2 days ago
Private flight elevates Virgin luxury camps in Kenya
Soaring just 1,000 feet above the ground, I peered down at large families of elephants ambling through the lush green landscape of Kenya's Amboseli National Park. We circled one more time in our small, private charter plane to marvel at the gentle giants before making our way down to the remote landing strip just outside the Finch Hattons Luxury Camp.
We had taken off from the recently reopened Mahali Mzuri, located in a private conservancy within the famed Masai Mara National Reserve, and made our way south as part of a new flight package connecting Virgin Limited Edition's two luxury camps in Kenya. We had been late for the flight, distracted by a warthog darting through tall grass and a herd of buffalo we came upon on the way to the dusty runway, but the beauty of a private flight means the plane waits for you. And it was that same over-the-top level of luxury that extended to every moment of the trip.
"By facilitating a direct flight between Tsavo West and the Masai Mara, we've eliminated the traditional transit time via Nairobi, ensuring a seamless and luxurious transition," said James Bermingham, CEO of the Virgin Hotels Collection. "This means more time for unforgettable wildlife encounters and less time traveling, solidifying our commitment to providing an exclusive, 'beyond-expectations' vacation where every moment is curated for pure indulgence and discovery."
Bermingham called the new flight package "a game-changer" for "guests seeking the ultimate, over-the-top Kenyan safari."
Looking out over the conservancy from the deck of the Mahali Mzuri camp in the Masai Mara National Reserve. Photo Credit: Alison Fox
And he wasn't wrong. The private charter flights from Mahali Mzuri to Finch Hattons start at $4,900 each way on Scenic Air Safaris for the 95-minute journey when both camps are included. But these private flights, which can accommodate up to 10 people, include not just the transportation but all the perks of flying private, including accommodating our request for one more loop around the national park to spot more elephants.
Alternatively, travelers who start their trip at Finch Hattons can also book flights to Mahali Mzuri starting at $405 per person on local carriers Safarilink and starting at $466 on Fly ALS. The new flight connections are only available during the Great Migration season, which typically occurs between July and October.
On a game drive with Finch Hattons in Tsavo West National Park. Photo Credit: Alison Fox
Wild encounters
There's no right way to do a safari, but beginning our journey at Mahali Mzuri proved a uniquely special way to start.
From the second we arrived, greeted by a curious rock hyrax that called the property home, I could tell it would be extraordinary. Set atop a hill overlooking the Great Migration route, the 12-tent luxury camp offered the chance to spot animals from the 39-foot infinity pool and enjoy elaborate multicourse meals with endless views, all with a warm, come-as-you-are attitude that made me feel all the more welcome. In my room, intricate Masai-inspired beadwork adorned the side table, while a modern aesthetic was complemented with splashes of red and black, celebrating traditional Masai dress.
At night, I was lulled to sleep by the sound of hippos grunting in the distance and awakened in the morning by the sun slowly rising over my expansive deck. We hung out with a family of lions, fawned over a baby giraffe just a couple days old, enjoyed coffee while watching elephants and passed by dozens of zebras on the twice-daily game drives through the more than 33,000-acre Olare Motorogi Conservancy that were included in our stay, ending the day with a glass of red wine by the fire pit while a lone wildebeest looked on in the distance.
The view from the private deck of a tent at Finch Hattons. Photo Credit: Alison Fox
When we finally got to Finch Hattons in Tsavo West National Park, I was immediately struck by a much different landscape. The wide-open expanse of the Masai Mara had been replaced by thick brush and volcanic rocks piled high on both sides of the dusty road as the dramatic, inky Chyulu Hills rose in the distance.
While we drove to get close to wildlife at Mahali Mzuri, here we trekked across leaf-strewn paths and around stocky trees led by Finch Hattons' on-site conservationist in search of hippos, whispering as we went so as to not disturb the fascinating but dangerous animals. We ended the day on the elevated viewing deck, enjoying small bites and watching Mount Kilimanjaro come into view, its peaks backlit by the deep orange sunset.
The next morning, we awoke before dawn to climb those same towering Chyulu Hills. I watched the sky turn a dusty pink as the sun strove to peep through a thick cover of clouds before hiking back down to the car, rewarded for my efforts with a breakfast of egg sandwiches and warm coffee while overlooking the expansive park.
A tent at the luxury Finch Hattons Luxury camp. Photo Credit: Alison Fox
Back in my tent, I wrapped myself in the sounds of birds chirping as I looked out at the natural spring, the camp's resident monkeys dancing across my private deck with seemingly boundless energy.
I would head to Nairobi the next day, prepared to board the 15-hour flight back to New York. But in that moment, all I could hear was the peaceful hum of nature, knowing I had enjoyed a special experience between the two unique camps I wouldn't soon forget.
Travelers who plan a trip combining both Virgin Limited Edition camps can book starting at $2,500 per person, per night at Mahali Mzuri and starting at $1,405 per person, per night at Finch Hattons. In addition, guests who stay for at least four nights at either camp will receive an extra night for free.
