Community and Conservation in Kenya

On arrival at Nairobi Jomo Kenyatta International Airport, clear Kenyan customs and immigration formalities and proceed to the arrivals hall where you will be met by your Jacada representative and assisted with your luggage to your waiting private vehicle.

Enjoy the stunning wildlife and captivating cultural encounters with the local Samburu tribes in the Samburu region. Take bush walks in between your daily safari game drives (some at night), visits to the local Samburu villages, camel-back riding, evenings of sundowners, gourmet food and campfire stories, and all in the serene and sumptuous luxury of your lodge.

Visit one of the neighbouring villages to gain an insight into the culture of the Samburu people and how they survive in this harsh environment. A humbling and inspiring experience.

Setting off at dawn, you will drive to the foot of Ololokwe (30 minutes from the lodge). Whatever your pace, our guides will be at your side throughout, teaching you about the mountain and all of its wonders. Half way to the top you will stop for a Saruni breakfast of eggs, bacon, fruit and pancakes with tea or coffee. Now, full of energy, you will reach the top and admire the magnificent view of Samburuland. You begin your descent with the prospect of a delicious lunch of fresh pasta and salads in the shade of the ancient moran’s cave.

As well as game drives out on the huge reserve, you can explore the area on foot accompanied by Maasai guides. Take longer day hikes across the hills and plains, or up into the magical Chyulu Cloud Forest, learning to read the signs of the animals and ending in a traditional tented fly camp under a baobab tree for the night far from any human presence. You can also go for dawn horseback rides, take scenic flights over the snows of Kilimanjaro or even practice Transcendental Meditation with an experienced teacher.

Enjoy riding through the quintessential and game rich East African landscapes - vast savannah plains, acacia forests and undulating slopes of the Chyulu Hills. Within this area reside some of Africa's most magnificent creatures including elephant, rhino, lion, leopard and buffalo not to mention hundreds of species of birds and a huge variety of plant life. This ride never fails to provide ample opportunity for fast and varied riding, and your adventure will be tailored to your confidence level.

Mount Kilimanjaro is one of the seven summits - the highest mountains on each of the world's seven continents. It has three volcanic cones, of which Kibo is the largest. The summit is named Uhuru Peak which means freedom, aptly named in 1961 when Tanganyika gained its independence. Kilimanjaro stands at 5,895m high and is the highest freestanding mountain in the world.

The Mara Conservancies surrounding the Masai Mara National Reserve offer visitors the ultimate safari: the lowest tourist densities; incredible day and night game viewing; walking safaris; and authentic cultural interactions. But above all, these Conservancies are managed according to a model that protects the delicate eco-system and benefits the landowners themselves – the Maasai people.

One evening you might choose to take the opportunity to join the Maasai warriors as they sing and dance around the campfire. Music and dance is an incredibly important part of Maasai culture and this is a chance to experience something very special.

Add an unforgettable experience to your stay in the Mara Conservancies and enjoy floating gently over the Maasai Mara in a hot air balloon. Wake before dawn with freshly brewed tea or coffee delivered right to your tent, and enjoy the fresh, early morning drive to one of the two launch sites within easy reach from the lodge. Watch as the balloon is slowly inflated before a quick and straightforward pre-flight briefing. Before you know it, the balloon is airborne and you're floating effortlessly above the Mara.

The soft, early morning breeze takes the balloon southwards towards the Tanzanian border, with the typical flight path along the Mara River and its adjoining forest, and over the open plains beyond. This is an unmatched safari - even the lions look up in surprise as the balloon sails overhead. A flight normally lasts around one hour, and ends with a sometimes-bumpy landing amidst the termite mounds, which is all part of the adventure. Once you’ve settled back to earth, toast the morning's activities with a celebratory champagne breakfast, specially prepared under a tree in the middle of nowhere.