Highlights of Kenya

Kenya is, without doubt, a stunningly beautiful country. Kenya offers a wonderful variety of landscape, a people that are utterly charming and friendly, a rich and fascinating culture and, of course, fabulous wildlife. The picture many have of Africa, that of golden savannah dotted with game and studded with flat-topped umbrella acacias is actually the landscape of Kenya. It has featured in so many Hollywood movies and wildlife films that it is embedded in our psyches as the real Africa.

This is the land of the classic safari, the land of wide blue skies and the land of enchantment.

Day 1 - 2	Amboseli National Park
Day 3	Mount Kenya
Day 4 - 5	Samburu National Reserve
Day 6	Ol Pajeta conservancy
Day 7	Lake Nakuru National Park
Day 8 - 10	Masai Mara National Reserve
Day 11	Return to Nairobi in time for your international flight home

Detailed Itinerary

Day 1 : Amboseli National Park

On arrival at Jomo Kenyatta International Airport, you will be met by our Representative and your driver guide. After a short safari briefing explaining what you can expect over the coming days, you will head straight out on safari heading south towards Amboseli National Park arriving at the Amboseli Serena Hotel in time for a late lunch (providing clients have arrived on a morning flight). The Amboseli Serena Hotel is wonderfully nestled in the trees overlooking the golden Savannah plains and is the perfect place to be based while exploring the park. A game drive is on the itinerary for the late afternoon. Until then unpack and relax with a cold ‘Tusker’ beer.

Day 2 : Amboseli National Park

As the sun rises on your first full day out in the Kenyan bush, we suggest an early wake-up call so you can head out on a game drive to catch the animals as they wake up to start the day. The early morning is also when the animals are at their most active before the heat of the day sets in. Back at the lodge; breakfast is served with a wonderful view over the plains. After lunch, we suggest that you relax and enjoy your surroundings before your late afternoon game drive before returning to the lodge for dinner and your final evening in Amboseli.

Day 3: Mount Kenya

This morning, it’s another early start as you head off North towards Mt Kenya, which looms above the plains at a height of almost 5,200 metres. A UNESCO Natural World Heritage site, Mount Kenya was formed some three and half million years ago and is considered sacred by the Kikuyu people, who believe it is the abode of their god Ngai. You could spend all day gazing at the incredible views; however a number of activities are on offer for those who want a bit more than looking at the scenery. On offer are guided forest walks, trips up to the moorland zone of the mountain, and fishing for river trout (extra cost) For dinner you will be offered a choice of dishes from the a-la-carte menu, with most food being sourced from the surrounding land and communities. The restaurant also has an extensive wine list.

Day 4: Samburu National Reserve

Today we will rise early for breakfast before transferring to Samburu National Reserve with an en route game drive. As you enter the reserve, you will be able to see two beautiful mountains, Koitogor and Ololokwe, which form the perfect background to your safari. Large herds of elephants comprise some of the reserve’s large and diverse wildlife population, which also includes numerous big cats, reticulated giraffes, buffalo and gerenuks. The Ewaso Nyiro River is the main attraction for wildlife here, but many animals can also be seen in the acacia trees, river forest, thorn trees and grasslands. In the late afternoon you will arrive at Samburu Lodge, which has been inspired by the architecture of the indigenous Samburu tribe and blends into its natural environment by making full use of the local building materials. This will be your home for the next two nights. From your private veranda you can enjoy uninterrupted views of the languid river and the wildlife it attracts - which includes the numerous crocodiles that make these waters their home.

Day 5: Samburu National Reserve

Sleep in or rise early today, but if you want to see the animals at their most active we recommend taking advantage of the cool early morning to maximise your game viewing experience. As you continue with your game drive through this wildlife rich reserve, watch out for the unique species only found north of the equator which include the helmeted guinea fowl, reticulated giraffe, gerenuk, Grevy’s zebra and Beisa oryx. Seek relief from the hot African sun back at the lodge where you will spend the remainder of afternoon relaxing. As the day cools, you can return to the reserve for one last game drive and enjoy a sundowner at a beautiful location, before returning to Samburu Lodge for an opulent dinner before retiring to your room.

Day 6: Ol Pajeta Conservancy

This morning leave the unique species and landscapes of Samburu behind you as you head south towards Sweetwaters Game Sanctuary and the Sweetwaters Tented Camp where you will spend the night. Here you will experience a charming blend of under-canvas ambiance and safari luxury in a sheltered oasis beside a water hole set in the pristine calm of the private Ol Pejeta Conservancy. Your game viewing experience will commence this afternoon once the day's temperatures have cooled down. Ol Pejeta conservancy is home to all of the ‘Big Five’ members and, being one of only four private game conservancies found in Kenya, the area has a higher wildlife concentration than any of Kenya`s national parks making it perfect for intimate game-viewing experiences.

Day 7: Lake Nakuru National Park

Today you will be heading down the Great Rift Valley to Lake Nakuru National Park. The area around Lake Nakuru Park has recently been widened to accommodate a rhino sanctuary - making it one of the largest concentrations of these animals in the country. Both white and black rhino can be seen here, and it is even possible to see them grazing along the lakes shores, often with their young in tow – a truly magical sight!! Other species commonly found in this beautiful and intimate park include waterbuck, Rothschild’s giraffe and giant python, with lions and leopards making the occasional appearance. This Park has a central lake, from which it borrows it name and sometimes, depending on the water levels has a slight pink tinge to it thanks to the thousands of resident flamingos. Flamingo Hill Camp is well situated in the heart of the park and offers comfortable accommodation in spacious tents and excellent service making it a pleasant place to spend your night. Game viewing in the park is excellent and you are sure to be able to tick off many of your must see animals. Dinner is a great opportunity to catch up with fellow travellers and share experiences and stories.

Day 8: Masai Mara National Reserve

Today you are off to the real highlight of your safari, the Masai Mara National Reserve. This famous Reserve is known world over for its amazing game viewing so your three day stay promises to be action packed. A quick lunch at the Mara Sarova Game Lodge has been arranged before arriving at Mara Serena in the early afternoon. Mara Serena is fabulously located at the very centre of the Mara triangle overlooking the vast Mara plains. Spend the rest of the afternoon relaxing by the pool and waiting for the late afternoon when the temperature cools to head out on your first Mara game drive. Keep your eyes peeled as you hunt for the last members on your list. Back at the lodge; dinner is served, over which you have the perfect opportunity to look back on your day and relive all those highlights.

Day 9: Masai Mara National Reserve

Sunrise on day two in the Mara means an early start as you set off on an early morning game drive before returning to the lodge for breakfast, with a view, as you watch over the Mara plains. After lunch why not explore the grounds with a guide and learn about the smaller members of the Mara eco-system (extra cost). After lunch, the pool is a welcome sight as you again wait for the heat to subside and that all important game drive.

Day 10: Masai Mara National Reserve

Explore the Mara from a different angle today as you soar above the plains and watch the sun rise from a hot air balloon (at an extra cost). A luxurious way to spend your final morning in the Mara. After your flight, a champagne breakfast will be served out in the bush, what a perfect way to toast the end of your safari! After your morning ‘adventure’ you can return to the lodge for a much needed rest before the final game drive of your safari. Dinner is a great opportunity to look back over your stay and your photos and perhaps start planning next year's safari?

Day 11

Today you return to Nairobi in time for your international flight home. But not before stopping on the edge of the rift valley for that all important last photo.

Download Detailed Itinerary

Day 1 - 2: Amboseli Serena Safari Lodge, Amboseli
Day 3: Serena Mountain Lodge, Mount Kenya
Day 4 - 5: Samburu Game Lodge, Samburu National Reserve
Day 6: Sweetwaters Serena Camp, Ol Pajeta Conservancy
Day 7: Flamingo Hill Camp, Lake Nakuru National Park
Day 8 - 10: Mara Serena Safari Lodge, Masai Mara National Reserve