Day by Day

Detailed Itinerary Summary

Adventurer

Immerse yourself in the African wilderness as you sleep under the stars, from the Great Rift Valley to the open plains of the savannah searching for the region’s unique wildlife and witnessing their primal behavior. Full service camping allows for, an in-depth encounter which will bring you closer to the African environment, culture and wildlife, in an authentic way. Airport transfers and meals are included in the tour fare and prepared by your local guides with an occasional optional dinner in locations where there is a good choice of local restaurants. Activities included on the itinerary are core tour experiences or highlights with an adventurous flare. Our small safari vehicles minimize driving time, takes you off the beaten track and creates an intimate safari experience in one of the planets most fascinating landscapes.

Day 1: Nairobi - Samburu, Shaba & Buffalo Springs Game Reserves

Jambo! to the lively capital of Nairobi. You will be met at Jomo Kenyatta International Airport and transferred to the joining hotel in the city centr...

On this day	Jambo! to the lively capital of Nairobi. You will be met at Jomo Kenyatta International Airport and transferred to the joining hotel in the city centre for a pre departure meeting with your guide and to meet your fellow travellers. Depending on your arrival flight you might have have time at leisure to explore Nairobi and its colourful surrounds, taking in old colonial architecture and the brightly coloured crowds to get a feel for Africa. The city’s best attraction is the National Museum, home to most of the great prehistoric finds made by the Leakey family in East Africa. It also has sections on wildlife, art, geology, local history and a snake park. The Bomas of Kenya is a living open-air museum of the tribes of Kenya, including regular dance performances. The Nairobi National Park is just south of the city, and covers 114 sq km. It has over 400 bird species of and population’s lions, leopards, and one of the country’s few thriving populations of black rhino. From Nairobi our journey takes us northbound, heading passed the shoulder of Mount Kenya, passing lush green hills and fertile countryside towards the three National Reserves of Samburu, Buffalo Springs and Shaba. En route, we stop at a Choka Market to admire the local crafts and sample the fruits at the stalls and experience some interesting science experiments at the Equator before heading to Nanuki, where we visit a Nakomat market and stop at the Post Office to send some postcards back home. We continue driving to Isiolo, which is the beginning of the Northern Frontier District; from here we will start to see some of the Nomadic Tribes which live in this area such as the Samburu, Borana, Rendille, Turkana and Somalis. On arrival at Shaba Game Reserve we enjoy a late afternoon game drive in this incredible reserve.
Accommodation	Butterfly Camp
Rooming	Twin-share camping
Meals	Lunch, Dinner
Included Activities	Airport arrival transfer, road transfer to Shaba, Samburu and Buffalo Springs Reserve, stopping en-route at a Choka market, the equator and post office. Game drive on arrival
Travel Distance	390 km / 244 miles
Travelling Time	3-4 hours

Day 2: Samburu, Shaba & Buffalo Springs Game Reserves

A full day is spent exploring these three neighboring reserves on game drives. With a distinct beauty, the frontier districts are heavy with classic b...

On this day	A full day is spent exploring these three neighboring reserves on game drives. With a distinct beauty, the frontier districts are heavy with classic big game, termite skyscrapers and is home to the Ewaso Ngiro River. The beginning of the Matthews Range hosts a population of creatures that occur in no other major Kenyan Park. such as the blue-leered Somali Ostrich, Grevys Zebra, unicorn like beisa oryxes, reticulated giraffes and the gerenuk, a gazelle with an exceptionally long neck. During the day we visit a local Samburu village for a guided tour by local residents. The local population of the neighboring communities are of the Samburu tribe, a clan of the Masai people. The Samburu are semi-nomadic pastoralists. Cattle, as well as sheep, goats and camels, are of utmost importance to the Samburu culture and way of life. The Samburu are extremely dependent on their animals for survival. Their diet consists mostly of milk and sometimes blood from their cows. Samburu traditional dress is a striking red cloth wrapped around like a skirt (called Shukkas) and a white sash. This is enhanced with many colorful beaded necklaces, earrings and bracelets. Both men and women wear jewelry although only the women make it. The Samburu also paint their faces using striking patterns to accentuate their facial features. Neighboring tribes, admiring the beauty of the Samburu people, called them samburu which in fact means "butterfly".
Accommodation	Butterfly Camp
Rooming	Twin-share camping
Meals	Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner
Included Activities	Morning game drive and visit to local Samburu village. Afternoon game drive in the park

Day 3: Mount Kenya Highlands

We begin our journey travelling south towards Africa's second highest mountain (5199 m), Mount Kenya. As the saying goes, cut Kenya and she bleeds soi...

On this day	We begin our journey travelling south towards Africa's second highest mountain (5199 m), Mount Kenya. As the saying goes, cut Kenya and she bleeds soil, the central highlands that we pass is exceptionally rich and fertile and has been the bread and butter of the Nation since inception. Coffee plantations and farm lands dominate the highlands and produce the nations top fresh produce. Once we arrive at the campsite, you will have the afternoon free to enjoy an optional walks in the surrounding forest, known for its prolific bird life and lush forests.
Accommodation	Mountain Rock Camp
Rooming	Twin-share camping
Meals	Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner
Included Activities	Morning road transfer to Mount Kenya, stopping en-route for lunch. Afternoon self guided forest walk
Travel Distance	210 km / 131 miles
Travelling Time	3-4 hours

Day 4: Lake Nakuru

This morning we travel to one of the greatest known Rift Valley lake, Lake Nakuru. En route to Nakuru we stop at Thompson Falls and a Great Rift Valle...

On this day	This morning we travel to one of the greatest known Rift Valley lake, Lake Nakuru. En route to Nakuru we stop at Thompson Falls and a Great Rift Valley viewpoint, enjoying stunning views of the escarpment on the way. Lake Nakuru is a shallow soda lake, renowned for its huge concentration of flamingos and over 460 species of birds.Kenya's fourth largest town and the capital of the Rift Valley province, Nakuru, meaning “dusty place” in the Masai language, is a cheerful and vibrant agricultural town with a variety of colourful local markets. We arrive at lunch time and after setting up camp have an early evening game drive in the park. The park is famous for being the home to masses of pink flamingos. The alkaline lake's abundance of algae attracts the large quantity of flamingos, estimated into the millions, that famously line the shore. The park has recently been enlarged partly to provide the sanctuary for the black rhino. There are also a number of Rothschild giraffe and numerous other mammals can be seen, including zebra, impala, gazelle, waterbuck, lion, warthog, bushbuck, many buffalo, and even at times leopard.
Accommodation	KWS Public Campsite
Rooming	Twin-share camping
Meals	Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner
Included Activities	Road transfer to Lake Nakuru, stopping at Thompson Falls viewpoint en-route. Afternoon game drive
Travel Distance	190 km / 119 miles
Travelling Time	3 hours

Day 5: Lake Naivasha

Today we travel to Lake Naivasha; a large freshwater lake being part of the Great Rift Valley and home to an abundance of bird life including the icon...

On this day	Today we travel to Lake Naivasha; a large freshwater lake being part of the Great Rift Valley and home to an abundance of bird life including the iconic African Fish Eagle and a large population of African hippos. We have the option of visiting Hell´s Gate National Park en route, a pristine area with good opportunities for game watching. Mountain bikes and rock climbing can be arranged. The name Naivasha, derives for the local Maasai name “Nai’posha” meaning “rough water” due to the sudden storms which can arise. We enjoy high tea at Joy Adamson´ s famous Elsamere farm, a British naturalist and author of the international best seller “Born Free” a charming story where Joy describes her trials and tribulations of raising a lion cub called Elsa to adulthood. The farm house was bought in 1967 and is now a conservation centre, focusing on lake ecology and creating environmental awareness. Later we head towards the lake for a sunset boat cruise along the shimmering surface, searching for hippos and other rare creatures along the lakes edge. The lake is a swamp area of spectacular scenery with good opportunities for game watching.
Accommodation	Fish Eagle Hotel Camp
Rooming	Twin-share camping
Meals	Breakfast, Lunchd
Included Activities	Morning transfer to Lake Naivasha, optional activities at Hells Gate National Park. High tea at Joy Adamson’s Elsamere. Afternoon boat safari on the lake.
Travel Distance	75 km / 47 miles
Travelling Time	1 hour

Day 6: Masai Mara National Reserve

We head south-west to our next destination, the Masai Mara - arguably one of the finest game reserves in Africa. The area is known for its rolling gre...

On this day	We head south-west to our next destination, the Masai Mara - arguably one of the finest game reserves in Africa. The area is known for its rolling green plains and riverine woodlands. The jewel in Africa’s crown the Mara is host to the most spectacular array of wildlife. For three months of the year, the Masai Mara Reserve is home to the greatest annual phenomenon, the Wildebeest Migration, which crosses its rolling grasslands and savanna districts during the months of late July to October. Over several million animals take part in this epic journey across the Serengeti-Mara eco system, surging over the flood swollen Mara River, attempting daring crocodile infected crossing points and constantly shadowed by their padded predators. During these months the animals rest and rejuvenate before they continue their circular migration, re-entering into the eastern corridor of the Serengeti. The Mara can be visited year round, as it has one of the highest concentrations of predator to prey ratio in Africa, and to witness the daily primal battle amongst its grassy plains makes this reserve one of Africa’s best wildlife destinations. In the afternoon we set out on a game drive after setting up our camp, deep in the Kenyan wilderness.
Accommodation	Mountain Rock Mara Springs Camp
Rooming	Twin-share camping
Meals	Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner
Included Activities	Road transfer to the Masai Mara, afternoon game drive.
Travel Distance	300 km / 188 miles
Travelling Time	5 hours

Day 7: Masai Mara National Reserve

A full day of game driving in the impressive reserve, with a picnic lunch in the park. An even earlier morning wake up for those who opt for a pre-boo...

On this day	A full day of game driving in the impressive reserve, with a picnic lunch in the park. An even earlier morning wake up for those who opt for a pre-booked Hot Air Balloon safari over the golden plains of the iconic Masai Mara. The amber rolling plains of the Masai Mara personifies the very spirit of Africa: wild, dramatic and staggering beautiful. The plains are home to a massive numbers of grazing animals and predators and the interaction between the many species often provide some of the best wildlife viewing opportunities in the world. During the day we also stop to visit a traditional Masai Manyatta as the reserve is also inhabited by the legendary Maasai communities dwelling with their cherish cattle herds. A century of close association with the wildlife has resulted in an almost symbiotic relationship where wildlife and people live in peace with one another. They often move hundreds of kilometers with large herds of livestock in search of water and rich pastures. Their diet is based on fresh / curdled milk and meat from their livestock. Centuries ago the Maasai were feared as ruthless conquerors and cattle rustlers who invaded other tribal areas in search of bigger grazing land and more cattle. The Maasai are also famous for drinking a mixture of cattle blood and milk during ceremonial rites. Cattle are the mainstay of the traditional Maasai way of life, and their importance is embedded deep into the hearts and minds of these peoples. So much so that one of the traditional maasai beliefs was that God sent all the cattle down to earth only for the Maasai.
Accommodation	Mountain Rock Mara Springs Camp
Rooming	Twin-share camping
Meals	Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner
Included Activities	Morning game drive & visit to local Maasai Homestead. Afternoon game drive in the reserve. Morning optional hot air balloon safari.
Travel Distance	100 km / 63 miles

Day 8: Nairobi

Waking up early for a morning game drive, we watch the dawn lighten the bushveld on a morning game drive and we investigate the previous night’s wi...

On this day	Waking up early for a morning game drive, we watch the dawn lighten the bushveld on a morning game drive and we investigate the previous night’s wildlife activities, by tracking footprints, following bush trails and perhaps even a sighting the remains of a midnight kill. We leave the plains of the reserve and head back to the bustling capital of Nairobi. On arrival you will transferred to the International Airport for your connecting flight. Post tour accommodation and day rooms are available on request.
Meals	Breakfast, Lunch
Included Activities	Morning Masai Mara game drive. Road transfer to Nairobi, with lunch en-route. Airport departure transfer
Travel Distance	250-300 km / 156 miles
Travelling Time	5 hours

 

Pre and Post tour accommodation

Jacaranda Hotel (Nairobi)                       from:     $110   (PPS)        $150     (SGL)

For travellers wishing to extend their stay, please see the joining tours and short extensions that are available.

Rates & Prices

Dates & Availability

Duration	8 days	Code	AEKE

Select a departure:

Trip Dates	Availability	Guaranteed	Price
13 May 2012 - 20 May 2012			R 12,960
03 Jun 2012 - 10 Jun 2012			R 12,960
17 Jun 2012 - 24 Jun 2012			R 12,960
08 Jul 2012 - 15 Jul 2012			R 12,960
15 Jul 2012 - 22 Jul 2012			R 12,960
05 Aug 2012 - 12 Aug 2012			R 12,960
19 Aug 2012 - 26 Aug 2012			R 12,960
02 Sep 2012 - 09 Sep 2012			R 12,960
16 Sep 2012 - 23 Sep 2012			R 12,960
23 Sep 2012 - 30 Sep 2012			R 12,960
07 Oct 2012 - 14 Oct 2012			R 12,960
14 Oct 2012 - 21 Oct 2012			R 12,960
21 Oct 2012 - 28 Oct 2012			R 12,960
04 Nov 2012 - 11 Nov 2012			R 12,960
18 Nov 2012 - 25 Nov 2012			R 12,960
09 Dec 2012 - 16 Dec 2012			R 12,960
23 Dec 2012 - 30 Dec 2012			R 12,960

More DeparturesLess Departures

Tour Inclusions

Arrival & Departure airport transfers, Transportation, Accommodation per itinerary or similar, Meals as per itinerary B-Breakfast, L-Lunch and D-Dinner, Services of an English speaking driver/guide, National park & game reserve entrance fees as per itinerary, Excursions & activities as per itinerary, Safari tents and sleeping mattresses, All meet and greet services

Trip Details

What's Included

Arrival & Departure airport transfers, Transportation, Accommodation per itinerary or similar, Meals as per itinerary B-Breakfast, L-Lunch and D-Dinner, Services of an English speaking driver/guide, National park & game reserve entrance fees as per itinerary, Excursions & activities as per itinerary, Safari tents and sleeping mattresses, All meet and greet services

What's Excluded

Visas and related costs, Personal Border Taxes, Drinks, tips, laundry, telephone calls and other items of a personal nature, International flights and arrival and departure taxes, Meals not listed on the itinerary, Travel and personal accident insurance, Optional excursions and activities, Sleeping bags & cushion or pillow

Transport

Land arrangements are dependent on group size and may utilize SUV’s such as VW Caravel , Minibuses like Toyota Quantum, Small Bus or large customized Safari Vehicles.

Guiding

Accompanied throughout the safari by an English speaking tour guide

Accommodation

Camping (7nts)

Meals

8 Breakfasts, 8 Lunches and 7 Dinners

Transfers

Arrival and Departure transfers are included in this tour; therefore travellers need to supply us with their flight details as soon as possible.

Optional Extras

All prices quoted are accurate on publication but subject to change. Prices will be confirmed or requoted on enquiry.

We are able to pre-book a wide range of services not listed here, please contact us should you require more information

It is recommended to pre-book the Masai Mara ballooning activity along with your tour as it is very popular and at times "sold out". Subject to availability you can also book this with your tour guide at the start of the safari. Your guide will confirm your booking with the Balloon company from Nakuru.

Activities & Excursions

• Nairobi Full Day City Tour
• Karen Blixen Museum $12
• Kibera Slums Tour
• Nairobi National Park $60
• Carnivore Restaurant in Nairobi set meal $30
• Hells Gate National park bike hire $8
• Hells Gate National Park $45
• Hells Gate rock climbing $15
• Hells Gate short gorge hike $15
• Masai Mara Balloon Safari $499
• Masai Mara walking safari $25

View tour dossier for further details

Tour Images