Hemingway Wing Safari

Explore Old Africa in Style

The Hemingway Wing Safari takes the road less travelled, journeying to the remote and dramatic Samburu region in Kenya's old northern frontier. It also offers both Kenya and Tanzania in a neat package of exactly two weeks, without ever rushing or sacrificing the quality of the experience to do so. In fact, all of East Africa's legendary game parks are included, as well as a few hidden gems. Luxurious tented camps will be our lodgings in two locations instead of the usual one, and four flights expedite travel between locations while providing aerial panoramas over the lush mosaic of East Africa's villages, farmlands, escarpments and endless plains below. Suffice it to say, The Hemingway Wing Safari is a classic expedition with an exceptional diversity of experiences wrapped in glorious style.

14 Days Departs Tuesday, Returns Monday

Day 1 United States

We board our flight and enjoy the anticipation of Africa.

Day 2 - Day 3 Europe – Nairobi

Touching down in Nairobi, we are whisked to the Norfolk Hotel, and immediately feel the intrigue that has seduced travellers for centuries. Of interest will be a talk by a Maasai warrior and an illuminating visit to Kenya’s fascinating National Musuem. The combination of personal interaction and cultural immersion will begin to weave the remarkable tapestry of Africa. As will a tour of author Karen Blixen’s home and a visit with endangered Rothschild giraffes. The highlight, however, is dinner at the home of Micato Kenya’s founders, Felix and Jane Pinto. After a busy day in foreign surroundings, the warmth of their home will make you feel exceptionally welcome and well taken care of—indeed, at home in Africa.

Day 4 - Day 5 Samburu National Reserve

Wild and rugged, Samburu is fiercely beautiful with arid savannahs watered by the lovely Uaso Nyiro River. It is also one of Kenya’s most protected areas and home to species only found north of the equator, from the reticulated giraffe to Grevy’s zebras and beisa oryxes. On our game drives, we pursue the elephants, lions, leopards, and cheetahs that thrive in the reserve’s grasslands and acacia woodlands. We also enjoy Larsens Tented Camp, our luxurious hostelry set beneath a canopy of acacia trees along the banks of the river.

Day 6 - Day 7 Maasai Mara

Excitement and expectations build as we fly to the Maasai Mara with its myth-like stories of bountiful wildlife. Our game drives are rousing exploits in the company of guides who regale us with bush lore, educate us on conservation and entertain us with tall tales. Here we also experience a Maasai village visit, so foreign and yet so welcoming, and a Bush Walk to indulge all of our senses. And the climax? Bush Sundowners —a unique joy of safari life, where one savours the exotic contradiction of a civilised cocktail party staged in the untamed wildness of Africa. Our Mara Safari Club accommodations provide delightful nights under canvas.

Day 8 - Day 9 Serengeti

Bush flights are a pleasure in themselves and we wing our way to another legendary safari setting where the vast ecosystem plays host to the planet’s most awesome wildlife spectacle. So awesome, in fact, that the Serengeti is a World Heritage Site and listed as an International Biosphere Reserve. Its arching landscapes embody quintessential Africa…golden and endless. Long peaceful days at the Serengeti Serena Lodge bring the rewards of excellent game viewing and utter tranquillity.

Day 10 Ngorongoro Crater

The Great Rift Valley is called the “Cradle of Mankind” thanks in part to the discoveries of the Leakey family at Olduvai Gorge, where human fossils date back almost two million years. Continuing to the next remarkable site, Ngorongoro Crater, we marvel at what is unofficially known as the “eighth wonder of the natural world.” This ancient amphitheatre forms a unique haven for wildlife with over 20,000 animals thriving in its near perfect conditions. We stay at the Ngorongoro Serena Safari Lodge, which hugs the crater’s rim and offers vast vistas over the Crater’s shimmering reaches.

Day 11 Ngorongoro Crater

As sunrise streaks the early sky, we head into this magical two-and-a-half-million-year-old caldera. With landscapes unchanged since the dawn of time, the sheer number of species here is incomparable. Elephants, hippos, cheetahs, lions, zebras—with every turn of the head, the remarkable variety of wildlife here will astound us. Returning to the rustic serenity of the Serena, we may relax by a roaring fire and savour breathtaking views of the crater below.

Day 12 Lake Manyara

We make our way to the ancient lake of Manyara, where game is plentiful and the birdwatching magnificent. It is also one of the few places in Africa to see tree-climbing lions, which we may declare our day’s quest. Our deluxe accommodations at Lake Manyara Serena Lodge overlook the gleaming water below, where we may spy some of the area’s trademark pink flamingoes.

Day 13 - Day 14 Nairobi – Departure - USA

We spend a last morning in the bush admiring unspoiled Africa, preparing to return to civilisation. A mid-afternoon arrival in Nairobi, dayrooms for relaxing, then we fly home later that night, arriving stateside on Day 14.

If you have any questions, contact us at 1-800-MICATO-1 or send us an email.