General
Detailed Day by Day Activities:
DAY 1: Arrival in Nairobi
Arrive in Nairobi, gateway to your thrilling safari in Kenya; transfer to the hotel. The rest of the day is yours to rest acclimate to your new time zone and prepare for the African adventure that awaits you.
DAY 2: Elephant Orphanage and Giraffe Centre
This morning, visit the Daphne Sheldrick Elephant Orphanage to learn about how the orphan elephants, raised by the orphanage, are later released into the wild. Elephant calves are brought here from all over the country to receive specialized care from highly dedicated staff. Perhaps, you’ll arrive there just in time to see them being exercised and bathed. Then, drive towards the Ngong Hills and the Karen Blixen Museum, once the farm house of the prominent author of Out of Africa. After lunch on your own, continue to Kazuri Beads Workshop, which started in 1975 as a tiny workshop making ceramic beads by hand. Today, this center produces fine examples of genuine African jewelry out of clay gathered from nearby Mt. Kenya. End the day at the Giraffe Centre where you hand-feed the Rothschild Giraffe, an endangered species, from an elevated feeding platform and learn more about their extensive conservation efforts.
Tonight, a lavish dinner at the famous Talisman Restaurant. (Breakfast, Dinner)
DAY 3: Samburu National Park
Travel north this morning towards Samburu National Park, a spectacular 60-square-mile reserve known for wildlife not found in any other Kenyan parks, such as different species of giraffe, zebra, beisa oryx and the long necked gerenuk, in addition to lion, cheetah and leopard. Besides the numerous varieties of wildlife found in this game reserve, the park is also a bird haven. En route, stop for lunch at the inspirational Lily Pond Center, acting as a springboard for young African artists to launch their careers. Arrive in Samburu, with its arid hills leading to the lush forested ravine of the Ewaso Nyiro River. Along these river banks, the majority of the animals gather for the promise of water. This evening, set out on your first game drive and watch the colorful African sunset before returning to the camp in time for dinner. (Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner)
DAY 4: Samburu National Park (Full Day)
Morning games drive today in the midst of this rugged and beautiful semi-arid desert of northern Kenya. Today, perhaps you’ll see a lion, ostrich, or even a family of elephants wandering the hills. After lunch at the lodge, an afternoon drive takes you to a different area of the park. Return to the lodge for leisure time. Tonight, after dinner, an interesting lecture and discussion with a Samburu Naturalist. You’ll learn more about the principles and tribal traditions of the villagers living in the northern foothills of Mount Kenya. (Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner)
DAY 5: Aberdare National Park
Today, travel southwest to the heart of Aberdare National Park. Arrive at The Ark, one of Kenya’s iconic “tree-lodges”. The Ark is designed with layers of decks overlooking a floodlit watering hole and saltlick that attracts a huge amount of wildlife all day and night. The many different balconies and lounges provide superb vantage points for game viewing. A ground level bunker provides excellent photographic opportunities and takes you up-close to the animals; see elephant, buffalo, bushbuck and occasionally a rhino. (Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner)
DAY 6: Game Drive in Lake Nakuru National Park
Today, explore Lake Nakuru National Park, dominated by the shallow waters of the lake at its center, best known for its pink flamingos, white rhino, lion, and the elusive leopard. The birdlife here is absolutely superb, with over 450 species recorded – at certain times of year there are over a million flamingos. Drive to the edge of the lake to view thousands of birds feeding in the alkaline water, see the sweeping view from the top of Baboon Rocks, then look for warthogs and waterbucks. Nakuru is also one of the best places in Kenya to see black and white rhino, and for making daytime leopard sightings. Afterward, continue to your lodge where you will spend the remainder of the evening at leisure. (Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner)
DAY 7: Afternoon Game Drive in the Masai Mara National Reserve
Early drive to the magical Masai Mara National Reserve in the southwest corner of Kenya. This park, most famous for its annual wildebeest migration (July through October), is also renowned for its spectacular game viewing. The breathtaking savannahs of the park are a stunning backdrop to a diverse and abundant wildlife population throughout the entire year. Lunch at the camp, before going out on the afternoon game drive. Opportunity to participate in the optional visit to a Maasai Village for a glimpse into the lives of this semi-nomadic tribe that inhabit this vast expanse. Discover how the tribe lives, and learn about their customs, ceremonies and rites of passage. Explore the handicraft market before returning to your camp. (Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner)
Optional: Maasai Village Visit ($30)
DAY 8: Full Day Game Drive in the Masai Mara National Reserve
A fabulous sunrise experience! Arise before dawn to participate in today’s optional Hot Air Balloon Safari. Take off in a hot air balloon as you watch the breathtaking sunrise over the Masai Mara. Drift above the beautiful landscape, watching wild game roam the vast plains below. The finale is a sumptuous champagne breakfast before returning back to camp. Then, a full day game drive through the spectacular Masai Mara reserve focuses on the “Big Five” (lion, elephant, buffalo, leopard and rhino), as well as antelopes, gazelles, hippos and a variety of bird life. When you return to the camp, after sunset, a lovely dinner celebrates your final night in the Mara. (Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner)
Optional: Sunrise Balloon Safari & Breakfast ($465pp)
DAY 9: Saturday – Travel to Nairobi
Bid farewell to the Mara as you drive to Nairobi. En route, visit Kiambethu farm situated at 7,200 feet, bought and farmed by AB McDonell in 1910. He was the first person to grow, make and sell tea commercially in Kenya – now one of Kenya’s biggest exports. Enjoy a cup of Kenyan tea or coffee and learn the history of the farm and the process of making tea. After lunch, continue the drive to Nairobi. (Breakfast)
DAY 10: Depart Nairobi
After breakfast transfer to the airport for your departure flight (Breakfast)
Kindly inquire on cost: tours@connecttravel.co.ke