Shishi Footsteps
Plan your trip

South Rift Helicopter Safari.

Looking for a safari that goes beyond the usual game drive? One that blends wild terrain, dramatic landscapes, culture, and just enough indulgence to spoil you senseless? Welcome to the South Rift Helicopter Safari – a 5-night luxury aerial journey across some of Kenya’s most untouched and visually stunning regions. From the flamingo-filled shores of Lake Natron to the salt flats of Shompole, the

1 Days
Kenya
Multi-destination

Journey overview

Looking for a safari that goes beyond the usual game drive? One that blends wild terrain, dramatic landscapes, culture, and just enough indulgence to spoil you senseless? Welcome to the South Rift Helicopter Safari – a 5-night luxury aerial journey across some of Kenya’s most untouched and visually stunning regions. From the flamingo-filled shores of Lake Natron to the salt flats of Shompole, the

Best shaped around Mara conservancies in July–October, or calving-season light in January–March. Coast endings work most of the year.

This is a starting point. We refine lodges, flying days and pacing around who is travelling, the season and how you like to spend a safari afternoon.

Regions on this journey

This route focuses on Multi-destination. We adjust lodge choice, flight legs and the number of nights in each area to match your season and travel style.

Planning notes

Looking for a safari that goes beyond the usual game drive? One that blends wild terrain, dramatic landscapes, culture, and just enough indulgence to spoil you senseless? Welcome to the South Rift Helicopter Safari – a 5-night luxury aerial journey across some of Kenya’s most untouched and visually stunning regions. From the flamingo-filled shores of Lake Natron to the salt flats of Shompole, the misty waterfalls of Nguruman, and the volcanic drama of Ol Doinyo Lengai, this trip is bucket list material. Whether you're planning a honeymoon, a once-in-a-lifetime photo expedition, or an exclusive group retreat—this is a safari by air that will blow your mind and soothe your soul. ■ Why Choose a Helicopter Safari in Kenya? Imagine soaring over ancient Rift Valley escarpments, landing by steaming hot springs, dining beside hidden waterfalls, and watching wildlife scatter beneath you from the comfort of a private chopper. A helicopter safari isn’t just luxurious—it gives you access to remote beauty most travelers never see. ✔■ No bumpy roads ✔■ VIP access to wild places ✔■ Curated experiences with Maasai communities ✔■ A stay at one of Kenya’s finest lodges – Lentorre ■ Where Does the South Rift Helicopter Safari Take You? ■ Start: Nairobi (Wilson Airport) Your journey begins with a private heli pick-up from Wilson Airport. ■■ Stop 1: Lake Magadi & Natural Hot Springs Start your adventure with a dip in therapeutic hot springs and a stunning aerial view of Kenya’s largest soda lake, rimmed in pink hues and salt crystals. ■ Stop 2: Nguruman Escarpment Fly over lush river valleys and jagged cliffs to reach Nguruman, home to secret waterfalls, forest hikes, and quiet serenity. ■■ Base Camp: Lentorre Lodge Your home for 5 nights is Lentorre, a luxurious lodge hidden between Shompole and Nguruman. Think private villas, plunge pools, candle-lit dinners, and total privacy. ■ Stop 3: Shompole Conservancy An untouched wilderness of salt flats, acacia woodland, and wildlife. Expect surreal views, walking safaris, and cultural immersion with the Maasai. ■ Stop 4: Lake Natron (Tanzania Border) A shimmering crimson lake teeming with flamingos, framed by the towering Ol Doinyo Lengai volcano—a spiritual and geological marvel. ■■ Sample Itinerary at a Glance Day Experience Day 1 Helicopter from Nairobi to Magadi & Nguruman + Hot Springs Day 2 Waterfall hike + Maasai cultural visit Day 3 Sunrise flyover of Shompole + Salt Flats picnic Day 4 Full-day flight to Lake Natron & Ol Doinyo Lengai Day 5 Custom day: relaxation, aerial yoga, or photography Day 6 Helicopter return to Nairobi ■ What’s Included? Private return helicopter transfers from Nairobi 5 nights at Lentorre Lodge (full board) Aerial scenic flights and guided land excursions Cultural experiences with Maasai elders Waterfall hikes, bush meals, and sundowner setups All conservancy and landing fees Optional add-ons: yoga instructor, photography guide, bush dining, drone footage package 4 Days Bwindi Gorilla Trekking Safari in Uganda |

Activities on this journey

  • Game drives at dawn and dusk
  • Visit a Maasai cultural village
  • Hot air balloon safari
  • Bush breakfast, lunch or dinner
  • Night game drives in private conservancies

Full Itinerary

1

Journey overview

Kenya

Looking for a safari that goes beyond the usual game drive? One that blends wild terrain, dramatic landscapes, culture, and just enough indulgence to spoil you senseless? Welcome to the South Rift Helicopter Safari – a 5-night luxury aerial journey across some of Kenya’s most untouched and visually stunning regions. From the flamingo-filled shores of Lake Natron to the salt flats of Shompole, the misty waterfalls of Nguruman, and the volcanic drama of Ol Doinyo Lengai, this trip is bucket list m...

As per itinerary

How to get there

Most journeys begin in Nairobi. Road transfers to the Maasai Mara take around five to six hours; scheduled flights reach many parks in under an hour. We choose road or air based on your time, comfort and the rhythm of the route.

Climate

Kenya has a cooler season from June to November with daytime averages around 20°C. Nights can feel crisp on the plateau. Mid-October to November brings short rains; December to April is warmer, often reaching 30°C by day. Long rains typically fall in April and May, often as afternoon showers after sunny mornings.

Best time to visit

We often shape Kenya journeys around mid-July to mid-October for migration viewing in the Mara, or June to October and December to March for strong general game viewing across multiple parks.

Information & facts

Wildlife you may encounter

  • Big Five — elephant, lion, leopard, rhino and buffalo
  • Wildebeest, zebra and gazelle during migration season
  • Cheetah, serval and hyena
  • Hippo and crocodile along river systems
  • Reticulated giraffe and Grevy's zebra in the north

Quick facts

  • Home to iconic savannah and Rift Valley landscapes
  • Private conservancies allow flexible game viewing
  • Coast extensions pair well with inland safari time

Inclusions

  • Accommodation
  • Guided activities as listed
  • Park fees where stated

Exclusions

  • International flights
  • Travel insurance
  • Items not listed
Turn This Itinerary Into Your Journey

Turn This Itinerary Into Your Journey

This itinerary is a starting point. Share your preferences and our specialists will refine every detail to match your style, budget and travel dates.

Start Planning This Route