An African safari touches something deep within all of us, for it is an experience that will never be forgotten. This four-day private adventure takes you through the Great Rift Valley and the vast game-rich plains of the Maasai Mara, covering one national reserve and one national park. The Rift Valley lakes are famous for their abundance of flamingos and other waterfowl, while Maasai Mara is home to the country’s greatest concentration of wildlife. The driver-guides are all skilled experts and will certainly make this safari feel special while the accommodation has been specifically chosen to enhance your experience.
TOUR HIGHLIGHTS
Maasai Mara National Reserve: situated in south-west Kenya and is one of Africa’s Greatest Wildlife Reserves, and where the world’s largest multi-species migration takes place. Across the vast plains of the Mara, visitors are able to witness lions, cheetahs, leopards, elephants, and an infinite variety of other species in their natural habitats.
Lake Nakuru National Park: on the floor of the Great Rift Valley, lies the beautiful Lake Nakuru National Park. Visitors can enjoy the wide ecological diversity and varied habitats that range from Lake Nakuru itself to the surrounding escarpment and picturesque ridges. It is ideal for bird watching and game drives.
Day 1: ARRIVAL NAIROBI
After landing at Nairobi International Airport, meet your tour representative, who will guide you to your transfer to the Panari Hotel or similar. Enjoy an afternoon at leisure, perhaps taking advantage of the comfortable facilities available at the hotel. Or, if you want to become acquainted with your new surroundings, visit Nairobi’s city centre, located only a few kilometres away.
Overnight in Nairobi.
Day 2: NAIROBI – MAASAI MARA NATIONAL RESERVE (280kms – 5hrs)
After breakfast, Safari briefing and leaving Nairobi, travel towards Kenya's fertile highlands and head down the rift escarpment on the road built by Italian prisoners of war during World War II. On the way spot the charming chapel built at the foot of the escarpment. Pass the impressive Longonot earth satellite station as you head across the valley to Narok; continue your travels across acres of wheat and barley, before reaching the Masai Mara in time for lunch. Following lunch, set off on your first game drive, returning to the camp as the sun sets. Sentrim Mara is located in Maasai Mara Game Reserve, 3 km after Sekenani gate. All 31 tents are spread out in serene surroundings amongst the acacia trees that surround the camp. Each tent has a modern en-suite bathroom, hot and cold showers, a writing desk and an elevated private balcony for spectacular views of the sunsets and the hills, which have abundant wildlife. In the evening, dinner will be served at the lodge.
Overnight in Maasai Mara.
Day 3: MAASAI MARA NATIONAL RESERVE (5-6 hrs on game drives)
Enjoy an early breakfast before departing on a morning game drive. The Maasai Mara National Reserve is home to millions of wild animals, including the fabled Big Five (lions, leopards, elephants, buffaloes and black rhinos). There are also antelopes, gazelles, wildebeest, and many other wonderful creatures. Return to the lodge for lunch and perhaps a siesta before setting off on an afternoon game drive and a visit to a traditional Maasai village, where you’ll learn about this fascinating people’s customs. Return to the lodge as the sun sets. In the evening, dinner will be served at the lodge.
Overnight in Maasai Mara.
Day 4: MAASAI MARA – LAKE NAKURU – LAKE ELEMENTAITA (210kms – 4hrs)
Leaving Maasai Mara after breakfast, travel across the ‘breadbasket’ of Kenya, where acres of wheat and barley litter the landscape as you head north to Narok, the capital of this part of Maasailand. Now travel across the vast plains on the floor of the Rift Valley, keeping an eye out for herds of giraffe and gazelle as you head up the Maai Mahiu before arriving at your lodge at Lake Elementaita at around midday. Following lunch, depart for a game drive in Lake Nakuru National Park, returning to your lodge at sundown. The national park, known for its birdlife, offers the chance to see a great many flamingoes. It is also home to black and white rhinos, as well as to the endangered Rothschild Giraffe. Sentrim Elementaita Lodge is located on the shores of Lake Elementaita, often filled with flamingoes and pelicans. If you are a bird lover and in search of African safari lodges, then the country lodge is the perfect place for you to experience one of the world’s largest ornithological spectacles. In the evening, dinner will be served at the lodge.
Overnight in Lake Elementaita.
Day 5: LAKE ELEMENTAITA – DEPARTURE NAIROBI (140kms – 3hrs)
Following an early breakfast, continue to Lake Naivasha for a boat ride on the shimmering waters of this beautiful lake where you will also have the chance to contemplate the many examples of wildlife that are in and around it. Then, leaving the Rift Valley behind, proceed to Nairobi, where after lunch you’ll be dropped off at the city centre hotel or Jomo Kenyatta airport to take a flight to your onward destinations.
Passengers should bring only soft-sided bags on safari. Passengers arriving to Kenya may be asked to present a valid Yellow Fever Vaccination Certificate. Travellers’ cheques are generally not accepted in east Africa. US banknotes cannot be older than 2004 and must have the latest security markings (large portrait of the president). Sun protection, sunglasses, a hat and mosquito repellent can be very useful during your stay.
