There are safaris, and then there are journeys that defy comparison
Everything Extraordinary!
For more than two decades, I have explored the remote corners of Northern Kenya, building relationships with communities, guides, pilots, and families whose lives are woven into this extraordinary landscape. Along the way, I have experienced moments so remarkable that they remained impossible to include in a traditional itinerary. Until now.
This expedition combines the very best of Northern Kenya into a single, seamless adventure. From the dramatic peaks of the Ndoto Mountains and intimate encounters with the Samburu, Rendile, and Turkana, to a private helicopter expedition over the otherworldly Suguta Valley, flamingo-covered lakes, ancient lava fields, hot springs, and remote desert landscapes that can hold the surprise of camel trains and tribal ceremonies. You will spend a night on a private Island in the middle of the jade waters of Lake Turkana, explore by boat, and wake to one of Africa’s most breathtaking and isolated settings. The journey is anchored by a private, family-owned ranch hidden in the heart of Samburu country and a luxury mobile camp established exclusively for our group in a hidden Turkana homeland rarely accessed by travelers, where my relationships span many years.
What makes this expedition exceptional is not simply where we go, but how we experience it. Every element has been designed to provide a level of access, comfort, and authenticity rarely found together. The result is a journey that combines extraordinary cultural immersion with extraordinary comfort, allowing you to experience one of Africa’s last great frontiers without compromise. For those who seek experiences beyond just the destination, this is quite simply the most ambitious tribal expedition I have ever created.
Luxury in the Last Frontier
While the journey begins in a simple permanent camp, our final and most remote location features a fully serviced luxury mobile camp established deep in Turkana country. Spacious Meru tents with proper beds and linens, ensuite bathrooms with flushing toilets, hot showers, a beautifully appointed lounge, and an elegant dining area provide an extraordinary level of comfort in a region where few travelers have ventured and virtually no photographic groups have explored.
Freedom to Explore
This expedition is designed around freedom. Two private charter flights eliminate long, exhausting drives on rough roads, allowing us to spend more time immersed in the people, landscapes, and experiences that make Northern Kenya so extraordinary. The two-day helicopter expedition takes that freedom even further, allowing us to land and explore whenever something remarkable catches our attention. On the ground, our custom open-sided safari vehicles create a deeper connection to the landscape, with unobstructed views and the wind in your hair reminding you that this is not simply transportation, but part of the adventure itself.
To preserve the intimacy, flexibility, and extraordinary access that make this journey possible, participation is limited to just five guests.
Itinerary
Itinerary –
Air travel and baggage delays are possible, so we suggest arriving a day or two early to avoid missing any of your safari and to be well-rested and enjoy every moment of your trip. There are many fantastic activities and restaurants in Nairobi. Mackay Africa is a licensed safari company in Kenya, and they will be happy to assist you with pre- or post-safari booking at the best price.
Day 1 – June 15, 2027
Upon arrival at Nairobi International Airport, Kenya, you will be met by a Mackay Africa guide and transferred by private vehicle to Karen, a historic and tranquil area. Built in the architecture of the “Out of Africa” era, your accommodations will make you feel more than just a guest—you’ll feel at home in Africa. It is the perfect place to unwind after your long journey. *** Check-in time is 14:00
Day 2 – June 16, 2027
- Charter flight to Korr
- Afternoon village visit – Samburu
Day 3 – June 17, 2027
- Morning village visit – Rendile
- Portaits in camp
- Afternoon village visit – Samburu
Day 4 – June 18, 2027
- Special morning with the Samburu Women
- Afternoon special portrait session
Day 5 – June 19, 2027
- Full day helicopter excursion to Lake Turkana- multiple photographic stops
- Evening boat ride
- Island camp
Day 6 – June 20, 2027
- Full day helicopter excursion – multiple photographic stops
- Afternoon game drive
Day 7 – June 21, 2027
- Morning game drive
- Portraits in the stunning landscape
- Afternoon game drive and sundowners
Day 8 – June 22, 2027
- Morning drive to Turkana territory
- Afternoon village visit
Day 9 – June 23, 2027
- Morning village visit
- Portaits in camp
- Afternoon village visit
Day 10 – June 24, 2027
- Morning village visit
- Special ceremony
Day 11 – June 25, 2027
- Sunrise portraits in camp
- Breakfast
- Charter flight to Nairobi
- Dayrooms
- Transport to the terminal for the flight home. Flights can be booked after 6 PM.
**** Our team at Mackay Africa in Kenya is happy to assist with any post-trip extensions for a seamless trip.
Important Details
The Price
The price of this unique expedition is $28,895.00, and includes single accommodations
***The cost of this safari is based on a minimum of 5 participants. Due to the cost of charter flights and the helicopter excursion, a small supplement fee of $2,495.00 will apply if fewer than 5 participants are registered. The expedition needs a minimum of 4 clients to operate.
A non-refundable deposit of USD $9,000.00 is due at the time of registration to secure your spot. We highly recommend purchasing travel insurance that will refund your deposit if you must cancel your trip for any reason.
- USD $9,000.00 non-refundable deposit to confirm your place on this safari
- 2nd payment of USD $9,000.00 is due October 30, 2026
- Final payment/Balance is due February 15, 2027
We strongly recommend protecting your investment with trip cancellation insurance, as life is unpredictable and you never know what surprises it may have in store that could alter your plans.
Included:
- Accommodations on days 1 – 10
- Dayroom on day 11
- All meals from breakfast on day 2 – breakfast on day 11
- All drinks and laundry
- 2 Private charters
- 2 days of private helicopters
- Airport transfers on arrival/departure dates
- Community visits – Samburu, Turkana, Rendile,
- Village donations
- Entrance fees and game drives in the northern frontier
- Transportation and exclusive use of deluxe custom safari-built, 4-wheel drive Land Cruiser vehicles.
- Evacuation insurance to a Nairobi hospital – cost of hospitalization payable directly
- Bottled drinking water in transport vehicles
What’s Not Included:
- Visas
- Travel and Medical Insurance
- Personal purchases (such as curios, spirit liquors, telephone calls, internet, laundry…)
- Gratuities for guides, camp, and lodge staff
- Optional extra activities and photo excursions
- Pre- and post-safari tours
- Meals or accommodation before or after the expedition
- International flights to and from the African Continent
REGISTRATION AND DEPOSIT
If you are excited to join this signature expedition, now is the time to secure your spot. Use the buttons below to fill out your online e-registration form and to make your deposit. We must receive your completed registration form and deposit/s to confirm your spot.
Registration form –
Please complete all the required fields. At the end of the form, you will be asked to confirm your email address, completing the registration. A copy of your registration will be emailed to you and Piper Mackay Photo Safaris.
Deposit–
Click the deposit button under the registration button to make your deposit. You do not need a PayPal account to use this payment service. You may make more than one deposit at a time by changing the quantity in the purchase details that appear when you click the deposit button.
