Gamewatchers Adventure Camping Safari
This safari has been designed to offer the same high quality wildlife safari experience provided by the top-end safari camps, with 4×4 game viewing escorted by top class guides and in exclusive wildlife conservancies away from the busier areas of the Mara, but at a hugely reduced price by staying in small basic adventure camp in Amboseli, “real camping” instead of the luxury accommodation of the expensive up-market tented lodges before moving to the Porini Giraffe Camp in the Mara Ripoi Conservancy in the Masai Mara. Transport between the camps is by light aircraft to avoid the long drives overland on rough roads and to have more time on safari for activities from the camps.
For those for whom the wildlife safari experience is more important than the accommodation, and who are prepared to sleep in small tents in sleeping bags on a mattress on the floor with an element of “roughing it”, this gives an opportunity for an exceptional and exclusive wildlife experience with high quality guiding but at a fraction of the price.
Camping Safari Experience
The Porini Giraffe Camp and the Gamewatchers Adventure Camp, Selenkay are both sited in private conservancies with a wealth of wildlife and where you can go on walks with Maasai guides and take night game drives but they are also conveniently located for easy access to Amboseli National Park and the Maasai Mara Reserve.
- All game drives are in four-wheel-drive customised safari vehicles taking a maximum of 6 passengers. Your driver-guide is a wildlife expert and certified by the Kenya Professional Safari Guides Association.
- The Gamewatchers Adventure Safari camp is set up on our own exclusive camp site in the Selenkay Conservancy in the Amboseli eco-system and The Porini Giraffe Camp is a permanent 8 tent camp in the Mara Ripoi Conservancy in the Mara.
- At the Selenkay adventure campsite we have service staff who do all the work associated with camping, like cleaning up, heating water for showers, doing the cooking and serving the food. An experienced safari cook is at the camp to prepare daily meals. Food is of the same quality as in a luxury safari camp and is included in the price, (not bought through a ‘kitty’ like some other camping safaris).
- The Adventure camp is hosted by the lead safari guide.
- Tents in the adventure Camp are Coleman Sundome tents for 2 persons or can fit one child (aged 10 years or over) with 2 adults. They are 6 ft tall and they are 10ft x 10ft square.
- Clients bring their own sleeping bag and a towel (or hire for a small fee) and sleep on comfortable mattresses on the tent floor.
- Each tent on our adventure safari has its own private bathroom in a cubicle located behind the tent with flush toilet, wash basin and safari shower.
- Mineral water is provided daily at camp and on game drives and walks.
- In Selenkay, drinks other than mineral water are not included in the price but beer, wine and sodas are available at reasonable prices and guests may bring their own drinks if they wish. However, in the Maasai Mara at the Giraffe camp – drinks including tusker beer, soft drinks, house wines, vodka, mineral water, gin & tonic are included.
- Transfers from Nairobi to the camps are by light aircraft from Wilson Airport Nairobi to Selenkay, Mara and back. While at camp all safari transport is in 4×4 customized safari vehicle.
The camping safari departs daily from Nairobi from 1 July to 31 October. Days 1,2 & 3: Selenkay Conservancy and Amboseli National Park (camp in Selenkay Conservancy for 3 nights) Days 4, 5 & 6: Masai Mara and Mara Ripoi Conservancy ( Porini Giraffe Camp in Mara Ripoi Conservancy for 3 nights).
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Pick up from the International airport OR your Nairobi hotel and transfer to Wilson Airport for your schedule flight to Selenkay Adventure Camp in Amboseli’s Selenkay conservancy, with daily conservancy fees, a visit a cultural community village and a day in the Amboseli National Park. You will be on a full board meal plan, Day & night shared game drives in open sided 4×4 safari vehicle with qualified guide, picnics, sundowners in the conservancy, walks with Maasai warriors. Day4: After breakfast transfer to the nearby private airstrip for your 08:15 flight to the Nairobi, you will connect at Wilson airport and fly to Olseki airstrip where you will be met and transfer to the Porini Giraffe Camp for 3 nights with daily Ol Kinyei & Mara Ripoi Conservancy fees and based on a full board meal plan including soft drinks, Tusker beer, house wine, Vodka, gin & tonic, mineral water, Day & night shared game drives in open sided 4×4 safari vehicle with qualified guide, sundowners in the conservancy, walks with Maasai warriors, then last day fly back to Nairobi and transfer to the international airport. Porini Wildlife Habitat Trust Payment and Amref Flying doctors’ evacuation cover included.
Amboseli & Selenkay
Maasai Mara
LENGTH
6 NIGHTS / 7 DAYS
BEST MONTHS TO VISIT
ALL YEAR
FROM
US$ 3,328
Itinerary in Detail
DAY BY DAY
Tour Experiences
Day 1
Take the 07.30 am flight from Wilson Airport, Nairobi to Selenkay Conservancy arriving at 08.10 am to be met at the airstrip and transfer on a 15 minute drive to the Gamewatchers Adventure Camp game-viewing along the way. After checking into camp you will go out on a game drive, returning for lunch. Take a rest after lunch and then go out on an afternoon game drive to explore the Selenkay Conservancy. All the big cats have been seen in the Conservancy as well as elephants and a wide range of species including large numbers of giraffes, zebra, and antelopes. There are also less common animals to be seen such as the long-necked gerenuk gazelle, lesser kudu and African wildcat. All meals and mineral water are provided in camp. Dinner and overnight in the camp at Selenkay.
Day 2
After an early breakfast spend the morning on a game drive in the Selenkay Conservancy and an escorted nature walk with Maasai guides, returning to camp for lunch. In the afternoon you will visit a nearby Maasai Village where you will get to known more about the way of life of the Masai people before having a night game drive with a spotlight to seek out the nocturnal animals as you head back to camp in the dark. Dinner and overnight in camp at Selenkay.
Day 3
Early breakfast and then drive through the bush into Amboseli National Park for a full day there with good views of Kilimanjaro and close-up observation of elephants, as well as many other species. Return to camp in Selenkay Conservancy later in the afternoon after a picnic lunch. Dinner and overnight in the camp at Selenkay.
Day 4
After an early breakfast transfer to the airstrip for the 08.30 am flight back to Wilson Airport (arrives 09.10 am) to connect to the 10.00 am flight to the Mara, arriving at 11.00 am. Upon arrival at the airstrip in the Mara you will be transferred to the Porini Giraffe Camp in Mara Ripoi Conservancy for check in, before having lunch and relaxing in camp. In the afternoon you will head out on an evening game drive in the conservancy to see some of the wildlife for which the Mara is famous. Return to camp for dinner and overnight.
Day 5
Wake up at dawn and enjoy an early game drive in the conservancy on the look out for the big cats, returning to camp for a late breakfast followed by an escorted nature walk and then lunch. In the afternoon enjoy another game drive in the Mara Ripoi and/or Ol Kinyei Conservancy with a night drive as you head back to camp driving in the dark with a spotlight for the chance to see the nocturnal animals. Dinner and overnight at Porini Giraffe Camp.
Day 6
Enjoy a full day to explore the Conservancy at your leisure, or opt for an exhilarating game drive in the renowned Masai Mara Reserve. Should you choose the latter, a picnic lunch will be provided in the park before returning to camp in the late afternoon.
In the evening, unwind with a sundowner in the Conservancy, followed by a night game drive to discover the nocturnal wildlife. Conclude your day with dinner and an overnight stay at Porini Giraffe Camp.
Note: From July 1 to September 30, a one-day fee to view the Migration in the Reserve is already included in your package.
Day 7
A final short early morning game drive in the conservancy followed by breakfast and then leave camp to transfer to the airstrip for your flight back to Wilson Airport, Nairobi.
What Our Clients' Say About Us...
In our commitment to excellence, we not only strive to exceed our clients’ expectations but also value their feedback. We are proud to present our latest clients’ feedback posted on Trip Advisor.
Marie-Annick G10 November 2024 Kenya: A dream come true I had high expectations for this safari and GameWatchers delivered. As a solo traveler, i felt that I was being taken care of from the moment I landed in Nairobi to being dropped off back at the airport 8 days later, I only have positive comments. On the twice-daily drives, the drivers and spotters were all very knowledgeable about our surroundings and the wildlife. I felt safe 100% of the time being escorted to/from my tent at night time. The accommodations are clean, comfortable and the food plentiful and delicious. I truly can’t come up with one negative point. I visited the Nairobi National Park, the Rhino camp and the Masai Mara and finished with a few hours visit in Nairobi before catching my flight back which included Karen Blixen’s property now a museum. I also booked a hot air balloon ride in the Mara: not to be missed! TwoTravelers218 November 2024 A View of the Local Culture, Wildlife and Geology of Madagascar We chose Gamewatchers for our trip to Madagascar having enjoyed our safaris in Uganda and Kenya two years ago. Our driver/guide, Franco, was outstanding by all accounts. How he managed to drive on those roads and keep us relatively comfortable and on time is beyond my understanding. The car was clean and comfortable, Franco knew when to talk and when to let us rest. He is knowledgeable, a fantastic driver, and very friendly. All of our area guides were excellent.Balita (Patrick) in Antananarivo was very knowledgeable and aware of our abilities vs. the time we had.Emil in Ranomafana NP with his knowledge of the wildlife and plants he enabled us to see much more than just the lemurs and chameleons. We also visited his vanilla plantation and loved that.Adrian in the Anja Reserve allowed us to find our own places from which to photograph the lemurs. Many guides just tell you what to do and we appreciated his understanding.Nirina at Isalo patiently helped us hike into the gorge and kept up a fascinating stream of conversation about the geology and the wildlife.We truly appreciated not feeling pressured to buy things from the gift shops.Madagascar tourism is not as mature as Kenya and South Africa which meant that Gamewatchers needed to be extra aware of time and needs. We thought they did a fabulous job finding activities that fit our desires to learn about the culture, wildlife, and geology in this truly remarkable country. Mike Q4 November 2024 19 Day trip to Kenya, Tanzania, and Uganda. Our trip to Africa was amazing! Truly a trip that will give us wonderful memories for a lifetime. We saw so many animals, it will take a week just to sort through the photos and videos. We loved the different accommodations, from the Elewana Tarangire Treetops and Serengeti Nimali Camps to the more rustic Porini Mara and Amboselli Camps. It was a very nice change of venue throughout the trip that made it interesting. All of the guides and camp personnel were very gracious, informative, and entertaining! We met many other travelers that we enjoyed and became friends with. I cant think of enough nice things to say about Gamewatchers. It started with the trip layout and suggestions that was made by Wayne Hammond, our representative. The other personnel at Gamewatchers kindly helped us with all our connection needs and even allowed us to rework our last day’s schedule to give us amazing views of the Rinos in Nairobi National Park. We love Gamewatechers and all their representatives and will recommend them for trips by our friends. Leigh M3 November 2024 GameWatchers is the best safari company GameWatchers safaris is the best operator to go with. The guides are very knowledgeable - other guides would stop and ask them questions. We were in a vehicle by ourselves, so we could easily see out and stop to take photos whenever we wanted. The food was excellent. Everything was well planned. We mostly stayed in conservancies, so many less vehicles. Karen R1 November 2024 Best Safari company ever! Best wildlife viewing ever! I can’t recommend Gamewatchers Safaris highly enough. Their model setting camps in conservancies allows for the most private and special of game viewing. Their staff is impeccable – everyone from top to bottom was friendly, polite, and so helpful. The views were absolutely incredible. Over the 10 day safari we saw all of the big five, many times over. We visited three camps and of those enjoyed the one at Olare Motorogi conservancy the best. It is adjacent to the Massai Mara and offers a wide range of wildlife, including leopards, cheetahs and crocodiles, something we did not see at the other camps. We have been to three countries in Africa, but Kenya and Gamewatchers is the best! Dawn M31 October 2024 Magical first safari experience Just back from an amazing safari to the Porini Amboseli Camp and Porini Mara Camp. The whole experience was amazing from the planning and organising with Wayne to the accommodation, food and the amazing guides. Daniel and Amos at Amboseli and David and Joshua at the Mara where so kind and knowledgeable and took time to teach us lots about the animals and a little swahili too. The food and company was amazing and got so many good photos. Would highly recommend to anyone. Asante 😀 Inspire6418253973928 October 2024 Outstanding! My wife and I thoroughly enjoyed our Gamewatchers experience. Arrangements, service, staff, food, safaris, animals and birds -- every moment was exciting and unique. And excellent! We stayed at 4 camps, 2 nights each. A special thanks to Benson (guide/driver) and Dominick (spotter) at the Amboseli camp, who were fun and knowledgeable. Also, the Cheetah camp (private ownership by a terrific couple), very accomodating, hospitable and the camp itself was perfect in every way. Finally, the driver and assistant who helped us through delays and difficulties returning to the busy Nairobi Int'l Airport. Their customer service was outstanding. We highlight recommend Gamewatchers! Oliver C28 October 2024 Brilliant Safari I wanted to say a big thank you to Wayne H at Gamewatchers. He was fantastic and helped us organise an amazing safari. He was very prompt to respond to all our questions and the whole trip was brilliant. We visited Porini Rhino Camp and Porini Mara Camp and absolutely loved both camps. Amazing staff and guides, very comfortable tents and great food.The views and the wildlife are top class and all of the flights and transfers were well organised and easy.I can highly recommend Wayne and Gamewatchers. Ann B27 October 2024 Absolutely Amazing! With over 1000 choices of safari providers and the one you chose feels like winning a million dollars, you know you chose the best! We had narrowed our safari providers down to 5 companies and after a conversation with Wayne from Gamewatchers, we chose them. Our goal was to spend time with the wildlife up close and personal and we were not disappointed. From when we landed in Kenya until our return flight home to USA, we were catered to and felt like family. Transportation to and between camps (3), was perfect. All 3 camps (Amboseli, Selenkay, and Ol Pejete) had excellent tent accommodations and chef prepared cuisine in a beautiful covered but open air dining space with a limit of 14 guests. Safari drives were in open air Land Cruisers with excellent guides and spotters. Breakfast in the bush and sundowners each evening were exceptional. The tents were top notch with flushing toilets, hot water and extremely comfortable beds with hot water bottle to warm the beds each evening. Every game drive yielded numerous wildlife and ample picture taking opportunities. This was due to being in private conservancies with permission to go off road to find the wildlife. You can it go off road in National Parks. Also, Kenya bans ALL killing of wildlife! We have traveled to many great destinations and this was the most engaging, adventurous and comfortable experience. Wecan not wait to repeat this experience . Do yourself a favor and use Gamewatcher Safaris and Porini Camps if you want the best wildlife viewing and accommodations. Robert L20 October 2024 Amazing safari experience at Porini Giraffe Camp My wife and I stayed for three nights at the Porini Giraffe Camp and the experience exceeded our best expectations. We were looked after incredibly well in the camp with outstanding service and delicious food. The camp was quiet with only 2-4 other people staying and this was a bonus. The game drives were incredible and we saw so much. It was brilliant that the conservancy was not besieged with lots of tourists and we felt we were completely on our own. This was in contrast to our one day in the Mara Park. Our guides, David and George, were very knowledgeable and gave us an outstanding time. The whole trip was organised by Wayne Hammond whose advice and service I could not fault. I would recommend this to anyone.
Talk to a Specialist
Choose a Safari Specialist in your time zone and start planning your tailor-made safari to Kenya.
Rick McIntyre
Hello, I'm Rick, based in Ontario, Canada, with over 15 years in the travel industry and a passport filled with stamps from over 70 countries. My heart was captured by Africa during my first visit to Kenya, and since then, I've journeyed back repeatedly, exploring the diverse landscapes and wildlife of Kenya, Tanzania, Rwanda, Zambia, Zimbabwe, Botswana, Namibia, and South Africa. Whether you're dreaming of a "once in a lifetime" vacation or you're a seasoned safari traveler, I'm here to assist in planning your perfect African adventure.
You can contact me at rick@gamewatchers.com or give me a call at +1-877-710-3014.
Rachel Chambers
Rachel Chambers
Rachel resides on the vibrant West Coast of Canada, specifically on Vancouver Island. She has a profound love for travel, having explored nearly 30 countries. However, it was a solo journey to Africa that truly ignited her passion. Upon stepping foot in Botswana for the first time, Rachel was captivated and knew she needed to explore more of the continent. Since then, she has ventured solo to Zimbabwe, Zambia, Mauritius, South Africa, Uganda, and Kenya, where she traveled with Gamewatchers Safaris and Porini Camps.
It was during these experiences that Rachel realized her desire to be a part of the Gamewatchers team.
You can contact Rae at rae@gamewatchers.com or WattsApp +1-250-588-9112
Julie Roggow
Julie Roggow
Greetings, I'm Julie Roggow, and I come to you with over two decades of immersion in the world of travel. My journey into the heart of safari adventures began as I traversed Kenya, Uganda, Tanzania, Rwanda, Botswana, Zimbabwe, and South Africa, capturing the essence of these mesmerizing landscapes through my lens. Among these remarkable destinations, Kenya and the Porini safari camps hold a special place in my heart. Their unique blend of wilderness and conservation resonates deeply with me.
My passion for travel is matched only by my dedication to sharing that passion with others. I'm here to ensure that planning your safari vacation is an enjoyable and seamless experience.
Feel free to reach out to me by email at julie@gamewatchers.com or through our toll-free telephone line at +1-877-710-3014.
Sally Wanjau
Hello, I am Sally Wanjau, and I have been travelling to Kenya on safari since the 1980’s which led to me living and working there for several years. Married to a Kenyan, it is a place that I now call home. I currently live in the UK with my husband. For a number of years, I ran my own safari business as an agent working closely with Gamewatchers Safaris creating unique and tailor-made holidays for my clients, and in 2017 I joined Gamewatchers Safaris full-time as one of their dedicated team of Safari Advisers.
Having travelled extensively throughout East, South and Southern Africa, I remain passionate about Kenya, my love of which is fed by my many fantastic wildlife experiences at the Porini Camps.
You can contact me at sallywanjau@gamewatchers.com or call me at +44 7546 433 250
Wayne Hammond
Wayne Hammond
Hello, I'm Wayne Hammond, and I'm fortunate to have embarked on over 30 incredible journeys to the enchanting continent of Africa. It's a place that has captured my heart time and time again. My travels have taken me to Kenya, which I've had the pleasure of visiting far more times than I can recall, as well as to Tanzania, Zimbabwe, Zambia, Botswana, Rwanda, Uganda, South Africa, and Mozambique. Among my cherished bush haunts, I hold dear the Masai Mara in Kenya, the mesmerizing Mana Pools in Zimbabwe, and the wondrous South Luangwa National Park in Zambia. I'm not just a passionate traveler but also an avid amateur wildlife photographer and an occasional travel writer.
If you're ready to embark on your own African adventure, don't hesitate to reach out to me at wayne@gamewatchers.com or give me a call at +44 7986 978 985.
Andrea Landaeta
Hola, I’m Andrea and my love affair with the captivating world of safaris began during my teenage years when I embarked on my very first safari in Kenya. There, amidst the awe-inspiring wildlife and expansive plains, I found my true passion. Over the years, Kenya has called me back time and time again, leading me to explore its myriad camps, conservancies, and renowned parks. More recently, I've had the privilege of staying at all the Porini Camps, where the spotlight shines on wildlife conservation—a cause close to my heart as I traverse the globe. While Kenya holds a special place in my wanderlust-filled heart, Tanzania, Uganda, and Rwanda have also woven their magic into my soul. If you're eager to embark on your own safari adventure or share your passion for conservation, please feel free to contact me at andrea@gamewatchers.com
Let's connect and embark on a journey through Africa's wild wonders together.
Pranay Chandra
Hello, I’m Pranay Chandra, a veteran of the Indian Armed Forces whose profound passion for nature and wildlife led me to the world of wildlife photography. My lens has captured the essence of the wild, earning recognition in esteemed competitions like the Sanctuary Asia annual wildlife awards and the Natural History Museum’s Wildlife Photographer of the Year awards. Beyond photography, I’ve dedicated myself to conservation efforts, collaborating with Ecological Task Forces and supporting WWF India’s training initiatives in tiger reserves. In the realm of education, I’ve partnered with CEC, New Delhi, to create informative video programs on Human-Wildlife Conflicts. I’ve ventured to Kenya, embracing the splendours of Africa while staying at Porini camps and other renowned lodges.
You can connect with me via email at pranay@gamewatchers.com or by phone at +91 801 788 5256
Talk to a Specialist
Choose a Safari Specialist in your time zone and start planning your tailor-made safari to Tanzania.
Hola, I’m Andrea and my love affair with the captivating world of safaris began during my teenage years when I embarked on my very first safari in Kenya. There, amidst the awe-inspiring wildlife and expansive plains, I found my true passion. Over the years, Kenya has called me back time and time again, leading me to explore its myriad camps, conservancies, and renowned parks. More recently, I’ve had the privilege of staying at all the Porini Camps, where the spotlight shines on wildlife conservation—a cause close to my heart as I traverse the globe. While Kenya holds a special place in my wanderlust-filled heart, Tanzania, Uganda, and Rwanda have also woven their magic into my soul. If you’re eager to embark on your own safari adventure or share your passion for conservation, please feel free to contact me at andrea@gamewatchers.com
Let’s connect and embark on a journey through Africa’s wild wonders together.
Andrea Landaeta
Hello, I’m Pranay Chandra, a veteran of the Indian Armed Forces whose profound passion for nature and wildlife led me to the world of wildlife photography. My lens has captured the essence of the wild, earning recognition in esteemed competitions like the Sanctuary Asia annual wildlife awards and the Natural History Museum’s Wildlife Photographer of the Year awards. Beyond photography, I’ve dedicated myself to conservation efforts, collaborating with Ecological Task Forces and supporting WWF India’s training initiatives in tiger reserves. In the realm of education, I’ve partnered with CEC, New Delhi, to create informative video programs on Human-Wildlife Conflicts. I’ve ventured to Kenya, embracing the splendors of Africa while staying at Porini camps and other renowned lodges. I’m based in Bangalore, India, and you can connect with me via email at pranay@gamewatchers.com or reach me by phone at +91 801 788 5256, including WhatsApp. Let’s embark on a journey to celebrate the beauty and conservation of our natural world together.
Pranay Chandra
Hello, I’m Kristy, your Australian-based Safari Advisor with Gamewatchers Safaris and Porini Camps. My background in ecology and conservation management, combined with a deep passion for nature and the great outdoors, led me to Kenya where I instantly fell in love with its spectacular wildlife and warm-hearted people. Having spent significant time at our Porini Camps and explored other camps we offer, I bring intricate knowledge to help craft your ultimate wildlife safari adventure. Whether you’re seeking the thrill of the savannah or the serenity of the wilderness, I’m here to make your safari dreams a reality.
Feel free to reach out to me on the Gold Coast, Australia, at kristy@gamewatchers.com or call +61 419 175 672
Kristy Thomson