Resting in the Great Rift Valley and presided over by the majestic Mount Kenya; Kenya is characterised by hauntingly beautiful natural landscapes of forested hills, patchwork farms, wooded savannah and vast forests brimming with an extraordinary abundance of wildlife. The nation’s diverse range of African cultures is influenced by over 70 unique ethnic groups from the Masai, Samburu, Kikuyu, and Turkana tribes to the Arabs and Indians settling at the coast. Add to this: an exquisite tropical coastline fringed with breath-taking golden sand beaches; gorgeous coral gardens providing excellent snorkelling and diving opportunities; and a slew of lively beach resorts!
The safari starts and ends in Nairobi: This adventure route is tailored to offer you a great experience of the stunning highlights of Kenya! Explore the jaw-dropping Crescent Island; to the dramatic landscape of Samburu and Ol Pajeta Ranch to explore the unique Chimpanzees. At Masai Mara: Enjoy an iconic balloon safari, with views of the popular wildebeest and other grazers in the Mara as well as the big cats – this comes with a visit to the Masai Village for a cultural immersion.
Journey time: Less 40 Minutes
Upon arrival at Jomo Kenyatta Int. Airport, you will be received by our dedicated safari guide. Have a briefing for the trip and transfer to your hotel in Nairobi City.
Overnight: Midrange: Sarova Stanley Hotel – or similar
Luxury: Radisson Blu Hotel & Residence – or similar
Meal Plan: Half Board
Journey Time: Approx. 2 Hours
Pickup Time: 06:00AM. Early breakfast at the hotel and check-out. Thereafter, depart Nairobi city to Lake Naivasha National Park. Arrive and take a Boat trip to Crescent Island–Lake Naivasha is an ideal place for an amazing boat experience, with a fantastic landscape and plenty of attractions to explore – The water is dotted with Pelicans, Kingfishers, Herons, and Jacanas, whereas in the surrounding treetops you will sight numerous African Fish Eagles, as well as animals along the lake shores. Off the Boat, and enjoy a Walking Safari around Crescent Island: This Island is a haven of peace and tranquillity! The island is perfect for Guided nature walks, Game viewing and Breath-taking views: It was once a scene for the popular film “Out of Africa” by Meryl Streep and Robert Redford. Expect: The giraffes, zebras, waterbuck and buffalo with numerous birds.
Thereafter, proceed to the lodge and check-in for lunch and stay at leisure.
Overnight: Midrange: Lake Naivasha Sopa Resort – or similar
Luxury: Enashipai Resort & Spa – or similar
Meal Plan: Full Board (Lunch, Dinner and Breakfast)
Journey time: Approx. 7 Hours to Samburu
Pick-up Time: 06:00AM Sharp. Early breakfast at the lodge and check-out. As scheduled, depart via Ol Pajeta to Samburu National Reserve.
En-route to Samburu, you will make a stopover at Ol Pajeta Conservancy – Earlier owned by Lord Delamere (1940) as a cattle ranch; and later into a wildlife sanctuary, thus East Africa’s largest black rhino sanctuary and Kenya’s home for the Chimpanzees. Lunch is arranged at Morani’s Restaurant.
Planned Activity: Arrive and experience the Chimpanzees of Ol Pajeta: 11:45AM until 12:45PM visit Sweetwaters Chimpanzee Sanctuary – Seize the huge opportunity of viewing the unique chimpanzees (behind the scenes) and learn more about the day to day care of these spectacular apes at the sanctuary. The guests are required to observe the stated timings for an uninterrupted experience.
After lunch, continue to Samburu National Park and check-in at lodge for dinner and overnight.
Overnight: Midrange: Samburu Sopa Lodge – or similar
Luxury: Samburu Intrepids – or similar
Meal Plan: Full Board (Dinner, Breakfast and Lunch)
These two days are dedicated to the adventures of Samburu National Reserve: You will discuss appropriate timings and meal arrangement with your guide prior.
Day 4: Bush breakfast | Long-day Game Drive in Samburu
The reserve was one of the two areas in which conservationists George and Joy Adamson raised “Elsa the Lioness”. Their story was made famous by the bestselling book and award-winning movie “Born Free”. Whilst on safari, spot large game species common to Kenya’s northern plains; the gerenuks (long-necked gazelle), Reticulated Giraffe, Grevy’s Zebras, Somali ostrich and Beisa Oryx, together with others; elephant, Leopard, Cheater, lions and crocodile. Samburu is the home to ‘‘Kamunyak’’ –a Lioness famous for adopting a Baby Oryx. You will have a picnic lunch whilst on the safari.
Day 5: Explore more highlights of Samburu National Reserve
Take a Guided Walking Safari and closely explore Samburu at sunrise.
In the afternoon, visit the Samburu Cultural Bomas: This is a great opportunity to explore the traditional lifestyle of the Samburu people. Their tradition of singing while fetching water was nicknamed “the Singing Wells”– Explore their traditional attire, dances and initiation practices. Dinner is arranged at the lodge.
Overnight: Midrange: Samburu Sopa Lodge – or similar
Luxury: Samburu Intrepids – or similar
Meal Plan: Full Board (Dinner, Breakfast and Lunch)
Flight Duration: Approx. 2 Hours
Driving Distance: Approx. 10 Hours
Pickup Time: 07:00AM. Early breakfast at the lodge and check-out. Thereafter, be dropped-off at Kalama Airstrip to catch a flight to Masai Mara. Upon landing at either Keekorok, Serena or Angama Airstrip; will be dropped-off at the lodge by our lodge representative and check-in for lunch. The rest of this day is yours to enjoy at leisure.
Overnight: Luxury: Neptune Mara Rianta Luxury Tented Camp – or similar
Midrange: Masai Mara Sopa Lodge – or similar
Meal Plan: Full Board (Lunch, Dinner and Breakfast
Flight Duration: Approx. 2 Hours
Driving Distance: Approx. 10 Hours
Pickup Time: 07:00AM. Early breakfast at the lodge and check-out. Thereafter, be dropped-off at Kalama Airstrip to catch a flight to Masai Mara. Upon landing at either Keekorok, Serena or Angama Airstrip; will be dropped-off at the lodge by our lodge representative and check-in for lunch. The rest of this day is yours to enjoy at leisure.
Overnight: Luxury: Neptune Mara Rianta Luxury Tented Camp – or similar
Midrange: Masai Mara Sopa Lodge – or similar
Meal Plan: Full Board (Lunch, Dinner and Breakfast
Meals will be arranged according to the day’s activities. Enjoy your two days exploring the stunning Masai Mara with the following activities/adventures.
Day 7: Pickup at 04:00AM: The day starts with the Masai Mara Balloon Safari – Depart the lodge very early to the Balloon launch site; arriving by 06:00AM. Enjoy a scenic balloon safari at sunrise, coupled with a bush breakfast. Your balloon flight lasts an hour and it is followed by a Bush Breakfast in the wilderness. The long-day safari begins after the bush breakfast: This safari is set at a slower pace to maximize your opportunities for game viewing; it includes an extension to the legendary Mara River – An iconic venue where the seasonal Wildebeest Migration occurs. Do not forget a picture at the Kenya–Tanzania boundary which connects Masai Mara to the vast Serengeti Plains. By chance, and it is the Migration Season; you may witness the Great Wildebeest Migration (Natural Wonder of the World), where millions of Wildebeests and Zebras crossover from the Serengeti Plains into Masai Mara. This famous animal event also features the “Big-Five” (Lion, Leopard, Buffalo, Elephant and Rhino) with Antelopes, Giraffe Towers and numerous Birds. Enjoy a picnic lunch within the park on your long-day safari.
Day 8: Pickup at 06:00AM: Head out for another guided game drive at sunrise; this will offer you more chances of encountering the great migration as well as spotting more animals and birds. Late afternoon: Visit the Masai Cultural Bomas – The Masai are a pastoralist group (with Nilotic origins) inhabiting some parts of Kenya and northern Tanzania. Get to know about their traditional lifestyle: dressing style, diet, housing (Masai Manyattas) and authentic arts as well as the Moran worriers. The day is crowned with an authentic African Sundowner – Get to the sundowner site earlier to catch the magical sunset! A few drinks, fruits and savoury snacks will be served, while you gaze at the sun on its way down the horizon in an African Wilderness.
Overnight: Luxury: Neptune Mara Rianta Luxury Tented Camp – or similar
Midrange: Masai Mara Sopa Lodge – or similar
Meal Plan: Full Board (Lunch, Dinner and Breakfast)
Journey Time: Approx. 5 Hours
Pick-up Time: 06:30AM. Early breakfast and depart Masai Mara back to Nairobi City. Time Permitting/best for late flights: Arrive and wind up your safari with visit to Nairobi National Museum, as well as a visit to the Giraffe Centre; this an opportunity to interact and handfeed the Roth’s Child Giraffes from a raised wooden view deck!
Lunch is arranged at a restaurant and thereafter be dropped-off at JKIA to check-in for your onward flight | Dayroom(s) may be offered at a fee when needed.
Meal Plan: Breakfast | Lunch at a restaurant
