Cheli & Peacock is a multi award-winning African safari brand owned by Elewana. They operate a collection of properties set in regions of spectacular natural beauty across Kenya. Cheli & Peacock operates all safaris to Elewana Camps.
Cheli & Peacock’s goal is to give each one of its guests a true wilderness experience, tailor-made to their needs but within a framework of responsibility and professionalism. Their main philosophy is to remain committed to sustainable tourism and eco-friendly development by employing from the local communities and supporting conservation initiatives.
Cheli & Peacock itineraries are fully inclusive and offer a range of activities for their guests including game drives and guided bush walks as well as bush picnics and sundowner drinks in the wild.
One group of travelers decided quickly on heading to the Lewa Wildlife and Maasai Mara Conservancy areas with Cheli & Peacock.
Lewa Wildlife Conservancy is known especially for its Black and White rhinoceros endangered species, and also known to be the location where Prince William proposed to Kate in 2010. He’s become a fierce advocate for rhino conservation to try to put an end to these inhumane killings and poaching.
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The Maasai Mara area is one of the best places for game viewing in its most natural environment in Africa, together with its neighbour the Serengeti National Park in Tanzania.
After Googling lots, it was suggested to go with safari agent - Cheli and Peacock who is one of East Africa’s most established and reputable safari luxury operators for Kenya and Tanzania. What’s great about them is they basically plan everything for you other than booking the international flight. They operate 6 camps and lodges plus the fabulous Masai Mara Cotters 1920s Camp owned by the Cottars family, and they can tailor an itinerary for us which includes stays in these lodges plus internal transfers.
Many people have heard from countless friends of how expensive going for safari trips can be in Africa like in the many 000’s, and worse in USD , so it was great news for them to know that there were some great offers from Cheli and Peacock.
Cost and Logistics
The group took advantage of the Circuit Package - they get an immediate 10% off daily accommodation rates, if they stay a minimum of 6 nights at 2 or more of the C&P portfolio properties. It’s still ongoing so take advantage of it.
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The total cost of the safari was USD 32,336.00 (for 6 persons) which worked out to be USD5389 per person. Unless they were to spend on Champagne or other luxury wines, there’s much pretty no other spending required during their stay there. It was good that they didn’t have to bring much cash other than some USD for paying gratuities to the camp staff and buying some local souvenirs.
Unanimous consensus was reached quickly upon seeing this exciting itinerary and next was to find out which was the best airline to go to.
The whole bunch of them was hoping to use their miles to redeem flights on Star Alliance network, but unfortunately the route or airline options didn’t seem so ideal. Best was via Qatar Airlines which included just 1 stop over in Doha and a flight time of around 12 hours, making the full travel time 14 hours 15 mins. This was the only cost - bit of a dent in the wallet that one person had to fork out for a Business Class seat on Qatar Airways, and the cost is comparable to Singapore Airlines, although it still lags behind Singapore Airlines in terms of the service and overall seat design.
The only thing left was to pack a luggage no more than 15 kg (yes they are very strict on the baggage weight for the internal flights) and get the necessary vaccines done.
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Arrival and Transfers
14 hours plus later including a stopover at Doha Hamad International Airport, they finally reached Nairobi Airport, which was pretty chaotic. Be warned - be prepared to wait 2 hours to clear the immigration.
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On arrival at the Jomo Kenyatta International Airport, you will be met by a Cheli & Peacock representative and transferred to the Wilson Airport in time for the 10h20 scheduled flight to Lewa and arriving at 11h30.
After a long and bothersome wait in the slowest queue ever, they finally met the Cheli and Peacock representatives outside, who picked them up in their vehicle to transfer to the Wilson Airport where they will be flown in a small plane to Lewa. They had some time at the Wilson Airport where they needed to fill up some information on the forms to pass back to the Cheli & Peacock rep. He was rather attentive and explained thoroughly what was in the folder and wished them bon voyage as they boarded the plane to Lewa.
It can be rather unnerving sitting in these small propeller planes, especially for some who have rather bad motion sickness with boats and small planes. Armed with lemon peel , they braved the short flight and finally reached Lewa.
Lewa Safari Camp
After breakfast you will be transferred to the airstrip in time for the scheduled flight to Masai Mara, departing at 09h35 and landing at 11h00.
After a last game drive, you will be transferred to the airstrip in time for the scheduled flight back to Nairobi.
Exceptional Service
One reviewer shares their exceptional experience:
I can't believe there aren't other reviews for Cheli and Peacock! Our travel agent booked our Kenya and Rwanda honeymoon through Cheli and Peacock, and we couldn't have been happier.
From the moment we landed in Nairobi to the moment we departed from Kigali, we were well taken care of by Faith, Aimable, Jayson, and others. Our every need was seen to, and we truly did not have to think for ourselves the entire trip.
Our guides were thoughtful, kind, and, frankly- exceptional, every step of the way.
Summary of Costs and Activities
The following table summarizes the costs and activities associated with the Cheli & Peacock safari:
| Item | Description | Cost (USD) |
|---|---|---|
| Safari Cost per Person | Includes accommodation, internal transfers, game drives, and meals | 5389 |
| Circuit Package Discount | 10% off daily accommodation rates for stays of 6+ nights | N/A |
| Additional Expenses | Gratuities for staff, souvenirs, luxury wines (optional) | Variable |
| Activities | Game drives, guided bush walks, bush picnics, sundowner drinks | Included |
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