DAY 1:Arrive in Nairobi, Kenya Welcome to Africa!
Arrive this evening, check in to your hotel, and prepare for your safari adventure!
DAY 2:Nairobi–Amboseli National Park
Depart Nairobi for AMBOSELI NATIONAL PARK, best known for spectacular views of Mount Kilimanjaro, the highest mountain in Africa at some 19,341 feet. After lunch, embark on an AFTERNOON GAME DRIVE to begin your search for the “Big 5”—lion, leopard, elephant, rhino, and Cape buffalo. Breakfast,Lunch and Dinner
DAY 3
Amboseli Rise early for a MORNING GAME DRIVE. Amboseli affords you a great opportunity to get close to the mighty elephant. You might also spot Cape buffalo, zebra, wild dog, and more. Afterward, an exclusive BUSH BREAKFAST has been arranged for you. Sip on a mimosa as you savor every moment of the memorable experience! Relax during the heat of the day prior to an AFTERNOON GAME DRIVE.
DAY 4:Amboseli–Nanyuki–Samburu National Reserve
Today, fly to Nanyuki (via Nairobi), then continue north by road past Mount Kenya to SAMBURU NATIONAL RESERVE, known for its arid landscape and unique wildlife. Due to the dry climate, grasses are sparse, making animals easier to spot. Meanwhile, the Ewaso Ng’iro River, which borders the reserve, provides a year-round water supply. These conditions make for a great game-viewing experience. After lunch at your safari camp, enjoy an afternoon GAME DRIVE, where you have the chance to see rare animals you will not see in other parts of the country.
Commonly referred to as the Samburu “Special 5,” this includes Grevy’s zebra, reticulated giraffe, Somali ostrich,Beisa oryx, and the gerenuk, a long-necked antelope that feeds while standing on its hind feet.
DAY 5:Samburu,
Today, enjoy MORNING & AFTERNOON GAME DRIVES. In addition to the Samburu “Special 5,” the reserve is home to an abundance of other species. Large numbers of elephant and Nile crocodile can be seen, as well as waterbuck, Kirk’s dik-dik, and Grant’s gazelle. Where there is prey, predators can be found, so lion and leopard are often spotted. The reserve is also a great place for bird watching, with more than 300 species. Between game drives, relax at your lodge. This evening, relish SUNDOWNER DRINKS in the bush as the sun sets over this stunning landscape!
DAY 6: Samburu–Ol Pejeta Conservancy
After breakfast, travel to OL PEJETA CONSERVANCY, the largest black rhino sanctuary in all of East Africa. After lunch, enjoy a GAME DRIVE in the conservancy, including a stop at the CHIMP SANCTUARY. In partnership with the Kenya Wildlife Service and the Jane Goodall Institute, the sanctuary was established to provide a long-term home for orphaned and abused chimpanzees. Here, see the chimps and learn more about their plight.
DAY 7:Ol Pejeta–Lake Elmenteita
Rise early this morning for a final GAME DRIVE in the conservancy. After breakfast, depart for your camp on the shores of Lake Elmenteita. The journey will take you through the beautiful Kenyan highlands, one of the most fertile agricultural areas in all of Africa, where farmers grow crops such as corn, wheat, coffee, and tea. Enroute, stop at the Aberdare Country Club for lunch.
DAY 8:Lake Elmenteita. Lake Nakuru National Park Excursion
After breakfast, travel to LAKE NAKURU NATIONAL PARK,famous for its population of pink flamingos that feeds in the alkaline water of the lake. Other animals you may see on your GAME DRIVE include waterbuck, giraffe, impala, and striped hyena. This is also your best chance to see a white rhinoceros, commonly spotted here. Return to your camp for lunch, followed by time at leisure. Later this afternoon, enjoy a GAME DRIVE in SOYSAMBU CONSERVANCY, home to more than 450 species of birds, elegant Rothschild giraffe, eland, zebra, and more. If you are lucky, you may even spot the elusive leopard! End the day with SUNDOWNER DRINKS from a scenic hilltop overlooking Lake Elementeita!
DAY 9:Lake Elmenteita–Maasai Mara National Reserve
After breakfast, drive to MAASAI MARA NATIONAL RESERVE, Kenya’s most famous game area. “The Mara,”as it is called by locals, is part of the Serengeti ecosystem and boasts a strong permanent population of game. When the Great Migration of wildebeest and zebra arrives, generally from August to early November, the population enlarges by almost 2 million. This provides a great food source for predators such as lion, cheetah,leopard, and hyena. After lunch, set out on an AFTERNOON GAME DRIVE. NOTE: The Great Migration is a natural event, and the exact arrival/departure of the migrating herds varies slightly from year to year.
DAY:10 Maasai Mara
Further explore this magical place on MORNING &AFTERNOON GAME DRIVES. Be sure to watch for elephant, rhino, giraffe, topi, hyena, and much more. Relax at your lodge during the middle of the day. Tonight, join your traveling companions for a special FAREWELL BUSH DINNER and a TRADITIONAL MAASAI DANCE PERFORMANCE—the perfect way to end your safari!
DAY 11:Maasai Mara–Nairobi–Homebound Flight
Today, fly back to Nairobi, where your tour ends with lunch at the famed Carnivore Restaurant. We have secured a day room for you at the Ole Sereni Hotel before a transfer to the airport for your late-evening flight. Book homebound flights after 5 pm.