Kenya private lodges: ultimate safari

A safari adventure in one of the world’s great wildernesses

With Kenya’s exclusive-for-you conservancies coupled with our access to the world’s best private lodges and some truly unique Cookson experiences thrown in, this is the definitive safari.

We’ve seen guests get involved with rhino translocations, enjoy authentic tribal invitations and pioneer new multi-heli routes, flying with flamingos and reaching extinct volcanos marooned in turquoise lakes.

Indeed, having world-class trackers, helis on standby and a private conservancy to hand, means unscripted wildlife moments are brought instantly to life. And, at the end of it all, you’ll retire to your luxurious private accommodation, where waterhole views are complemented by firepits and private-chef indulgences.

Here, in private exclusivity, you’ll have the freedom to explore at will, whether that’s all-family field trips with leading conservationists, adrenaline ATV races on custom courses or epic group celebrations with bespoke dance floors in the bush.

All media taken on Cookson Adventures trips

Henry Cookson worked as a horse-riding safari guide in Africa before establishing his London-based firm. He’s carved out a niche that focuses on a small number of elaborate adventures; a few dozen custom itineraries are developed on demand each year

January 2023

Conservation & research

With our contacts, not only can we introduce you to some of Kenya’s most distinguished conservation and research efforts, but also get you involved with them. Lend a hand in tracking and relocating rhinos, visit Africa’s only community-owned elephant orphanage and enjoy a private audience with one of the world’s top palaeontologists at Africa’s most significant dig.

Unique safari

Take on Kenya’s wildlife-studded plains in the company of a world-class tracker. From classic game drives to heading out on horseback, quad bikes and walking expeditions in the bush, let our expert rangers bring you closer to the action as you search for everything from lion and leopard to cheetah and giraffe.

Kenya by heli

Having organised some of the most ambitious heli operations East Africa has ever seen, we can bring you out to areas that are often otherwise inaccessible. Take in everything, from lake-stranded volcanoes and Martian-like dunes to secret swimming pools and flights among thousands, if not millions, of flamingos.

Special setups

From secret sundowners and canvas bush baths to throwing private parties out in the wild, we know the best ways to elevate your time in Kenya. It could be spending nights off-grid in your own wild bush camp or flying in one of East Africa’s top chefs for a personal cooking masterclass.

First-class accommodation

Whether it’s an elegant Kenyan villa, a majestic private home or an entire Big Five conservancy all to yourself, we have access to the very best of the country’s on- and off-market offerings. Bringing a slice of luxury to the wilds of the bush, it’s all private chefs and plush lounges, coupled with the likes of tennis courts, masseuses and infinity pools. Expect plenty of waterhole views throughout.

Tribal interactions

Discover the age-old communities who’ve carved out a unique way of life in Kenya’s inhospitable heartlands. With a private invitation to hand, engage in warrior games with the Samburu, try running with the Maasai, and learn all about the historic traditions of Kenya’s semi-nomadic Pokot tribe.

Adrenaline thrill

From off-roading in rage buggies and ‘rhino’ charging up sheer slopes in off-road vehicles to abseiling, rally drives and taking on the rapids in Kenya’s last slice of jungle, we have plenty of experience when it comes to organising some of East Africa’s most adrenaline-filled adventures.

Adventure by air

Head sky high to experience the thrill of Kenya’s Rift-Valley beauty from above. Fly out by heli to bike down towering mountains, soar by paraglider over sprawling plains, and welcome in dawn’s golden glow with a sunrise hot air balloon over the Maasai Mara.

Offshore fun

For an alternative slice of paradise, swap the Kenyan bush for its postcard-perfect coastline. As well as plenty of kitesurfing, snorkelling and beachside relaxation, sail out by traditional dhow to explore what is one of the Indian Ocean’s most idyllic archipelagos.

Although iconic for its epic landscapes, extraordinary wildlife and age-old cultures, with us, Kenya also provides Africa’s ultimate platform for safari adventure.

Want to admire the Big Five in the company of the country’s top rangers? We can make it happen. That’s alongside going behind the scenes of a ground-breaking palaeontology site, participating in Samburu tribal warrior games or walking alongside a troop of boisterous baboons.

We’ve also created new heli routes that have seen our clients fly out to areas almost entirely impossible to reach. Think soaring over herds of giraffe to discover secret swimming pools and witness centuries-old tribal rituals in Kenya’s far remotes.

We’ve even organised one of the largest, and most successful, rhino translocations in recent history, with guests getting to contribute to the process up close.

Footage taken across some of our previous Kenya trips

That’s all alongside plenty of unique luxury. Think sundowners atop giant butte plateaus reached by heli, masseuses on standby and yoga sessions in the bush. After all, you’ll be staying in some outstanding exclusive accommodation. There’s everything from the world’s most architecturally impressive lodges and an entire 270km2 private conservancy to getting closer to nature with canvas cottages and a night in your own private camp.

And, with access to your own conservancy, that means plenty of extra fun. Expect private bush parties with top African performers, meetings with nomadic tribes or custom courses set up for your group to race high-powered rally cars.