Countries: Kenya
Destinations: Nairobi , Masai Mara , Lake Nakuru National Park , Amboseli National Park
Group Size: 7
Duration (days): 7
Days of Departure: Sundays
Number of Adults: 7
Number of Children: 0
Days of Departure: Sundays
From the open plains of Masai Mara, the shimmery pink waters of Lake Nakuru and the swamps of Amboseli, this safari takes in three of the most picturesque regions in Kenya. It also provides the perfect opportunity to spot the Big-5 and to capture some diverse scenery.
Itinerary Outline
Day 1 : Nairobi
On arrival in Nairobi today (arrival flight not included in quotation) you will be met and transferred to the Eka Hotel to spend 1 night on a bed and breakfast basis.
Suggested Optional Nairobi Excursions for Early morning arrivals:
Sheldrick Wildlife Trust – Elephant Orphanage
Out of Africa Excursion
Kenya - The grand old dame of African safaris, Kenya has been at the forefront of the industry for decades, and with iconic reserves such as Masai Mara, Amboseli, Samburu and Tsavo, it has earned its place in safari royalty.
Kenya's wildlife is legendary, as is its hospitality, friendliness, and scenic beauty. With the Great Rift Valley running through the country, Kenya is home to some stunning landscapes, with lakes, valleys and mountains adding to the beautiful plains of the Masai Mara.
To add to the spectacular wildlife, Kenya is one of the best countries to experience the local tribes and cultures, in particular the Masai and Samburu.
Kenyan roads are notoriously bad however, so the majority of safaris we recommend are fly-in options to the various parks. The small group scheduled safaris all operate by road, so you would need to be prepared for what is called "the African massage".
The diversity of areas to visit in Kenya is astounding, with each game reserve offering something truly unique. And to top it off, the country has a splendid coastline which invites some pure relaxation after spending time in the bush.
One of Africa’s major cities, Nairobi is the UN’s fourth “World Centre,” East Africa’s commercial, media and NGO hub, and a significant capital in its own right, with a population of approximately 3 to 4 million.
Little more than a century old, it has real claims to Western-style sophistication and displays enormous vitality and buzz. On the surface the city accepts everyone with tolerance, and, in any downtown street, you can see a complete cross section of Kenyans, every variety of tourist, and migrants and refugees from many African countries.
If you plan to stay in Nairobi for any length of time, you’ll soon get the hang of balancing reasonable caution with a fairly relaxed attitude - thousands of visitors do it every year. If you’re only here for a few days, you’re likely to find it a stimulating city.
Conveniently located along Mombasa Road with easy access to both Jomo Kenyatta International Airport, Wilson Airport and next to the Nairobi National Park, Eka offers the perfect choice hotel for both business and leisure traveler.
Each of the 167 Eka Hotel rooms are designed to provide the highest levels of comfort, convenience and eciency, supported by the latest in technology.
All the rooms are air-conditioned and well appointed. Of the167 rooms, 158 are Superior rooms, 2 rooms for guests with special needs, 4 Junior suites and 3 Executive suites.
All guests have exclusive access to free high speed internet (Wifi).
Day 2 : Masai Mara
Leaving Nairobi after breakfast, you travel towards Kenya's fertile highlands and head down the rift escarpment on the road built by Italian prisoners of war during World War II. On the way spot the charming chapel built at the foot of the escarpment. Pass the impressive Longonot earth satellite station as you head across the valley to Narok; continue your travels across acres of wheat and barley, before reaching the Masai Mara in time for lunch. Following lunch set off on your first game drive, returning to the lodge as the sun sets.
You will spend the next 2 nights at Keekorok Lodge in a standard room on a full board basis.
It is no surprise that the Masai Mara ranks up near the top of most famous game reserves in the world. The land of the Mara is consistently covered with herds of antelope, interspersed with prides of lions, journeys of giraffe, dazzles of zebra, and almost every other collective animal noun you can think of.
The sightings are nothing short of fantastic, and it is definitely the park to visit to tick off your "wildlife of Africa" list. The scenery of the park is similar to the open plains of the Serengeti, although the Mara is dotted with more trees, and the game viewing is equal to, or can be better than, its southerly sister.
Within the boundaries of the reserve, there are certain areas which can seem quite crowded with travellers, although there are places to escape from the crowds, and enjoy the Mara in some exclusivity. Private concessions surround the Masai Mara, allowing more private safari experiences, and additional activities.
The Masai Mara is easily accessed from Nairobi, with a number of scheduled flights operated each morning and afternoon. It can also be reached by road, but be prepared that it can be quite a bumpy 6 hour drive, with sections being particularly broken up.
Over 700 square miles of lush, sun-drenched plains encircle Keekorok Lodge, the first property in the Masai Mara Game Reserve in southwest Kenya. The lodge was opened in 1962 and is ideally situated in the direct path of the spectacular animal migration that occurs every year from July to October. Guests can experience unparalleled safari adventures, morning and evening game drives are a must for anyone visiting the reserve.
Day 3 : Masai Mara
Following an early breakfast, depart on a morning game drive, returning to the camp mid-morning. After lunch, and perhaps a siesta, set off on another game drive and visit to the Masai Village, returning to the lodge as the sunsets.
(It is possible to pre-book an optional early morning Balloon Safari at a supplementary cost)
Day 4 : Lake Nakuru National Park
Leaving the Masai Mara after breakfast, travel across the ‘breadbasket’ of Kenya, where acres of wheat and barley litter the landscape as you head north to Narok, the district headquarters of this part of Maasailand. Now travel across the vast plains on the floor of the Rift Valley, arriving at Lake Nakuru around midday. Once in the park, view game en route to the lodge. Following lunch and a siesta, there is an afternoon game drive returning to the lodge as the sun sets. The national park, known for its birdlife, offers a possibility to view flamingoes. It is also home to Black and White rhinos as well as the endangered Rothschild Giraffe.
You will spend 1 night at Lake Nakuru Lodge in a Deluxe Room on a full board basis.
While famous for the millions of flamingos which lined the lake shore, it is important to note that due to current water levels and changes to the lake over the past few years that these flamingos are no longer present in Lake Nakuru National Park.
The flamingos have moved to various other lakes around the region, so if a reason for your travels is to view these birds, please contact us to discuss where to go.
Accessed via a relatively short, but scenic drive from Nairobi through the Great Rift Valley, Lake Nakuru National Park is a very popular destination, especially amongst birdlovers.
Lake Nakuru is one of the best locations in East Africa to view rhinos, and is home to both the black and white species.
Lake Nakuru Lodge is a beautiful eco-lodge situated inside Lake Nakuru National Park boasting unobstructed views of the lake and wildlife.
This property also has one of the best-rated locations in Nakuru! It offers accommodation with free WiFi, seating area and flat-screen TV. There is a private bathroom with bath and free toiletries in each unit, along with a hair dryer. A buffet breakfast is served each morning at the property. There is an in-house restaurant, which serves a variety of Indian, African and American dishes and also offers dairy-free, gluten-free and vegetarian options. The lodge offers an outdoor pool as well as a garden where guests can relax.
Day 5 : Amboseli National Park
Following an early breakfast, continue to Lake Naivasha for a boat ride. Leaving the Rift Valley behind, proceed to Nairobi for an early lunch (or picnic lunch dependent on road conditions) and continue south towards Amboseli, arriving at your lodge by late afternoon.
You will spend 2 nights at Ol Tukai Lodge in a luxury room on a full board basis.
The combination of masses of animals, diverse eco-systems, and the splendid views of Mount Kilimanjaro make Amboseli National Park high up on the must-see list of any Kenyan safari.
With desert landscapes to lush green swampland, the scenery changes entirely during game drives, with new photo opportunities presenting themselves all the time.
Amboseli is famous for its huge elephant herds, and is home to a remarkable concentration of species and birdlife, all the while being watched over by the highest peak in Africa.
Day 6 : Amboseli National Park
Today will be spent on morning and afternoon game drives in Amboseli, returning to the lodge as the sun sets.
Day 7 - Day of Departure
Following an early breakfast, catch your last views of the majestic Mount Kilimanjaro as you depart Amboseli. From here turn north across the beautiful and seemingly never-ending Athi Plains, arriving in Kenya's bustling capital city of Nairobi by mid-day, where you will be dropped off at the airport in time for your onward travel plans (departure flight not included in quotation).