For a once-in-a-lifetime safari adventure, there is no better place for scenic beauty and abundant wildlife than the African country of Kenya. Upon arriving in Nairobi, Kenya's cosmopolitan capital and the country's safari gateway, you will visit the farmhouse of Karen Blixen, author of "Out of Africa." During your 2-night stay in Amboseli National Park, you'll enjoy luxurious accommodations and two game drives. At your hotel in the Aberdare National Forest, located in the central highlands of Kenya, watch as animals come to drink at a watering hole located below your lodge. Your next stop is the world-famous Mt. Kenya Safari Club, former hunting lodge and retreat of William Holden, and your home for two nights. A full day excursion in the Sweetwaters Private Sanctuary provides the opportunity to see and observe chimps in an area similar to their natural living environment. Next, enjoy a leisurely drive to Subukia on the edge of the Great Rift Valley where you'll tour a delightful tea estate and enjoy lunch and fresh farm tea. An evening game drive at Lake Nakuru National Park is where you might see rhinos, leopards and flamingos. Finally, the highlight of this and every program in East Africa is the Masai Mara Game Reserve, with Kenya's richest concentration of lion, zebra, buffalo, giraffe, cheetah and more. Your two-night stay here includes a visit to a Masai village, two game drives, and a traditional bush dinner.
Itinerary:
Day #1 Overnight Flight - Explore the pure scenic vistas and magnificent wildlife of Kenya, discovering the truly unique culture and experiences that make it one of the most popular African countries to visit. Numerous game drives bring you in search of the “Big 5” on your once-in-a-lifetime safari adventure.
Day #2 Arrive Europe - Nairobi, Kenya - Tour Begins - Arrive in Europe for your flight to Nairobi, Kenya. Relax for the evening at the luxurious Norfolk Hotel. Brimming with British colonial charm, you will revel in this hotel's rich history.
Day #3 Nairobi - Samburu Reserve - Depart for Samburu Reserve, home to some of the country’s most exotic wildlife including the “Big 5”, Reticulated Giraffe and Grevy’s Zebra. Enjoy a game drive en route to your riverside lodge. This evening, a lecture on the Samburu – an ethnic group related to the Masai – delves into its unique culture and traditions.
Day #4 Samburu Reserve - Your search for the elusive “Big 5” continues as you journey through the rugged and dramatic Samburu region. The striking contrast of sand, sky and bush will leave you breathless. Keep your eye out for the spectacular local bird life; over 365 species of birds are known to inhabit Samburu. You may even spot the desert rose, splashing color against its natural surroundings.
Day #5 Samburu Reserve - Nanyuki - Arrive at the sprawling, world-famous Mt. Kenya Safari Club in the shadow of Mt. Kenya. The resort boasts a delightful history and beautiful grounds – and was once the private hunting lodge and retreat of William Holden. Visit the Equator and witness the astounding Coriolis effect.
Day #6 Nanyuki - Enjoy a day at leisure to experience the best of the Mt. Kenya Safari Club. Stroll through the 100 acres of landscaped gardens, visit the animal orphanage or just relax by the pool. Perhaps embark on an optional excursion to the Sweetwater Private Sanctuary.
Day #7 Nanyuki - Aberdare National Forest - Travel through the Aberdares, a beautiful mountain range in Kenya’s central highlands where rainforest yields to bamboo forests and moorland. Queen Elizabeth was vacationing here when she became Queen of the United Kingdom. Enjoy a stay at the world-famous tree lodge, the Ark. Built on stilts in the heart of the forest, this lodge provides once-in-a-lifetime game viewing opportunities. Watch in awe from the deck or the underground bunker as the animals come to drink at a watering hole and salt lick located below the lodge.
Day #8 Aberdare - Kigio Wildlife Conservancy - Drive past the mountains via Nyahururu waterfalls, arriving at the floor of the Great Rift Valley at Kigio, a private all-suite eco lodge and conservancy teeming with bio-diversity. An afternoon nature walk allows close viewing of several species of birds and indigenous plants. This evening, a local expert discusses conservation and community.
Day #9 Kigio - Enjoy a morning walk followed by breakfast in the bush. Then, see many of the local projects supported by the conservancy including basket making by widows, jewelry making from recycled paper, rug weaving and the local school. Continue to Lake Nakuru for a picnic lunch and a chance to see thousands of flamingos during your game drive.
Day #10 Kigio - Masai Mara - This morning, travel to the Masai Mara Game Reserve. The Masai Mara is an extension of the great Serengeti Plain, considered by many to be the most magnificent game viewing spot in all of Kenya. Lions, giraffes, zebras, elephants and other wildlife reside here. Your tent provides all the deluxe amenities of a lodge, complete with the adventure of the wild! Visit a Masai village prior to your game drive. This evening, enjoy a traditional bush dinner featuring a Masai dance performance.
Day #11 Masai Mara - An optional hot air balloon ride over the plains is available this morning. Your full-day game drive includes a picnic lunch. Return to your hotel for sunset.
Day #12 Masai Mara - Nairobi - After breakfast, return to Nairobi. Travel to Karen, on the outskirts of Nairobi, and visit the farmhouse of Karen Blixen, author of the book “Out of Africa.” Next, experience the local wildlife firsthand and take advantage of an opportunity to feed the endangered Rothschild giraffes from a raised platform at the Giraffe Sanctuary. Dine this evening at the famous Carnivore Restaurant – an open-air restaurant specializing in game meat, roasted on traditional Masai swords.
Day #13 Nairobi - Amboseli National Park - This morning depart Nairobi for Amboseli National Park, famous for its open plains where lions and elephants roam and the breathtaking snow-capped Mt. Kilimanjaro dominates the landscape. Enjoy a game drive en route to your lodge.
Day #14 Amboseli National Park - Further explore Amboseli with two game drives – your last chance to see the “Big 5” on this exciting safari adventure. In case they don’t all come out during your morning drive, look for the lion, elephant, buffalo, leopard and rhino during your afternoon game drive.
Day #15 Amboseli - Nairobi - Tour Ends - Return to Nairobi. An unforgettable and rewarding experience is in store for you this morning when you visit the students at Tenderfeet Education Center. Supported by the tour group Foundation, this school helps orphans and high risk children in Riruta, a suburb of Nairobi. A day room has been reserved for you to freshen up and enjoy some leisure time. Your tour ends this evening in Nairobi.