Day 1: Samburu National Park
SUNDAY: NAIROBI – SAMBURU
Pick-up at 7:00 a.m. from Nairobi airport/hotel and departure for Samburu National Reserve, heading north, passing through Nanyuki (where you cross the equator and can make a brief stop for a demonstration of the Coriolis effect).
Continue north, passing Isiolo, the gateway to the Northern Frontier Parks of Samburu, Buffalo & Shaba.
Arrive at the lodge in time for lunch.
In the late afternoon, enjoy a game drive in Buffalo Springs/Samburu National Reserve – hoping to see all five of the special animals of this spectacular area!
Return to the lodge at sunset for dinner and an overnight stay at SAMBURU SOPA LODGE.
SAMBURU, BUFFALO SPRINGS, AND SHABA NATIONAL RESERVES
The stark contrast of colors is the most striking feature of the trio of Samburu, Shaba, and Buffalo Springs National Reserves. The hazy blue of the surrounding hills and an endless sky, the chocolate brown of the Uaso Nyiro River, and the dusty white soils, interspersed with the vivid green of the semi-desert vegetation and the prehistoric doum palm, the only palm with branches, scattered among the granite boulders and ancient black lava flows, found in the Shaba Reserve. The region's wildlife also pays homage to the artist's palette, with curious blue-legged Somali ostriches, chestnut-colored reticulated giraffes, black-and-white Grevy's zebras, gerenuk gazelles, and the gray-green Nile crocodiles that inhabit the Uaso Nyiro River that flows through Shaba and Samburu. Samburu is often considered the best area in the country for leopard viewing, and in all the reserves, sightings of prides of lions, cheetahs, elephants, and buffalo are virtually guaranteed. The birdlife in this area, ranging from sand grouse to multicolored kingfishers and spectacular eagles and falcons, is striking for its diversity and vibrant colors.
Day 2: Aberdare National Park
MONDAY: SAMBURU – ABERDARE
After breakfast, enjoy a short game drive to admire the magical beauty of northern Kenya.
Afterward, retrace your steps and drive to Mweiga, located in the central highlands of Kenya.
Arrive in time for lunch at the Aberdare Country Club.
In the afternoon, transfer to Ark Lodge (in Club vehicles) for an evening and night game drive from the lodge area.
Dinner and overnight at ARK LODGE.
NOTE: Please note that for the night at Ark Lodge, you should only bring a backpack with your essentials, as due to limited space, the rest of your luggage will be kept at the Aberdare Country Club base hotel.
Aberdare National Park
With large numbers of elephants and black rhinos, Aberdare National Park attracts those seeking more than just a safari. With dense forests, 300-meter waterfalls, and incredible hiking trails, this park is rich in both flora and fauna. The Kikuyu name for the mountains is Nyandarua (dried skin), due to their distinctive profile.
It is a fairytale paradise of 492 km² characterized by dense high-alpine forests and misty spaces of Afro-alpine heathland, deep gorges and ravines where frozen rivers plunge into spectacular waterfalls and falls such as the Gura (791 feet) or Karura Falls (894 feet).
The Salient, which extends toward the nearby town of Nyeri, was once a migratory route for elephants. These large animals remain within the park, along with buffalo, a wide variety of antelope, giant forest hogs, the elusive bongo antelope, black rhinos, lions, leopards, and hyenas. Encountering a herd of elephants on a sharp bend in the road, amidst this dense, lush vegetation, is a completely new experience.
At 2,000 m, the forest gives way to dense bamboo thickets. At 3,500 m, vegetation is already sparse and consists mainly of heather. Giant lobelia and giant ground senecio thrive here, reaching heights of up to 5 m. The highest point is Ol Doinyo Lesatima, at 3,999 m. The region features three distinct vegetation zones: dense high-alpine forest, bamboo forest, and Afro-alpine heathland. A visit to one of these areas offers the opportunity to observe no fewer than 13 bird species, including the Northern Double-collared Nightjar, the Yellow-winged Nightjar, the Taco-tailed Nightjar, the Green-headed Nightjar, the Variable Nightjar, and the Scarlet-crested Malachite Nightjar, along with large raptors such as the Mountain Buzzard and the African Goshawk.
Day 3: Lake Nakuru
TUESDAY: ABERDARE - LAKE NAKURU
After breakfast at the Ark, transfer back to the Aberdare Country Club to meet up with your safari guide/driver and depart for Lake Nakuru National Park, with a short visit/stop at Thompson Falls in Nyahururu.
A scenic drive and a spectacular descent along the Great Rift Valley escarpment to the valley floor, the town of Nakuru, and then Lake Nakuru National Park.
Arrive at the lodge in time for lunch.
In the late afternoon, enjoy a game drive in the park, where you're almost guaranteed to spot white rhinos and African buffalo!
Dinner and overnight at LAKE NAKURU SOPA LODGE.
Lake Nakuru National Park
Lake Nakuru is one of Kenya's most beautiful national parks. Surrounded by rocky escarpments, acacia forests, and at least one waterfall, the park is often described as a birdwatcher's paradise.
It was once called "Pink Lake" because of the more than 1 million lesser flamingos that resided on the shores of the shallow, alkaline lake. However, rising water levels in 2014 forced the flamingos to flee (though they are slowly returning). Hundreds of other aquatic birds can also be found on the lake itself, including pelicans, marabou stork, gulls, avocets, plovers, and black-winged stilts, while the park's acacia trees and rocky cliffs are home to Verreaux's eagles, splendid fish eagles, vultures, and hoopoes.
The parks are populated by numerous buffalo, waterbuck, gazelle, and impala, while the majestic and rare Rothschild giraffe roam the acacia riverine forest, occasionally crossing the open plains. Lions, leopards, hyenas, and jackals are commonly sighted, as are black and white rhinos, which have found refuge in Kenya's main rhino sanctuary.
Day 4: Maasai Mara National Reserve
WEDNESDAY: LAKE NAKURU – MAASAI MARA
After breakfast (at 7:30 am), depart for the famous Masai Mara National Reserve, along the Rift Valley floor, passing Lakes Elementaita and Naivasha, through the town of Mai Mahiu, where we turn left towards the Masai Mara, passing the town of Narok (the Masai capital).
Arrive at the lodge in time for lunch.
In the afternoon (at 4:00 PM), enjoy a game drive in the Maasai Mara National Reserve, widely considered the world's best wildlife viewing area!
Return to the lodge at sunset for dinner and an overnight stay at MARA SOPA LODGE.
Maasai Mara National Reserve
Maasai Mara With its stunning, flat landscapes, unparalleled safari activities, and diverse wildlife, the Maasai Mara National Reserve is considered Kenya's best park and one of Africa's regions with the highest predator density. The reserve covers 583 square miles (1,510 square kilometers) of stunning wilderness in southwest Kenya.
The location, wildlife, activities, and mild, comfortable climate put Mara at the top of the list, even for the most discerning travelers visiting Kenya. When the public reserve was first established, it covered 645 square miles (1,672 square kilometers). Strategically, the reserve was subsequently reduced in size in 1984 to allow Maasai cattle to graze on their ancestral lands.
Although the reduction in area may be considered a disappointment for wildlife conservation and protection in its infancy, the reserve's animals and habitats have found new allies to ensure their survival for future generations. Many private reserves have been established to protect the land surrounding the reserve, thus providing more space for wildlife. These lands not only protect the habitats of resident species, but also preserve a key section of the route used by wildebeest and zebra during the Great Migration that passes through the Masai Mara through Serengeti National Park. Recognized as one of the most spectacular wildlife events on the planet, the migration is a continuous path followed by over 1.5 million wildebeest and thousands of zebras, gazelles, and elands. In their relentless search for the best pastures and watering holes, the wildebeest are on the move almost constantly. The perseverance of these wildebeests is demonstrated by their ability to mate while on the move, and many females become pregnant during part of the migration. Furthermore, even the smallest wildebeest calves must keep pace with the herd. Standing up and walking in a matter of minutes is crucial to their survival.
Day 5: Maasai Mara National Reserve
THURSDAY: MAASAI MARA
Morning and afternoon safari in the vast Maasai Mara National Reserve. If you're lucky, you might see the Big Five in a single day!
In consultation with your drivers/guides, you can opt for a full-day safari with a picnic lunch, allowing you to explore larger areas of the reserve without having to return to the lodge for lunch.
All meals and overnight stay at MARA SOPA LODGE.
OPTIONAL ACTIVITIES (at an additional cost - to be paid directly):
* 1-hour hot air balloon safari over the Mara plains, with a bush breakfast accompanied by champagne
* Visit to a traditional Maasai village
Maasai Mara
Migrants in the Maasai Mara National Reserve are present from approximately late June to early August until late October to early November. However, the Mara offers year-round wildlife viewing. The reserve and surrounding protected areas offer the opportunity to observe various resident species. Impala, toadstools, giraffes, elephants, zebras, buffalo, warthogs, and other grazing herbivores are often seen. With so much prey, the Masai Mara is a veritable goldmine for large predators, such as lions, cheetahs, leopards, crocodiles, and other stealthy and powerful hunters. The abundance of land animals is complemented by the presence of over 450 winged species, including 57 birds of prey. The Masai Mara Game Reserve offers various tourist activities to explore the plains landscape and observe incredible animal behavior. Adjacent nature reserves offer distinct activities that are not permitted in the reserve. Safaris in the reserve are perfect for those who want to immerse themselves in the Kenyan savannah and see large animals.
For guests interested in observing nocturnal animals, night safaris are available in some of the adjacent private reserves. The Serengeti-Mara ecosystem is known for its enormous diversity of flora and fauna, and some small details can be overlooked during safaris. Most reserves offer savannah walks to observe the area's microecosystems up close. Complementing these walks or a general visit to the Mara, a hot air balloon safari experience, offering a bird's-eye view of the area, is a memorable experience.
* Finally, the Maasai community is crucial to the advancement of wildlife management in the area. We therefore recommend taking the time to deepen your understanding of these noble people by visiting one of their villages for a life-changing cultural experience, understanding their modest and simple way of life.
Day 6: Lake Naivasha
FRIDAY: MAASAI MARA – LAKE NAIVASHA
Breakfast at the lodge.
Departure for Lake Naivasha, arriving in time for lunch.
In the afternoon, depart for the lake shores for an hour-long boat ride to admire the rich birdlife and numerous families of hippos that live in and around the lake.
Optional activities available this afternoon include:
* Visit to Crescent Island (with boat ride)
* Visit to Hell's Gate National Park (by bike/foot/drive)
* Hike on Mount Longonot.
Dinner and overnight at LAKE NAIVASHA SOPA RESORT.
NOTE: Depending on the day's weather, the boat ride may be held before lunch if inclement weather/rain is forecast in the afternoon.
Lake Naivasha
At an altitude of 1,890 meters lies the tranquil freshwater Lake Naivasha, a splendid oasis for a safari holiday. Just beyond its shores lie papyrus swamps, acacia forests, forests, and unique geological features that are remnants of the area's volcanic past. The nutrient-rich soil is fertilized by abundant water, including the Gilgil and Malewa rivers, to create an ecosystem known worldwide for its diverse bird and land wildlife. Lake Naivasha is a RAMSAR site, a designation that reflects the ecological importance of the wetlands surrounding the lake. More than 450 distinct bird species have been identified, and the resident avian fauna is joined by migratory species from October to March. The lake, its high cliffs, and forests are home to spectacled weavers, red-billed finches, grey-backed thrushes, grey-capped warblers, and many other interesting and colorful winged creatures. The most notable, however, are cormorants and pelicans, while African fish eagles are the most majestic birds of prey. During the tour through the acacia forests, you may spot hawks, cuckoos, woodpeckers, shrikes, and other birds, and a lone giraffe might peer out of curiosity between the thorny branches. The papyrus swamps are home to jacanas, herons, and kingfishers.
Lake Naivasha is a major watering hole for buffalo, zebra, eland, impala, waterbuck, and other herbivores, as well as a favorite spot for hippos to cool off during the day. Join a night safari in one of the surrounding private reserves, such as Loldia and Oserian, and you'll see these incredible animals slowly emerge from their resting places in the lake to graze along the shore. During the safari, you may also see other savannah and forest animals, including the elusive leopard.
Day 7:
SATURDAY: NAIVASHA – NAIROBI - DEPARTURE
Breakfast at the lodge.
Departure for Nairobi at 7:00 a.m.
Arrive in Nairobi at 9:00 a.m. and transfer to a hotel near the airport, where you can use the public restrooms and cafeteria while waiting for your departure flight.
Room use and meals are NOT included.
Alternatively, transfer to Jomo Kenyatta International Airport for your departure flight.
(Transfer 3-4 hours before your flight)
Nairobi
Located along the Nairobi River in beautiful Kenya, the capital city of Nairobi is East Africa's most cosmopolitan city. It's an excellent starting point for African safaris in Kenya. Nairobi is Africa's fourth-largest city and a vibrant and exciting place. There are some fascinating attractions: its café culture, vibrant nightlife, the National Museum, the Karen Blixen Museum, and, best of all, just 20 minutes from the city center, lions and wild buffalo roam the world's only urban game reserve. Be sure to visit the elephant orphanage run by the David Sheldrick Wildlife Trust for a once-in-a-lifetime experience.
