Overview
Nairobi/ Samburu/ Lake Nakuru/ Masai Mara/ lake Naivasha/ Amboseli /Nairobi or Mombasa
An incredible safari adventure of a lifetime enabling our guests to sample Kenya’s great and extra ordinary safari destinations endowed with outstanding landscapes, varied scenery of amazing natural beauty, soul stirring cultural encounters and endless sensational game viewing experiences. In the 10 days, we shall book you in 5 different wilderness lodges and camps, explore 4 amazing national parks and visit 2 lakes. This will ensure that you experience nature up close on this wildlife focused safari while staying at superb and perfectly selected accommodations, meeting hospitable people and observing interesting cultures.
Participants will thrill to the sight of the “special 5” in Samburu; a fiercely beautiful place of stunning landscapes dotted with semi-arid bush shrubs, dry savannah woodland and tall African wild palms lining the Ewaso Ngiro riverine. This is the rugged paradise off the beaten track. You will Sample countless herbivores and watch an array of birdlife while witnessing the best sunsets on the horizons.
Our adventure then proceeds on to Lake Nakuru National Park, driving through a variety of landscapes and enjoying stunning views of Mount Kenya; Africa’s second tallest mountain and also the Aberdare ranges. We then across the Equator to finally discover the Park set on the floor of the great escarpment. A unique park with a fascinating number of wildlife and birds, we visit the park’s shallow alkaline lake to see a brilliant flamboyance of pink flamingos, explore the park’s dense yellow acacia forest looking for the unique Rothschild Giraffe, prospect to see a good number of both black and white Rhinos, tree climbing lions, Buffalos, Elands, Zebras, waterbucks and more. This park is recognized as an important bird area {IBA} for it’s over 450 species of birds.
Masai Mara national reserve, the ultimate and undisputed game arena awaits you; here coming face to face with the “Big 5 of Africa” is an almost sure guarantee, you will have longer and interesting game drives, witnessing big predator activities as they pursue their prey and if the season is right, you shall follow the greatest yet phenomenal show on earth,“ the annual wildebeest migration”. The consistent flat and open savannah grasslands of the Mara lends itself as an excellent game spotting arena, creating magical experiences for every guest. Opt to float over the Mara plains on a classical early morning adventure aboard a hot air balloon and sample a champagne breakfast set in the middle of the wilderness. Venture through the game reserve on scheduled game drives and visit local Masai traditional communities living on the edges of the Mara. Enjoy great accommodation and meals in superb game lodges and tented camps.
Our last part of this safari heads to Amboseli National Park with an overnight stop at the “happy valley”- Lake Naivasha, once famed as a leisure destination for the affluent white settler farmers. Now this beautiful location is perfect for relaxation, taking motorized boat excursions around its fresh water Lake that is rich in birdlife, taking guided nature walks at the impressive Crescent Island and enjoying bike excursions at Hell’s gate National Park.
Amboseli National Park situated in the southern part of Kenya and neighboring Tanzania is known for its large herds of elephants, often seen moving in a parade of caravans on their way to forage and bathe. The Parks abounds with quite a huge variety of animals and birds closely monitored from the several natural swamps dotting this park. The magnificent views of Mount Kilimanjaro from Amboseli is incredible and breathtaking. Guests here truly enjoy remarkable moments getting close to free ranging elephants and capturing amazing photographs of Mount Kilimanjaro peaks.
GOOD TO KNOW.
- Private tour based on full board accommodation.
- The tour is organized specifically for you. You will not share the safari vehicle with others who are not part of your family or group.
- Features transportation in a 4×4 safari Landcruiser or a safari minivan.
- Accommodation is in carefully selected safari camps and lodges.
- Featured lodges and camps on the itinerary could change as per availability, in such a case, a similar category accommodation will be substituted.
- Some hotels, camps and lodges will need to see and make photocopies of your passports.
- Bring warm and comfortable clothing, a flash light and personal meds.
- Breakfast is the only meal included on the last day of safari.
- Optional and extra activities not included on the cost will be paid directly to the service providers. Our guide will offer a no obligation guideline on this options.
- This itinerary can be adjusted or fine-tuned to meet your requirements and preferences.
Day 1:
Nairobi-Samburu National reserve.
We have an early morning start from the Airport or from your hotel residence, heading north, we transverse through lush and fertile central highlands dotted with rich farmlands of coffee and food crops, majestic views of Mount Kenya and the Aberdare ranges dominate this route. We shall be crossing the Equator line and also take scheduled breaks for refreshments before arriving Samburu in good time for Lunch. Samburu reserve is a beautiful expanse comprising a semi- arid countryside of dry grasslands, thorn trees, acacia bushes and a riverine forest vegetation. It has its own special Big 5;- This includes the Grevys Zebra, Somali Ostrich, Reticulated Giraffe, Gerenuk and the Beisa Oryx, they are also referred to as the “Samburu Special” in a nutshell Samburu hosts 75 diverse animal and 450 bird species. We embark on an afternoon game drive until sunset when we return to Lodge or camp for dinner and overnight.
Day 2:
Samburu National reserve full day exploration.
A full day in Samburu national reserve with an early morning and afternoon game
drives or an option for a longer day with picnic lunches. This day will enable you to track some of the animals that are only adapted to this region including the Somali ostrich, Reticulated giraffe, Beisa oryx, Grevy’s zebra, the gerenuk and the vulturine guinea fowl.
A variety of birdlife is also found here for the avid bird watcher is mesmerized by its 450 species that includes coveted endemic and arid specialists. Samburu is also host to 3 of the African big cats the Lion, Leopard and the cheetah. The rugged hills and rocky escarpments form a beautiful backdrop of this reserve. During the midmorning, opt to visit the colourful samburu nomadic people for a presentation of their rich culture and history.
Dinner and overnight in a Samburu Lodge or camp{FB}.
Day 3:
Samburu-Lake Nakuru National Park.
Depart after breakfast for a scenic drive to the Lake Nakuru National Park arriving in good time for Lunch. The park is set on the floor of the Great Rift Valley and was once famous for it’s huge population of flamingos whose numbers has been on the decline. Check in and proceed straight to have lunch. Part of the afternoon will be at leisure familiarizing and enjoying the lodge facilities. At 16:00hrs, we embark on our first afternoon game drive until sunset. Lake Nakuru is still a popular bird watchers paradise hosting a wide variety of bird speceis which includes flamingos, pelicans, fish eagles, Cormorants, storks and a number of other water birds found easily in the park’s shallow alkaline Lake. Lions, Hyena, Leopard and cheetah are the main predators while Rhinos (White and Black), Buffalos, the rare Rothschild Giraffe, zebras, bushbucks, Elands and countless of other herbivores are also residents of this park. All meals and Overnight at a Lake Nakuru Lodge or camp {FB }.
Day 4:
Lake Nakuru national Park full day exploration.
We embark on an early morning and early afternoon game drives at Lake Nakuru National Park, creating time for a proper buffet breakfast and a hot lunch. A free midmorning can be spent relaxing by the pool or shopping. Despite it’s small size {approx. 188sq km}, Lake Nakuru is an impressive habitat with a huge variety of flora and fauna. We explore the park’s thick forest of yellow fever acacia trees for the elusive Leopard and also prospect to discover the tree climbing lions of this Park. We shall be looking for the special breed of giraffe {Rothschild} which was introduced in this park in 1963 and has done very well naturally. Large herds of buffalos are easily spotted in the open grasslands, both species of Rhinos are a common sight in this park. Observe a number of primates most of them Baboons and enjoy a wide variety of birds including the greater and lesser flamingos.
Return to the lodge by sunset after another great experience in Lake Nakuru.
Dinner and overnight at a Lake Nakuru Lodge or camp.
Day 5:
Lake Nakuru- Masai Mara Game Reserve.
After breakfast, depart by road for the world famous Masai Mara game reserve through outstanding landscapes dotted with rural villages and farms. On arrival, check-in at your lodge or camp and proceed on to enjoy your set buffet lunch. After a brief breather of relaxation, an afternoon game drive commences in this sprawling, yet natural and untamed wilderness reserve. You have a great chance to come face to face with the Big Five of Africa, including spotting the shy and elusive Leopard. Look out for other countless herbivores and cats roaming freely on an endless strectch of glorious savannah grasland. Return to camp for dinner and overnight (FB).
Day 6:
Masai Mara reserve full day exploration.
Awaken to the wild sounds of nature, savor a delicious breakfast, and embark on a full-day game drive. Explore diverse landscapes, spot the Big Five, Lion, Elephant, Leopard, Buffalo and Rhino additionally you will see cheetahs, giraffes, zebras and countless plains game. In the right season, you can follow the migrating wildebeest herds and watch them take a daring plunge in an attempt to cross the Mara River. A picnic lunch by a convenient acacia tree adds to the adventure. Continue with the game drive, capturing Masai Mara’s untamed beauty. You can also opt to take an early morning balloon safari followed by a champagne breakfast in the bush (extra cost). Another option to visit a traditional Masai homestead for a brief lecture about their outstanding culture and customs can be arranged with our guide at a small fee. Return for dinner and another peaceful night amidst captivating wildlife.
Day 7:
Masai Mara- Lake Naivasha.
Depart Masai mara shortly after breakfast. Driving through the rich Loitta plains and onto the floor of the great Rift valley we arrive at our reserved Lake Naivasha resort in good time for lunch. Lake Naivasha is set on a beautiful location complimented by numerous yellow accacia trees, bush shrubs, cactus, papyrus vegetation and a variety of flower plants. After a brief relaxation, we head out for an afternoon scenic boat ride adventure in Lake Naivashawhich is a fresh water lake hosting a good population of hippos and a variety of birdlife. We shall take a relaxed guided walk amongst Giraffes, Gazelles, Impalas, waterbucks and other plains game at the magnificent Crescent Island. We return to camp later admiring the golden sunset gliding slowly on the horizons. Dinner and overnight at a Naivasha resort or camp.
Day 8:
Lake Naivasha-Amboseli National Park.
Early breakfast in Naivasha, then we depart for Amboseli through Nairobi, an interesting drive eastwards passing the scenic views of Mount Longonot and observing the amazing geological feature of the deep Great Rift Valley floor below us. Enjoy breathtaking scenery of the Kikuyu central highlands and admire the open plains of rural villages just after passing the Nairobi metropolitan district. We take a break at Emali town for bathrooms and refreshments. We then proceed on south through the Masai plains of Meruesh and ibilkan to finally arrive at our Amboseli Lodge or Camp in good time for lunch. Afternoon game drive in this magnificent park popular for its large herds of elephants and superb views of Mount Kilimanjaro. Game drive commences around 3:30pm until sunset when we return to the lodge or camp for dinner and overnight {FB}.
Day 9:
Amboseli full day exploration.
Another beautiful day in Amboseli, head for early morning breakfast and enjoy clear spectacular views of Mount Kilimanjaro well observed from the camp’s main restaurant.
On this day, you have two options to choose from;-
Option 1; You may opt to have an early morning game drive, return for a hot proper breakfast, freshen up and spend the rest of the midmorning at your leisure, either swimming in the pool, taking a nature walk, bird watching or just relaxing. Later have lunch and proceed for the evening game drive. Finally, return to the camp for dinner and overnight.
Option 2: You may have an early breakfast and proceed for a whole day game drive with packed lunch. Return to the camp for dinner and turn in for the night.
Note: Both options will offer you time and a chance to visit a local Masai community for an elaborate and brilliant cultural interaction.
Day 10:
Amboseli National Park- SGR Station for Nairobi or Mombasa Departure.
After a sumptuous breakfast, prepare for your drive to Emali town, your morning departure sorely depends on your train schedule as you are required to be at the train station at least 45 minutes before departure. Our guide will get you at the station in good time. Farewell and best wishes for your next destination, heading for the coastal beaches or to catch your out bound flight.
This marks the end of your 10-days Timeless Trails of Kenya adventure safari full of fond memories.
Included
✔ Transport in a Land Cruiser or a customized tour van with pop-up roof for easy game viewing & photography {Each option depends on cost}.
✔ All night’s accommodation in your reserved lodge or camp on full board basis.
✔ All meals as indicated on the itinerary.
✔ Non-resident entry fees to wilderness parks.
✔ Comprehensive game drives as per the itinerary.
✔ Services of a dedicated professional tour driver guide.
✔ Arrival and departure transfers.
✔ Entry fees of the driver/guide and the vehicle.
✔ Bottled mineral water whilst on safari.
Excluded
✖ International flights to and from Nairobi
✖ Items of Personal Nature
✖ Drinks
✖ Tips and gratuities.
✖ Extra and optional activities
✖ Travel Insurance
Good to know
Ready for an Exciting Adventure?
You’re welcome to inquire about our available safari options or customize your own unique experience. Start planning your tailor-made African adventure with us today.