Day 1
Nairobi to Aberdares
Early morning pick up from Airport, Residence or hotel and start drive to Aberdare National Park. Tree hotels are designed for guests to observe wildlife coming to waterholes (or salt licks) in pristine forest habitat. Wildlife viewing from this elevated position is a remarkably rewarding way to see animals otherwise difficult to spot in the dense vegetation. Aberdare National Park is home to elephants, black rhinos, leopards, spotted hyenas, olive baboons, black and white colobus monkeys, buffalos, warthogs and bushbucks among others. Overnight at a tree lodge.
Overnight at The Ark Lodge
Day 2
Aberdares to Lake Nakuru
Early morning pick up then drive to Lake Nakuru National Park. Located across the equator, southwards of Bogoria, lies the Rift Valley most famous Lake Nakuru. Flanked by rocky escarpments, pockets of acacia forest and at least one waterfall, the park is gorgeous year-round and is home to both black and white rhinos, lions, leopards, hippos and endangered Rothschild's giraffes. This park was the first national Rhino sanctuary and hosts one of the world’s highest concentrations of the Black Rhinoceros. Arrive in time for lunch then have an afternoon game drive. Overnight at tented camp or lodge.
Overnight at Lake Nakuru Lodge
Day 3
Lake Nakuru to Naivasha
An early morning game viewing drive at Lake Nakuru as you head out to Lake Naivasha, which is the highest and the most beautiful of the Rift Valley lakes. It is one of the primary drinking holes for buffalos, zebras, elands, impalas, waterbucks and other grazers, as well as a favorite place for hippos to cool themselves during the day. Along the lakeshore, vineyards produce grapes for the country's fledgling wine industry. Afternoon boat ride to view hippos, rich bird life and small game. Later guided walking safari at the Crescent Island. Overnight at tented camp or lodge.
Overnight at Naivasha Kongoni Lodge
Day 4
Lake Nakuru to Masai Mara
An early morning drive to Maasai Mara National Reserve. It holds on as one of the few places left on earth where wildlife still lives comparatively undisturbed, in the numbers that once roamed the plains and forests of Africa. The grassy plains and regular rainfall supports a huge population of herbivores, in turn attracting many predators. All three big cats are relatively easy to see. The Mara hosts the spectacular seasonal migration of many thousands of wildebeest, zebras and attendant predators. Arrive in time for lunch then have an afternoon game drive. Note: You can book an optional hot-air balloon flight over the savannah; it is a pre-dawn start and you are rewarded with a well-deserved champagne breakfast. Overnight at tented camp or lodge.
Overnight at Elangata Olerai Luxury Camp
Day 5
Masai Mara Full Day
After breakfast, we have a full day game drive, with packed lunch provided. The quintessential Masai Mara safari is a photographer’s and naturalist’s paradise, with abundant elephant, buffalo, giraffe, black-maned lion and cheetah alongside the migratory wildebeest and zebra. Leopards are frequently encountered, endangered black rhino hide in the dense thickets and large rafts of hippo and enormous crocodiles are found in the Mara River. Many of the cheetahs are so tame they seek shelter from the hot sun under one's vehicle and several even climb onto the roof to get a better view of prospective prey. The park is also home to over 470 bird species. Among these 16 species of eagle, plus many hawks and falcons, marabou storks, secretary birds, hornbills, crowned cranes, ostriches, long-crested eagles, African pygmy-falcons and the lilac-breasted roller. At midday, your guide will set out a delicious picnic lunch in a shady and safe spot before continuing in the afternoon Note: The day is yours to pace as you want. Should you want your day with morning and afternoon game drives only, your guide is available to make that happen as well. Overnight at tented camp or lodge.
Overnight at Elangata Olerai Luxury Camp
Day 6
Masai Mara to Nairobi
Leave for a morning game drive after breakfast. Depart to Nairobi late in the morning. Drop off to your hotel, residence or the airport in the late afternoon.
