8 Days Mara, Bogoria, Baringo, Mt Kenya
DAY I
0730hours depart Nairobi drive through the former white highlands and down the escarpment into The Great Rift Valley. Arrive at the Mara in time for Lunch. Freshen up and proceed for an afternoon game drive. Evening dinner and overnight at the lodges.
DAY 2
Enjoy the entire day in the Masai Mara with early morning game drive, guided nature walk (at extra cost) and an afternoon game drive.
All the meals to be served at the lodges.
MAIN ATTRACTION
The amazing and most famous black manned male lions of Africa, Lots of Elephants, Buffalos, wildebeest in millions and if lucky, Rhino, leopard and cheetah.
ACOMMODATION
Governors camp, Kichwa Tembo, Little Governors, Mara Sopa lodge, Keekorok Lodge and or Budget camping.
DAY 3
Early morning game drives at the Mara. Return to the lodge for breakfast. Check out; depart for Nakuru via Mau Narok arriving in the Nakuru National Park in time for Lunch.
Lake Nakuru is a shallow alkaline lake famous for the millions of flamingoes.
MAIN ATTRACTION
It is also a popular place to encounter Leopards, Waterbuck and it is the home of the Rothschild’s Giraffe, Warthog, Impala Reedbuck and eland.
The lake Nakuru National park has Rhinos as its main attraction. It is a designated Rhino sanctuary.
Dinner and over night at the lodges.
ACCOMODATION
Lake Nakuru lodge/Sarova Lion Hill/Sunbird lodge/ Waterbuck Hotel/ Kunste and The Stem Hotel.
DAY 4
Early morning game drive and return for breakfast at the lodge.
Leisurely Depart Lake Nakuru National Park for Lake Baringo.
It is also famous and rich for its birdlife and hippos. Main activity is Boat excursions.
ACOMMODATION
Includes the Island camp/ Samatian Island/the Tamarind Garden/Soi Safari lodge/Lake Baringo club/Roberts camp/Westbay campsite.
You will have the opportunity to Visit the lake of hot spring and Geysers, Lake Bogoria.
Early morning boat rides on Lake Baringo returning to lodge/camp for leisure Breakfast.
Depart for Samburu which is a semi-arid area best known for it’s variety of game species including; the Reticulated Giraffe, Gravy’s Zebra and Gerenuk. Dinner shall be served in the lodge/camp.
DAY 5
An early morning game viewing drive and an afternoon one ensures you get the best of Samburu National.
MAIN ATTRACTION
The Samburu is a vast open Landscape including forests, rock outcroppings, thorn shrubs, red dirt and volcanic rock and dried riverbeds.
You might detect Africa’s rarest game including the long-necked Gerenuk, Somali Ostrich, and the shy Beisa Oryx and Reticulated giraffe.
It is common to view Crocodiles, Storks, Elephants and Leopards by the banks of the Ewaso Nyiro in the evenings.
Breakfast, Lunch and Dinner in the camp.
ACCOMMODATION
Includes the Samburu Serena Lodge/Buffalo Springs Lodge/Shaba Sarova Lodge and the Samburu Intrepid club.
DAY 6
An early morning game drives returning to camp for Breakfast.
Leisurely check out and proceed to the Mt Kenya National Park.
Mt Kenya National park has an aqua fresh mountain air, with glorious views, peace and tranquility. Mt. Kenya is the countries highest mountain sitting astride the Equator. It comprises of Bamboo jungle and Thick Mountain forests. The alpine zone with its gigantic vegetation, including the Giant Groundsel, towering some 18 feet in height, and finally the rock peaks perpetually clad in glaciers and snowfields.
MAIN ATTRACTION
Rhinos and the Elephants.
ACCOMMODATION
Includes Sweet Waters Tented camp/ Mount Kenya Safari Club/ Naro Moro River Lodge and mountain Lodge.
DAY 7.
After Breakfast, embark on a morning game drive in the Mt. Kenya National Park.
Return back to the lodge for lunch, later in the afternoon you will be transferred to the airstrip for your scheduled flight, Mt. Kenya – Mombasa. Upon arrival in Mombasa you will be transferred to your beach Hotel for your coastal holiday.
MOMBASA HIGHLIGHTS
The long stretch of clean white sand beaches and the blue warm water of the Indian Ocean along the East African Coast are a sight to behold. You may be able to go out for night swimming.
Beach holidays are also accompanied by activities like deep sea fishing, sand bathing, beach football, swimming scuba diving, snorkeling, and wind surfing and beach weddings.
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Aberdare – Samburu – Lake Baringo – Lake Nakuru – Masai Mara
8 Days/7 Nights Kenya Safari
Day 1
Mt. Kenya National Park/Aberdare National Park (Forest Tree Lodge)
Our adventure today begins with a lovely drive to Aberdare National Park. We stop for pictures along the way as we travel overland through plantations of coffee and tea to The Aberdare Country Club, nestled on the slopes of Mweiga Hill. After lunch and afternoon high tea, set off for the Ark tree lodge, located in the forest on mountain slopes of the Aberdare Mountains at 7,000 feet. This outstanding lodge offers high altitude game viewing, including animals that are rarely encountered elsewhere: giant forest hog, bush pig, tree hyrax, large spotted genet, and the elusive bongo.
Wildlife can be observed from different levels – and from outside where you can see, hear and smell everything and inside where you can sit with a cup of tea and stay warm and cozy. You can put in a request to be awakened during the night if your favorite animals show up. A herd of Elephants might be just feet away and if you are lucky, a Leopard or large male Lion might put in an appearance.
Overnight at the Ark Forest Lodge or Treetop Forest Lodge or the Serena Mountain Forest Lodge
Meal Plan {Lunch & Dinner}
Day 2
Forest Tree Lodge – Samburu Game Reserve
This morning we travel by road to Kenya’s northern frontier. Wild and rugged, Samburu is fiercely beautiful with its arid savannahs watered by the lovely Uaso Nyiro River. It is also one of Kenya’s most protected areas and home to species only found north of the equator, from the reticulated giraffe to Grevy’s zebras and Beisa Oryxes. We also enjoy Larsens Tented Camp or Samburu Intrepids Camp, our luxurious hostelry set beneath a canopy of acacia trees along the banks of the river.
Overnight at Larsens Tented Camp or Samburu Intrepids Camp or Samburu Serena Lodge
Meal Plan {Breakfast, Lunch & Dinner}
Day 3
Samburu Game Reserve
Dawn breaks in golden bands as 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. And so the day is spent in alternating pursuits of exploration in the bush and relaxation in our cozy Camp/Lodge.
Overnight at Larsens Tented Camp or Samburu Intrepids Camp or Samburu Serena Lodge
Meal Plan {Breakfast, Lunch & Dinner}
Day 4
Samburu – Lake Baringo
Drive across the Northern Frontier District to Lake Baringo, a fresh water Rift Valley lake, famous for its magnificent bird life. Lake Baringo is well known for two of its waters’ residents–Hippo and Crocodile. Hippos are seen in the lake on boat trips, and at Lakeside lodges and camps. They are seen also seen at night grazing the lawns.
Overnight at Lake Baringo Club or Lake Baringo Island Camp
Meal Plan {Breakfast, Lunch & Dinner}
Day 5
Lake Baringo – Lake Nakuru National Park
Today we travel to the exotic Lake Nakuru National Park located in the Great Rift Valley. After lunch an exciting game run is planned for the afternoon. The game in this Park is plentiful and the magnificent bird watching will make a devotee out of even the most reluctant. The Park is a home to stunning flocks of lesser and Greater Flamingos, which literally turn the lakeshores in to a magnificent pink stretch. The bird life here is world renown and over 400 bird’s species exist here, White Pelicans, Plovers, Egrets and Marabou Stork. It is also one of the very few places in Africa to see the White Rhino and rare Rothschild Giraffe.
Overnight at Lake Nakuru Lodge or Sarova Lion hill Lodge
Meal Plan {Breakfast, Lunch & Dinner}
Day 6
Lake Nakuru – Masai Mara Game Reserve
This morning we drive through the dramatic Great Rift Valley to the Masai Mara National Reserve. This enormous reserve is actually part of the vast Serengeti plains famously known for its spectacular great wildebeest’s migration and is home of the Big Five: Lion, Elephant, Leopard, Buffalo and Rhino. Lunch at our Lodge and relax before departing for the afternoon game run.
The Mara Game Reserve – one of the greatest wildernesses of the world. Large mammals are varied, and easy to see. Residents among the Park's are: Masai Giraffe, Buffalo, Eland and thousand of plain game including Impala, Zebra, Topi, both Thomson's and grants Gazelles.
Overnight at Sarova Tented Camp or Siana Tented Camp or Mara Simba Lodge
Meal Plan {Breakfast, Lunch & Dinner}
Day 7
Discover Masai Mara
The search for great predators and perhaps even cubs continues today during extensive game runs. On the plains are enormous herds of grazing animals plus the elusive cheetah and leopard hiding amidst acacia boughs. During our stay we also have an optional opportunity to visit a village of the Masai people to witness the singing and dancing that are part of their daily lives and sacred rituals. A glimpse into their homes and social structure is a poignant experience.
Overnight at Sarova Tented Camp or Siana Tented Camp or Mara Simba Lodge
Meal Plan {Breakfast, Lunch & Dinner}
Day 8
Masai Mara – Nairobi
Morning game drive to savour the beauty of the park, return to lodge for breakfast. After, depart for Nairobi by road arriving in the afternoon.
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If you want to see the 'big five' in one morning, Masai Mara in western Kenya is the place to be. During the dry
season from July to October the wildlife spectacle is unparalleled. Nowhere else can you watch the annual migration of over a million wildebeest from a hot-air balloon. The 'Mara' is as close to "Out of Africa" as you can get.
What to See and Do in the Masai Mara
The reserve is situated in the Rift Valley with Tanzania's Serengeti Plains running along its southern end. The Mara River runs through the reserve (north to south) hosting plenty of hippos and crocodiles and making the annual migration of over a million wildebeest and hundreds of thousands of zebras an extremely dangerous undertaking.
Most of the Masai Mara is made up of hilly grassland which is fed by plentiful rain, especially during the wet months between November and June. The areas bordering the Mara river are forested and are home to over several hundred bird species. This map will help orient you.
Masai Mara's Wildlife
The Masai Mara reserve is Kenya's most popular game park because it's relatively small (a little smaller than Rhode Island) yet it hosts an amazing concentration of wildlife. You are almost guaranteed to see the Big 5. Lions abound throughout the park as do leopards, cheetah, hyenas, giraffe, impala, wildebeest, topi, baboons, warthogs, buffalo, zebra, elephants, and of course hippos and crocodiles in the Mara River.
The best time to go is between July and October when the wildebeest and zebra are at their highest number and offer plenty of food for lions, cheetahs, and leopards. The best time to view animals is either at dawn or dusk. For more tips on spotting wildlife see my tips for a successful safari.
Because the reserve has no fences you can actually see as much wildlife within its boundaries as outside in the areas inhabited by the Maasai tribes. Some of these areas are also not so crowded. Within the reserve, it's not unusual to see 5 or 6 safari vehicles full of tourists taking photos of one lion with its kill.
For more details about the mammals and birdlife in the reserve see Kenyaology's page about the Mara's wildlife
Things to Do in and around the Masai Mara Reserve
Game Drives. If you have flown straight to the Masai Mara Reserve then your safari package will usually include several daily game drives. If you've rented your own vehicle then it is recommended you find a map of the reserve or take an askari (guard) with you.
Walking Safaris. If you enjoy a little adventure try a walking safari with a Maasai guide. The best ones are outside the reserve boundaries.
Cultural Tours with the Maasai. Visiting a traditional Maasai village or enkang is frequently included in a safari package to the Masai Mara. While not really an authentic experience you may learn something about the Maasai. You can also take some excellent cultural tours to learn more about the Maasai.
Hot Air Ballooning is a popular pastime that provides an expensive but unique experience. Every lodge and camp will be able to set up a flight for you. The balloons usually fly at dawn and last about an hour. Upon landing most balloon companies offer a champagne breakfast.
How to get to the Masai Mara
The Masai Mara Reserve lies 168 miles from the capital city of Nairobi. The trip takes at least 6 hours by car because the roads are quite poor and should not be attempted unless you have a 4WD vehicle. If you do plan to drive, avoid the rainy season since many of the roads become totally impassable. For further information on road routes see Kenyaology's very comprehensive guide to driving to the Masai Mara Reserve.
Many tourist choose to fly into the Masai Mara National Reserve because of the poor quality roads. But flying makes your safari quite a bit more expensive (since you have to then add the game drives to your tour) and you miss out on some of the adventure of traveling in one of Africa's more remote areas.
Many safari packages include air but you can also purchase a ticket locally. Kenya Airways offers two scheduled flights a day from Wilson Airport; the flight takes 45 minutes.
Park Entry Fees
In 2005/6 the entry fee for the Masai Mara Reserve was $30 per adult and $10 per student and child per day. If you don't enter the Reserve and view the wildlife from outside you may still get charged a fee for staying on Maasai land by Maasai tribesmen.
If you want to see the 'big five' in one morning, Masai Mara in western Kenya is the place to be. During the dry season from July to October the wildlife spectacle is unparalleled. Nowhere else can you watch the annual migration of over a million wildebeest from a hot-air balloon. The 'Mara' is as close to "Out of Africa" as you can get.
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In slightly over 100 years, Nairobi, Kenya’s capital city has grown from a tented encampment in a black cotton swamp to one of Africa’s major holiday and business centre. attracting world attention due to the rich game in the area, becoming the centre of big game safaris for the rich and famous. While in Kenya, you can opt to do the following excursions within Nairobi city or some safari programmes that are set. You can also tailor your own for us to arrange.
CITY TOUR - Driven or Walking
The tour covers the modern city centre, the colourful market, Parliament, the Railway Museum and the renowned National Museum where there are spellbinding displays of nearly man, tribal regalia and flora and fauna of Kenya. A visit to the adjacent snake park is also included. The tour returns to the city centre in time for lunch.
KAREN BLIXEN AND GIRAFFE CENTER
Drive towards the Ngong Hills and pass the Ngong village to the Karen Blixen Museum, for many years, her home, author of Out of Africa, lived between 1914 and 1931. Later proceed to the Giraffe Centre to see and feed the famous Rothschild Giraffe and her family
CARNIVORE EXPERIENCE - Daily for Lunch or Dinner
(If you haven't been to the Carnivore you haven't been to Nairobi)
A spectacular roast meat feast with the finest selection of vension, meats and poultry. As much as you can eat. Guaranteed daily at 12.30 pm and 7.00pm. We recommend a dinner or lunch at the Carnivore, which is famous for the succulent stew and barbecue dishes of game meat as an excellent compliment to a holiday in Kenya; especially as an excellent welcome, or farewell dinner.
BOMAS OF KENYA
You will be treated to a rich traditional music and dance show at this cultural center. Bomas of Kenya is only ten kilometres from the city center.
DAVID SHELDRICK WILDLIFE TRUST AND ANIMAL ORPHANAGE
The unique wildlife sanctuary is just a few kilometres from Nairobi's bustling city centre but despite its proximity over 50 species of mammals can be found there, including four of the Big Five. The tour also includes a visit to the animal orphanage at the park gate. The tour returns to the city centre by sundown.The trust was established shortly after the death of David Sheldrick in 1977. David and his wife Daphne pioneered techniques or raising orphaned black rhinos and elephants and reintroducing them back into the wild.
KIAMBU CAVES - Half or Full Day
Leave the madness of the concrete jungle Nairobi city and drive to the largest picnic site in Kenya (54 Acres). This is the home of 2.5 million years old stone age caves, trees thought to be hundred of years old while the river reeds have stories to tell. We have nature trails which lead to a silver cut water full (about 10 m long). Activities include feeding the maasai ostrich, watching birds, about 82 different species have been recorded. Tour of the 600 acres of coffee, horse riding, riding the "ship of the desert-camel". Also fishing for black Bass Tilapia and boat riding
SAFARI PARK - NYAMA CHOMA RANCH
Nairobi's finest African Restaurant. At Nyama Choma Ranch you can enjoy tender and succulent cuts of fresh domestic and game meat, barbecued in the true African way. The famous Safaris Cats and acrobats entertain you as you dine. Every evening there is an extraordinary performance.
NAIROBI NATIONAL PARK
The unique wildlife sanctuary is just a few kilometres from Nairobi's bustling city centre but despite its proximity over 50 species of mammals can be found there, including four of the Big Five. The tour also includes a visit to the animal orphanage at the park gate. The tour returns to the city centre by sundown.
GOLF DAY OUT
While in Kenya you can keep up to touch with your Golf! You will be picked from you hotel. We have a number of Golf courses you can chose from, namely, Windsor, Royal, Railway, Muthaiga, Golf park. .Make your pick, settle on your set of clubs, your partners, pay your green fees/ hire charges, proceed with you game. There after drop off at your hotel.
BUTTERFLY EDUCATIONAL CENTRE
Its a place where something new is to be learnt every visit live butterfly house. Flying house resplendent with Kenyan butterflies. The caterpillar cave offers one of the most delicious meals you are likely to find in a Nairobi shop. You can also get the most amazing butterfly memorabilia
NATIONAL MUSEUMS OF KENYA
Right in the city, the museums of Kenya is replete with details of Kenya’s history, folklore, tribal customs and wildlife and also features the world’s renowned exhibits on pre-historic man and the Leakey family’s discoveries. Other historic and exhibition venues are Daphne Sheldrick Orphanage and the Nairobi National Park.
FOR ONLY USD 400 PER PERSON
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