Kenya Walking & Wildlife Safari
Amboseli, Maasai Mara & Mathew Mountains
February 15 - 24, 2025
Connect to the wildlife, culture & landscapes of Amboseli Private Reserve, the Maasai Mara & Mathew Mountains
EXCLUSIVE! Gene & Jo Ann Taylor, co-founders of The Walking Connection, are your hosts for this small gathering, limited to only 8 guests.
February 15 - 24, 2025
10-Days, 9-Nights
A unique adventure including remote camps off the beaten path.
Priced from:
Questions?
Call Us. +1 623.561.0846
$7998USD
per person, double occupancy
WALKING & WILDLIFE SAFARI
Embark on a captivating journey through Kenya's diverse landscapes, where the essence of the Maasai Mara, the Mathews Mountains Forests, and Amboseli unfold before your eyes.
Starting at the Palacina, an oasis of peace and calm in Nairobi, our wings over Kenya adventure whisks you away on a mesmerizing exploration of Amboseli National Park and Tawi Private Conservancy, the Mathews Mountains in the North, and the plains of the Maasai Conservancy and Maasai Mara in the south.
Begin with two awe-inspiring days amidst the vast plains of Amboseli and the private reserve of the Tawi Private Conservancy. They are home to magnificent elephant herds and breathtaking vistas. With vistas of Mt. Kilimanjaro from every room, the elegance and comfort of Tawi Lodge is a home you won't want to leave.
Then, for three days, immerse yourself in the mystical allure of Kitich Forest Camp and the Mathews Mountains. With Samburu guides, rangers, and hosts by your side, delve deeply into the heart of local traditions and customs and experience its wilderness with optional walks and hikes that beckon, offering glimpses of Kenya's natural beauty and hidden treasures.
Finally, journey to the iconic Maasai Mara and the Mara River, where the rhythmic flow of life pulses through the land. Here, witness the spectacle of hippos wallowing and the captivating sight of wildebeest, antelope, and zebra on the move, accompanied by the silent stalk of Africa's apex predators.
Join Walking Connection co-founders Gene and JoAnn Taylor on this intimate safari experience, where unforgettable moments, shared laughter, and enduring friendships await amidst the splendor of Kenya's natural wonders.
#1 Your Hosts, Jo Ann & Gene Taylor
Hosts > Life On Safari > Comfort Zone > Signature Adventure > Map
Jo Ann and Gene Taylor, Founders of The Walking Connection are your hosts on one of the most profound natural history experiences in the world.
Our resident expert naturalist guides, rangers, and researchers are your steadfast companions, every step of the way.
While you'll appreciate your trusty hiking boots on some days, your adventure is a blend of activities and adventure, comfort and relaxation, fun challenges, and plenty of time to reflect and take it all in.
Day By Day
Please note that the details of this itinerary are subject to change. Many of the planned activities are organized according to availability, events or seasonal dates, appropriate weather conditions or the discretion of our guides. We make every effort to provide the experience described in the itinerary with the understanding that some things may change.
Features & Itinerary Overview
Only 6 Guests In Each Safari Vehicle, Hosted by Gene and Jo Ann Taylor.
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Welcome. Meet and Greet in Nairobi, Kenya. (Overnight in Nairobi, Palacina Residence and Suites (Optional Dinner).
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Fly to Amboseli. (2-Nights: Tawi Private Reserve).
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Safari in Amboseli National Park and Tawi Private Reserve. Both are known for their huge herds of Elephants.
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Fly to Kalama - Mathews Mountains - Shift gears from vehicles to foot and enjoy daily walking safaris. 3-Nights Kitich Forest Camp.
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Fly to Musiara - Maasai Mara. (3-Nights Speke's Camp).
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Safari On the Maasai Mara - Daily Game Drives in one of the richest big-game wildlife areas on Earth.
DAY ONE- Welcome to Nairobi, Kenya
Transfer to Palacina Residence and Suites. Surrounded by lush greenery and overlooking the serene State House Valley gardens, Palacina offers an idyllic retreat and peaceful respite from the hustle and bustle of Nairobi as our group gathers for the adventure ahead.
Overnight Palacina Residence and Suites
DAY TWO - THREE - In The Shadow Of Mt. Kilimanjaro
Fly to Amboseli National Park and the Private Tawi Private Conservancy, where we get the best of both worlds; a private conservancy and swift access to one of Kenya’s most unique national parks. It offers some of the best opportunities to see African wildlife and is home to African bush elephants, Cape buffalo, impala, lion, cheetah, spotted hyena, Maasai giraffe, Grant's zebra, and blue wildebeest.
TWO NIGHTS - Tawi Lodge (B,L,D, Daily)
DAY FOUR - FIVE - SIX - Fly Nairobi - Kalama - Kitich Forest Camp
Kitich Forest Camp is in a truly remote and pristine wilderness, located in an exquisite forest glade on the upper slopes of the Mathews Mountains (also known as the Lenkiyio Hills). The Mathews are referred to as a "biological bonanza" and a sky island.
We'll spend days exploring this wild region on foot as we
embark on fascinating bush walks guided by Samburu warriors who are truly passionate about this area that is their home and heritage.
THREE NIGHTS - Kitich Forest Camp (B,L,D Daily)
DAYS SEVEN - EIGHT - NINE - Fly Kalama - Musiara (Masa Mara) - Spekes Camp
Aside from arguably some of the best game viewing in the world, Speke’s Camp offers a comfortable and pleasant base for exploring the Mara. Wonderful sundowners, picnics, and bush breakfasts while on game drives in this fabulous wildlife location.
Situated on the boundary of the Maasai Mara Reserve
Surrounded by trees and overlooking Olare Orok River, Speke's is a traditional-styled safari camp offering a high level of service and cuisine.
THREE NIGHTS - Speke's Camp (B,L,D Daily)
DAY TEN - Can it be time to go already?
After breakfast, transfer to Musiara Air Strip for a flight to Wilson Airport, and transfer to Four Points Sheraton Hotel for your day room to freshen up before your onward flight from (JKIA) Nairobi International Airport or points beyond. (B)
*JoAnn and Gene Taylor are scheduled to lead this trip, with the understanding that in case of emergency, another leader may be substituted.
Dreams Do Come True...
"I was inspired to post today after receiving an email from JoAnn Taylor encouraging us to reboot. JoAnn, you don't know me; but I have been following you for over a decade and it is because of you that I can say today is my 700th consecutive day of walking! Consistency has always been a problem for me; and your encouragement and philosophy on how to stay consistent has done the trick for me. Just wanting to say THANK YOU and I appreciate you!" - Christine J., USA
"The guides, the food, the service, and most of all our fellow travelers made this a trip of a lifetime."
- Colleen H., Alberta, Canada
"The accommodations were all excellent and unique, perfectly suited to the terrain we visited. For those who count, the numbers of animals, especially the big ones, were amazing."
- Tom M. and Elizabeth D., Arizona
What's Included?
Pre-Adventure
We'll help you get ready. Walking Connection Adventure Specialists will help you plan and prepare for an amazing journey. We can make pre and post-stays anywhere in Tanzania, Zanzibar, Kenya, or the rest of Sub-Saharan Africa. We provide detailed “Know Before You Go” information, including recommended websites, reading lists, packing lists, what to bring, weather, and more. Plus, we're always available to answer questions by email, voice, text, or WhatsApp.
Accommodations
Four and Five Star accommodations await you. Though the star system of rating hotels is always subjective, and doesn't accurately relate or apply to remote safari accommodations, our private lodges, and camp's warmth and welcoming hospitality make them the best of the best. Double occupancy (two beds) is standard, but Kings are available, and single travelers are always welcome. All come with world-class amenities and services.
Food & Beverage
When you think of African cuisine, think of traditional Western European and Asian cuisines with a local flair. Breakfast is hearty; lunch could be a safari picnic engulfed by meandering wildebeest or a relaxing by-the-pool affair. Sundowners on a ridgeline as the sun sets over the distant savannah with the lone acacia tree, and dinners are chef-prepared masterpieces. Always sumptuous, and the only way to go hungry here is to try. House drinks are included while on Safari.
Hosted, Guided Adventures and Walks
Professionally, safety-accredited guides bring the Mathew Mountains, Maasai Mara and their culture to life. At Kitich, Samburu Warriors lead amazing interpretive walks and hikes. They are full-time residents with a passion for sharing their lives and the places where they live. We'll ford rivers, hike valleys and rolling hills in one of the most remote, pristine forests in Africa. With no other outside guests in our vehicles, there is space to move and relax as you experience a "safari massage" during our game drives. Our safari walks are about experiencing the smaller wildlife and culture of the savannah. They are always at your choice. Gene and Jo Ann Taylor, Walking Connection owners, are your hosts throughout.
Safari Casual - Traveling Light - Photography
Preparing for your adventure is the key to a successful holiday. Our packing list and tips will help you bring what you need and as importantly, leave behind what you don't. Many guests memorialize their safari experience with pictures along the way. Whether you're snapping pics with your phone, or an experienced photographer, Gene will share his experience with you to help you get the shots that will bring back memories for years to come.