Vino Safari (Mara): Wine and Wildlife Adventure in Kenya’s Maasai Mara

The Vino Safari (Mara) is where Kenya’s untamed wilderness meets the refined pleasure of world-class wine. This thoughtfully curated journey invites you to experience the thrill of African wildlife alongside the richness of local vineyard culture, seamlessly blending adventure with indulgence.

Your journey begins in Nairobi, where urban life and nature intersect like nowhere else on earth. The day unfolds with a game drive through Nairobi National Park — a rare wildlife sanctuary set against the dramatic city skyline. Here, lions, rhinos, giraffes, and zebras roam freely just minutes from the capital. After an exhilarating morning with the Big Cats and iconic black rhinos, the adventure softens with a culinary interlude at Wine Bar Lavington. A guided tasting introduces you to the elegant world of Kenyan wines, thoughtfully paired with gourmet bites that hint at the country’s growing food and wine scene.

The afternoon invites a heartwarming encounter at the Giraffe Centre, where you’ll stand face to face with the endangered Rothschild giraffe — a perfect introduction to Kenya’s conservation story. As twilight settles over Nairobi, you’ll head to Cellar Door, an inviting haven for wine lovers, where a seasoned sommelier will lead you through a curated tasting of handpicked labels. The experience flows seamlessly into dinner at Cave à Manger, a charming hideaway where wine and cuisine are perfectly matched.

From Nairobi, the road leads to Lake Naivasha, a shimmering freshwater lake nestled within Kenya’s Great Rift Valley. Here, the journey takes a luxurious turn with a visit to Leleshwa Vineyard — Kenya’s most celebrated wine estate. As you stroll through the vineyards alongside the resident viticulturist, you’ll uncover the story behind Kenya’s distinctive wines, from vine to glass. The visit culminates with a three-course lunch, served garden-side and paired with Leleshwa’s finest vintages — all while the vast Rift Valley stretches out before you.

The region offers more than fine wine; as the afternoon unfurls, you can drift across Lake Naivasha on a sunset boat safari, walk alongside wildlife on Crescent Island, or embrace the rugged beauty of Hell’s Gate National Park — a place where towering cliffs and geothermal hot springs create a landscape like no other.

No Kenyan safari would be complete without venturing to the world-renowned Maasai Mara National Reserve — the crown jewel of African wildlife. Nestled in the heart of this iconic ecosystem is Mara Enkaji Lodge, an intimate base designed for relaxation between exhilarating game drives. The days spent here are dedicated to seeking out the legendary Big Five — lion, leopard, rhino, elephant, and buffalo — as well as countless other species, including cheetahs, wildebeest, and the Mara’s vibrant birdlife.

For the adventurous, a hot air balloon safari offers the ultimate perspective — watching the sunrise over the endless savannah as herds of wildlife awaken below. Cultural immersion also awaits in the nearby Maasai villages, where local guides share stories of their ancient customs, resilient way of life, and deep connection to this land.

As your safari winds to a close, the road leads back to Nairobi, where your adventure began, now carrying with you more than just photographs. You’ll leave with a heart full of encounters: the warmth of the Kenyan sun, the taste of wines nurtured by Rift Valley soil, and the wild beauty of Africa’s most iconic animals.

This is more than a safari.
It’s a toast to Kenya’s soul — and your own spirit of adventure.

Tour Highlights:

• Nairobi National Park Game Drive: Experience wildlife encounters with Nairobi’s skyline as a backdrop.
• Nairobi Wine Tasting & Pairing: Indulge in exclusive wine tasting experiences and expertly paired meals.
• Leleshwa Vineyard: Explore a stunning vineyard and learn about local wine production.
• Lake Naivasha and Crescent Island (Optional): Enjoy a boat ride or explore wildlife on the island.
• Hell’s Gate National Park (Optional): Discover dramatic landscapes and diverse wildlife.
• Maasai Mara National Reserve: Witness the Great Migration (seasonal) and incredible wildlife in this world-renowned reserve.
• Hot Air Balloon Safari (Optional): Experience the magic of the Mara from above.
• Maasai Village Visit (Optional): Immerse yourself in the rich culture of the Maasai people.
• Sunrise and Afternoon Game Drives: Maximise your wildlife viewing opportunities in the Maasai Mara.
• Comfortable Accommodation: Relax in the Dusit Princess Hotel Residences, Sawela Lodge, and Mara Enkaji Lodge.

What’s Included:

• Airport transfers upon arrival and departure in Nairobi.
• Accommodation based on availability (alternative accommodation will be suggested)
• Meals as indicated (Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner).
• Transportation in a comfortable safari vehicle (Land Cruiser) with an experienced English-speaking driver-guide.
• Entrance fees to Nairobi National Park, Giraffe Centre, Leleshwa Vineyard, and Maasai Mara National Reserve.
• Guided tour and wine tasting at Leleshwa Vineyard.
• Game drives as specified in the itinerary.
• Bottled water during game drives.

What’s Not Included:

• International flights.
• Visa fees.
• Optional activities (e.g. Maasai village visit, balloon safaris, boat and/or Crescent Island excursions and a visit to Hell’s Gate National Park).
• Beverages (other than water during game drives).
• Tips and gratuities for drivers, guides, and hotel staff.
• Personal expenses such as souvenirs and laundry.
• Travel insurance.

Ready to Sip, Savour and Safari? Book your Vino Safari (Mara)!

Embark on a journey where fine wine meets wild Africa. Whether you’re chasing sunsets, wildlife, or the perfect glass, the Vino Safari (Mara) promises a one-of-a-kind adventure you’ll never forget.