Start with a drive through central Kenya to the lower slopes of Mt. Kenya and foothills of Aberdares. Proceed further north across the equator to the rugged landscapes of Samburu National Reserve, home to rarely found species, then down to the floor of the Great Rift Valley to – Lake Nakuru National Park, on to Masai Mara Reserve, where you will have the best opportunity of spotting the “Big Five”, Lake Naivasha and crown your tour in Amboseli national park on the foot of Mt. Kilimanjaro.
• You’ll be collected from the airport (or hotel).
• Accommodation before the tour departs can be arranged for an extra cost.
Day 1: Nairobi / Olpejeta
Depart Nairobi and proceed north, driving through lush tea and coffee estates to Ol Pejeta Conservancy and its sumptuous ranch were once the private domain of famed multi-millionaire, Adnan Kashoggi. Visit the Chimpanzee Sanctuary, a charming haven established by the Jane Goodall Institute to provide sanctuary to orphaned chimps, and the specially protected and fenced refuge of black rhino with its stunning forty specimens!
In fact Sweetwaters boasts excellent game viewing with the highest ratio of game to area of any park or reserve in Kenya. In addition to the chimps and the black rhinos, you will have a chance to view an amazing variety of wildlife such as zebra, lion, leopard, thomson’s gazelle, grant’s gazelle, oryx, eland, baboon, elephant and various species of birds.
Ol Pejeta Conservancy is a 364sq km wildlife conservancy situated between the foothills of Mount Kenya and the Aberdares and its game-to-area ratio tops the Kenyan park and reserve league. The Ol Pejeta Conservancy in Kenya has over 10000 large mammals and it is the only park where the big 5 and chimpanzees can be seen. It is also where the fastest growing population of rhino in Africa can be found. There are southern white rhino, about 80 endangered black rhino and in a special sanctuary there are two of the world’s last remaining northern white rhino.
Safari by vehicle is not the only option at Ol Pejeta. Safari game walks, horse rides and even camel rides are available, as are safari night drives. Since being established in 1988 Ol Pejeta has had a colorful list of previous owners including Lord Delamere, an early and influential settler from Britain, shipping tycoon Aristotle Onassis’ father Roussel and the arms dealer Adnan Khashoggi. It was set up originally as a cattle ranch but herds of migrating elephant regularly destroyed the fenced enclosures making intensive cattle farming impracticable hence Cattle still plays a role in Ol Pejeta today but as a managed livestock within the conservancy and is used to maximise the bio-diversity of the land making Ol Pejeta an integrated wildlife and livestock area
All meals and Overnight at Sweetwaters Serena Tented Camp or Similar.
Main Destination:Ol Pejeta Conservancy (Laikipia Plateau)
Accommodation:Sweetwaters Tented Camp
Day 2: Olpejeta / Samburu game reserve
After breakfast, depart for samburu game reserve, Wild and rugged, Samburu is fiercely beautiful with its arid savannahs watered by the lovely Uaso Nyiro River. Samburu is renowned for its rare species of fauna known as the ‘Samburu five’. These five particular animals are usually only found north of the equator – the long necked gerenuk a remarkable-antelope which spends much of its time on its hind legs searching for succulent leaves.
The Grevy’s zebra which is smaller than the common zebra and looks more like a horse, the beisa oryx with black horizontal stripe running across its lower flank and the Somali ostrich males which have blue-grey necks and thighs.
A lunch is served on arrival then proceeds to look for these animals on an afternoon Game Drive. A variety of other animals can also be found. Avid bird watchers will find the reserve very attractive for bird viewing. There is plenty to attract wildlife from the surrounding savannah plains. The reserve is rich in wildlife with an abundance of rare northern specialist species such as the Grevy’s zebra, Somali ostrich, reticulated giraffe, gerenuk and the beisa oryx (also referred to as Samburu Special Five).
The reserve is also home to elephants and large predators such as the lion, leopard and cheetah. Kamunyak the miracle lioness that adopted the baby oryx was as a resident in the reserve. Wild dog sightings are also a common attraction to this unique protected area. Bird-life is abundant with over 450 species recorded.
A camel back safari is also a specialty in Samburu as well as a cultural visit to the Samburu people.
Main Destination: Samburu National Reserve
Accommodation: Ashnil Samburu Camp
• Luxury tented camp located inside Samburu NR
Day 3: Samburu
Today we start our day in the bush by scanning the river from our tent’s veranda with a cup of steaming coffee in hand. Before the dew is off the grass, we’re off in pursuit of the elephants, lions, leopards, and cheetahs that thrive in the reserve’s grasslands and acacia woodlands. Return to the camp for lunch, and then proceed to look for these animals on an afternoon Game Drive. A variety of other animals can also be found. These include lion, elephant, leopard, dik-dik, mongoose, waterbuck, impala, baboon, cheetah and monkey. Wild dog sightings are also a common attraction to this unique protected area. Bird-life is abundant with over 450 species recorded. Birds of the arid northern bush country are augmented by a number of riverine forest species. Lesser Kestrel and the Taita Falcon are species of global conservation concern and they both utilize the reserve. Five species categorized as vulnerable have recorded in the reserve. These are African Darter, Great Egret, White-headed Vulture, Martial Eagle and the Yellow-billed Ox-pecker. Critically endangered species under CITIES – Pancake tortoise (malacochersus tornieri) is found in the reserve.
And so the day is spent in alternating pursuits of exploration in the bush and relaxation in our cozy camp/ Lodge.
Main Destination:Samburu National Reserve
Accommodation:Ashnil Samburu Camp
• Luxury tented camp located inside Samburu NR
Day 4: Samburu / Lake Nakuru
After breakfast, depart Lake Nakuru National Park to arrive for lunch and afternoon game viewing. This park was home to millions of Flamingoes (greater and lesser), the fish eating pelicans as well as over 450 other species of birds. It is also a good location for game viewing of the white rhino, the lion, the waterbuck, leopard, the endangered Rothschild Giraffe and antelopes among other 56 different species of mammals. Proceed to Lake Nakuru lodge for lunch and later on return to the park for your afternoon game viewing game drive.
However, now it is home to the white rhino and Rothschild giraffe, besides the herbivores like buck and antelope. Leopard can also be seen in this park. The vegetation is of the drier type. The flat-topped acacia and the candelabra cactus are a feature of the landscape. Lake Nakuru National Park also offers sanctuary to huge numbers of native African animals including waterbucks, warthogs, impalas, buffalo, Rothschild giraffes, elands, endangered black rhinos, white rhinos and, occasionally, leopards. A large herd of hippos have a territory in the northern part of the lake, making for interesting game viewing
The park has three famous viewpoints from where you can get a picturesque aerial view Lake Nakuru landscape i.e. Lion Hill, Baboon cliff and Out of Africa Hills (Enasoit, Lion Hill ridge etc. Our naturalist driver guide will also take you through the 550 different plant species in the park including the unique and biggest euphorbia forest in Africa. Lunch at the lodge. As the sun sets, return back to the lodge for dinner and overnight.
Main Destination:Lake Nakuru National Park
Accommodation: Sarova Lion Hill Game Lodge
• Luxury lodge located inside Lake Nakuru NP
Day 5: Lake Nakuru / Masai Mara
After breakfast drive to Masai mara via Narok town, drive across the plains to the camp or lodge. Check in at the lodge or camp for lunch. The meals are buffet, enjoyed either in the dining or under the shade of indigenous trees, have a few minutes relaxing and enjoying the surrounding before you depart for an afternoon game drives in search of the Big 5 among other Wild game. Masai mara is named after the traditional inhabitants (Masai) and the Mara River. It offers absolutely unique variety of animals, reason being that this hilly region is both humid and fertile and is crossed by Mara and Talek rivers full of crocodiles and hippos. The abundance of water and excellent availability of food are the reasons masai mara has greatest population of wild animals in the whole of Africa. There is a particularly dramatic spectacle from July to October, the annual migration of huge herds of Gnus and Zebras, predators such as Hyenas, Jackals, Leopards and Lions closely follow these herds. During your stay in masai you will be driven by the river which is a great place to spot wildlife. This area is a photographer delight where with any luck you will be able to take amazing pictures of the hippos and crocodiles in the water. The small size funnels animals into a tight space; park rules allows for off road driving which means that guests can venture into plains with hundreds and thousands of animals.
Main Destination:Masai Mara National Reserve
Accommodation:Mara Serena Safari Lodge
• Luxury lodge located inside Masai Mara NR
Day 6: Masai mara
After breakfast, full day game viewing in Masai Mara Game Reserve which offers wonderful scenery and plenty of game. It is perhaps the only region left in Kenya where a visitor may see animals in the same super abundance as existed a century ago. Explore this part of the Northern Serengeti Ecosystem where the great wildebeest migration takes place. The plain is literally covered with these animals. Grunts and other animal sounds are heard, and territorial fights are commonplace. The migration, now declared the Seventh Wonder of the World takes place from end July to September
Soak in the abundance of untamed wilderness, fresh and natural scenery, filled with exotic wildlife during our expertly guided game drives enjoyed in open vehicles. For those interested in a more intimate encounter, we contact a safe and exciting walking safari where you will have a chance to come face to face with nature’s beauty both in Flaura and Fauna. The afternoon is spent on a game drive in search of the black manned lions which the park is famous. Lion making a kill can be witnessed in the late afternoon or a leopard in a tree enjoying the meal he has dragged up to avoid disturbance and detection. This reserve has hilly savanna, rolling grasslands, gallery forest on the Mara River and its tributaries. The ‘big five’ are positively represented here. The large predators are the lion, leopard and cheetah. The smaller predators are the hyena and jackal. The large herbivores are the elephant, rhino, Burchell’s zebra, hippo, buffalo and giraffe. The smaller herbivores are the antelope and bucks.The Maasai ostrich, the world’s largest bird is found in the park. Given a safari, you may have an opportunity to experience some of these. No two days are alike and you can never predict what new discoveries await. But one thing we can predict that you will be overwhelmed by the beautiful landscapes, colorful people and abundance and variety of wildlife encountered. All meals and overnight at the camp or lodge.
Main Destination:Masai Mara National Reserve
Accommodation:Mara Serena Safari Lodge
• Luxury lodge located inside Masai Mara NR
Day 7: Masai mara
After breakfast, full day game viewing in masai mara which offers absolutely unique variety of animals. As Lion proudly surveys his kingdom in his majestic glory, elephant on the other leisurely chews on succulent tree branches, his family close by. Not too far ahead, Buffalo and his comrades graze on the lush plains as the lonesome and ill-tempered Rhino stomps along in solitude. And finally the elusive leopard lounging above the ground on lofty tree branch, on the look out of the next meal. Together they for the Big 5, known as such not for their size, but for the difficulty they presented hunters who tried to capture them. And this is their home “The Masai mara” –Kenya’s finest game reserve –with gentle rolling grasslands teeming with a plethora of animals and bird life. See the Thompsons and Grant Gazelles, Topi, Eland, Zebra, Waterbuck, Giraffe, Hippo, wild beast, warthog, Crocodiles, Ostrich, Vultures among others and over 450 birds species, with over 50 birds of prey.
Main Destination: Masai Mara National Reserve
Accommodation: Mara Serena Safari Lodge
• Luxury lodge located inside Masai Mara NR
Day 8: Masai mara / Lake Naivasha
After breakfast, drive to the Lake Naivasha in the Great Rift Valley to arrive for lunch and afternoon optional activities and adventure. Visit to Hells gate national park famous for its geothermal station, Gorges and spectacular sceneries (cliffs, volcanoes). The park is characterized by diverse topography and geological scenery. Hells gate national park is home to a profusion of plain game and bird life. Walking is permitted making it ideal for biking, hiking and rock climbing. The lake is almost 13kms across, but its waters are shallow with an average depth of five meters. Much of the lake is surrounded by forests of the yellow barked Acacia, known as the yellow fever tree. These forests abound with bird life, and Naivasha is known as a world class birding. a visit to Hell’s Gate National Park, characterized by diverse topography and geological scenery. The park is home to a profusion of plains game and birdlife. Walking is permitted, making it ideal for hiking, biking, and rock climbing. Lake Naivasha is a beautiful freshwater lake, fringed by thick papyrus. The lake is almost 13kms across, but its waters are shallow with an average depth of five meters. Afternoon wind and storms can cause the Lake to become suddenly rough and produce high waves. Much of the lake is surrounded by forests of the yellow barked Acacia Xanthophlea, known as the yellow fever tree. These forests abound with bird life, and Naivasha is known as a world class birding. The waters of the lake draw a great range of game to these shores. Giraffes wander among the acacia, Buffalo wallow in the swamps and Columbus monkeys call from the treetops while the Lakes large hippo population sleeps the day out in the shallows.
Optional Excursions:
• 1 hour boat ride ————For USD 20 Per Person
• 1 Hour Boat ride and 2 hours walking safari on Crescent Island Sanctuary for USD 50 Per Person
• Walking /biking safari at Hells gate national park For USD 60 Per Person
Main Destination: Lake Naivasha
Accommodation: Enashipai Resort & Spa
• Luxury lodge located in or near Lake Naivasha
Day 9: Lake Naivasha / Amboseli
After breakfast, check out and drive to Amboseli national park; via Nairobi. Amboseli National Park is Kenya’s first established Game Park in the word ‘Amboseli’ is the Masai word for “salt dust”. It is situated on the foot of Mt. Kilimanjaro very close to the Tanzanian border. With the majestic backdrop of Mt. Kilimanjaro, spectacular displays of wildlife (lion, elephant, leopard, rhino, cheetah, and buffalo) and various plains’ game, postcard perfect pictures are almost always guaranteed. It has a mixed topography of plains, acacia woodland, rocky thorn bush, swamps and marshes
This diversity, along with a long dry season, ensures excellent viewing of the large concentrations of African animals living in this natural habitat. Amboseli National Park offers a unique and breathtaking backdrop for viewing Africa’s animals. It also has a dry Pleistocene lake basin that houses a temporary lake, Lake Amboseli, after the rains. The waters from Mt. Kilimanjaro drain down the mountain under lava flows and surface in Amboseli, creating a green belt of swampland amidst dusty plains. Amboseli lacks the profusion of animal species found in the Mara, but the landscape provides limited cover so we have better chances of seeing some of the larger predators. Elephant, buffaloes, lions, gazelles, cheetahs, wildebeest, hyenas, jackals, warthogs, Masai Giraffes, zebra, baboon, and waterbuck are all present in the park. the game Proceeds to the area of Lake Amboseli, which is a wide salt pan, consisting of permanent swamps. This area has much game, large and small, high concentration of Elephant, rhino, buffalo, Burchell’s zebra, eland, Masai giraffe and small species of the antelope family, the common water buck, klipspringer, Grant’s gazelle, impala, topi, and the diminutive duiker among others. Amboseli offers some of the best opportunities to see African animals because its vegetation is sparse due to the long dry months. Amboseli National Park is home to wild animals, which include the African elephant, buffalo, impala, lion, cheetah, hyena, giraffes, zebra, and wildebeest among other African animals. There is also a host of Kenya birds, both large and small, to see if you keep your eyes open and stop at every sighting.
Visit Observation Hill, which overlooks the park, swamps and, of course, the herds of free-roaming elephants.
Meet the Maasai people and learn about the Maasai culture and their indigenous lifestyle. Return to the camp for dinner and overnight.
Main Destination:Amboseli National Park
Accommodation: Amboseli Serena Safari Lodge
Luxury lodge located inside Amboseli NP
Day 10: Amboseli / Nairobi
We leave early morning for game drive, when Mt. Kilimanjaro usually appears from its mantle of clouds, morning and afternoon game viewing in Amboseli, the game Proceeds to the area of Lake Amboseli, which is a wide salt pan, consisting of permanent swamps. This area has much game, large and small, high concentration of Elephant, rhino, buffalo, Burchell’s zebra, eland, Masai giraffe and small species of the antelope family, the common water buck, klipspringer, Grant’s gazelle, impala, topi, and the diminutive duiker among other. The tour retuns to Nairobi arriving late afternoon, drop off at your hotel or transfer to the airport for your flight back home.
Main Destination: Nairobi
Accommodation: No accommodation (End of tour)
Meals & Drinks:
• Breakfast (Lunch & dinner not included)
• Drinking water (Other drinks not included)
• Additional accommodation can be arranged for an extra cost.
• You’ll be dropped off at the airport (or hotel).
Included
• Park fees (For non-residents)
• All activities (Unless labeled as optional)
• All accommodation (Unless listed as upgrade)
• A professional driver/guide
• All transportation (Unless labeled as optional)
• All Taxes/VAT
• Roundtrip airport transfer
• Meals (As specified in the day-by-day section)
• Drinking water (On all days)
Excluded
• International flights (From/to home)
• Additional accommodation before and at the end of the tour
• Tips (Tipping guideline US$10.00 pp per day)
• Personal items (Souvenirs, travel insurance, visa fees, etc.)
• Government imposed increase of taxes and/or park fees
• Some meals (As specified in the day-by-day section)