The Great North - Unrivalled Adventure
We believe Kenya is the perfect destination for off-road adventure. We also know that Kenya is home to some of the world’s best wildlife and most luxurious safari lodges. Through 'The Great North' tour, we have combined our love of adventure motorcycling with the absolute best of what Kenyan hospitality and safari have to offer.
We firmly believe there is no better way to explore a country than by bike with total freedom, access to areas that cannot be seen by car or 4x4, and the ability to travel far and wide through the ever-changing landscapes of Kenya. We have created this tour to allow you to experience the magic of Kenya, whilst travelling in style and having a lot of fun on the way. Let us take care of the logistics, while you enjoy the unique combination of true adventure and luxury safari.
We will guide you both on our carefully curated routes, both on and off-road through the mountains, the savannah and the forests of Kenya to ensure you have the experience of a lifetime. After an adventurous day in the saddle, you will be hosted in some of the world’s most magnificent lodges and camps. We take care of everything, so you can enjoy the views, unladen by heavy bags or the burden of logistics. Instead, you will end your days collapsing into luxury accommodation in time for a well deserved sundowner. Put your feet up, relax and soak up the wildlife. Harness your inner Dakar rider by day, then be pampered by night.
Day 1: Lolldaiga Hills
Your adventure begins in Lolldaiga Hills, where we ease you into the luxury Kenyan lifestyle by surrounding you with wildlife at one of the best places for safari in the world.
Hosted at The Safari Series, a family run luxury eco-camp in the heart of Lolldaiga hills and in the shadow of Mt Kenya.
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After you've arrived (transfer from Nanyuki Airport or Nairobi), you'll get settled into your luxury tent, complete with ensuite, open air bathrooms, Wi-Fi and views of the camp watering hole where it's common to find a local herd of elephant quenching their thirst.
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Once settled, we'll head out on our first game drive in a Safari-converted series I & II Land Rover to see what we can find. Whether it's a pride of lion stalking a gazelle, giraffes searching for food at lofty heights, or elephants drinking at the dam, it's sure to be an unforgettable experience.
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In the evening we'll drive to a special spot and, with views of Mt Kenya, watch the sun go down on your first day of adventure, with an ice-cold drink in hand.
Day 2: 4x4 Safari
Early morning is best time to catch the big cats hunting, so we'll head out from camp with the sunrise to see what we can find.
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Guided by an expert team of Masai tribesmen, you’ll harness your inner explorer as you drive your very own Safari-converted series I & II Land Rovers through the African landscape, keeping an eye out for game whilst embracing the bumps in your vintage vehicle!
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After a bush lunch beneath an acacia tree, watching the local wildlife go by, it's back into the wilderness again. Guests will have the chance to kayak in the local dam whilst elephants drink mere meters away, or track wildlife on foot with the local rangers. You'll cap the day off by soaking up another stunning sunset spot, before enjoying drinks around the campfire in the evening, as we discuss the adventures ahead.
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After a couple of days basking in wildlife heaven, it’s time to hit the road.
Day 3: Pushing North
After a hearty breakfast at The Safari Series, the day will begin by collecting and familiarising ourselves with our offroad bikes.
We will begin our motorcycle adventure by driving through a 100km of private conservancies on the Laikipia Plateua, keeping an eye out for more wildlife as we go. A put stip for lunch and a swim at Ngare Ndare Forest will cool and refuel us for the rest of day's adventure. The Ngare Ndare forest is a lush indigenous forest on the foothills of Mt Kenya. It provides a vital wildlife corridor between Northern Kenya and Mt Kenya forest reserve, and one that elephants have been using for centuries. In the depths of the forest lie fresh water azure pools, perfect for a cool dip before hitting the road and dust again.
Heading north and passing through Lewa Conservancy, we then hit the Great Northern Road where we’ll enjoy views of Mt Ololokwe and Cat and Mouse before heading back into the bush and on to our destination for the next two nights at Sarara Camp.
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After an exhilarating day in the saddle, a hot shower or a swim in Sarara’s natural infinity pool will be welcome. You will then get to enjoy the night in Sarara’s comfortable tents, reading a book on your veranda, sipping on a cold drink, and listening to the sounds of the wild all around.
Day 4: Sarara
Sarara is one of Kenya’s most exquisite and luxurious safari camps. Nestled in the slopes of the Mathews Mountain range, in the heart of the Namunyak Conservancy, you’ll be hard-pressed to find a more unique slice of the Great North. Each luxury en-suite room offers uninterrupted views of the Mathews Range, and the camp’s watering hole often plays host to elephants coming to visit in the evenings while guests look on from the swimming pool.
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We will begin our day at Sarara with a morning game drive – one of the best times to see wildlife as they prepare to hunt before the heat of the day. During the heat of the day, there is a chance to rest in the shade, take a swim in the pool or have a massage and bask in the surroundings, before heading out in the afternoon for a horse back safari or a hike to the local rock pools.
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A day of adventure and safari isn’t complete without some sundowners. We'll top the day off with some refreshing drinks before enjoying another deliciously prepared meal at the camp.
Day 4: Sarara
One of Kenya’s most exquisite and luxurious safari camps. Nestled in the slopes of the Matthews Mountains, in the heart of the Namunyak Conservancy, you’ll be hard-pressed to find a more unique slice of the Great North. Each luxury en-suite room offers uninterrupted views of the Mathews range, and the camp’s watering hole often plays host to elephants coming to visit in the evenings while guests look on from the swimming pool.
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We will begin our day at Sarara with a morning game drive – one of the best times to see wildlife as they prepare to hunt before the heat of the day. During the heat of the day, there is a chance to rest in the shade, take a swim in the pool or have a massage and bask in the surroundings, before heading out in the afternoon for a horse back safari or a hike to the local rock pools.
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​A day of adventure and safari isn’t complete without some sundowners, so you will finish your day with some refreshing drinks before enjoying another deliciously prepared meal at the camp.
Day 5: Gentle Giants
After breakfast, it’s time to head out on two wheels again. After taking some time to explore the Namunyak Conservancy, we'll make a visit to Reteti Elephant Sanctuary, where you will spend the morning learning about the life, conservancy and mysticism of the African Elephant all whilst having the rare opportunity to get up close to some of the worlds most endangered animals.
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Our afternoon route will take us over dry river beds, twisting valleys and winding roads. Travelling right through the heartland of the Samburu tribe we'll encounter traditional living, camel herding and unspoilt landscapes, before arriving into the magical Kitich Valley and Kitich Forest Camp.
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After washing off the dust of the day you will go on a guided evening walk through the exquisite forest glades which surround the camp, this will be unlike any of the landscapes you have seen. Dinner will then be served overlooking the river Ngeng, before you drift off with sounds of the river lulling you to sleep.
Day 6: Kitich Forest Camp
‘A place where elephants forge trails amongst ancient hardwood trees and endemic cycads, where crystal clear streams form natural swimming pools and where rare endangered monkeys thrive under the protection of the local Samburu communities’.
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For the final leg of your trip, we will take you to the perfect spot to unwind and recharge, surrounded by the true wilderness of Northern Kenya. Kitich Forest Camp is truly like no other. Tucked away in the Kitich Valley, the wilderness is so unspoilt here you would be forgiven for thinking you have stepped back in time.
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The morning is yours to enjoy, be it with a coffee overlooking the forest canopy, enjoying a book on your veranda, a dip in a natural swimming pool, a yoga flow, or simply a morning in bed listening to the bird song. With a daily menu, serving farm-to-table freshly cooked meals, everything is made with organic ingredients grown at the camp in the kitchen garden.
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Your final night of the trip we will take you to sleep under the stars in a Fly Camp. This is an opportunity to have an incredible and unique experience that very few are lucky enough to enjoy. Our hosts at Kitich Forest Camp will guide you on a hike to Pride Rock, accompanied by camels that will carry all of the essentials for spending a night under the stars. A camp will be erected, and dinner will be prepared for you to enjoy a night in the wilderness at the top of the breathtakingly beautiful valley.
Day 7: Farewells
After a truly unforgettable night under the stars, deep in the Kitich Valley, your day will begin with a hearty bush breakfast served in your camp.
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Post breakfast we will make our way back through the valley to Kitich camp for showers and refreshments.
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The morning is yours to relax and unwind, before our final lunch is servered on the river bank. This will be a chance to say goodbye to the team before either a chartered flight from the Kitich airstrip or a transfer to Kalama airstrip for a flight to Nanyuki.
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We can’t wait to welcome you, ride with you and show you the best of the Kenya that we love so much.
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What is included in this trip?- AMREF Emergency air evacuation - Motorcycle Insurance - Conservation fees - All-inclusive luxury accommodation - Personal dual sport motorcycle - Riding gear (limited availability) - All fuel - Snacks - Support vehicle carrying luggage, mechanic and spares - Full-time guide for motorcycle routes, game drives and hikes - Transfer from Nanyuki Airport to Lolldiaga Hills
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What is excluded in this trip?- International Airfare - Flights / Transfer to Nanyuki Airport for the beginning and end of your trip - Motorcycle boots (recommended) - Personal medical insurance - Gratuities - Anything not listed in 'included' above - Accident or serious injury liability
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What skill level do I need to be?We ask that all clients on this trip are familiar with off-road and adventure style motorcycle riding. The vast majority of time on a motorcycle is spent on off-road routes that can be a little technical in sections. Expect loose surfaces such as gravel and sand. Routes can be adapted in some places to make the riding easier if necessary.
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Is there a support car?Yes, we have a support car following us on all our motorcycle routes. It will carry your luggage, a spare motorcycle, fuel, any spare parts needed for the motorcycle and all the tools to go with it.
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What happens if the motorcycle break down?All our motorcycles are expertly maintained but unforeseen issues and accidents do happen. We have a mechanic travelling with us at all times and we carry all the spares we could need, with the support car. We aim to get the motorcycle back on the road very quickly and if we can't, we carry a spare bike with the support car, just in case.
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What motorcycles are we using?We have a fleet of superbly maintained Kibo 250s. Kibo 250s are dual sport bikes built here in Kenya. They offer a good base for off-road exploration whilst also providing enough comfort for road riding where necessary.
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Can the tour be adjusted depending on personal budgets?Yes, the route and activities can be adjusted to reduce the cost of the trip but we prefer not to do this as it will diminish the experience. Areas for adjustment include flights from Kitich, drinks budget, support staff, support car and extra activities.
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Do Kenyan Residents & Citizens get a discount?Yes! The entire tour can be adjusted for residents and citizens as our hospitality partners extend special rates for these clients. Please reach out for more information. Proof of residency/citizenship required.
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Are elements of the itinerary subject to change?Some elements of this itinerary are subject to change due to availability however we will ensure you are given up to date information for your desired dates. The places highlighted in this itinerary are extraordinarily special so please be reassured that joining a tour with us we will never compromise on experience or luxury and any amendments to the itinerary will not deter from your trip.
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Do you offer discounted rates for residents of Kenya?Yes, we can offer a discounted rate. Get in touch to find out more.