Arrival in Nairobi and Safari Through Kenya's Great Lakes to the Maasai Mara
Arrival in Nairobi.
A warm welcome awaits on arrival into Kenya. Meet and greet your transfer driver after completing immigration formalities, then proceed with your transfer to Nairobi City for overnight relaxation.
An optional visit to the Giraffe Centre is available for interaction.
An optional visit to the David Sheldrick Elephant Nursery is also available.
Stay 1 night at Boma Inn on a bed and breakfast basis or similar. Room category: Standard Room.
Lake Naivasha - Crescent Island - Hell's Gate
After breakfast, meet and greet your private safari guide, then drive to Lake Naivasha (approx. 2 hours), a near-circular freshwater lake fringed by lush forests of fever trees and overlooked by the ragged edge of the volcanic Mount Longonot. Though it has no official protection, the lake supports a fair amount of indigenous wildlife. Giraffes, hippos, and waterbuck may be seen almost anywhere on the lakeshore, which is also one of the most rewarding bird sites in Kenya, offering experienced birders the chance to clock up 100 species before breakfast. Conspicuous water-associated birds include the African fish eagle and the great white pelican, while noisy Fischer's and yellow-collared lovebirds are among the most decorative and common woodland species.
The boat trip to Crescent Island, the partially submerged rim of an extinct volcanic caldera, offers the chance to see giraffes, buffalo, and plenty of birds. Hell's Gate National Park protects a geologically dramatic 68-square-kilometer landscape where visitors can walk or bicycle, optionally and unguided, through seasonally impressive herds of big game, including buffalo, giraffe, zebra, various antelope species, and, very occasionally, elephants and lions. Enjoy your day until late afternoon before settling in for evening relaxation.
Dinner and overnight at Lake Naivasha Resort on a board basis or similar. Room category: Deluxe Room.
Lake Elementaita Wildlife Sanctuary - Lake Nakuru National Park
After breakfast, take a short drive (approx. 1 hour 30 minutes) to Lake Elementaita Wildlife Sanctuary, a captivating natural haven renowned for its rich biodiversity and scenic landscapes. Spanning approximately 18 square kilometers (7 square miles), this UNESCO World Heritage Site is centered around the alkaline Lake Elementaita, famous for its vibrant birdlife. The sanctuary is surrounded by picturesque hills and acacia woodlands, creating diverse habitats that support over 400 bird species, including large populations of lesser flamingos, great white pelicans, and cormorants. Additionally, the sanctuary is home to mammals such as zebras, impalas, waterbucks, and black rhinos, making it an ideal destination for wildlife enthusiasts and nature lovers. Guided game drives and nature walks allow guests to experience the rich biodiversity of the area while enjoying breathtaking landscapes.
In the afternoon, proceed to Lake Nakuru (approx. 1 hour 30 minutes) to enjoy one of the best destinations for seeing the exclusive white and black rhino at Lake Nakuru National Park. Along the way, you will explore the beautiful nature of the Great Rift Valley, which was formed more than two million years ago. Upon arrival at Lake Nakuru National Park, check in and enjoy a hot lunch at the lodge. After lunch, embark on an exciting evening game drive. You will see the spectacular concentration of majestic pink flamingos, which is just one of the many wildlife features in the park. Later in the evening, return to the lodge for relaxation.
Dinner and overnight at Lake Nakuru Lodge on a full-board basis or similar. Room category: Standard Room.
Maasai Mara Game Reserve - "Jewel of Kenya"
Meet and greet your private safari driver-guide, then embark on your journey to the "Great Jewel" of Africa, Maasai Mara National Reserve. The Maasai Mara is regarded as the jewel of Kenya and offers wildlife in such variety and abundance that it is almost unbelievable. Over 95 species of mammals, amphibians, and reptiles, and over 400 bird species have been recorded in the reserve. Visitors may hardly miss seeing lions, rhinos, hippos, crocodiles, giraffes, wildebeests, zebras, buffalo, warthogs, hyenas, jackals, wild dogs, leopards, many kinds of antelopes, and elephants.
It is in the Mara that perhaps the most spectacular event of the natural world takes place: the annual migration of millions of wildebeest and zebra from the Serengeti in Tanzania in search of water and pasture. Following on their heels are the predators of the savannahs - lions, cheetahs, wild dogs, jackals, hyenas, and vultures. Arrive for a hot lunch, then proceed for game drives before returning to the camp for relaxation in the evening.
Dinner and overnight at Masai Mara Sopa Lodge on a full-board basis or similar. Room category: 1 x Double Standard Suite.
Masai Mara National Reserve - "Jewel of Kenya"
At an optional 5:00 am, transfer by jeep to the launch site. After a briefing and watching the inflation of the balloon, take off at dawn as the sun rises. Your pilot can precisely control the altitude of the balloon, sometimes flying at treetop height and sometimes lower, offering a unique perspective and great photographic opportunities of the wildlife below. At other times, pilots may ascend to 1,000 feet or more to reveal the enormity and wonderful panorama of the Serengeti. The flight lasts about one hour, depending on conditions.
You then celebrate traditionally with champagne before enjoying a full English breakfast prepared and served in the bush in "Out of Africa" style. After breakfast, receive your Mara Balloon certification and proceed for a game drive for the day. In the evening, enjoy gazing at the stars in the African skies.
An optional opportunity is available to experience the Mara luxury balloon safari flight with bush breakfast.
Dinner and overnight at Mara Sopa Lodge on a full-board basis or similar. Room category: Standard Suite.
Masai Mara National Reserve - "Jewel of Kenya"
Enjoy a full day of deeper game drives in the park to witness further sightings, including the Mara River crossing during the annual migration. The evening is reserved for relaxation.
An optional nature walk excursion may be arranged through the camp representatives, if available during your stay.
An optional cultural village visit may also be arranged through the camp representatives, if available during your stay.
Dinner and overnight at Mara Sopa Lodge on a full-board basis or similar. Room category: 1 x Double Standard Suite.
Masai Mara National Reserve - Nairobi City
It is a farewell to the Kenyan wilderness as you proceed with early transfers to Nairobi for overnight relaxation.
Stay 1 night at Boma Inn on a bed and breakfast basis or similar. Room category: 2 x Double Standard Rooms.
Departure
It is a farewell to Kenyan hospitality. Check out and transfer to the international airport for your onward flight.
