Kenyan Safari

Overview

Track Africa’s most thrilling animals, including the ‘Big Five’, as you head off on safari across the vast savannahs of Samburu National Reserve and the Masai Mara. You’ll also soak up the scenery around beautiful Lake Naivasha and relax in lodges where you’re surrounded by wildlife and luxury.

Tour Duration: 9 days

Tour Highlights:

  • Nairobi
  • Aberdare
  • Samburu
  • Lake Naivasha
  • Masai Mara
Itinerary

Day 1: Depart on your overnight flight to Nairobi today.

Day 2: You will arrive in Nairobi this morning and travel by road through this bustling city and out into the peace of the Great Rift Valley. Your journey takes you to the Aberdare Highlands, where you will check into your hotel in time for lunch. Formerly the residence of an English couple, it has a lovely homely feel. During the afternoon perhaps enjoy a stroll amongst the gardens, laze by the pool or join one of the many optional activities available including nature treks.

  

Day 3: This morning you’ll head to the Samburu district, where you’ll stay for two nights in a lodge close to Samburu National Reserve.  After lunch you’ll embark on your first included game drive. As you journey through the open savannah, spot the wildlife that has been drawn to Samburu by the Uaso Nyiro River, which cuts through it. The park is renowned for rare species including the long-necked gerenuk and the Grevy’s zebra. Other wildlife resident here are lion, elephant, cheetah, giraffe and hippo, as well as a huge population of Nile crocodile and more than 350 species of bird. Before returning to the lodge you’ll make a stop in the bush, where you can enjoy drinks and nibbles as you watch the sun set over the savannah.

Day 4: There’s an early start today as we include a morning game drive. Take lunch back at the lodge before an afternoon at leisure. You’ve plenty of time to soak up the sun round the pool or watch for animals in the river from the viewing deck before enjoying a further included late-afternoon game drive.

  

Day 5: You’ll leave Samburu this morning, and head to Lake Naivasha. Your overnight lodge is situated on the banks of the lake and its grounds are visited by many species of wildlife – keep your eyes peeled for colobus monkeys in the treetops, their distinctive black and white coats making them easy to spot. Spend the afternoon admiring the views from your private balcony, settle by the pool or take a stroll in the company of your Local Guide.

Day 6: We’ve arranged an early start this morning, but it’s well worth it as you journey into the famous Masai Mara National Reserve. This is home to an enthralling array of wildlife including the ‘Big Five’ – lion, leopard, elephant, rhino and buffalo – and each year is the setting for the great migration, when thousands of wildebeest and zebra cross the Mara River to the greener pastures of the Serengeti. You’ll arrive at the Ashnil Mara Tented Camp in time for lunch. Settle into your luxury tent then join your Local Guide on a game drive. This evening you can enjoy drinks round the bar’s roaring fire before dinner is served in the restaurant. Overlooking the Mara River, this is a wonderful vantage point from which to see and hear a large, and vocal, population of hippos.

  

Day 7: Sunrise is a great time to catch sight of wild animals, so you’ll start the day with an early-morning game drive. Afterwards there’s a truly magical experience – breakfast served al fresco out in the bush. You can spend the rest of the morning relaxing at your lodge before enjoying lunch and another included game drive this afternoon.

Day 8: After breakfast it’s time to journey back to Nairobi, notching up more wildlife spots as you travel through the reserve. The long drive will also reward you with snapshots of daily life in Kenya as you pass through Masai villages and shanty towns – be sure to return the waves and smiles of children making their long treks to school. On arrival, lunch is included before you transfer to your overnight hotel.

Day 9: This morning you’ll transfer to the airport for your flight back to the UK.

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