Yejide McKenzie in Kenya

Day 1 & 2: Tortilis Camp – Amboseli National Park

After a night in Nairobi, Yejide took an early-morning charter flight to Amboseli. If you’re not an early riser, you should consider staying at the Tamarind Tree Hotel – it’s a 5-minute drive away from Nairobi Wilson Airport!

Her first destination was Amboseli National Park. It’s a place of stirring contrast: the gently undulating plains compared to the towering heights of Kilimanjaro, and the dry lake beds in contrast to the verdant swamps. After the Maasai Mara, Amboseli is Kenya’s most popular destination.

A bonus of the early charter flight meant that Yejide was treated to a great morning game drive before her arrival at Tortilis Camp for lunch. Each of the camp’s thatched, platformed tents offer stunning views of Kilimanjaro – talk about a great way to wake up in the morning!

**Tortilis Camp** is also a great base to visit Maasai Manyattas (villages) and to learn about their culture. Out of all three camps, Yejide enjoyed **Tortilis** the most – she attributed this to the staff’s amazing, friendly service and the many elephants (her favorite animal) at the camp’s waterhole!

Lionesses & Cubs – Amboseli National Park

Her game viewing highlights included plenty of elephants, birds, plains game. Most notably, two lionesses with some playful cubs – check out the video above!

With Dickson, her guide at Tortilis Camp

Her time at Amboseli came to a close with a sundowner of Kilimanjaro – and a goodbye to Dickson, her superb guide!

Day 3: Little Governor’s Camp – Maasai Mara National Park

In the morning, Yejide was off on a scheduled charter flight to her next destination: the Maasai Mara National Reserve. This area deserves its recognition as a top wildlife destination – Big Cats, elephants and Maasai giraffe are frequent, year-round sights.

But the biggest draw is the annual arrival of the hundreds of thousands of wildebeest and zebra of the Great Migration, which Yejide arrived just in time to catch its tail-end. The fortunate safari-goer even has a chance to witness the a true spectacle: thousands upon thousands of wildebeest frenetically cross the Mara River!

For those who desire the traditional, more rustic safari experience, then **Little Governor’s Camp** is a great option. The experience starts before you arrive: the camp is only accessible by boat! The canvas tents are elevated above the forest floor, providing a peaceful respite in between your game drives out on the Mara plains. To add to the ambiance, most of camp’s lighting comes from candlelight or lantern.

For families and young couples considering a safari to the Maasai Mara, Yejide recommends Little Governor’s.

Spotted Hyenas chasing off black-backed jackals – Maasai Mara

Left: a zebra cautiously drinking from the Mara River; Right: a curious baby giraffe

Yejide’s biggest game viewing highlight of the day was watching some spotted hyenas chase off some black-backed jackals away from a zebra cadaver. Earlier that day, a small pride of lions was chomping away at it.

Day 4: Governor’s Il Moran – Maasai Mara National Reserve

Governor’s Il Moran is similar to Little Governor’s, but even more spacious and exclusive. As Governors’ Camp describes it, Il Moran “is the camp for those who want that extra bit of luxury.” The same activities are available at both camps, which include Maasai-guided walks and hot-air balloon safaris – a highly recommended experience!