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In the Presence of Giants
A Frontline Conservation Journey with Dr. Max Graham & Space for Giants
This immersive conservation safari unlocks rare, behind-the-scenes access to the people and projects shaping the future of Africa’s wildlife, inviting you to take part in meaningful, hands-on work that protects some of the continent’s most irreplaceable species and landscapes. In partnership with Space for Giants and guided by founder Dr. Max Graham, you will meet the scientists, rangers, and community leaders driving real impact, witness ambitious rewilding efforts in action, and experience how local communities safeguard their lands. Staying in stunning, purpose-led lodges across Laikipia and the remote Namunyak Conservancy, you will explore thriving wilderness on horseback and by vehicle, engage in fireside conversations with conservation experts, and gain intimate insight into the challenges and triumphs of frontline conservation. This is an active, transformative safari designed not simply to show Africa’s wildlife, but to connect you deeply with the work that protects it.
Why You’ll Love This Trip
- Hosted by Dr. Max Graham, Founder of Space for Giants -- Gain rare, one-on-one insights from one of Africa’s leading elephant scientists with over 2Hosted by Dr. Max Graham, Founder of Space for Giants -- Gain rare, one-on-one insights from one of Africa’s leading elephant scientists with over 20 years of frontline experience.
- Frontline Conservation – Several behind-the-scenes conservation activities that could include assist with GPS collaring missions, and special access to the first community-run elephant orphanage, participating directly in protecting Africa’s giants.
- Exclusive Fireside Talks – Engage with Dr. Max Graham, top conservation scientists, and community leaders shaping the future of wildlife protection.
- Luxury Immersion in Rewilded Sanctuaries – Stay at &Beyond Suyian Lodge and Sarara Camp, two stunning lodges where every night supports habitat restoration and local communities.
- Epic Wildlife – Helicopter over flamingo-filled lakes and wildlife corridors, witness rare species up close — including the elusive melanistic black leopard — and experience Africa’s wilderness alongside the people fiercely protecting it.0 years of frontline experience.
- Frontline Conservation – Several behind-the-scenes conservation activities that could include assist with GPS collaring missions, and special access to the first community-run elephant orphanage, participating directly in protecting Africa’s giants.
- Exclusive Fireside Talks – Engage with Dr. Max Graham, top conservation scientists, and community leaders shaping the future of wildlife protection.
- Luxury Immersion in Rewilded Sanctuaries – Stay at &Beyond Suyian Lodge and Sarara Camp, two stunning lodges where every night supports habitat restoration and local communities.
- Epic Wildlife – Helicopter over flamingo-filled lakes and wildlife corridors, witness rare species up close — including the elusive melanistic black leopard — and experience Africa’s wilderness alongside the people fiercely protecting it.
Day 1, 10 Feb 2027 – Arrive Nairobi
Arrive in Nairobi, Kenya’s vibrant capital and gateway to East Africa. You’ll be met on arrival by our VIP Meet & Greet team and privately transferred to Hemingways Nairobi, where you can relax and recover from your international flight. Enjoy a quiet evening at leisure.
Overnight in Nairobi at Hemingways Nairobi
Day 2, 11 Feb 2027 – Nairobi – Laikipia
Your journey begins with a VIP meet and greet at Nairobi Airport, followed by a private charter flight (51 minutes) to &Beyond Suyian Lodge, where you’ll be welcomed by Dr. Max Graham himself. Check in to this visionary luxury lodge and enjoy lunch while receiving an overview of the itinerary. In the afternoon, choose to unwind or join an optional game drive across the rewilded Laikipia wilderness. The day culminates with a fireside panel, “The Suyian Story,” featuring Dr. Max Graham, ethnobotanist Anne Powys, and luxury eco-tourism pioneer Stefano Cheli. You’ll learn about the transformation of Suyian from a cattle ranch to a sanctuary for lions, wild dogs, Grevy’s zebras, reticulated giraffes, and rare melanistic black leopards. Dinner at the lodge closes an inspiring first day.
Overnight: &Beyond Suyian Lodge
Day 3, 12 Feb 2027 – Laikipia
Start the day with optional early morning activities such as a botanical walk, yoga, horse ride, or game drive, followed by a bush breakfast. Midday, gain exclusive insight into the role of technology in conservation during a briefing on drones and AI with leading experts including Swabir Abdulrehman (a former UK Special Forces tech expert) and Jonathan Baille (Founder, Natural State; former Head, ZSL & National Geographic). In the evening, participate in a fireside conversation with Maurice Schutgens from Space for Giants on the complex challenge of human-elephant conflict, a frontline struggle for megafauna across Africa and Asia. Dinner concludes a day focused on understanding the innovative tools and strategies shaping the future of wildlife protection.
Overnight: &Beyond Suyian Lodge
Day 4, 13 Feb 2027 – Laikipia
Begin with a breathtaking helicopter overflight of Lake Bogoria, witnessing the spectacular flamingo migration, followed by a bush breakfast on the lakeshore. Explore the Laikipia Solar-Electric Fence, a 250km elephant barrier, and, if operationally feasible, assist in a live elephant collaring mission with Kenya Wildlife Service and the Space for Giants team. In the afternoon, join the Sustainable Rangelands Safari with Archie Voorspuy (Suyian Lodge’s GM) and Richard van Aarde (renowned livestock expert) to learn how rotational grazing restores degraded rangelands, sequesters carbon, and fosters coexistence between predators and livestock. The day closes with community sundowners and a fireside talk with Professor Judi Wakhungu on policies protecting wildlife, curbing the ivory trade, and Kenya’s global environmental leadership.
Overnight: &Beyond Suyian Lodge
Day 5, 14 Feb 2027 – Laikipia - Namunyak
Fly by charter to the Reteti Elephant Sanctuary, the world’s first community-owned orphanage, where you’ll have exclusive access to rescued young elephants and their human carers. Learn what it takes to rescue, raise, and rewild orphaned elephants. Later, check in at Sarara Camp in Namunyak Conservancy, an exclusive-use mobile camp run by the Samburu community. Spend the afternoon exploring the Singing Wells and spotting desert-adapted wildlife, before joining a fireside talk with Dickson Kaelo, CEO of the Kenya Wildlife Conservancies Association, on the future of community-led conservation. Gnoma dinner under the stars caps an immersive day connecting with wildlife and the people protecting it.
Overnight: Sarara Camp / Treehouse
Day 6, 15 Feb 2027 – Namunyak
Begin with an exclusive sunrise feeding at Reteti Elephant Sanctuary. Walk into the bush with your guide and a Reteti keeper, following the elephants to a secluded spot where a bush breakfast awaits. Observe the herd, their interactions, and how the keepers prepare them for release into Namunyak’s wilderness.
Next, experience the Singing Wells, one of the Samburu’s most important traditions. Watch warriors dig deep wells for livestock water, accompanied by their powerful singing and rhythms — a profound connection to land and community.
In the afternoon, join a masterclass with Dr. Anthony Mills (C4 EcoSolutions) on the evolution of carbon markets and their role in conservation and community resilience. Take a game drive through Namunyak, reconnecting with the landscapes and wildlife you’ve explored. The day closes with a fireside conversation with Dr. Max Graham, reflecting on “Restoring Africa’s Wild Heart” and the future of protected area restoration through philanthropy, nature-based tourism, and ecosystem services. Finish with a farewell dinner, celebrating the people, wildlife, and experiences that have defined this extraordinary journey.
Overnight: Sarara Camp / Treehouses
Day 7, 16 Feb 2027 – Namunyak – Onwards!
Enjoy a final morning at leisure. Guests wishing to extend their journey may choose to explore additional conservation and wildlife experiences within Kenya like the Mara, continue on to gorilla trekking in Rwanda or Uganda, or unwind along Kenya’s idyllic coastline. Please speak with your Destination Specialist to tailor the perfect extension to your journey.
This trip can be fully private and customised to your preferences – discuss with your Destination Specialist. It is a remarkable opportunity for families seeking a truly transformative adventure. Alternatively, you can join the set departure from Feb 10-16, 2027.
Hemingways Nairobi
With each room offering a dedicated butler service you are ensured of the most relaxing stay, as your every need will be catered for. This stunning plantation style property offers suites with a private balcony overlooking the Ngong Hills, a swimming pool and a spa if you wish to indulge in a treatment after a long journey to Africa.