
Trips further afield, deeper into elephant country, can also be arranged. For close encounters with herds of ambling elephants, against the snow-capped backdrop of Kilimanjaro, Amboseli National Park beckons. Only a little further than Tsavo, this beautiful expanse offers a myriad of photographic opportunities.
How does this holiday make a positive impact?
- Relevant SDGs
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Staying at Campi ya Kanzi supports the Maasai Wilderness Conservation Trust, which does a huge amount of philanthropic work. But most notably, it funds more than 60 teachers across 25 schools in the local area. This investment means that children have access to a quality of education that would otherwise not exist. And for those who struggle to meet the costs of education, there is also a scholarship programme to ensure that no one is left behind.
Travel to the areas included in this holiday idea provides direct financial support to conservation areas in Kenya. These include the Borana Conservancy and Tsavo East National Park, both of which are home to a number of endangered African species. In particular, Borana is renowned for its work protecting the critically endangered black rhino. It is one of the last sanctuaries for the species and its continued existence is pivotal to the species’ survival.
Campi ya Kanzi’s electricity supply is entirely provided by an in-house array of photovoltaic solar panels. This means that the lodge itself is carbon neutral. On top of this, the lodge has tackled the issue of water scarcity by collecting its water supply through rainwater capture. To our knowledge, this makes Campi ya Kanzi unique across lodges in East Africa.
Learn more about the UN's 17 sustainability goals
A note on price
Prices will vary depending on the time of year you are travelling. Prices do not include international flights. Please ask one of our Travel Experts for an accurate quote. Flights purchased through Steppes Travel departing from the UK are ATOL protected.
This Itinerary
Price
From £8,050 Per person
When to travel
Kenya in January
The hottest month across much of the country, and an excellent time to spot wildlife with lower visitor numbers. The seas are at their clearest, the landscape is still lush, but it is dry and sunny in general.
Kenya in February
The high temperatures continue, and it remains virtually dry, but the landscape should still be fairly green. Conditions are still excellent for wildlife viewing, with lower visitor numbers.
Kenya in March
The start of the main rainy season, but still good for wildlife viewing with the chance to see newborns.
Kenya in April
This is not the ideal time to travel. Some lodges close as the rainy season gets into full swing. Roads can be treacherous, and the coast becomes very hot and wet.
Kenya in May
May is the height of the rainy season and so many places will be closed with driving conditions becoming poor due to the heavy rainfall.
Kenya in June
The rains start to abate, and the landscape is as green and lush as it gets. This does make spotting wildlife a little trickier, but it is a beautiful time across the country.
Kenya in July
The start of the mass migration into the Masai Mara. Dry weather dominates across the country, with the occasional shower. This is the coolest month, with visitor numbers increasing.
Kenya in August
This is peak season in Kenya, especially in the Masai Mara, where it is the peak of the Great Migration. Exceptional game viewing is possible as animals congregate around watering holes and rivers.
Kenya in September
The weather remains dry, and there are still fantastic opportunities for game viewing in the Masai Mara as wildlife gathers around watering holes.
Kenya in October
As the temperatures rise, so does the chance of a shower or two. The herds of wildlife begin to leave the Masai Mara, but plenty of residents can still be seen. Visitor numbers are lower and it is a great time to visit across the country.
Kenya in November
The start of the short rainy season, as temperatures continue to increase. Many destinations are open, but around Laikipia, places close at this time.
Kenya in December
The end of the year brings the peak of the short rainy season. Hot and wet conditions dominate, but the scenery is beautiful and green, and there is still plenty of wildlife to be seen.
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