The difference between a safari and an excellent safari is like the difference between lightening and the lightening bug.

If someone asked me to rank the greatest experiences a human can have – anywhere in the world – I would rank an exceptionally run safari at the very top of the list. Notice I used the word “exceptional”!  It is how one goes on safari — the right destinations, guides, properties, times of year, modes of travel, safety protocols, etc. –  that makes all the difference.  Safari is one of the most complex trips to truly get right. In short, an excellent safari is the sum of a thousand excellent decisions.

So, I hope you are now wondering, how on earth is an artist from Appalachia offering one of the world’s great safari experiences? In a word – obsession. I’m not in the travel business, this is my life’s calling. People in business make business decisions. Passionately obsessed people will do everything in their power to change your life in a two-week trip!  That’s a high bar, but that is our actual goal with a WALLSabout trip!

At the time of writing, I’ve been traveling to E. Africa for 19 years. I consider it a second home, the land where some of my closest friends and business partners live. The place I want to make a lasting positive impact upon through tangible and measurable conservation initiatives. Of course, all of that starts with unlocking this land for you! We’re on a mission for you to have the trip of a lifetime.

Let’s go!
– Benji 

Benji Tip:  I highly recommend booking a one-day or two-day pre-trip extension to shake off jet-lag and enjoy light activities in Nairobi (must be booked before booking your flights).

Benji’s Reading / Watch List:
Wildlife of East Africa by Martin B Withers (a copy will arrive by mail along with other Safari essentials before your trip). 

Upon arrival into Nairobi, you are met by a WALLSabout representative and transferred to your beautiful hotel in the heart of Nairobi. If you do not come a day or two early, we strongly advise booking flights that land after 9AM and before 5PM wherever possible. Hotel check-in is 4:00 PM. Meet your WALLSabout Program Director in the hotel lobby for Safari Briefing at 7PM.  Go to bed early! The real adventures begin tomorrow!

Our accommodation for this leg of our journey is, Fairmont’s The Norfolk– possibly the most famous hotel on the continent of Africa.  Don’t miss the coffee table book in the lobby, The Norfolk, The Hotel That Built a Nation by Stephen Mills. For a historic context of Safari in general, which is inextricably connected with The Norfolk, pick up a copy of The White Hunters, by Brian Herne. Aside from its iconic history, The Norfolk remains a luxurious and comfortable repose where we begin our journey – central to all the pre-safari activities (book these with your Travel Concierge team before your trip) as well as a selection of on-campus restaurants, pool, fitness, spa, shops, and concierge desk. The Norfolk sets the perfect tone for that timeless adventure we call, Safari!

Benji Tip: I highly recommend booking a one-day or two-day pre-trip extension to shake off jet-lag and enjoy light activities in Nairobi (must be booked before booking your flights). If you can’t come a day early, hitting the arrival window above is key for getting a good night’s rest before the first day of your trip.

Benji’s Reading / Watch List:
The Norfolk, The Hotel That Built a Nation, by Stephen Mills
The White Hunters, by Brian Herne

Meals: None (arrival day)

Key Times*
9AM-5PM: Where possible, book your arrival flight to land in this window at NBO (see “WALLSabout Tip” above for details)
4:00 PM Hotel Check-In
7:00 PM Start of services — Meet in the hotel lobby
7:00 PM Welcome Briefing in Hotel Lobby
*All times are approximate. Program Director will advise of exact times daily7:00 PM 

OPTIONAL: Elephant and Giraffe Excursion 
If you booked an extra day in Nairobi and also booked the Elephant & Giraffe Excursion, this is the day that you will visit the Elephant Orphanage & Giraffe Center! Plan to meet in the lobby for departure at 9:00 AM, and to return to the hotel by around 2:00 PM that day

We fly north this morning to the Lakipia Plateau on the shoulders of Mt. Kenya and land in the Ol Pejeta Conservancy. Ol Pejeta is model of conservation boasting the largest population of Black Rhinos in E. Africa as well as the Sweetwaters Conservancy for rescued Chimpanzees that was established by Dr. Jane Goodall over 30 years ago. Ol Pejeta is also home of the last two Northern White Rhinos, where now-famous efforts are underway to save the species. Benjamin, his Gallery, and WALLSabout teams have been a part of this still-unfolding story, raising money and awareness for nearly a decade. Through those established relationships, you’ll become intimately connected to this remarkable story–one of the most critical conservation initiatives of our time. In addition to Rhinos and Chimps, we’ll see a whole range of wildlife, all the major predators can be found at Ol Pejeta, and some species you’ll not see at any of our other stops, such as the Reticulated Giraffe and the Grevy’s Zebra.

We’ll round out our first day in the bush with an afternoon game drive, followed by Sundowners (a traditional safari happy hour with both alcoholic and non-alcoholic drinks) followed by our first dinner on Safari!

Our accommodation for this leg of our journey is the iconic Mt. Kenya Safari Club. This 1950’s colonial style property, boasts “a world of natural splendor and timeless elegance, where 100 acres of lush gardens, tranquil ponds teeming with trout, and majestic forest await your exploration amidst the breathtaking backdrop of Mount Kenya.” The property, “exudes refined country club charm, seamlessly blending classic opulence with modern sophistication.” It was also named “Africa’s Leading Hotel” in 2023.

Benji Tip: To get the most out of your experience, be bold in asking your Driver Guide questions! These proud ambassadors are not only my dear friends, but they are also walking encyclopedias that take great pride in sharing their knowledge! You’ll be hard pressed to stump them with any question about the flora and fauna, but don’t hesitate to ask about Kenyan culture , local ways of life, and how things are changing for people and wildlife alike. You’re among friends, don’t be shy! 

Benji’s Read / Watch List: 
Ol Pejeta’s Story 
Flora & Fauna: Northern White Rhinos 
Jane Goodall Visits Ol Pejeta 
Jane Goodall’s Sweetwaters Chimp Sanctuary

Meals: Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner 

Key Times*
Breakfast at your leisure from 6:30AM 
8:00 AM Porters collect your bags 
8:45 AM Depart for Private Terminal
10:00 AM Flight to Ol Pejeta 
PM Afternoon Game Drive 
7:00 PM Sundowners  
7:30 PM Welcome Dinner
*All times are approximate. Program Director will advise of exact times daily7:00 PM 

This morning we’ll enjoy an early breakfast and head out for a game drive in route to a specialized boma that’s home to the world’s last two Northern White Rhinos. There we’ll learn about their plight, and also the in vitro fertilization (IVF) process that’s underway in an effort to save the species. Benjamin and his teams started raising money and awareness for this cause nearly a decade ago when it appeared all hope had been lost. Today, through the efforts of a courageous group of scientists, rangers, and the financial support of concerned folks from around the world so much progress has been made: 29 embryos and counting have been created, a test IVF pregnancy in a different species of rhino was successful in 2023, and the scientists plan to start implanting the Northern White Rhino embryos into surrogate mothers this year. Today you’ll witness first-hand, both the horrible cost of human greed and complacency as well as the miracle of human compassion and determination. You’ll also meet some of the heroes of the later – the rangers of Ol Pejeta.

After our ranger talk and experience with the Northern White Rhinos, we’ll continue with our game drive in route to the Sweetwaters Chimpanzee Sanctuary that was established by Dr. Jane Goodall 30 years ago. Here we’ll have the rare opportunity to witness a group of rescued Chimps that could not be released in the wild. Here in the sanctuary, these Chimps have an opportunity to live a near-wild existence and are incredible ambassadors for their species. We’ll then continue on our game drive with a lunch stop at the Sweetwaters Serena and then onward back to the lodge for an afternoon at your leisure where you can enjoy the resort, followed by sundowners, dinner, and a good night’s rest! 

Benji Tip: Personally, I’d suggest resting this afternoon because Safari is a mini-marathon, and we’re just getting started! That said, my travel concierge team can book (before your departure from the USA) the following activities for a nominal fee that you will pay the resort directly. Discuss your selections with your WALLSabout Travel Concierge in your one month out call.

Our accommodation for this leg of our journey is the iconic Mt. Kenya Safari Club. This 1950’s colonial style property, boasts “a world of natural splendor and timeless elegance, where 100 acres of lush gardens, tranquil ponds teeming with trout, and majestic forest await your exploration amidst the breathtaking backdrop of Mount Kenya.” The property, “exudes refined country club charm, seamlessly blending classic opulence with modern sophistication.” It was also named “Africa’s Leading Hotel” in 2023

Advance Reservation Required Before Leaving the USA: 

• Archery
• Yoga
• Massage
• Horse Riding 
• Bike Riding 
• Bird Walk
• Tennis

Advance Reservation NOT required: 

• Putting Green / Croquet
• Fitness Center
• Outdoor Pool

Benji’s Read / Watch List: 
CNN’s A New Breakthrough Offers Hope 
PBS New Hour: Saving Species 


Meals: Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner 

Key Times*
Breakfast at your leisure from 6:30 AM 
7:30 AM Departure for game drive 
9:00 AM Northern White Rhinos 
11:00 AM Chimpanzees 
1:00 PM Lunch
3:00 PM Afternoon at your leisure 
7:00 PM Sundowners  
7:30 PM Dinner
*All times are approximate. Program Director will advise of exact times daily7:00 PM 

We fly south this morning to the iconic wonderland of Amboseli National Park. As we approach for landing in the park’s airstrip, don’t miss the spectacle out your window – Elephants grazing in the massive freshwater springs as far as the eye can see!  Mt. Kilimanjaro, the often-clouded monarch of Africa, looms three dizzying miles above the park’s savannas and might even be visible out your window.

Upon landing, we’ll be greeted by familiar faces, our guides who drove overnight to collect us in the same trucks we were in yesterday afternoon (our flight cuts out a 12+ hour drive!). We’ll game drive on the way to our lodge, catch lunch overlooking one of the largest freshwater springs in the park, with elephants feeding and bathing in the distance. After lunch, we’ll catch a dip in the pool or a quick siesta before heading out for our afternoon game drive in the shadow of the world’s largest free-standing mountain. We’ll round out the evening with sundowners at my favorite bar in all of Africa (take note of this lodge’s common areas – this place should be on Kenya’s register of iconic historic properties). Unlike the colonial styling of many properties, this lodge was one of the first of the region built with a safari style all its own — mixing the classic round styling of the local Masai people while combining the grand timber beams. After sundowners’ we’ll enjoy dinner and time by the fire before calling it a night.

Benji Tip:
Get ready for our warmest destination on our trip! Even though Amboseli rests at 3,333 feet above sea level it is actually 3,000 feet lower than Ol Pejeta and the weather here is noticeably warmer. Even though our lodge is nestled in the coolest part of Amboseli that receives a nice breeze off the freshwater springs, it can be warm. Personally, this is my favorite stop on the tour from a weather standpoint, but for those of you that are sensitive to heat, I’d advise keeping your mini fridge in your room stocked with water, don’t hesitate to request ice / chilled water from room service, limit your alcohol intake, and be sure your fan is INSIDE your mosquito net so you can feel the breeze at night. I’d also suggest leaving your window opened after turn down service (sometime they close them because locals get cold at night and they don’t understand we like things to be cooler!).

Benji’s Reading List:
The Snows of Kilimanjaro by Earnest Hemingway

Meals: Breakfast/ Lunch/ Dinner

Key Times*
Breakfast at your leisure from 6:30 AM
8:00 AM Porters collect your bags
8:45 AM Depart for Charter Flight
10:00 AM Flight to Amboseli
11:15 AM Game Drive en route to the lodge
12:30 PM Lunch
4:00 PM Afternoon Game Drive
7:00 PM Sundowners
7:30 PM Dinner
*All times are approximate. Program Director will advise of exact times daily. 

If I could do just one more game drive before I die, I’d do the this one – the sunrise game drive in central Amboseli. There’s nothing like watching the sun slowly rise over the shoulder of Kilimanjaro as the massive parades of elephants slowly emerge on the horizon and begin their march towards the freshwater springs. One of the things that makes this morning so magic, is the fact there are so few other tourists around. This is because most tourists are staying outside of the park, a 1-to-2-hour drive away. This means we’ll bear witness to this morning miracle and be arriving back at breakfast while everyone else is bouncing their way back into the park.

Our afternoon game drive departs at 4PM. We’ll conclude the evening with Sundowners followed by dinner and some time by the fire. By tonight, you should be settling into the rhythm of Safari. Rest up as tomorrow is our biggest travel day as well as the best day to see how the locals live!  

Benji Tip:
This afternoon we have our longest periods of downtime on the trip. Revel in it! The view from one side of the property looks up to Kilimanjaro while the view from the other side of the property overlooks the massive freshwater springs and hundreds of elephants and the view from the top floor of the bar catches BOTH and the cool breeze! Walk the property grounds (this one is fenced), enjoy a dip in the pool, book yourself into a spa treatment, or enjoy a siesta. Remember, Safari is a marathon and we’re still less than half way. Rest up! 

 
Benji’s Reading List:
The Amboseli Elephants by Cynthia J Moss

Meals: Breakfast/ Lunch/ Dinner

Key Times*
Coffee/ Tea/ Pastries from 6AM
6:30 AM Morning Game Drive
9:00AM Return to the lodge for Breakfast 
10:00-4:00 PM At your leisure 
12:30-2:30 PM Lunch at your leisure 
4:00 PM Afternoon Game Drive 
7:00 PM Sundowners  
7:30 PM Dinner
*All times are approximate. Program Director will advise of exact times daily. 

Today we journey from one wonder of the world to the next – we leave the world’s tallest freestanding mountain in our wake and journey to the world’s largest collapsed volcano with a fully intact rim – the Ngorongoro Crater. However, our stops along the way on this day as well as the drive itself is not to be missed! Because we typically fly from one destination to the next, this is the only day we’ll have the opportunity to see towns, villages, farms, and the countryside. Along the way we’ll stop in to see our friends at the Cultural Heritage Center. This is like E. Africa’s Guggenheim and this family built it from the ground up! Please don’t dally when you arrive as time is limited and there is so much to see (don’t miss the African mask collection and the massive Tanzanite stones!). You’ll also enjoy a very Zen lunch at the Arusha Coffee Lodge.

After lunch we’ll cruise into the countryside of Manyara and up the escarpment of the Great Rift Valley and onward to Ngorongoro! As we wind up the escarpment, keep an eye out for Baobab Trees, this is one of my favorite African trees and we won’t see them anywhere else on the trip. We’ll make all our stops brief so we can make it to one of the wonders of the natural world– the Ngorongoro Crater! Be sure to ask your guides what that funny word means!

Benji Tip:
Souvenir Alert! This is your absolute best stop for souvenirs! The Cultural Heritage Center has hundreds of artists and retailers represented under one roof. The family that owns it is known as the Kings of Tanzanite so if you’re into buying a Tanzanite stone, this is hands down the best place in E. Africa (did you know Tanzanite is 1000 times rarer than diamonds?). As noted, this is our longest drive day, but I love this drive as there is so much to explore visually as we cruise past – this is your best chance to see how the locals live, what they are growing, how they travel, etc!  

Benji’s Reading List:
African Masks: From the Barbier-Mueller Collection by Iris Hahner-Herzog Tanzanite: Born from Lightning by Didier Brodbeck 

Meals: Breakfast/ Lunch/ Dinner


Key Times*
Breakfast from 5:30AM
6:00 AM Departure 
9:00 AM Border crossing 
10:30 AM Cultural Heritage Center 
12:00 PM Lunch at Arusha Coffee Lodge 
4:30 PM Arrive at Ngorongoro 
6:30 PM Sundowners  
7:30 PM Dinner
*All times are approximate. Program Director will advise of exact times daily. 

At sunrise, we’ll descend into the UNESCO designated World Heritage Site – the Ngorongoro Crater– the world’s largest intact volcanic caldera. The wild gardens of this Eden climb up and spill over the 1000’ tall rim of the crater. At only 14 miles wide, the crater is home to the densest population of lions in the world, countless herbivores, and the largest population of rhinos in Tanzania. It’s no wonder it is often referred to as the eighth wonder of the world. After our early morning sightings, we’ll pause for a picnic breakfast within the crater before further discovering this enchanted land. At the conclusion of our explorations, we’ll emerge to the rim for a late lunch with an iconic view and afternoon at your leisure. Evening will bring stories with fellow travelers followed by live entertainment, sundowners and dinner overlooking the crater 

Benji’s Reading List:
The Ngorongoro Story by Tom Lithgow

Meals: Breakfast/ Lunch/ Dinner

Key Times*
Breakfast from 5:30AM
10:00 AM Picnic Breakfast 
1:30 PM Lunch
2:30 PM Afternoon at your leisure 
6:30 PM Sundowners  
7:00 PM Entertainment
7:30 PM Dinner
*All times are approximate. Program Director will advise of exact times daily. 

Today we meander from one legendary location to another! From Ngorongoro to Olduvai Gorge to Serengeti. Most travelers have not heard of Olduvai; however, this is one of the most significant paleoanthropological sites in the world. Mary and Louis Leakey set up excavations and research stations here in the 1930s and their research ultimately led to Jane Goodall’s work with chimpanzees, Diane Fossey’s research of the mountain gorillas and Biruté Mary Galdikas research of orangutans among many others. Even today, the Leakeys’ legacy continues to inspire important research. Time is short so be ready to absorb the mountain of information at the Olduvai Museum.

Next – we push on to the world famous Seronera Valley or Central Serengeti. On our drive today, take note of the mysterious “kopjes” or rock outcroppings. Think back to “The Lion King” – remember that Simba was born on a giant rock? This is because Disney sent their animators here to Serengeti and the lions do indeed claim these iconic rocky landmarks as their territory – be sure to ask your guide why! Yes, it’s absolutely possible you’ll see lions on the kopjes — there’s no telling what all you will see in Serengeti. This land has it all and words fall short of what all you’ll be experiencing in the next couple of days. The best part is no one can predict what’s coming next and no one’s experience in this magic land is ever the same.

Upon arrival at the lodge, we’ll celebrate with sundowners and dinner before heading to bed early.

OPTIONAL:
Hot Air Balloon Participants: Meet in the lobby before dinner for Balloon Briefing. Plan for an early morning tomorrow (exact time of morning departure shared at briefing).

Benji Tip:
If you’re into pampering, I’d suggest booking an optional spa treatment for tomorrow when you arrive to the lodge on this day! As noted in your Intake & Portal, book your hot air balloon a minimum of 90 days before you depart on your trip!


Benji’s Reading List:
A Place like No Other: Discovering the Secrets of Serengeti by Anthony R. E. Sinclair

Meals: Breakfast/ Lunch/ Dinner


Key Times*
Breakfast from 6:30AM
8:00 AM depart for Serengeti  
10:00 AM Visit Masai Village 
11:00 AM Ol Duvai Museum 
12:00 PM Lunch at the Museum
1:00 PM Game drive into Serengeti
5:00 PM Arrive at Lodge
7:00 PM Sundowners
7:30 PM Dinner
*All times are approximate. Program Director will advise of exact times daily.

This morning most travelers will depart for our optional hot air balloon experience over the central Serengeti Valley followed by a Champagne breakfast beneath an Acacia Tree. All other travelers will depart for game drive after breakfast at the lodge.  From 10 AM onward we’ll rejoin as a group and explore the central Serengeti Valley.

We’ll maximize our time in the valley returning to the lodge for a late lunch and afternoon at your leisure. This is an ideal afternoon to book a spa treatment, relax by the pool, or catch up on some rest! We’ll round out the evening with sundowners and live entertainment followed by a delicious dinner.  

Benji Tip:
This is an ideal afternoon to book a spa treatment, relax by the pool or catch up on some rest

Meals: Breakfast/ Lunch/ Dinner

OPTIONAL: 
Hot Air Balloon Participants: early morning departure (exact time shared at balloon briefing the day before).


Key Times*
Breakfast from 6:30AM
8:00 AM depart for Game Drive 
10:00 AM More game drive in central Serengeti
2:00 PM Lunch at the lodge 
3:00 PM Afternoon at your leisure 
6:30 PM Sundowners & live entertainment
7:30 PM Dinner
*All times are approximate. Program Director will advise of exact times daily. 

Wheels up! Today we’re flying to Northern Serengeti, a remote outpost called Kogatende. We are all carrying high hopes of witnessing one of the world’s great wildlife spectacles — the great migration crossing the croc infested currents of the Mara River.  Get ready for your heart to pound, but only after you’ve waited patiently for the privilege of a crossing and only if our luck holds. As you know, there is no guarantee of a crossing, but we have strategically arrived when the crossings are typically at their peak — let’s see what the days here have in store!

For luck and for fun, I’d suggest practicing the call of the wild!  “Gnu… Gnu!  Gnu…Gnu!! Gnu!! Gnu!!! Here’s a little inspiration to get you started… Enjoy!  https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=JMJXvsCLu6s

Aside from the crossing, take careful note of the Kogatende area. Crossings aside, this is one of my favorite parts of E. Africa — the beauty of this Acacia-dotted landscape will stay with you for life! The rolling hills are littered with Kopjes, Rock Figs, Leopards, Rhinos, huge prides of Lions and relatively few tourists (except around the crossings). In short, keep your eyes peeled for all the non-wildebeest action!

After waiting for and hopefully catching a crossing, we’ll head to our beautiful accommodation in time for sundowners followed by dinner.


Benji Tip:
“Patience is a form of wisdom. It demonstrates that we understand and accept the fact that sometimes things must unfold in their own time.” Jon Kabat-Zinn


Benji’s Watch list:
David Attenborough – Trek: Spy On The Wildebeest 2of2- THE CROSSING – HD 

Meals: Breakfast/ Lunch/ Dinner


Key Times*
Breakfast from 6:30AM
8:00 AM depart for Airstrip
10:00 AM Flight to Kogatende
Afternoon Picnic Lunch
Afternoon Explore the Mara River in search of a crossing 
6:30 PM Sundowners 
7:30 PM Dinner
*All times are approximate. Program Director will advise of exact times daily. 

Today we return to the river for our second chance at a crossing! We are all carrying high hopes of witnessing one of the world’s great wildlife spectacles — the great migration crossing the croc infested currents of the Mara River.  Get ready for your heart to pound, but only after you’ve waited patiently for the privilege of a crossing and only if our luck holds. As you know, there is no guarantee of a crossing, but we have strategically arrived when the crossings are typically at their peak — let’s see what the days here have in store!

Aside from the crossing, take careful note of the Kogatende area. Crossings aside, this is one of my favorite parts of E. Africa — the beauty of this Acacia-dotted landscape will stay with you for life! The rolling hills are littered with Kopjes, Rock Figs, Leopards, Rhinos, huge prides of Lions and relatively few tourists (except around the crossings). In short, keep your eyes peeled for all the non-wildebeest action!

After waiting for and hopefully catching a crossing we’ll head to our beautiful accommodation in time for sundowners followed by a farewell dinner. 

Benji Tip:
Check your 24 hour concierge chat!

Benji’s Watch List:
David Attenborough – Trek: Spy On The Wildebeest 2of2- THE CROSSING – HD 

Meals: Breakfast/ Lunch/ Dinner


Key Times*
Breakfast from 6:30AM
7:00 AM Depart in search of a crossing
Afternoon Picnic Lunch
Afternoon Explore the Mara River in search of a crossing 
6:30 PM Sundowners 
7:30 PM Farewell Dinner
*All times are approximate. Program Director will advise of exact times daily. 

Today we bid farewell to newfound friends and embark on the journey home or onward on one of our WALLSabout Extensions. See the tip below for next steps!

Benji Tip:
Whether you’re heading home or onward to one of our extensions, here’s some real talk – shake yourself out of your travel coma! I’m not kidding — locate your passport and plane ticket because the services of your Program Director ends today and you’re navigating the next leg on your own! If you’re heading home, check your email / make sure your flight is running on time. Of course, your WALLSabout Travel Concierge team is here to assist, but you’re ultimately responsible for your international travel and there are no Program Directors on our extensions. If you’re staying an extra day in Arusha or continuing on to Gorilla or Zanzibar or Kili check your 24-hour concierge chat for next steps! 

Meals: Breakfast


Key Times*
Breakfast from 6:30AM
8:00 AM depart for airstrip 
11:00 AM Flight to:
– JRO if you’re flying home
– JRO to NBO if you’ve elected this option
– Arusha Domestic Terminal if you’re staying an extra day in Arusha
– Arusha Domestic Terminal if you’re climbing Kili
– ZNZ if you’re heading on to Zanzibar
– KGL if you’re gorilla trekking


END of WALLSabout Program Director Services
Continue from here via your connecting WALLSabout Itinerary / International Air Ticket schedule
*All times are approximate. Program Director will advise of exact times daily.  

Have a safe flight home – or – enjoy your WALLSabout extension!