SMALL GROUP JOURNEYOFFERS

The Grand Emperor Circle

2026▾
12
Days
5
Destinations
Solo
Travel Party

Private, fully tailor-made departures — available year-round

See Pricing & Inclusions ↓
12 Days
Small Group
from $20,700 pp
Home  ›  Safaris  ›  Kenya  ›  The Grand Emperor Circle

OverviewThe Grand Emperor Circle is our most complete flying safari — a grand sweep across Kenya's finest conservation landscapes, connected by private executive flights from Wilson Airport. From horseback safaris across the rhino sanctuaries of Lewa, to giant elephant herds beneath Kilimanjaro in Amboseli, to a hot air balloon safari over the Maasai Mara's endless plains, this circuit closes with a restorative boat safari on Lake Naivasha and a geothermal soak at Hell's Gate before returning to Nairobi. Every day is designed to deliver both adventure and renewal.

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Eleven nights across five of Kenya's most celebrated wildlife destinations, linked by private flights

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A Horse-Riding Safari across the open plains of Lewa, riding alongside Grevy's zebra and eland

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Giant elephant herds against the backdrop of Mount Kilimanjaro from Tawi Lodge in Amboseli

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A glass-fronted suite at Angama Mara, suspended above the Maasai Mara escarpment

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Hot air balloon safari over the Maasai Mara with a champagne bush breakfast on the plains

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An exclusive cultural visit to a local Maasai village and its traditions

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A private Boat Riding Safari on Lake Naivasha to view hippo pods and birdlife

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A restorative soak in the natural mineral-rich pools of the Olkaria Geothermal Spa at Hell's Gate

The Grand Emperor Circle

Why Travel With Finders & Keepers Safaris

All-inclusive luxury camps, lodges and retreats, hand-picked for every leg of the journey

Private or small-group journeys with a dedicated chauffeur-guide and butler service throughout

Authentic conservation and cultural experiences shaped by local guides and communities

Custom-built 4x4 Land Cruisers and, where needed, private regional & bush flights

Flexible, tailor-made scheduling — every itinerary can be adjusted to your pace

Signature experiences, fine dining and wellness moments woven into every day

Route Map
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Interactive Route Map

Map space reserved — Nairobi → Lewa Downs (Lewa Wilderness) → Amboseli (Tawi Lodge) → Maasai Mara (Angama Mara) → Lake Naivasha & Hell's Gate → Nairobi. Interactive map to be added here, with day-by-day scrollspy markers.

Itinerary

Nairobi

Day 1 | Metropolitan Luxury & Nairobi Excursion

Arrive at Jomo Kenyatta International Airport and receive a warm VIP welcome before being escorted to your private guide. If you land before 3:00 PM, your trip begins with a premium city tour: hand-feeding Rothschild giraffes at the Giraffe Centre, meeting rescued animals at the Nairobi Animal Orphanage, exploring the historical collections at the Nairobi National Museum, and visiting the interactive Museum of Illusions.

Afterward, check into the modern luxury of the JW Marriott Hotel Nairobi for a relaxed evening high above the city skyline.

Lewa Downs

Day 2 | Fly to the Northern Sanctuary – Lewa Downs

Board your private executive flight from Wilson Airport to Lewa Downs and check into the family-run Lewa Wilderness Lodge. This world-famous rhino conservation sanctuary offers stunning views over rolling hills and golden savannas.

Set off on an afternoon game drive to track black and white rhino, as well as the rare Grevy's zebra, before enjoying a beautiful sunset sundowner in the wild and returning to the lodge for dinner.

Day 3 | The Maverick Equine – Horse-Riding Safari

Start your morning with an exhilarating Horse-Riding Safari across the wide plains of Lewa, exploring valleys and paths inaccessible by vehicle. Return to the lodge for a fresh lunch and a swim in the infinity pool.

In the afternoon, set off on a game drive targeting the big cats of Lewa, concluding with a private bonfire dinner under an ancient acacia tree, listening to the sounds of the African night.

The Maverick Equine – Horse-Riding Safari
Amboseli

Day 4 | Fly to the Throne of Kilimanjaro – Amboseli

Board your private executive flight from Wilson Airport to Amboseli. Land on the savanna and transfer to Tawi Lodge, located within a private conservancy on the foothills of Mount Kilimanjaro.

In the late afternoon, set off on a private game drive to track Amboseli's famous giant bull elephants against the backdrop of the mountain, followed by a scenic bush sundowner.

Day 5 | The Golden Hour Peak

Wake up early for a morning game drive across the dry lake beds and lush marshes of Amboseli, watching wildlife move in the shadow of Mount Kilimanjaro. Return to the lodge for a fresh lunch and a restful afternoon.

In the evening, enjoy a beautiful dinner served out in the open wild, followed by drinks around a roaring bonfire under the stars.

Maasai Mara

Day 6 | Fly to the Crown Jewels – Maasai Mara

Board your private executive flight to the Maasai Mara, landing on the escarpment and transferring to the iconic Angama Mara. Check into your glass-fronted luxury suite hanging over the valley floor.

In the afternoon, set off on a private game drive across the Mara Triangle, tracking big cats and enjoying an elegant sunset sundowner.

Day 7 | The Ultimate Sky Ride – Hot Air Balloon Safari

Rise before dawn for a spectacular Hot Air Balloon Safari over the Maasai Mara. Float silently over the sweeping plains and winding rivers as the sun rises, then land for a classic champagne bush breakfast served on a white linen table in the wild.

Spend a quiet afternoon resting at the lodge before an evening game drive.

The Ultimate Sky Ride – Hot Air Balloon Safari

Day 8 | Deep Cultural Honor – Maasai Village Visit

Dedicate your morning to an exclusive, meaningful visit to a local Maasai village to learn about their traditions and cultural legacy. In the afternoon, head out on a targeted safari tracking lions and leopards.

In the evening, enjoy a spectacular private forest dinner lit by over a hundred glowing lanterns under the stars.

Day 9 | Plain Sanctuary Explorer

Spend a full day exploring the diverse habitats of the Mara Triangle. Your guide will pack a gourmet picnic lunch, allowing you to maximize your time tracking wildlife across the open plains.

In the evening, return to the lodge for a private dinner paired with fine wines.

Day 10 | The Lantern Forest Finale

Set off on your final full day of game drives across the reserve, tracking the Big Five alongside your expert guide.

In the evening, celebrate your last night in the bush with an exclusive bush bonfire dinner, sharing stories under a vast African sky.

Lake Naivasha & Hell's Gate → Nairobi

Day 11 | The Lake Boat Cruise, Geothermal Soak & Nairobi Arrival

Check out of Angama Mara and begin your journey down the escarpment by road. Travel into the Rift Valley floor and stop at Lake Naivasha for an exclusive private Boat Riding Safari to see hippo pods and birdlife along the shores.

Continue to Hell's Gate for a restorative stopover at the Olkaria Geothermal Spa, stepping into the natural, mineral-rich hot pools to soothe your muscles after your safari travels. Drive onward to Nairobi and check into the JW Marriott Hotel Nairobi to conclude your 11-day journey.

Day 12 | Spa Morning & Departure

Head to the hotel's luxury spa for a complimentary full-body massage session to completely unwind.

Spend the day resting or exploring the city at your leisure until your scheduled private guide transfer to the airport for your flight home.

Want to adjust the pace, swap a lodge, or extend this journey?

We are here for that. Every Finders & Keepers Safaris itinerary is a starting point, not a fixed departure — the pace, the lodges, the length, the dates and the party travelling can all be reshaped around you. Tell us what you would change and a specialist will rebuild the journey and price it honestly, before you commit to anything.

Tailor This Journey →
Safari journey
Where You Will Stay

Hand-Selected For An Unmatched Experience

JW Marriott Hotel Nairobi Nairobi
Nairobi, Kenya

JW Marriott Hotel Nairobi

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Lewa Wilderness Lodge Lewa
Lewa Downs, Kenya

Lewa Wilderness Lodge

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Tawi Lodge Amboseli
Amboseli, Kenya

Tawi Lodge

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Angama Mara Maasai Mara
Maasai Mara, Kenya

Angama Mara

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Why This Journey

What sets this journey apart

Five of Kenya’s best-known wildlife areas in twelve days, linked by private flights so the time goes to the animals rather than the road.

01

Kilimanjaro behind the elephants

Tawi Lodge in Amboseli puts giant elephant herds in front of Mount Kilimanjaro.

02

A suite in the sky

A glass-fronted suite at Angama Mara, suspended above the Maasai Mara escarpment, with a dawn hot air balloon and champagne breakfast on the plains.

03

Horses and Maasai culture

A horse-riding safari at Lewa alongside Grevy’s zebra and eland, and an exclusive visit to a local Maasai village.

Best ValueJan – MayGreen season — lush landscapes, fewer crowds
Peak SeasonMay – SepPeak dry season & the Great Migration
Shoulder SeasonSep – DecMigration wind-down, still excellent game viewing
Best forFirst-time KenyaCouplesActive travellers
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Inclusions & Offers

Deposit Offer

Hold 2027 for half the usual deposit

Confirm any 2027 departure with a 15% deposit instead of the usual 30%, booked before 31 December 2026.

  • Your balance is not due until 60 days before departure.
  • The reduced deposit holds your camps, permits and internal flights at today’s rates, so a mid-year price movement does not reach you.
  • Applies to new 2027 bookings only and cannot be combined with a group discount on the same booking.
Solo Travellers

30% off the single supplement

Travelling on your own? We cut the single traveller supplement by 30% across selected 2027 departures.

  • The supplement covers the sole-occupancy cost a camp charges when a room sleeps one rather than two.
  • Available on selected camps and dates — your specialist will tell you which of your nights qualify before you commit.
  • Nothing changes about the journey itself: same guide, same vehicle, same rooms.
Group Offer

Bring three, the fourth travels free

Book four guests on a 2027 group departure and the fourth guest’s safari cost is on us.

  • The waiver covers the land portion — camps, meals, guiding and game drives.
  • International flights, visas, gorilla and chimpanzee permits and personal spending are excluded, as those are paid to third parties per head.
  • All four guests must travel on the same departure date and book together.
What's Included
  • All accommodation, Full Board
  • private guide-guide throughout
  • VIP airport meet, greet & fast-track through customs
  • All park, conservancy & reserve fees
  • Private game drives, walking safaris & cultural visits
  • Sundowners, bush meals & bonfire dinners
  • Complimentary Nairobi city excursion on arrival
  • Bottled water & refreshments in-vehicle
  • ✓Travel insurance facilitated on your behalf (adjusted in your quote if you are already covered)
  • Visa application assistance
  • Airport transfers
  • A Finders & Keepers Safaris duffel bag for each guest
  • All private executive regional flights (Nairobi – Lewa – Amboseli – Maasai Mara)
  • Horse-Riding Safari at Lewa Wilderness
  • Hot air balloon safari over the Maasai Mara with champagne bush breakfast
  • Private Boat Riding Safari on Lake Naivasha & Olkaria Geothermal Spa entry
What's Not Included
  • International flights to/from Nairobi
  • Premium imported spirits & Champagne
  • Gratuities for guides, butlers & camp staff
  • Items of a personal nature

Per Person Pricing

Per Person Sharing $23,000
Single Traveller Supplement On Request
ⓘ This is a fully tailor-made, private journey — pricing depends on travel dates, group size and lodge selections. Speak to us for a personalised quote.

2027 Season Pricing

The same unforgettable journey, priced by season.

Jan – May Best ValueGreen season — lush landscapes, fewer crowds
$20,700
May – Sep Peak SeasonPeak dry season & the Great Migration
$26,450
Sep – Dec Shoulder SeasonMigration wind-down, still excellent game viewing
$23,450

Flexible Payment Plan

1

Reserve today with a low early deposit to lock in your 2027 dates and pricing.

2

Spread the rest across convenient instalments, at a pace that suits you.

3

Final balance due one month before departure — nothing more to pay once you fly.

Speak To Us

Journey Details

Minimum Age

Varies by camp, activity and national park

  • Camps and lodges — Most safari camps accept children from six years, with shared game-drive vehicles usually from eight to twelve. Many properties will take younger children on a privately booked vehicle.
  • Walking safaris — Guided walking safaris carry a firm minimum of fifteen or sixteen years across most reserves. This is set by the licensing authority, not the camp, and is never waived.
  • Gorilla and chimpanzee trekking — Uganda and Rwanda both enforce a strict minimum of fifteen years. It is a national park regulation and there are no exceptions.
  • Hot-air balloon safaris — Operators generally require children to be at least seven, and tall enough to brace unaided in the basket on landing.
  • Family and exclusive-use camps — A number of our camps run dedicated family units, child-minding and tailored activity programmes, and will relax their usual age limit for a sole-use booking.
  • Talk to us first — Age limits vary from property to property and from activity to activity. Speak to our experts before you book, and we will pre-arrange the details with each lodge around the ages of the children travelling with you.

Safari Duffel

Duffel, safari hat, vest and hooded jumper

  • Your duffel — A soft-sided Finders & Keepers Safaris duffel, sized for the 15 kg limit on the light aircraft that move you between camps. Rigid suitcases cannot be carried on those flights at all.
  • What is inside it — A branded Finders & Keepers Safaris safari hat, a safari vest, and a hooded jumper for cold dawn starts and balloon mornings.
  • Yours to keep — The bag and everything in it is a gift, not a loan. Nothing is returned at the end of your journey.
  • Packing around it — Soft luggage, neutral colours, and layers. Laundry is included at nearly every camp, which is why 15 kg goes further than it sounds.

Note

Best timed around wildlife movement patterns

Kenya's game viewing is exceptional year-round, though the Great Migration river crossings in the Maasai Mara peak between July and October. Malaria prophylaxis is recommended for all safari areas — please consult your doctor before travel.

  • Early starts — Safaris begin very early in the morning. Your guide will confirm what time you will be collected from your camp or lodge.
  • Tailoring this journey — If you would like this package with more or fewer days, arranged for a group, a family or a solo traveller, or with add-ons, reach out and we will tailor it for you.
  • Route changes — Your guide or driver may alter the route in certain circumstances, but every destination set out in the itinerary will be covered.

Documents

Kenya eTA required before arrival

  • Passport — Valid for at least six months beyond your arrival date, with at least two blank pages for stamps.
  • Kenya eTA — Kenya replaced its tourist visa with an Electronic Travel Authorisation in January 2024. Apply online before you fly — approval normally lands within 48 to 72 hours, but allow a week.
  • African passport holders — Citizens of almost every African country now enter Kenya without an eTA. East African Community nationals — Burundi, DR Congo, Rwanda, South Sudan, Tanzania and Uganda — may stay up to six months; other African nationals up to two.
  • Yellow fever — A vaccination certificate is required if you are arriving from, or have transited, a country with yellow fever risk.
  • We file it for you — Whether you are flying in from overseas or travelling from elsewhere on the continent, we complete and submit your visa application on your behalf. You hand us your documents once. We do the filing, chase the approval, and carry the confirmations in your travel pack so nothing rests on you remembering a reference number at a counter.
  • Most of Africa is open to you — The great majority of our African destinations are now either visa-free or issue a visa on arrival, so an embassy queue is rarely in your future at all. Where a visa on arrival does apply, we prepare and lodge the paperwork ahead of you — you reach the desk with a finished file rather than a blank form and a biro.
  • Before you travel — Entry rules change frequently and without much notice. Your specialist confirms the current requirements for every passport in your party at the time of booking, and checks them again before you fly.

Guaranteed Departures

Private, tailor-made departures on your dates, or join a small group

  • Once confirmed, you travel — When your departure date is confirmed, it is guaranteed. We do not cancel, merge or reschedule a confirmed departure for commercial reasons, however the final numbers fall.
  • What confirms a departure — A departure becomes confirmed once the agreed number of travellers has been reached and paid for in line with the agreed payment schedule. Places held without payment do not count towards it.
  • If the minimum is not reached — Where a group departure has not reached its agreed numbers, we tell you early rather than late, and you choose: move to the next available date, continue at a revised small-group rate, or take a full refund of everything you have paid.
  • Solo journeys — Solo and tailor-made itineraries carry no group minimum at all. Your dates are confirmed the moment your deposit is received.
  • Visas — We prepare and submit your visa application on your behalf. Please note that the granting of a visa rests solely with the immigration authority of the country concerned, and is never guaranteed by us.
  • Medication — We arrange malaria prophylaxis, together with anti-nausea and anti-anxiety tablets, for your journey. Any prescription medicine should be confirmed with your own doctor before you travel — they remain the final authority on what is suitable for you.
  • Africa is not always hot — Despite the stereotype, Africa moves through distinct seasons and mornings at altitude can be genuinely cold. A hooded jumper is provided for cold conditions, and for every guest joining a hot-air balloon safari.
  • Dietary requirements — If you have strict dietary needs, please tell us at the time of booking. This includes vegans, guests in recovery, non-drinkers, and anyone following a prescription from their doctor.
  • Travel insurance — We facilitate travel insurance for our clients. If you are already covered, please say so during booking so we can take it into account in your final quote.
  • Tailoring your quote — Some of our inclusions — hot-air balloon safaris, for example — may not be what you want. Point these out and we will adjust your final offer accordingly.
  • The Maasai massage & spa recovery — Guests travelling the safari circuit by road rather than by air should expect long and tiring days. The rough terrain of the jungle gives the vehicle a constant jolting ride, known affectionately as the Maasai massage. A spa session is provided at the end of your safari to recover.
  • What to pack — Neutral colours are the rule on safari: khaki, olive, stone and brown. Avoid black and dark blue, which draw tsetse flies, and leave camouflage at home entirely — it is reserved for the military and illegal for civilians in several African countries. Bring layers for cold dawn game drives, long sleeves and trousers for dusk when the mosquitoes are out, closed walking shoes, a sun hat and sunglasses. Lodge dinners are smart-casual; nothing formal is needed.
  • Your safari duffel & kit — The duffel bag is used when flying into the parks, where luggage is limited to 15 kg per person. A branded Finders & Keepers Safaris safari hat and safari vest are also provided.

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