Summary
In this tour you will visit the following areas; Amboseli National Park, renowned for its large herds of free-ranging African elephants, Lake Nakuru, a shallow alkaline lake in the Rift Valley renowned for its spectacular flamingo population, Maasai Mara Game Reserve, the most spectacular event of the natural world; the annual migration of millions of wildebeests and zebras from Serengeti (Tanzania) in search of water and pasture and Samburu National Reserve, home to a third of Kenya's giraffe species - the rare Reticulated Giraffe. The reserve also gives shelter to the long-necked Gerenuk Gazelle, the blue-legged Somali Ostrich, straight-horned Beisa Oryx, and Grevy Zebras.
Package Includes
All game drives Sightseeing at the Thomson's Falls Ground transport in an eight-seater minivan Service of an English speaking professional driver-guide 9 nights accommodation Park entrance fees Bottled water while on safari Daily meals as specified in the itinerary
Package Excludes
Extra nights of accommodation Tips Laundry Beverages and drinks Airfare Visas Items of a personal nature Optional activities Any other extras not detailed in the above itinerary
Activities
- Bird Photography
- General Photography
- Morning Drives
- Scenic Drive
- Wildlife Photography
- Game drive
- Bird Watching
- Culture
- Photo-safari
Places
- Maasai Mara, Kenya
- Amboseli National Reserve, Kenya
- Samburu National Reserve, Kenya
- Lake Nakuru National Park, Kenya
Physical Condition
- Normal Physical Condition
Connectivity
- WiFi and phone coverage at most lodges
Day-by-day Description
Day 1Arrival
Meet and greet upon arrival at Jomo Kenyatta International Airport by our representatives and transferred to the Panafric Hotel for the overnight stay.
Day 2Nairobi - Amboseli National Park (250km – Approx. 4hrs drive)
Activities Included
Bird Photography Evening Drives General Photography Morning Drives Scenic Drive Wildlife Photography Bird Watching CultureEarly morning pick-up from your hotel and depart for Amboseli National Park. While you drive to Amboseli and weather permitting, you shall get a view of the magnificent Mount Kilimanjaro with its snowcapped peaks. This is also the home to the re-known Maasai Community and here you will have an opportunity to learn more about the Maasai culture and indigenous lifestyle. Amboseli National Park, the second most popular animal park after Maasai Mara is on the Kenya-Tanzania border. Its magnificent situation at the foot of Mount Kilimanjaro combined with its excellent opportunities to view Kenya's animals makes it one of the most-visited safari parks in Kenya. All meals and accommodation at Amboseli Sopa Lodge.
Other Benefits (On Arrival)
- Transfer
Location
Amboseli National Park, Kenya
Day 3Amboseli National Park – Aberdare National Park (410km – Approx. 8hrs drive)
Activities Included
Evening Drives General Photography Landscape photography Morning Drives Wildlife Photography Bird WatchingDepart Amboseli in the morning and drive back towards Nairobi and head to the Aberdares ranges. You will arrive at the Aberdares Country Club hotel for a hot late lunch. After lunch, set off for the Ark Lodge, located in the forest on mountain slopes of the Aberdares Mountains where the night is spent. Here you will watch wildlife that emerges from the forest and descend on floodlit water hole and salt lick from the comfort of the hotel/at the safety of your balcony. All meals and accommodation at The Ark Lodge.
Other Benefits (On Arrival)
- Transfer
Location
Aberdare national park, Kenya
Day 4Aberdare National Park - Samburu National Reserve (250 km – Approx. 4 hrs drive)
Activities Included
Bird Photography Evening Drives General Photography Morning Drives Wildlife Photography Bird Watching Culture Photo-safariAfter breakfast, head north across the equator to Samburu National Reserve arriving at Samburu Sopa Lodge in time for lunch. Enjoy Afternoon game drives and later on leave for dinner and overnight at the Lodge. The reserve has a wealth of wildlife which include leopards, hippos, elephants, lions, Grevy zebras and crocodiles in the Ewaso Nyiro River. Over 365 species of birds have been identified in the reserve. It is an area where the local people have a rich and colorful heritage. All meals and accommodation at Samburu Sopa Lodge.
Other Benefits (On Arrival)
- Transfer
Location
Samburu National Reserve, Kenya
Day 5Full day at Samburu National Reserve
Activities Included
Bird Photography Evening Drives Morning Drives Wildlife Photography Game drive Bird Watching Culture Photo-safariSpend the whole day exploring the park. An optional cultural visit to the Samburu Village at an extra US$ 20 per person is available later in the day. Samburu is home to a third of Kenya's giraffe species - the rare Reticulated Giraffe (only found in the Northern parks). This is also where you see the blue-legged Somali Ostrich, Grevy zebras, the long-necked Gerenuk gazelle, and the straight-horned Beisa Oryx antelope. All meals accommodation at Samburu Sopa Lodge.
Other Benefits (On Arrival)
- Transfer
Location
Samburu National Reserve, Kenya
Day 6Samburu National Reserve - Lake Nakuru National Park (250 km – Approx. 4-5hrs drive)
Activities Included
Bird Photography Evening Drives General Photography Morning Drives Wildlife Photography Game drive Bird Watching Photo-safariRise early for breakfast, check out and depart for Lake Nakuru National Park, stopping on the way for views of the beautiful Thomson Falls. Arrive in Lake Nakuru Sopa Lodge just in time for lunch. Relax at your accommodation after lunch till 1600hrs for a late afternoon game drive. Dinner and overnight at the Lodge. Lake Nakuru is a shallow alkaline lake in the Rift Valley renowned for its spectacular flamingo population. The lake is famed as one of the world's greatest ornithological spectacles. Lake Nakuru National Park is home to zebras, gazelles, Rothschild giraffes, impalas, black and white rhino sanctuary and other large mammals. All meals and accommodation at Lake Nakuru Sopa Lodge.
Other Benefits (On Arrival)
- Transfer
Location
Lake Nakuru National Park, Nakuru, Kenya
Day 7Lake Nakuru National Park - Maasai Mara Game Reserve (300 km – Approx. 6hrs drive)
Activities Included
Bird Photography Evening Drives General Photography Morning Drives Wildlife Photography Game drive Bird Watching Culture Photo-safariDepart Lake Nakuru after breakfast and drive further along the floor of the Rift Valley to Maasai Mara Game Reserve arriving at in time for lunch. Enjoy afternoon game viewing and later leave for Mara Sopa Lodge for dinner and overnight stay. The Maasai Mara offers wildlife in such variety and abundance that it is difficult to comprehend – indeed, over 450 species of animals have been recorded here! You will easily spot lions, rhinos, hippos, crocodiles, giraffes, wildebeests, zebras, buffalos, warthogs, hyenas, jackals, wild dogs, leopards, many kinds of antelopes and elephants. It is in the Mara that perhaps the most spectacular event of the natural world takes place; the annual migration of millions of wildebeests and zebras from Serengeti (Tanzania) in search of water and pasture. Following on their heels are the predators of the savanna; lions, cheetahs, wild dogs, jackals, hyenas, and vultures. All meals and accommodation at Mara Sopa Lodge.
Other Benefits (On Arrival)
- Transfer
Location
Maasai Mara National Reserve, Kenya
Day 8Full Day at Maasai Mara Game Reserve
Activities Included
Bird Photography Evening Drives General Photography Landscape photography Morning Drives Wildlife Photography Game drive Bird Watching Culture Photo-safariEnjoy a full day game viewing with picnic lunch on the Mara River over-looking the Hippo Pools and the savannah. In addition to the game drive offerings, you can also decide to take an optional hot air balloon ride (at an extra US$ 420 per person) or visit a local Maasai village (at an extra US$ 20 per person). Return to the lodge for dinner and overnight. Maasai warriors are famously known as the proud nomadic tribe whose legendary prowess in battle and single-handed acts of bravery in fights with the wild animals are known across the world. A visit reveals the singing and dancing that are part of their daily lives and sacred rituals. A glimpse into their homes and social structure is a poignant experience.
Other Benefits (On Arrival)
- Transfer
Location
Maasai Mara National Reserve, Kenya
Day 9Maasai Mara – Nairobi (265 km – Approx. 5-6 hrs drive)
After breakfast, you will head for the morning game drive till mid-morning after which you will leave for Nairobi arriving in the afternoon. You will be dropped to the Panafric Hotel for overnight. Optional Activities You may opt to have your dinner at the Famous Carnivore Restaurant for Game Meat- GBP 25
Day 10Drop-off at the Airport
After breakfast, you will get to enjoy some leisure time and do some last-minute shopping. You will then be transferred to the airport for your international flight back home. This marks the end of this memorable journey.
Location
Jomo Kenyatta International Airport, NBO (NBO), Embakasi, Nairobi, Kenya
Offical Visa Regulations and Health Requirements
For personalized details on health and visa requirements please check the IATA travel centre here
https://www.iatatravelcentre.comVisa Most nationalities do now require a visa for Kenya, including Britons, most EU nationals, Australians, New Zealanders, Americans, and Canadians. At present single entry and transit visas are available online (see below) and soon all visas will have to be obtained online. Alternatively, visas are available in advance or on arrival. The Kenyan government is planning for all visas to be obtained online and may stop delivering visas on arrival on short notice. For the latest information please contact your local Kenyan High Commission or Consulate. The cost of the visa is US$50 for a single entry visa and US$100 for an East Africa visa (valid to travel in Kenya, Uganda, and Rwanda – if the website still says coming soon please check with the Kenyan High Commission. You will need to first register to the e-citizens website (including needing a photo 500px x 500px) before you can start applying. For the application process itself, you will need details of the accommodation used (which we will send you) and itinerary as well as a photo 5.5cm x 5.5cm and a scanned or photographed copy of your passport’s bio/photo page. If after visiting Kenya you will also travel to Uganda and Rwanda, you may apply for East African Visa that will cover all three countries. This visa is currently available upon arrival in Nairobi. Please contact the Kenyan High Commission to obtain more information about the combined visa from Kenya. Vaccinations There are no mandatory vaccination requirements. Recommended vaccinations are: Polio, Tetanus, Diphtheria, Typhoid, Hepatitis A. Malaria prophylaxis is essential and we suggest that you seek advice from your GP or travel health clinic about which malaria tablets to take. Dengue fever is a known risk in places visited. It is a tropical viral disease spread by daytime biting mosquitoes. There is currently no vaccine or prophylaxis available for Dengue, and therefore the best form of prevention is to avoid being bitten. We recommend you take the usual precautions to avoid mosquito bites.