KEY INFORMATION

• 8 DAYS / 7 NIGHTS: JUNE 19-26, 2027
• Starts and Ends in Nairobi, Kenya
• Destinations: Solio Ranch Conservancy, Samburu National Reserve, Maasai Mara National Reserve
• Small Group Safari Experience with Private guides and vehicles just for our group
• Solo-Travel Friendly
• You get yourself to and from Nairobi, Kenya airport and we'll take care of the rest (we can help suggest routes and flights)
 

COST & PAYMENT INFORMATION

• $8500 per person (double occupancy) - per person sharing a double room 

  • Deposit of 30% = $2,550

• $1350 per person (single supplement) - If you are traveling solo and want your own room, the single supplement adds $1350 to the cost - the total cost is $9850 

  • Deposit of 30% = $2955 
• The remaining balance is due by March 1, 2027 and can be paid as a lump sum or on a flexible payment schedule 

Payments can be made through Bank Transfer (Zelle) without any fees, Check, Wire Transfer, ACH or Credit Card (fees will apply for ACH and Credit Cards). Once you register, we will send you instructions for making the deposit and final payment.

IMPORTANT DATES

• Deposit due at time of booking - 30% non-refundable deposit

• March 1, 2027 - final balance due

Most travelers secure their spot with the deposit first and then figure out flight details later.  We recommend putting alerts on Google Flights to watch for flights and hotel nights before and after can be easily added if flight prices are better within a day or so.  This also allows the flexibility to add a pre or post trip extension if desired. 

✅ WHAT IS INCLUDED

• Entrance fees and game drives
• Scheduled flights within Kenya (from Samburu to Mara and Mara back to Nairobi - note these are on small local airlines)
• Airport transfers on arrival and departure
• Accommodation and meals in the camps
• Transportation in safari vehicles
• Safari Guides
• Evacuation insurance to a Nairobi hospital 
• Bottled water in transport vehicles
•  Baggage weight allowance 30kg per person    

❌ NOT INCLUDED

• Travel cancellation/delay and medical insurance (required - we can make suggestions as to who we use)
• Kenya Electronic Travel Authorization (Visa)
• Personal purchases
• Gratuities for Safari Guides & Lodge/Camp Staff
• Pre- and post-safari tours
• Meals or accommodation outside the safari itinerary or as indicated 
• International flights to and from Nairobi, Kenya
• Beverages for included meals are an additonal cost
• Additional baggage allowance
• Laundry service

YOUR HOSTS - SCOTT & MELISSA

SCOTT & MELISSA BARRONTON - THE SUNSHINE TRAVELERS 

Hi, we're Scott & Melissa and are the co-hosts of the Sunshine Travelers Podcast, where we share our travel experiences, tips, hidden gems, pitfalls, and mostly our travel stories.  They also share more on our blog, Sunshine Travelers and social media @sunshinetravelerspodcast.  We first traveled to Kenya for our first safari in 2024 and immediately fell in love. We returned again in June of 2026

We have a passion for hosting group trips to places that may be intimidating to research, plan, book, or travel to yourself.  Our small-group trips so far have been to Kenya for safari and to Antarctica.

In 2023 we started the Sunshine Travelers Podcast (and website/blog) because when we would post our travels on Facebook our friends would often ask, how do you do that or we want to learn how to travel like you do.  Our goal is to help you travel more and to travel better and not wait.  In 2025 we started a full service travel agency, Sunshine Travelers Experiences to help you do just that and as a way to help us book our group trips. In 2026, Scott retired from his career of 25+ years in cybersecurity and we embarked on a 3-month trip taking us to several places in Europe and to Africa, including Morocco, Kenya, and Tanzania (Zanzibar) and will now join Melissa full time travel planning and booking, the podcast, blog and social media 

WHY GO ON SAFARI WITH US?

Planning a safari can be overwhelming and intimidating.  Between deciding the best place to go, where to stay, whether to choose your own guide or pay for the guide at the camp, get visas, coordinate transfers and in-country flights, or choose a safari company you can trust and what other experiences you don't want to miss. 

That's why after we did all the work to plan our first safari we decided to host SMALL Group Safaris as a Fully Hosted Experience. 

When you join us, you're joining an itinerary that we've traveled twice - where the logistics are 100% handled for you once you arrive in Nairobi.  We answer all your questions about the prep - from packing to getting your ETA (visa) - and the whole experience is exciting and is focused on enjoying your trip without having to stress over the details.  

When you travel with us you're getting:

• a safari itinerary we've done and know will be amazing - we want you to experience more than one type of safari habitat to see different (even the smaller, lesser know guys) 
• a chance to see the BIG 5 - nothing is ever guaranteed but we've designed the locations hoping for this goal but you'll also learn that there is an Ugly 5, a Small 5, and the Samburu Special 5
• Support before the trip- from packing to advice about flights to book to get to Nairobi - to getting your Kenya ETA (Visa), to guidance for any vaccines (none are required) and maylaria meds (we've rarely had a mosquito but it's best to be prepared), other travel guidance and questions
• a welcoming and open group dynamic whether you join us solo, as a couple, as friends or family - we can't wait to get to know you 
• you don't have to stress, worry about logistics, wonder if you've chosen the right hotel, right camp, if you need your own guide or whould you use the one at the lodge - we've got it all handled and all you have to do is get super excited for THE Safari Experience and let Kenya Welcome you - we can't wait for you to learn Jambo, Karibu, Asante, Rafiki... (hello, you're welcome, thank you, and friend in Swahili) 

IS THIS THE RIGHT TRIP FOR ME?

Our Safari Group Trip is a good fit for Travelers who:

• Want to go on an African Safari but are overwhelmed at the thought of researching, planning and booking it themselves
• Love animals, wildlife, nature, and meaningful travel experiences
• Want to experience a safari without sacrificing the creature comforts - all tents have en-suite bathrooms, hot running water, and electricity
• Don't mind traveling in a SMALL GROUP  (our limit will be 10 guests + Scott & Melissa- that's it) even if you don't know everyone before you go - but don't worry -  there will be some downtime in the afternoons & evenings, and gave drives are optional if you need even more free time to relax 
• Want to travel to a new place with experienced hosts who have been to the location and trusted local guides 
• You don't have extensive travel experience and want someone to guide you every step of the way - we've got you!

THIS TRIP MAY NOT BE A GOOD FIT IF...

• You need to follow a rigid schedule - safaris are wild and wildlife viewing is the main reason to go so flexibility is key - we go where the animals are when they are there
• Want nightlife - after game drives and dinner - we turn it in so we can be ready for the early morning game drives, when the animals are most active

YOUR SAFARI GUIDES

For the entire trip you'll be traveling with experienced and vetted local safari guides who know these parks and animals (big and small) like the back of their hand.  They have the knowledge and experience to track and find the animals and answer every question you have about them.  We also love getting to know more about them and why they became a guide in the first place and a little bit more about their experience.  We say that you come to Kenya and meet a stranger and leave with a brother or sister.  Our guides are amazing. 

SAFARI ITINERARY

Day 1: Saturday, June 19th - Arrival in Nairobi

• Arrive at Jomo Kenyatta International Airport, Nairobi.
• One of our guides will meet you at the hotel and transport you to the hotel (approx 30 min away in Karen).
• Welcome arrival dinner at Karen Blixen Coffee Garden (payable directly)
• Accommodation: Karen Blixen Coffee Garden & Cottage or Similar 

Day 2: Sunday, June 20th - Travel to Solio Game Reserve, enjoy an afternoon game drive

• Breakfast at the hotel and morning briefing as a group 
• Plan to Depart for Solio by road by 9am  (approx. 4-hour drive).
• Arrive in time for lunch at the lodge
• Afternoon game drive and Rhino Orphanage
• Accommodation: Rhino Watch Lodge - or Similar (Breakfast, Lunch, and Dinner are included)

SOLIO GAME RESERVE: Tucked in the valley between the lofty slopes of Mount Kenya and the peaks of the Aberdare Mountains lies the private Solio Game Reserve, which is internationally recognized as the most successful private Rhino Breeding reserve in Kenya. Besides the world’s largest population of white rhinos and nearly one hundred black rhinos, sightings of up to 40 Rhinos at a time are not uncommon. The wildlife experience is exclusive, with 19,000 acres of conservancy land surrounded by 45,000 acres of ranch land. Although our focus will be on the Rhinos, the reserve is inhabited by Buffalo, Zebra, Giraffe, Oryx, antelope, lion, cheetah, and leopard. 

Day 3: Monday, June 21st - Morning game drive at Solio, travel to Samburu National Park by road , afternoon game drive in Samburu National Reserve 

• Morning Game drive with packed breakfast.
• Depart by road to Samburu (approx. 3.5-4-hour drive).
• Arrive in time for lunch at the camp.
• Afternoon game drive.
• Accommodation: Samburu Intrepids or Similar (Breakfast, Lunch and Dinner are Included) 

SOLIO TO SAMBURU - Crossing the equator opens a magical new world! Filled with large, iconic umbrella acacia trees in a stunning, arid environment among the rich, red African soil, Samburu Reserve evokes the traditional vision of “I Dream of Africa.” As the wind blows through the stunning doom palms, one knows they are in a magical place. Roaming through this primal land and unique to this reserve are the Maneless Lions, rare and exotic Grevy’s Zebras, red soil–stained red Elephants, Reticulated Giraffes, Oryx, and Somali Ostrich. In the stillness of what seems like an empty land, one might hear the rustle of the brush as a Cheetah or Leopard makes itself known. In stark contrast to this dry, neutral landscape, wander the vivid, semi-nomadic, colorful Samburu tribe. 

Day 4: Tuesday, June 22nd - Full day in Samburu with morning and afternoon game drives

• Morning game drive with packed breakfast.
• Return to the camp for lunch.
• Afternoon game drive.
• Dinner at the lodge.
• Breakfast, Lunch, and Dinner are included

Day 5: Wednesday, June 23rd - Morning game drive, flight to Maasai Mara, afternoon game drive

• Morning game drive with packed breakfast
• Transfer to the airstrip for your scheduled flight to the Mara
• Lunch at camp.
• Afternoon game drive.
• Dinner at the camp.
• Accommodation: Ashnil Mara Camp or Similar in the Greater Mara (Breakfast, Lunch, and Dinner are included)

MASAI MARA - Widely regarded as the world's wildlife mecca, the Maasai Mara is one of the most extraordinary wildlife reserves on the planet. Its sweeping open plains are teeming with life, hosting an incredible array of species, including large prides of Lions, Cheetahs, Leopards, Elephants, Black Rhinos, Hippos, Maasai Giraffes, Common Zebras, Wildebeests, Impalas, Thomson’s and Grant’s Gazelles, Topi, Hartebeests, Black-Backed Jackals, Spotted Hyenas, and more. Renowned as a premier destination for big cat sightings, it is where the iconic *Big Cat Diaries* was filmed and where wildlife documentaries continue to capture its unparalleled beauty. Having 2 Full Days in the Mara gives us the best opportunity to explore and try to find the elusive cats - the lion, the leopard, and the cheetah.

Day 6 & 7:  Thursday, June 24th & 25th  - Early morning and afternoon game drives in Maasai Mara.

• Early morning drives in the Mara with a packed breakfast
• Lunch in camp
• Afternoon game drives
• Breakfast, Lunch, and Dinner are included

Day 8: Saturday, June 26th - Morning game drive in the Mara, scheduled flight back to Nairobi, transfer to Four Points by Sheraton for a day room, then to Jomo Kenyatta International Airport for departure later that evening. 

ACCOMMODATIONS

Accommodations are luxury safari tents except for the first and last night in Nairobi.  These beautiful tents have the creature comforts of a luxury hotel room, but are located in the middle of a wildlife reserve.  Wood floors, Beds, Ensuite Bathrooms with Showers, Electricity, and Hot Water are included in every accommodation. (See more information above and example photos here).

FREQUENTLY ASKED QUESTIONS

OPTIONAL ACTIVITIES & ADD-ONS

Just for information right now that these will be available but there's no need to decide now and we can discuss them later - payment for these will be due at the time of final payment

Solio Ranch Rhino Orphanage Visit

Enjoy an up-close, heartwarming encounter at the Solio Rhino Orphanage, where you’ll participate in the 3:00 pm feeding and interaction session. This exclusive experience must be pre-booked. Cost is USD $80 per person.  

Maasai Mara Hot Air Balloon Safari 

A Maasai Mara hot air balloon safari offers a thrilling and unique way to admire Kenya’s stunning landscapes and wildlife. As the sun rises, you’ll gently ascend in a wicker basket, enjoying a bird’s-eye view of the vast savanna teeming with animals. The serene flight provides an unforgettable perspective of the Mara’s beauty before landing for a Champagne bush breakfast.

Your hot air balloon adventure begins with an early morning pick-up from your lodge You’ll be driven to the launch site, where you can watch the balloons being prepared for flight. After meeting your pilot for a safety briefing, you’ll board the basket just before sunrise. The flight lasts about an hour, drifting peacefully over the Mara 

before gently touching down. Once landed, you’ll observe the balloon being deflated before heading to a scenic bush breakfast, your guides will take you on a game drive to continue exploring the wonders of the Maasai Mara.

This experience blends adventure, luxury, and breathtaking scenery for an unforgettable Maasai Mara adventure. Cost is USD $ 550 per person.

Amboseli National Park Safari Extension

Experience one of Africa’s most iconic safari destinations, set against the dramatic backdrop of Mount Kilimanjaro. Amboseli National Park is renowned for its large elephant herds, open savannah landscapes, and excellent wildlife viewing, including lions, giraffes, zebras, wildebeest, and abundant birdlife. The park’s unique mix of dry plains and lush wetlands creates exceptional opportunities for photography and close wildlife encounters. Guided game drives offer a comfortable and immersive way to explore this remarkable ecosystem while enjoying unforgettable views and authentic East African safari experiences.

Cost is USD $ TBD

Additional Days and Activities in the town of Karen (Before or After) 

Cost of each TBD and we can provide if you are interested

• Giraffe Center (https://karenblixengroup.com/tour-item/the-giraffe-cente/)

• Sheldrick Elephant Sanctuary (https://www.sheldrickwildlifetrust.org/)

• Cultural Exhibits and Shopping ie Kazuri Bead Factory (https://www.kazuribeads.com/pages/our-factory)

• Additional night in Karen pre-trip or night(s) at Airport Hotel Post Trip

• Amboseli National Park Trip Extension (Price TBD)

• Custom Pre- Trip and Extensions can also be arranged

TERMS & CONDITIONS:

To confirm your spot on the group safari, we require a 30% non-refundable deposit to secure your booking. 

Please ensure full payment is received by the due date.

Prices are subject to change without notice in the event of Government action, e.g., an increase in hotel tax, VAT, Park fees, fuel costs, etc., that significantly affects the cost due to circumstances beyond our control and will be added to the final trip cost.

Cancellation / Amendment Policy:

We understand life is unpredictable; part of the adventure! You never know what surprises life may have in store that might alter your plans. As unplanned events can arise, we require you to provide documentation of travel cancellation insurance for all trips.

Liability:

Sunshine Travelers & Sunshine Travelers Experiences does not assume any liability whatsoever for any injury, damage, loss, accident, or delay to person or property due to any act of default of any hotel, carrier, restaurant, company, or person or any of their service providers or agents rendering any of the services included in the

Safari. Furthermore, Sunshine Travelers & Sunshine Travelers Experiences does not accept responsibility for any damage or delay caused by sickness, pilferage, labor disputes, machinery breakdown, quarantine, government restraints, weather, or any other cause beyond their control. The right is reserved to cancel or change itineraries or substitute services without notice.

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