9 Days 8 Nights Best of Kenya Safari Samburu – Aberdares – Lake Nakuru – Lake Naivasha – Maasai Mara

Upon arrival at Jomo Kenyatta International Airport, you will be met by our safari representative outside the arrivals hall after clearing customs and immigration. After a short briefing about the safari, you will be transferred to your hotel in Nairobi for check-in. The rest of the day is at leisure to recover from your flight. Depending on arrival time, optional activities in Nairobi can be arranged at an extra cost, including a short game drive in Nairobi National Park, a visit to the Giraffe Centre, the David Sheldrick Elephant Orphanage, or the Karen Blixen Museum. Overnight in Nairobi on bed and breakfast basis.

Accommodation:
Novotel Nairobi Westlands or Hilton Garden Inn Nairobi Airport
Meals: Bed and Breakfast

After breakfast at the hotel, depart Nairobi in the morning and drive north through the agricultural highlands of central Kenya, passing through towns such as Thika, Karatina and Nanyuki. There will be a brief stop at the Equator crossing point near Nanyuki for photography. The landscape changes as you proceed further north into the semi-arid Samburu region. Arrive at Samburu National Reserve in time for lunch at the lodge followed by some time to relax before departing for an afternoon game drive. Samburu is known for its unique wildlife species including Grevy’s zebra, reticulated giraffe, Beisa oryx, Somali ostrich and gerenuk, commonly referred to as the Samburu Special Five. Dinner and overnight at the lodge.

Accommodation:
Samburu Sopa Lodge
Meals: Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner

After an early breakfast, depart for a morning game drive in Samburu National Reserve. The reserve is home to a wide range of wildlife including elephants, lions, leopards, cheetahs, hyenas, giraffes, zebras and numerous bird species. The Ewaso Nyiro River is the main water source in the reserve and attracts a large number of animals, making it one of the best areas for wildlife viewing. Return to the lodge for lunch and some time to relax. In the late afternoon, depart for another game drive in search of predators and other wildlife species. Optional visit to a Samburu village can be arranged at an extra cost. Dinner and overnight at the lodge.

Accommodation:
Samburu Sopa Lodge
Meals: Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner

After breakfast, depart Samburu and drive to the central highlands arriving at the Aberdare region in time for lunch at the base hotel. After lunch, transfer by lodge vehicle into Aberdare National Park to your tree lodge.

The lodge is built overlooking a waterhole and salt lick which attracts wildlife throughout the day and night. From the lodge terraces and viewing decks, guests can observe elephants, buffaloes, giant forest hogs, bushbucks, and occasionally leopards and rhinos as they come to drink water. Dinner and overnight at the tree lodge.

Accommodation:
Treetops Lodge
Meals: Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner

After breakfast, depart the Aberdare region and drive towards the Great Rift Valley with scenic views from the escarpment.

Proceed to Lake Nakuru National Park for a game drive with Picnic Lunch.

Lake Nakuru is one of Kenya’s best places to see both black and white rhinos and is also known for flamingos and other birdlife. Other animals found in the park include lions, leopards, buffaloes, giraffes, zebras and antelopes. After the game drive, depart for Elementaita/Naivasha for overnight stay.

Accommodation:
Elmer Resort and Spa Naivasha
Meals: Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner

After breakfast, boat ride on Lake Naivasha is arranged and Crecent Island walking tour.

The boat ride offers an opportunity to see hippos and a variety of bird species including African fish eagles, pelicans and cormorants. After the boat ride tour the crecent island, depart for Maasai Mara National Reserve via Narok town, hot buffet lunch served enroute arriving in the evening at your lodge. Dinner and overnight at the camp or lodge.

Accommodation:
Enkorok Mara Camp or Mara Sopa Lodge
Meals: Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner

After breakfast, depart for a full day game drive in Maasai Mara National Reserve with picnic lunch. The Maasai Mara is famous for its large population of lions, leopards and cheetahs and is one of the best places in Africa to see the Big Five. During the migration season from July to October, large herds of wildebeest and zebras cross the Mara River from the Serengeti in Tanzania. Dinner and overnight at the camp or lodge.

Accommodation:
Enkorok Mara Camp or Mara Sopa Lodge
Meals: Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner

After breakfast, depart for morning and afternoon game drives in different parts of Maasai Mara National Reserve including the Mara River area, which is known for hippos, crocodiles and migration crossings during the migration season. Optional activities such as a hot air balloon safari or a visit to a Maasai village can be arranged at an extra cost. Dinner and overnight at the camp or lodge.

Accommodation:
Enkorok Mara Camp or Mara Sopa Lodge
Meals: Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner

After breakfast, depart Maasai Mara and drive back to Nairobi arriving in the afternoon. Drop off at the hotel or at Jomo Kenyatta International Airport for your departure flight.

Meals: Breakfast and Lunch
Driving Time: Approximately 5 to 6 hours