$3,905 pp (USD)
2 travelers on Start dateArrival
Arrival
Day 1
Across the Equator
Across the Equator
We will start our safari by traveling to Samburu National Reserve which was established in 1948. The drive from Nairobi will take us through rural areas and farmland, punctuated by small towns bustling with activity. We will take a break at the equator, a fun landmark to take photos and see the changing laws of physics. Along the way, we may spot wildlife along the road and take in the endless natural beauty of Kenya, including views of Mt. Kenya. We arrive at the park in time for lunch, and after a rest, an evening game drive will reveal the exciting animals of the Samburu region, including some that you will not find elsewhere.
- Main Destination:
- Samburu National Reserve
- Accommodation:
- Samburu Sopa Lodge
Wildlife in Samburu NR
- Meals & Drinks:
Day 2
The Samburu Five
The Samburu Five
Following morning tea or coffee, your experienced guide will take you on a game drive in the setting of the rising sun. You have heard of The Big Five, and the Samburu ecosystem has its own Samburu Five, found only in that region: the gerenuk, the Reticulated giraffe, the Somali ostrich, Grevy's zebra, the Beisa oryx. Your knowledgable guide can point them out and tell you all about these unique creatures.
The Reticulated giraffe is the one seen frequently in toys and cartoons because the coat has a geometric network of spots outlined by thick white lines. The spots are more defined than in other giraffe species.
After a couple of hours, you will stop for a beautiful breakfast in the bush, then continuing on the quest for wildlife interactions until a midday return to camp for rest and lunch. An evening game drive will finish up the day, with opportunities for beautiful sunset photos.
- Main Destination:
- Samburu National Reserve
- Accommodation:
- Samburu Sopa Lodge
- Meals & Drinks:
Day 3
Committed to Conservation
Committed to Conservation
After an early breakfast, you and your guide will have a last game drive on your way to leave Samburu and embark on a scenic journey to Ol Pejeta Conservancy. The drive takes you through the arid beauty of Samburu to more lush greenery, and you may see wildlife along the way. Arrive in time for lunch and a short rest before immersing yourself in the historic conservation community of Ol Pejeta, with rhino and chimpanzee sanctuaries.
Ol Pejeta also is home to the Reticulated Giraffe and Grevy's Zebra. Grevy's Zebra is the largest and most endangered zebra species. Known for its distinct narrow black and white stripes, it has a white belly and large rounded ears.
- Main Destination:
- Ol Pejeta Conservancy (Laikipia Plateau)
- Accommodation:
- Porini Rhino Camp
Wildlife in Ol Pejeta Conservancy
- Meals & Drinks:
Day 4
In the Heart of Safety
In the Heart of Safety
After an early breakfast, our Maasai guides will take you for an amazing exploration of the conservancy. Here, you will immerse yourself in unique conservation initiatives. Ol Pejeta was transformed in the 1980s from a cattle ranch to a wildlife conservancy, famous as a rhino sanctuary. The Northern White Rhino Enclosure at Ol Pejeta serves as a symbol of hope for the conservation community. It embodies the unwavering commitment to reversing the trajectory of a species on the brink of extinction.
Ol Pejeta has an interesting and extensive anti-poaching squad. There are numerous activities. You can choose to interact with the anti-poaching dogs and their handlers, including hiding bullets for the dogs to find and hiding yourself to be tracked!
Another fun activity is a horseback ride with the rhinos. Spend time with experienced horses and guides viewing the rhinos and other wildlife from horseback
Another evening game drive completes the day.
- Main Destination:
- Ol Pejeta Conservancy (Laikipia Plateau)
- Accommodation:
- Porini Rhino Camp
- Meals & Drinks:
Day 5
In Search of Pink
In Search of Pink
After breakfast, depart for picturesque Lake Nakuru, known for its vibrant flamingo population and rhinos. Again, you have the opportunity to view the varying beautiful terrain of Kenya, observing the different bustling towns and friendly waves. Arrive in time for lunch and settle into your accommodations before an afternoon game drive, spotting diverse wildlife and a stunning array of water fowl, including white pelicans, plovers, egrets, and Marabou storks. Marvel at the spectacle of flamingos turning the lake into a pink celebration, and maybe you will be lucky enough to simultaneously see rhinos along the lake in the foreground.
Lake Nakuru National Park was established in 1961, originally as a bird sanctuary, and it has evolved into a beautiful protected area for various wildlife. It is home to the endangered Rothschild's Giraffe, characterized by large, irregularly shaped spots, distinguished from the Maasai Giraffe by its white legs which lack markings.
- Main Destination:
- Lake Nakuru National Park
- Accommodation:
- Lake Nakuru Lodge
Wildlife in Lake Nakuru NP
- Meals & Drinks:
Day 6
The Amazing Maasai Mara
The Amazing Maasai Mara
After an early breakfast, you will embark on a game drive as the animals stir in the beautiful early morning light. After, you have the option of driving directly to the Maasai Mara, arriving in time for lunch and rest before an exciting evening game drive, or you may choose to first drive about an hour to Lake Naivasha and. Go on a horseback ride among the animals, including giraffes, zebras, wildebeest, and other non-predatory animals. It is a unique and wonderful experience.
The Maasai Mara was established as a wildlife sanctuary in 1961 and later gained national reserve status. It is home to the famous wildebeest migration and a dizzying variety of creatures.
Here, we see the final species of giraffe, the Maasai giraffe, characterized by jagged and irregularly shaped spots all over its body. It is the largest-bodied giraffe species.
- Main Destination:
- Masai Mara National Reserve
- Accommodation:
- Lorian Safari Camp
Wildlife in Masai Mara NR
- Meals & Drinks:
Day 7
More Spots and Stripes
More Spots and Stripes
Embark on a sunrise game drive into the Maasai Mara. Animals are awakening. Lions may be spotted feasting on a recent kill, and it is delightful to see the different species of non-predators interacting. Large herds of plains zebras may be seen side by side with wildebeest and gazelles.
The cats are also noted for their spots and stripes. We all know the leopard's beautiful spots. The cheetah has beautiful spots, as well as stripes surrounding the end of the tail. Similarly, the breathtaking serval has spots, merging into stripes down the back of the neck, and rings around the tail.
The cheetah is the fastest land mammal, sprinting up to 120 km/h (75 mph), but the lion is king.
Spotted hyenas are a common site, but the striped hyena is rarely seen in the day time.
Back to the camp for lunch and a rest and preparation for the evening game drive and more beautiful sunset photos.
- Main Destination:
- Masai Mara National Reserve
- Accommodation:
- Lorian Safari Camp
- Meals & Drinks:
Day 8
Memories Await
Memories Await
No two days on the Mara are alike, so the option of another day of game drives will not be simply a repeat of the day before. The Mara is large with many unique areas to explore, and there is no way to predict the excitement that the day will bring.
But there are other options for activities you can choose. You could choose to purchase a spot on a beautiful sunrise hot air balloon ride, gathering before dawn and flying over the Mara watching the animals from a unique perspective. A champagne brunch in a beautiful spot on the Mara follows. You could also choose to visit a traditional Maasai village, learning more about their unique culture and continuing traditions.
You cannot go wrong with any of these choices! A sunset dinner in the Mara is also a possibility.
- Main Destination:
- Masai Mara National Reserve
- Accommodation:
- Lorian Safari Camp
- Meals & Drinks:
Day 9
Sunrise Safari Farewell
Sunrise Safari Farewell
Bid farewell to the Mara with a final morning game drive after breakfast. You never know what animals will show up to say goodbye. The drive back to Nairobi will take you along the Great Rift Valley Escarpment, a tectonic plate boundary. You will see steep cliffs, rugged terrain, and panoramic vistas of the valley. A stop along this highway will provide for amazing photos and souvenirs to bring home. There are also colonies of rock hyraxes, small mammals that live in these rocky, cliff areas and have amazing climbing ability. Upon your return to Nairobi, you can be dropped at the airport or at a hotel, if you are staying in Nairobi, or you would like to get a hotel room to rest and prepare of your journey home. We are sure you will leave with wonderful memories of your unique safari.
- Main Destination:
- Nairobi (City)
- Accommodation:
- No accommodation (End of tour)
- Meals & Drinks:
