8 Days Unforgettable Kenya Safari

Swap the hubbub of Kenya's capital for the calls of flamingos, zebras and rhinos as you journey from Nairobi to Maasai Mara through this 8-day safari. The impressive Great Rift Valley and Lake Naivasha make an unforgettable backdrop as you camp out under the stars. Trek across the plains in search of Africa's largest residents, including lions, cheetahs, and elephants. Spend time with the Maasai people and experience their fascinating tribal culture!

Highlights

• Game drives
• A walk around Crater Lake
• Langata Giraffe Sanctuary visit
• Sheldrick Elephant Orphanage visit
• A visit to the traditional Maasai people
• Breakfast, lunch, and dinner
• Roundtrip airport transfers
• 7 days' accommodation

Day 1: sight-seeing Nairobi

You will be met by our company representative for tour briefing in your hotel reception. Afterward, you will head off to visit Sheldrick Elephant Orphanage and the Giraffe Centre. These conservation projects allow you to see the animals up close while learning more about them and their plight in the modern world.

Included activities: Visit to Langata Giraffe Sanctuary and Sheldrick Elephant Orphanage in Nairobi

Meals included: there are no meals included on this day

Day 2: Nairobi to Lake Nakuru

This morning, you will drive approximately four to five hours to Lake Nakuru, arriving in time for lunch. Pitch a tent and then head out on an afternoon game drive around the lake. Keep a lookout for the white rhinos that can often be found around the shores. The alkaline waters of this lake once supported an extremely large colony of flamingos - estimated to be up to two million strong! Over the course of the year, the lake changes size considerably, shrinking to its smallest in March at the end of the dry season, and changing the type of birdlife and wildlife that inhabit the area. Unfortunately, the change in water levels and chemical concentration caused the permanent population of flamingos to move elsewhere in the 1970s, however, the lush area around the lake remains known for its bird life. All meals and overnight stay at the camp.

Day 3: Lake Nakuru to Lake Naivasha

You will encounter friendly locals on a village visit before reaching Lake Naivasha - a birdwatcher's paradise with floating islands of papyrus reeds. Afternoon wind and storms can cause the lake to become suddenly rough and produce high waves. For this reason, the local Maasai christened the lake Nai'posha meaning 'rough water’, which the British later misspelled as Naivasha. The waters of the lake draw a great range of game. Giraffes wander among the acacia, buffaloes wallow in the swamps and colobus monkeys call from the treetops, while the lake’s large hippo population while away the day in the shallows. All meals and overnight stay at the camp.

Day 4: Crater Lake Walk

After a camp breakfast, you will head towards Crater Lake and take part in a guided walk along one of the many trails. The lake is a haven for bird life and other frequent visitors, such as zebra and giraffe can also be spotted. The afternoon is free to relax around the camp and take advantage of the swimming pool.

Day 5: Great Rift Valley and Loita Hills

You will depart to Loita hills, making a short stop in Narok to do a spot of food shopping. Continue to Loita Hills (approximately five to six hours), stopping for lunch en route. Today's drive crosses the Great Rift Valley, Africa's immense and spectacular great divide, and takes you into the remote region of Loita Hills. This is a home of the traditional Maasai people. Visit the Maasai, who are known for their vibrant red dress and elaborate jewelry, and gain an insight into the culture and ancient ways of this proud East African community. After setting up your tent, you will meet your Maasai hosts. A local elder will deliver a fascinating talk about the Maasai and their history and culture. You'll be shown around a traditional Maasai home and see where the resident cattle are kept. Showers, upgrades, and Wi-Fi are not available at tonight's bush camp. All meals and overnight stay at camp.

Day 6: Loita hills to Maasai Mara

You will travel from Loita to Masai Mara (approximately one to two hours). The road is dusty when dry and could be slippery and soft when wet, so the going may be slow. The Maasai Mara is the quintessential African experience, with sparse open plains, dramatic skies and some of the world's most tremendous animals. After setting up camp, sit down to some lunch, then jump back in the truck and go for a game drive through the wilderness of the Mara. Your campground tonight is located outside of the national reserve and has flush toilets and showers. There is an option to upgrade, depending on availability.

Day 7: Maasai Mara

You will rise early and venture into the Maasai Mara National Reserve for a game drive. Explore this diverse environment and see a multitude of wildlife. You will return to your camp for lunch by the side of the Mara River - a great chance to spot crocs and hippos. You will relax during the heat of the day before setting off again in the afternoon, expecting to return to camp around sunset. Depending on wildlife movements, you may, on occasion, do a full day's game drive; in this instance, you'll stop en-route for a picnic lunch.

Day 8: Nairobi

You will cross the plains of the Mara and climb the Rift Valley’s eastern wall past Mount Suswa on the return drive to Nairobi (approximately six hours). En route, there may be opportunities to stop and make some final purchases. On arrival to Nairobi marks the end of the safari.

Price includes;

1 liter of mineral water per day

7 nights’ accommodation

Activities as stated in the itinerary above

Airport transfers

All entrance fees

Exclusive use of a 4x4 safari vehicle

Meals in a full board basis while on safari

Services of an English-speaking driver guide

Price Excludes;

Any item of personal use

Drinks and beverages

Tips and gratuities

Travel insurance

Visas