One long journey from New Zealand, then the plains of the Mara. Tailor-made Big Five safaris across the Masai Mara, Serengeti and Ngorongoro Crater, arranged and run by the Nairobi company itself. Every itinerary is quoted individually in New Zealand dollars.
Nairobi
Ol Pejeta Conservancy
Lake Naivasha
Maasai Mara National Reserve
Serengeti National Park
Ngorongoro Crater
Zanzibar Island
New Zealand is about as far from the Mara as it gets, so an Auckland safari always involves at least one, usually two, connections — most smoothly via the Gulf (Dubai, Doha) or via Australia and Asia. Plan on a long travel day.
Entry is simple: New Zealand citizens apply online for Kenya’s electronic travel authorisation (eTA) before departure. Every itinerary is quoted individually in New Zealand dollars, and as a Nairobi owner-operator we run your trip on the ground.
New Zealand is nine to ten hours ahead of Nairobi, so send your enquiry in the evening and a reply is usually waiting in the morning.
Kenya is a premier destination for safari enthusiasts, offering iconic parks like the Maasai Mara, Amboseli, and Tsavo. Witness the majestic Great Migration, the Big Five, and breathtaking landscapes.
With over 40 ethnic groups, Kenya's cultural diversity is profound. Engage with the Maasai, Samburu, and Kikuyu communities to understand their traditions, from beadwork to pastoralist lifestyles.
Explore the stunning vistas of the Great Rift Valley, home to lakes Nakuru and Naivasha, and marvel at the flamingo flocks and rhino sanctuaries, offering a blend of geological beauty and wildlife.
The Kenyan coast, including the Watamu Marine National Park, offers exceptional snorkeling and diving experiences, showcasing vibrant coral reefs, sea turtles, and a plethora of marine life.
Kenya is a birdwatcher's paradise, with over 1,000 species. The Rift Valley lakes, coastal areas, and national parks are prime spots for sighting flamingos, eagles, and the rare shoebill stork.
Participate in the Lamu Cultural Festival or the Mombasa Carnival to experience Kenya's coastal culture, featuring dhow races, traditional dances, and Swahili poetry, celebrating the rich heritage.
Discover unique African crafts, textiles, and jewelry at Nairobi's Maasai Market or the Kitengela Hot Glass studio, where local artisans showcase their creativity and skills.
Engage with conservation projects like the David Sheldrick Wildlife Trust in Nairobi or the Giraffe Centre, where you can learn about and contribute to the preservation of endangered species and their habitats.
Safari Game Drives, Bird Watching, Balloon Safaris, Bush Sundowners, Cultural Interactions
Cultural tours, Balloon Safaris, Game drives (Day & Night), Bush walks, Bush breakfast, Sundowner, Private dinner
Bubbly sundowner at Observation Hill, Bush BBQ Dinner, Game drives, Nature walk, Birding Safaris, Cultural talk, Wildlife Movies, Tree Planting.
Spa, Game drives, Maasai village visit, Bird Walk, Swimming, Tree planting, Table tennis, Kids club.
Game drives, Guide walks, Swimming, Bush breakfast and Sundowners, Massages, Cultural visits, Wedding and honeymoon
Game drives, Cultural visit, Bush Walk, Bush Meals, Sundowners, Calmel Walks, Hot air balloon safari.
June to October and January and February
June to October and December to March
Send us your dates and your party and a Nairobi-based specialist will write back with a tailored, no-obligation itinerary and a quote in New Zealand dollars, normally within one working day.
Call or WhatsApp: +254 769 406 388
Email: info@naturepointafrica.com
New Zealand is nine to ten hours ahead of Nairobi, so send your enquiry in the evening and a reply is usually waiting in the morning.
Best for a Kenya-only journey focused on two areas, such as Amboseli and the Masai Mara, with a Nairobi night at the front. It keeps border logistics out and gives each park enough time.
The practical range for combining the Masai Mara, Serengeti and Ngorongoro Crater. This is where a cross-border safari begins to feel deliberate rather than compressed.
The strongest long-haul shape: a slower wildlife route followed by Zanzibar or Diani Beach. You reach the homeward flight rested instead of ending with another transfer immediately after the last game drive.
A useful starting point is our 10-day Kenya and Tanzania adventure. We adjust it for your flight arrival, wildlife priorities and preferred pace rather than asking you to fit a fixed departure.
| New Zealand window | East Africa season | Planning advice |
|---|---|---|
| April term break | Long-rain period | Not automatically a poor safari, but route choice matters. Conservancies and drier northern areas can work better than an ambitious cross-border circuit. |
| July term break | Dry season and migration build-up | A strong family window. Wildlife concentrates around water and herds move towards the Mara, but popular camps should be secured early. |
| Late September and October break | Late dry season | Excellent predator viewing with fewer peak-August pressures. Exact river-crossing timing cannot be guaranteed because the migration is a natural event. |
| December and January summer holiday | Green season and southern Serengeti calving | Warm, photogenic and strong for young wildlife. It also allows a longer trip without taking children out of school. |
New Zealand schools have some flexibility around the start and end of the school year. Check your own school and the New Zealand Ministry of Education term calendar before fixing flights.
Kenya and Tanzania are separate immigration jurisdictions. New Zealand passport holders should verify Kenya requirements through the official Kenya eTA portal and Tanzania requirements through Tanzania Immigration. Do not rely on an old blog post or assume that one approval covers both countries.
Review New Zealand SafeTravel advice for Kenya before booking. SafeTravel recommends comprehensive insurance that includes relevant activities and medical evacuation. We plan established safari routes and arrange your ground transfers, but official travel advice should guide your final decision.
Every itinerary uses a private safari vehicle and driver-guide. Your written quote is based on travel dates, party size, room arrangement, camp standard and route. International airfare is separate. East African park fees and many lodges are priced in US dollars, so any New Zealand-dollar comparison is indicative until the quote is issued.
Prioritise the Mara and Serengeti when big cats, migration landscapes and long game drives matter more than covering many parks.
Use fewer bases, family rooms where available and game-drive lengths that work for the youngest traveller instead of copying an adult itinerary.
Finish at Diani Beach for a Kenya-only route, or add Zanzibar after Tanzania for a longer cross-border journey.
New Zealand is one of the longest starting points for an East Africa safari. That changes the right trip shape. A rushed six-night circuit may look affordable on a list, but it gives too much of your total holiday to airports and road transfers. The better question is how many distinct wildlife areas you can experience without moving camp every morning.
Auckland offers the widest choice of long-haul connections. We compare the complete journey to Nairobi, including connection length and arrival time, because the cheapest fare is not useful if it leaves too little recovery before the first safari sector.
These journeys usually add a domestic or trans-Tasman sector. We protect the first safari night by building a sensible buffer in Nairobi rather than assuming every connection will run perfectly.
When the first flight begins outside a main gateway, one extra hotel night can make the itinerary stronger. It separates airline risk from a chain of fixed lodge, park and vehicle bookings.
Air New Zealand states that it does not operate nonstop services into Africa or the Middle East. Current partner-airline combinations and schedules change, so confirm the full ticket with the airline before committing to safari dates.
The route should earn its kilometres by changing habitat, wildlife behaviour and scenery—not by collecting park names.
Compare realistic 7, 10, 12 and 14-day routes before choosing parks and lodges. The guide explains transfer days, family pacing, migration planning and when a two-country itinerary becomes too rushed.
The best time to visit Kenya for wildlife safaris is during the dry seasons (June to October and December to March), when animals are easier to spot due to sparse vegetation and concentrated water sources.
Yes, Kenya is rich in cultural diversity, with opportunities to engage in cultural visits, interact with local communities, and learn about traditional customs, music, dance, and cuisine.
Most visitors to Tanzania require a visa, which can often be obtained upon arrival or online prior to travel. It's advisable to check the specific requirements based on your nationality before departure.
Swahili and English are widely spoken languages in Kenya, although numerous ethnic languages are also spoken by local communities.
Yes, major international airports in Kenya, such as Jomo Kenyatta International Airport in Nairobi and Moi International Airport in Mombasa, offer direct flights from various cities around the world.
Credit cards are accepted in major cities and tourist areas, but it's advisable to carry cash, especially in rural areas where card acceptance may be limited.
The currency used in Kenya is the Kenyan Shilling (KES).
Yes, wildlife can often be seen in conservation areas, private reserves, and community-owned conservancies, offering alternative options for wildlife viewing away from crowded national parks.
While Kenya is generally safe for tourists, travelers should exercise caution, especially in urban areas and tourist hotspots. It's advisable to stay informed about local conditions and follow any travel advisories issued by your government.
Essential items to pack include lightweight clothing, sturdy walking shoes, a hat, sunscreen, insect repellent, binoculars, a camera, and any necessary medications or personal hygiene products.
Common vaccinations recommended for travel to Kenya include yellow fever, typhoid, hepatitis A, and malaria prophylaxis.
Yes, travel insurance is highly recommended to cover unexpected emergencies, medical expenses, trip cancellations, and other unforeseen circumstances during your trip.
Health risks in Kenya include malaria, dengue fever, and other mosquito-borne diseases, as well as food and waterborne illnesses. Travelers should take necessary precautions and consult a healthcare provider before departure.
Yes, car rental services are available in major cities, but driving conditions can be challenging, and navigation may be difficult in rural areas. It's advisable to hire a local driver or guide for a safer and more convenient experience.
Kenya's climate varies by region, ranging from tropical along the coast to temperate in the highlands. The dry seasons generally coincide with the best times for wildlife viewing, while the rainy seasons can vary in intensity and duration.
Tipping practices vary by service provided, but it's customary to tip safari guides, hotel staff, and restaurant servers for excellent service.
Immerse yourself in the breathtaking natural splendor of your environment, creating the perfect backdrop for a memorable visit that will remain etched in your memory. Nestled within the expansive Ol Pejeta Conservancy, one of Kenya’s most renowned conservancies and habitat to the ‘Big Five’ (elephant, rhino, lion, buffalo, and leopard), Sweetwaters Serena Camp presents a vacation experience that is truly unparalleled.
These spacious tents combine the traditional ambiance of a safari camp with the comforts of home. They offer either a king bed or two twin beds and views of the water hole; amenities include a bathroom with a one-hand washbasin, a WC and a shower with a shower curtain.
Tucked inside the landscaped grounds and accessible via winding stone pathways, Sweetwaters Serena Camp, new Morani Wing features 17 deluxe double, twin and triple tents, one of which is specially adapted for guests with mobility concerns. Bathrooms include a two-hand washbasin, a WC and a shower with a glass door. The accommodation offers an elegant retreat amid the breath-taking natural beauty of Kenya???s Ol Pejeta Conservancy. Make yourself at home during your safari holiday with modern amenities including free Wi-Fi, a coffee/tea making station and plush bathrobes and slippers. Some of our tents are on raised platforms with private balconies; the rest include private verandas, all with safari chairs and tables. Evening hot water bottles are provided; mosquito nets, extra beds and cots are available upon request.
Originally the home of Lord Tom Delamere, and subsequently the property of the infamous multi-millionaire Adnan Khashoggi, Ol Pejeta House is a private house that resonates with past events. The pictures on the walls, the secretly interlinking rooms and the grand views hark back to a bygone era. Set in Ol Pejeta Conservancy, the house looks across tropical gardens to the plains and waterhole. It has 2 superior en-suite guest rooms with dressing rooms and 2 standard en-suite guest rooms with terrace. One of the superior rooms houses Khashoggi’s notorious immense double bed. Buffalo Cottage has 2 deluxe rooms and a fireplace. The house is staffed by room valets and a private chef. Meals are served on the terrace or in the garden.
As well as day and night game drives, activities include nature walks with a resident naturalist, bird watching, horse riding and lion tracking. The house has 2 swimming pools and a selection of books and board games, and also offers beauty treatments
From here it is possible to visit Sweetwaters Chimpanzee Sanctuary, the only place to see these endangered and highly intelligent animals in Kenya. Visits to Morani Information Centre and rhino holding pens can be arranged.
The River Camp in Lakipia is a stunning property that combines exquisite interiors with breathtaking views of Mount Kenya. The camp offers six double ensuite guest tents and two family suites, accommodating a maximum of 20 guests at a time for the utmost privacy. All tents overlook the serene Ngobit River, with private decks and both indoor and outdoor showers.
The interiors of our camp are simply stunning, with elegant furnishings and decor that create an atmosphere of refined sophistication. From plush furnishings to beautiful artwork, every detail has been carefully curated to create an environment that is both stylish and welcoming.
Mutara Camp stands as the exclusive guest accommodation within the remarkable 20,000-acre Mutara Conservancy, situated adjacent to the renowned Ol Pejeta Conservancy, which encompasses a vast expanse of 90,000 acres of pristine African wilderness. In this expansive natural haven, the Big Five freely roam, and it is home to the last two northern white rhinos on Earth. With a limited count of only 15 sumptuous guest tents, Mutara Camp offers a tranquil sanctuary that harmonizes perfectly with its surroundings, while also providing a generous dose of luxury.
With a commitment to traditional values and environmental consciousness, Sopa ensured that all structures on their property were carefully positioned, avoiding the need to cut down any existing trees. This led to the development of an innovative and artistic design for the main public area building, gracefully winding between the trees with long, elegant curves.
This thoughtful approach extended to the deliberate spacing of various amenities across the property. It includes two swimming pools, one with a dedicated children’s section, a pool complex featuring a bar and snack kitchen, a pizzeria, a tennis court, conference halls offering six differently sized meeting areas, and stables.
Lake Naivasha Crescent Camp is situated on the shores of Lake Naivasha, a prime setting in Kenya???s Rift Valley. A 90 minute drive northwest from Nairobi, this 20-tented camp offers comfort and subtle luxury in a tranquil safari setting. The main area has a dining area where exquisite meals are created with fresh African ingredients and can be served indoors and outside. A small lounge and cozy bar invites guests to relax for a while with a swimming pool to cool guests down after a day of wildlife viewing.
Guests can embark on a cultural visit to nearby communities or visit the Makalia Falls in between embracing the boat rides that take place on Lake Naivasha. Hiking options are on offer from the camp and the friendly camp team is always on offer to share the history and heritage of this region with guests.
From its inception, Sawela Lodge was envisioned as a special retreat, a haven of serenity far removed from the hectic pace of everyday life???a place of beauty where guests can truly live, laugh, and love. The dedicated Sawela Team tirelessly endeavors each day to create memorable stays and bring smiles to the faces of all our guests. Whether you’re here for a special event, a milestone celebration, or simply to indulge in self-care, Sawela is poised to exceed your expectations.
Just a 90-minute drive from Nairobi, Kenya’s capital, Sawela Lodge boasts breathtaking views of the nearby Mt. Longonot and the globally renowned Lake Naivasha. The tranquil and natural setting ensures swift rejuvenation, a sentiment echoed by numerous local and international guests who consider this property a luxurious and comforting home away from home.
The Great Rift Valley Lodge & Golf Resort enjoys one of the most spectacular views in all of Africa, just an hour-and-half’s drive from Nairobi. It is perched on the side of the Eburu Escarpment, overlooking the glistening waters of Lake Naivasha and the sweeping floors of the Great Rift Valley of Kenya.
With an 18-hole golf championship course, conference facilities, Adventurers’ club activities, swimming pool, activities including horse riding to Eburu forest, mountain biking, team building, this hotel is a must do for all. Accommodation is offered in hotel rooms, classy Longonot Villas and private chalets.
