10 DAY - KENYA SAFARI  (Book Now)

Day 1: NAIROBI - ABERDARE NATIONAL PARK   (D)

At your Nairobi hotel or the airport you will be met by our representative and introduced to your driver/guide who will accompany you throughout the trip. You will then be driven North towards Mt Kenya, which looms above the plains at a height of almost 5,200 metres.

You will arrive at the tree hotel with only a small overnight bag   - having deposited your main luggage at the base hotel. The afternoon is spent comfortably watching the stream of animals that come to the floodlit waterhole and saltlick. The smaller animals will come earlier, perhaps to avoid larger animals that come later and throw their weight around, particularly the elephant. This animal trumpets noisily, drinks through its trunk and splashes water on itself then proceeds to have a mud bath blowing the dust about and causing much discomfort to the other animals. The rhino avoids the elephant and usually comes to drink later at night when most animals have left.

The Ark lodge sits in the heart of Aberdare National Park overlooking a floodlit waterhole and salt lick which attract a host of wildlife.  Modelled after Noah’s Ark, the lodge is designed with numerous decks, lounges and balconies, all offering superb vantage points for game viewing.

Accommodation is in comfortably furnished en-suite cabins with views over the forest and waterhole. Each room is equipped with a buzzer which will ring every time an interesting animal comes up to the waterhole ensuring that you do not miss any sighting.

The Aberdare National Park, with an area of 767 square kilometers, covers the higher areas of the Aberdare Mountain Ranges of Central Kenya. The scenery is quite diverse with deep ravines cutting through the forested eastern and western slopes. Animals easily observed in the park include the Black Rhino, leopard, baboon, black and white Colobus monkeys and sykes. Rarer sightings include lions, the golden cat and the bongo, an elusive forest antelope that lives in the bamboo forest. Animals such as the eland and serval cat can be found higher up in the moorlands.

Visitors can also indulge in picnics, trout fishing and camping. This area is also a birder’s paradise with over 250 species of birds including the Jackson's Francolin, sparry hawk, goshawks, eagles, sunbirds and plovers.

Dinner and overnight at the Ark Lodge.

Accommodation - The Ark

Day 2: ABERDARE  - SAMBURU NATIONAL RESERVE (B / L / D)         

Today we will rise early for breakfast before transferring to Samburu National Reserve with an en-route game drive. As we enter the reserve, we will be able to see two beautiful mountains, Koitogor and Ololokwe, which form the perfect background to our safari. Large herds of elephants comprise some of the reserve’s large and diverse wildlife population, which also includes numerous big cats, reticulated giraffes, buffalo and gerenuks. The Ewaso Nyiro River is the main attraction for wildlife here, but many animals can also be seen in the acacia trees, river forest, thorn trees and grasslands. In the late afternoon we will arrive at Samburu Lodge, which has been inspired by the architecture of the indigenous Samburu tribe and blends into its natural environment by making full use of the local building materials. This will be our home for the next two nights. From your private veranda you can enjoy uninterrupted views of the languid river and the wildlife it attracts - which includes the numerous crocodiles that make these waters their home

Samburu National Reserve is situated alongside the Ewaso Nyiro River which attracts plenty of animals from the surrounding plains and various other habitats such as acacia, river forest, thorn trees and grasslands.  Large herds of elephants, reticulated giraffes, buffalo and gerenuks and frequent spotting of big cats form part of the reserve’s large and diverse wildlife population.

You will also be privileged to see the red–robed Samburu tribesmen bringing their cattle down to the river to drink. The lives of the Samburu like the Masai are centered on their livestock, their traditional source of wealth. After initiation, boys become morans and it becomes their job to protect both the humans and the livestock from predators.

Accommodation - Samburu Game Lodge

Day 3:  SAMBURU NATIONAL RESERVE (B / L / D)

Sleep in or rise early today, but if you want to see the animals at their most active we recommend taking advantage of the cool early morning to maximise your game viewing experience. As you continue with your game drive through this wildlife rich reserve, watch out for the unique species only found north of the equator which include the helmeted guinea fowl, reticulated giraffe, gerenuk, Grevy’s zebra and Beisa oryx. Seek relief from the hot African sun back at the lodge where you will spend the remainder of afternoon relaxing. As the day cools, you can return to the reserve for one last game drive and enjoy a sundowner while taking in this beautiful location, before returning to Samburu Lodge for an opulent dinner.

Accommodation - Samburu Game Lodge

Day 4: SAMBURU NATIONAL RESERVE - SWEETWATERS GAME SANCTUARY (B / L / D)

This morning we leave the unique species and landscapes of Samburu behind us as we head south towards Sweetwaters Game Sanctuary and the Sweetwaters Tented Camp where we will spend the night. Here you will experience a charming blend of under-canvas ambiance and safari luxury in a sheltered oasis beside a water hole set in the pristine calm of the private Ol Pejeta Conservancy. Your game viewing experience will commence this afternoon once the day's temperatures have cooled down. Ol Pejeta conservancy is home to all of the ‘Big Five’ members and, being one of only four private game conservancies found in Kenya, the area has a higher wildlife concentration than any of Kenya`s national parks making it perfect for intimate game-viewing experiences.

Ol Pajeta conservancy

Being the only park where the‘Big Five’ and Chimpanzees can be seen, the Conservancy has a higher wildlife-to-area ratio than any Kenya National Parks, making it perfect for intimate game-viewing experiences.  It is also where the fastest growing population of rhino in Africa can be found. There are southern white rhino and the endangered black rhino and in a special sanctuary there resides some of the Worlds' remaining northern white rhino.  

The Waterhole Bar, built in the style of a game-viewing hide, overlooks the waterhole and offers unrivalled wildlife-watching. Other than Game drive, there is an opportunity for game walks, horse rides and even camel rides are available as well as nocturnal game drives.

Accommodation - Sweetwaters Tented Camp

Day 5: SWEETWATERS GAME SANCTUARY - LAKE ELEMENTAITA (B / L / D)

This morning you will leave the verdant slopes of Mount Kenya and drive to Lake Elementaita, one of the famous soda ash lakes of the Great Rift Valley. This small but perfectly formed lake is perfect for relaxing next to or – for the more active – go on a horse ride, a bird safari or pay a visit to the natural warm spa that flows into the lake (at additional cost). Sunbird lodge provides you with comfortable and eco-friendly luxury in a wonderfully picturesque setting that is quiet and uninterrupted. The Lodge overlooks Lake Elementaita and has fabulous bird life. Each private bungalow is fitted with huge glass sliding doors with an impeccable view, large bed and huge shower. 

For dinner, the lodge’s chefs will prepare you a delicious meal in the intimate and romantic restaurant as you sit beside an open fire and look out over the lake as the sun sets

Lake Elementaita

Lake Elementaita is one of the famous soda ash lakes of the Great Rift Valley, and home to numerous flamingos and over 400 species of birds. This small but beautiful lake offers you the chance to relax or choose from a number of optional activities such as horse riding, bird viewing or a visit to the natural warm spa that flows into the lake.

Accommodation - Sunbird Lodge

Day 6: LAKE ELEMENTAITA / LAKE NAKURU NATIONAL PARK (B / L / D)

Today, after a hearty breakfast, you will set out on a full day’s game drive to Lake Nakuru National Park.  This beautiful and intimate park has a thriving mammal population which includes buffalos, baboons, impalas, Rothschild giraffe, bushbucks, waterbucks.  There are also giant python, and lions and leopards making the occasional appearance.

The area around Lake Nakuru Park has recently been widened to accommodate a rhino sanctuary - making it one of the largest concentrations in the country of these highly endangered species. Both white and black rhino can be seen here, and it is even possible to see them grazing along the lakes shores, often with their young in tow – a truly magical sight!!

You can chose to return to Sunbird Lodge for lunch and a relaxing afternoon, or to have lunch in the park at a superb picnic site overlooking the lake, followed by a continuation of the game drive before returning to Sunbird Lodge for another exceptional dinner and a good night’s sleep.

Accommodation - Sunbird Lodge 

Day 7: LAKE ELEMENTAITA - MASAI MARA NATIONAL RESERVE (B / L / D)

From Lake Elementaita, the adventure continues as we proceed to the world-renowned Masai Mara National Reserve - one of the most spectacular game reserves in Africa. An en-route game drive through the reserve will whet your appetite for the upcoming days. On arriving in the reserve, you will proceed to Mara Fig Tree Camp for the next 3 nights. Situated on a bend of the Mara river, the lodge is a fantastic place to observe the surrounding savannah and the pods of hippos in the river. The luxurious rooms blend into the landscape and have their own private balconies providing uninterrupted views. There is also a swimming pool in which to take a refreshing dip during the heat of the day.

Masai Mara is one of Africa’s greatest wildlife reserves. Acacia dotted plains, tree-lined rivers and woodlands are abundant with wildlife and an array of birdlife. Game viewing is spectacular year round; you may see a pride of lions stalking their prey, observe a herd of elephant and their fascinating social structure, or see pods of hippo wallowing in the rivers. The great wildebeest migration is one of nature’s wonders; an estimated two million animals migrate in a year-round pattern through Tanzania and Kenya, following the rain. Around July each year the huge herds begin dramatic river crossings and the grasslands of the Mara are covered by a mass of moving wildebeest, offering easy opportunity for crocodile and predators that are never far away. When in the Mara visit a traditional Maasai village or take a balloon safari at an extra cost.

Accommodation -Mara Fig Tree Camp

Day 8: MASAI MARA NATIONAL RESERVE (B / L / D)

Today, if you want to catch the animals at their most active, you will get up at sunrise. Fingers crossed, you may even spot a leopard, the most elusive of the Big 5. After your game drive breakfast is served overlooking the gardens and the park. Following this you can choose to spend the morning relaxing or else visit a local Masai village to get a better understanding of their culture and way of life. Following lunch, in the late afternoon, you will be offered the chance to go on a leisurely game drive. In the evening you can choose to spend a little longer in the park, perhaps finding a spot facing the sunset from which you can toast your Kenyan adventure.

At the lodge’s Masai inspired dining room, you can taste some traditional Kenyan dishes, such as Nyama Choma – a spread of roasted meats – and sample a selection of old and new world wines, as well as local beers.

Accommodation -Mara Fig Tree Camp

Day 9: MASAI MARA NATIONAL RESERVE (B / L / D)

The Masai Mara is the setting for the awe inspiring annual wildebeest migration, which has been described as ‘the greatest wildlife show on earth’. This breathtaking spectacle is shared with the renowned Serengeti National Park in Tanzania, with the animals moving in a circular motion following the rains.

The diversity of the Masai Mara scenery, including its meandering rivers, towering escarpments and rolling grasslands, provides the perfect habitat for the abundance of game, including the Big Five – lion, leopard, buffalo, elephant and black rhino – all of which can be found here. Depending on the time of year, today will involve a drive down to the river or across the plains in search of the scores of wildebeest who gather here at certain times of the year, or admiring the resident game which can be found all year round. Whatever the time of year, today is a wildlife safari extravaganza with an experienced and knowledgeable guide that you will never forget. Prepare to be amazed!

Accommodation -Mara Fig Tree Camp

Day 10: MASAI MARA NATIONAL RESERVE - NAIROBI (B)

Today you will be transferred back to Nairobi with a last photo opportunity on the escarpment of the Rift Valley which offers breathtaking landscapes. Your safari ends at the Jomo Kenyatta International airport. However if you would like a beach extension to our wonderful beaches this can be easily arranged. If you have time to kill before your evening flight,  there are some great excursions in Nairobi that you can book to make the most of your last afternoon in wonderful Kenya (at additional cost).

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