Arrival in Nairobi and Safari Through Samburu, Nakuru, and Masai Mara
DAY 1: ARRIVAL - NAIROBI
Today, our company representatives will meet you at Jomo Kenyatta International Airport and transfer you to Sarova Panafric Hotel for an overnight stay. Depending on your time of arrival, we will be available and willing to organize an optional city tour or a short game drive in Nairobi National Park.
Accommodation: Sarova Panafric Hotel
Meal Plan: Breakfast
DAY 2: NAIROBI - SAMBURU GAME RESERVE
Depart from Nairobi to Samburu, arriving with a short en-route game drive. Spend the afternoon swimming or relaxing before setting off for an evening game drive. Wild and rugged, Samburu is fiercely beautiful, with its arid savannahs watered by the lovely Uaso Nyiro River. It is also one of Kenya's most protected areas and home to species found only north of the equator, from the reticulated giraffe to Grevy's zebras and Beisa oryxes.
Overnight Accommodation: Samburu Sopa Lodge
Meal Plan: {Breakfast, Lunch & Dinner}
DAY 3: SAMBURU GAME RESERVE
Dawn breaks in golden bands as we start our day in the bush by scanning the river from our tent's veranda with a cup of steaming coffee in hand. Before the dew is off the grass, we're off in pursuit of the elephants, lions, leopards, and cheetahs that thrive in the reserve's grasslands and acacia woodlands. The reserve is famed for its unique resident wildlife species like the Reticulated Giraffe, Grevy's Zebra, Beisa Oryx, and the blue-legged Somali Ostrich. There are over 450 identified bird species, as well as aquatic species in the Ewaso Nyiro River, including vultures, kingfishers, marabous, bateleurs, guinea fowl, Somali ostriches, and others. The day is spent alternating between exploration in the bush and relaxation in our cozy lodge.
Accommodation: Samburu Sopa Lodge
Meal Plan: {Breakfast, Lunch & Dinner}
DAY 4: SAMBURU - LAKE NAKURU NATIONAL PARK
Today we travel to the exotic Lake Nakuru National Park, located in the Great Rift Valley. After lunch, an exciting game run is planned for the afternoon. The game in this park is plentiful, and the magnificent birdwatching will make a devotee out of even the most reluctant. The park also features a rhino sanctuary. The birdlife here is world-renowned, and over 400 bird species exist here, including White Pelicans, Plovers, Egrets, and Marabou Storks. It is also one of the very few places in Africa to see the white rhino and the rare Rothschild giraffe.
Accommodation: Lake Nakuru Sopa Lodge
Meal Plan: {Breakfast, Lunch & Dinner}
DAY 5: LAKE NAKURU - MASAI MARA GAME RESERVE
This morning, we drive through the dramatic Great Rift Valley to the Masai Mara National Reserve. This enormous reserve is actually part of the vast Serengeti plains, famously known for its spectacular great wildebeest migration, and is home to the Big Five: lion, elephant, leopard, buffalo, and rhino. Lunch at our lodge and time to relax follow before departing for the afternoon game run. The Mara Game Reserve is one of the greatest wildernesses in the world. Large mammals are varied and easy to see.
Residents among the park's wildlife are the Masai giraffe, buffalo, eland, and thousands of plains game, including impala, zebra, topi, and both Thomson's and Grant's gazelles.
Accommodation: Sarova Mara Camp
Meal Plan: {Breakfast, Lunch & Dinner}
DAY 6: DISCOVER MASAI MARA GAME RESERVE
The search for great predators and perhaps even cubs continues today and tomorrow during extensive game runs. On the plains are enormous herds of grazing animals, plus the elusive cheetah and leopard hiding amidst acacia boughs. During our stay, we also have an optional opportunity to visit a village of the Masai people to witness 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.
Overnight Accommodation: Sarova Mara Camp
Meal Plan: {Breakfast, Lunch & Dinner}
DAY 7: MASAI MARA - DRIVE TO NAIROBI
Start the day with an early morning game drive. After breakfast, depart back to Nairobi by road, arriving in the early afternoon. Lunch is served en route.
Meal Plan: {Breakfast, Lunch}
NOTE:
The world needs trees more than ever. At Royal Private Safaris, we introduce you to how to plant some on your travels. For every guest who travels with our company in Kenya, we plant a tree in his or her name. Since 2015, we have planted roughly 5,000 trees and counting. Though small, these reforestation efforts can raise awareness of the need to increase tree cover to reduce carbon emissions and have the potential to make a tangible, sustained impact.
