Kenya Safaris:

Places Covered:

Nairobi, Mountain Lodge, Samburu Game Reserve, Explore Samburu Game Reserve, Samburu-Mount Kenya Safari Club, Mt. Kenya Safari Club-Lake Nakuru.

Duration:

8 Nights / 9 Days

Detailed Itinerary:    

Day 01: Arrival Nairobi

Welcome to Nairobi, a thriving young city spawned during the construction of the rail line from the Indian Ocean. Stay at the Stanley Hotel, for a quiet respite in the center of the city. This evening, enjoy an informative presentation about East Africa's National parks, reserves and wildlife given by the Representative. Evening transfer to Kadhi King Restaurant for dinner. Overnight at the Stanley Hotel or similar.

Day 02: Nairobi-Mountain Lodge

This morning you drive past Thika, an industrial town surrounded by extensive pineapple plantations, partially owned by Delmonte Company. After crossing the Tana River source of Kenya's hydroelectric power, the landscape changes and becomes lush as you climb in to the rich farmlands of the Kikuyu people. Lunch at the Serena Mountain lodge. After lunch, rest of the day is spent watching different animals as they come to visit the floodlit waterholes and Saltlicks. Elephants, Rhino, Buffalo, Giant Forest Hog, Leopard and many other species frequent the waterholes. Dinner and overnight at Mountain Lodge.

Day 03: Mountain Lodge-Samburu Game Reserve

Today you drive North past Isiolo town to Samburu Game Reserve semi-arid bush country. With it's backdrop of rocky out crops and prominent mountain ranges to the North, and it's Doum Palms and Riverine forest, Samburu National Reserve has an exotic feel in it. After check-in to our lodge on the banks of the Ewaso Nyiro River, we have lunch and a late afternoon game drive introduces us to the unique species of this Northern Frontier District. Here, you will see the Gerenuk Gazelle, Grevy's Zebra, Reticulated Giraffe, Oryx Antelope, Somali Ostrich and much more. Dinner and overnight at Samburu Sopa Lodge.

Day 04: Explore Samburu Game Reserve

Today you will see more of Africa's spectacular wildlife on two exciting game drives in this fascinating game reserve. In between game drives, you could do nature walks on the lodge's grounds or some excellent optional bird watching. Birds are abundant, with 365 species recorded, one for every day of the year. You will also enjoy watching a crocodile feeding session along the river. Take the evening atmosphere by relaxing with a cocktail before a satisfying dinner. Overnight at Samburu Sopa Lodge.

Day 05: Samburu-Mount Kenya Safari Club

This morning we drive to the magnificent Mount Kenya Safari Club nestled in the foothills of snow-capped Mount Kenya. Its sprawling colonial design was influenced by the late actor William Holden, who founded the Club in 1959 with two of his friends. His love for Africa led him to make Kenya his second home for over twenty-five years. The club has over the years attracted legions of internationally renowned members and guests from the world of politics, film and theatre. Sir Winston Churchill and Lord Mountbatten were members, and enjoyed sojourns at the club, as have legends Clark Gable and John Wayne, and more recent celebrities such as Robert Redford, Sean Connery and Catherine Deneuve. You too will receive the star treatment as you settle into your suite or cozy cottage. Pay a visit and do not miss the animal orphanage operated by the William Holden Wildlife Foundation. Here wildlife foundlings are raised with great care and many are quite tame. It is an opportunity to get close to some wild creatures that despite a struggle have managed to survive. Dinner and overnight at Mount Kenya Safari Club.

Day 06: Mt. Kenya Safari Club-Lake Nakuru

Depart after breakfast and proceed to Lake Nakuru National Park arriving in time for lunch at Lake Nakuru Lodge. Relax before departing for an afternoon game drive. Lake Nakuru's claim to fame is anchored on its flamingo's and the over 400 species of birds found here. The lake itself is a soda lake on the floor of the rift valley. The sight of millions of flamingos is quite spectacular. From a distance, the lake appears ringed in pink. The Lake has also earned a reputation as an important haven for endangered species- particularly the Rothschild Giraffe and the Black and white Rhino. Lions, Waterbuck, Buffalo and Baboons are all residents here. Dinner and overnight at Lake Nakuru Lodge.

Day 07: Nakuru-Masai Mara

Breakfast at the lodge then drive via the Great Rift Valley to arrive in Masai Mara in time for lunch at Mara Simba Lodge/Mara Sopa Lodge. The Mara offers wildlife in such variety and abundance that it is difficult to believe; over 450 species of animals have been recorded here. You will easily see Lions, Rhinos, Hippos, Crocodiles, Giraffe, Wildebeests, Zebras, Buffalo, Warthogs, Hyenas, and Jackals, Wild dogs, Buffalo, Leopard and a variety of antelopes. It is in the Mara that the most spectacular event of the natural wonders of the world takes place. This is the annual migration of millions of wildebeest and zebra from the Serengeti (Tanzania) in search of water and pasture. Behind their heels are predators of the savanna- Lion, Cheetah, and Wild dog, Jackal, Hyena and Vultures. Depart for an afternoon game drive until dusk. Dinner and overnight at Mara Sopa Lodge /Mara Simba Lodge or similar.

Day 08: Explore Masai Mara

Your day begins with an early morning game drive taking you into the Mara plains when the animals are most active. On the other hand, you may choose to add a hot air balloon safari the ultimate safari experience! You leave camp before dawn the sky is clear, the air is brisk and the conditions are perfect. As the sun rises over the Mara plains in your balloon lifts off, a bright splash of color rising into the blue. Watch as a stunning panorama unfolds below you and the balloon's basket becomes your lookout post for a bird's-eye view of the beauty of Africa. Float silently just a few hundred feet above herds of wild animals. Gazelle and Impala watch curiously with their tails flagging a warning to others that you are approaching. A pride of Lions stalks an unsuspecting herd of Wildebeest. Giraffes poke their heads out of the forest where they have been nibbling tender leaves. The tranquility of the experience is interrupted only by the occasional 'whoosh' of the air heaters. Finally, you gently touch down, with an appetite sharpened by the fresh air, all ready for a delicious champagne breakfast in the middle of the bush. After a relaxing repast, continue honing your game spotting skills on a game drive as you make your way back to the camp/Lodge. After lunch and some time to relax, enjoy a second game drive this afternoon. All meals and overnight at Mara Sopa Lodge /Mara Simba Lodge or similar.

Day 09: Masai Mara-Nairobi

After breakfast, depart for Nairobi arriving in early afternoon. Drop off at Jomo Kenyatta airport for your International departure flight.