Overview
Nairobi/ Samburu/ Aberdare / Lake Nakuru/ Masai Mara/ Lake Naivasha/ Hells Gate/ Nairobi
This 8 full days road safari is carefully designed to enable you explore 5 distinct regions with varied climatic conditions and different wildlife. The Northern frontier district of Samburu is semiarid and fiercely beautiful, it comprises three different reserves;-the Samburu, Buffalo springs and the Shaba. In this area you will encounter large herds of elephants and other rare wildlife only adapted to this region,this includes the Reticulated Giraffe,Beisa Oryx, Gerenuk, Grevys Zebra, Somali Ostrich and the Vulturine Guinnea fowl. The parched area is fed by the great Ewaso Ngiro River which draws a large number of wildlife to its banks.
This tour also takes you through a beautiful countryside dotted with large and impressive farmlands of wheat,corn and barley. As you head towards the Aberdares, observe an alluring mountain range standing infront of you at 4,100M amongst rural villages. Aberdares is renowed for its torrential water falls that feeds Nairobi and its sorroundings with an endless water supply. The park is characterized with a picturesque mountainous scenery of a dense forest, plateaus and moorlands.
Your location, the Ark is a beautiful tree hotel with a huge balcony set infront of a massive water hole where you observe animals as they come for a drink and a bath. Aberdares forest is a home to a variety of unique wildlife, birdlife and exotic flora. Majestic views of Mount Kenya can also be enjoyed from the vicinity of the lodge mostly at sunrise and sunset.
Lake Nakuru our next stop is a beautiful spot comprising a shallow alkaline lake in the Great Rift Valley . The park is a bird life sanctuary and a beacon for leading Ornithologists and researchers for its 450 birds species. It is in this park, where the biggest forest of yellow acacia and giant Euphorbia trees can be seen. The rare and endangered Rothschild giraffe species can be seen here as well as a good number of the White and Black Rhinos. The greatest attraction in this Lake used to be the presence of millions greater and lesser flamingoes that painted the Lake pink, however in recent years, the number of flamingoes has declined remarkably, this is attributed to flooding leading to the reduction in the levels of the natural blue green algae that formed the primary food source for the flamingoes. Other animals to be seen here are, large herds of buffaloes, Defassa Waterbucks, Impalas, Grants and Thompson gazelles, Lions, Baboons, Cheetahs, Elands, Leopard, Spotted Hyena, Black and White Colubus Monkey, Common Zebra, Genet e.t.c, Game viewing is relatively easy.
Masai Mara National Reserve is the most famous wildlife destination in Kenya. Set some 270 km Southwest of Nairobi, it is the most visited protected Park covering an area of 1,812 square kilometers. Mara means spotted, it constitutes miles upon miles of savannah grasslands, meandering rivers, forests, swamps and towering escarpments. Masai Mara is a rewarding wildlife arena at any time of the year but the climax is during the annual Wildebeest migration that occurs from July to October of every year, this is the greatest wildlife spectacle on earth and with good timing you can witness this extraordinary occurrence but whatever the time you choose to come, a dairy drama of survival for the fittest awaits you in this vast golden plains.
Lake Naivasha, your last location on safari is a beautiful place, this fresh water Lake is part of the Great Rift Valley ecosystem. It supports an incredible variety of birdlife, with over 350 species recorded. There is also a lot of wildlife found along the banks of the lake; a leisurely walkaround the hotel grounds gets you closer to the animals. Also enjoy an afternoon adventure aboard a motor engine boat as you explore the surroundings of this beautiful lake with a golden sunset gliding slowly on the African horizons.
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 to Samburu National reserve.
Early breakfast followed by a Safari briefing. Then depart Nairobi for a smooth drive to Samburu. This drive takes you through the central highlands dotted with impressive farmlands of coffee,pineapples and tea. You will be traversing through rural villages. After a brief Stop for coffee and refreshments, you will cross the Equator line at 0/0 degrees, stop for photographs and watch as the local folks present a free gravitational experiment using a pivot floating on water. This demonstrates the Coriolis force effect to naturally prove the
equator line. Acquire a certificate before proceeding on with your journey. As you drive
north, views of the majestic Mt. Kenya will be present on your right side, Arrive
Samburu reserve in good time for lunch. A brief relaxation follows before going
for an afternoon game drive until sunset. Dinner and overnight in a Samburu Lodge or camp.{FB}
Day 2:
Full day exploring Samburu.
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. Variety of birdlife is also found here. 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 to the Aberdares.
Breakfast in Samburu followed by our departure for the Aberdare National Park arriving in good time for lunch at the Aberdare Country Club which is the base hotel for The Ark Lodge. After lunch you will be transferred to The Ark on a shuttle bus shared with other guests for game viewing experience and an overnight.
In the afternoon, you will have time at leisure watching animals from a raised balcony as they visit the lodge water hole for a drink and a bath. You can request for a wakeup call at night if a predator is spotted around the water hole, the hotel staff are keen at making your stay enjoyable and memorable.
Note- you only need a soft bag with overnight essentials. Your larger suitecase will be left at the base hotel.
Meals and Overnight: Ark Lodge inside the Aberdares {FB}.
Day 4:
Aberdares to Lake Nakuru.
After breakfast, depart Aberdares National Park and head towards Lake Nakuru National Park set on the floor of the great rift valley.
We’ll set out early for the scenic drive, taking scheduled stops for refreshments, bathrooms and for a splendid view of the great escarpment along the steep Subukia Gorge.
Check-in at the lodge or camp in good time for lunch.
In the afternoon, embark on a game drive around the lake, which is famous for its large population of flamingos, as well as other 450 bird species. Watch out for the rhinos, lions, the Leopard, Hyenas Buffalo, Zebra, water buck, Impalas and a variety of other herbivores.
Lake Nakuru is also home to a large population of white rhinos, a few black rhinos, the endangered Rothschild’s giraffe, and a good population of primates including Babboons, Vervet monkeys and the colobus monkey. We return to the lodge for dinner and overnight
Meals and overnight at a Lake Nakuru Lodge /camp {FB}.
Day 5:
Lake Nakuru - Masai Mara National reserve.
After breakfast enjoy an early morning drive heading to the Masai Mara National reserve for a 2 day’s stay. This is a very popular and interesting destination, the beautiful golden savannah dotted with abundant wildlife, colorful people with a rich culture has put Masai Mara on a global map. This is a remarkable natural wildlife arena that will enable you to have a real contact with the big five of Africa. Your drive takes you through the floor of the Great Rift valley, passing through Masai land and into Narok town, an emerging modern business center struggling to entangle itself from Masai culture and dominance. Arrive at your Masai Mara lodge or camp at midday to a sumptuous lunch. Enjoy an afternoon relaxation before proceeding on an afternoon game drive in this sprawling park. Return to the camp by sunset for dinner and overnight{FB}.
Day 6
Masai Mara full day exploration.
You have a full day in Masai Mara opting for early morning and afternoon game drives or an entire day exploring the Mara reserve. This day will allow you to penetrate the reserve further going as far as to the famous Mara River to see hippos and crocodiles. More rewarding wildlife sighting opportunities will present themselves enabling an almost 100% guarantee of seeing all of the big 5 of Africa. Enjoy a picnic Lunch by the shade of a convenient acacia tree overlooking the Mara plains. We return back camp with an option of visiting a Masai traditional village for an exciting cultural experience that includes brilliant performance of Songs and dances conducted by colorfully decorated Masai women and brave warriors {morani}, we then return to camp for dinner and overnight. Dinner and overnight at the Mara lodge or camp{FB}
An optional hot air Balloon safari over the Mara plains is another worthwhile adventure which can be undertaken while in Masai Mara, Let us know and we can help to facilitate this thrilling adventure.
Day 7:
Masai Mara to Lake Naivasha.
After breakfast depart Masai Mara for Lake Naivasha a fresh water Lake set on the floor of the Great Rift Valley. Arrive at a lake Naivasha lodge in good time for lunch. The highlights of Naivasha circuit includes beautiful sceneries, the countryside is dotted with large yellow acacia trees, giant euphorbia cactus, bush shrubs and a variety of flower plants. Afternoon will be at leisure enjoying some nature walk around the hotel grounds. At late afternoon, proceed on to enjoy an adventure aboard a motorised boat in this lake that is popular for it’s over 400 species of birds. The Excursion will also enable you to get closer to colonies of hippos. Later enjoy an enticing sunset drifting down slowly through the sky horizons behind the lake. Return back to the lodge for dinner and overnight FB}.
Day 8:
Lake Naivasha to Hells Gate and Departure.
Breakfast at the camp or lodge in Naivasha, then we load up for departure with a plan to explore the Hell’s gate national park. Arrive at the hells gate national park bike riding (option) or a walking safari (option). Your guide will assist you to hire a good bike for the hells gate bike ride. Hells gate guided walking/biking safari start immediately from the gate in the company of an experienced local guide, watch out for herds of Thompson’s gazelle, eland, zebra, hartebeest and other plains game which you can observe closely as you ride.
Keep an eye into the sky, as Hell’s Gate National Park is home to more than 100 species of birds, including Verreaux’s eagles, augur buzzards, vulture, and swifts.
Enjoy beautiful sceneries with monumental geological formations dating millions of years, the park’s distinctive gorges and narrow passageways and caves are sunk from sedimentary rocks.You have an option to take a 1 hour walk along the Gorge pathway before riding back to the gate.
At 3 pm, we start our drive back to Nairobi enjoying the beautiful and lush countryside of central highlands, we arrive in Nairobi at 5pm.
This marks the end of our 8 days wildlife Elegance safari full of fun and great memories {BL}.
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
- 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.
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.
