$8,147 pp (USD)
2 travelers on Start dateArrival
Arrival
Day 1
Nairobi to Aberdare at The Ark Lodge
Nairobi to Aberdare at The Ark Lodge
Embark on a safari adventure with a delightful drive from Nairobi to the Ark Lodge in Aberdare National Park. Your journey will be guided by a warm and knowledgeable driver who will take you through the breathtaking landscapes from the airport or your hotel in Nairobi to Aberdare National Park in the north. Traverse the lush, green highlands of Kenya, renowned for its vibrant tea and coffee plantations.
On arrival, have lunch at the Base Hotel in Aberdares Country Club before proceeding to the lodge. Nestled in the heart of the Aberdare National Park, The Ark offers stunning views of a floodlit waterhole and salt lick, drawing a diverse array of wildlife. Modeled after and named after Noah’s Ark, The Ark features 3 decks with numerous balconies and lounges, providing an unparalleled vantage point for observing wildlife. To ensure you don’t miss a single animal sighting, the night guard will promptly notify your room when special animals visit the waterhole.
Driving time: 3 hours.
- Main Destination:
- Aberdare National Park (Kenya)
- Accommodation:
- The Ark
Wildlife in Aberdare NP
- Meals & Drinks:
Day 2
The Ark to Samburu National Reserve
The Ark to Samburu National Reserve
After savoring a delightful breakfast at The Ark, you'll depart for Aberdare, the base hotel, to join your amiable driver guide. From there, you'll journey north to Samburu National Reserve. En route, you'll pause at the equator for an intriguing demonstration and a quick restroom break before continuing on to Samburu, where a sumptuous lunch awaits. In the afternoon, prepare for your inaugural game drive and bask in the enchanting wildlife of Samburu. As the sun sets, you'll return to the lodge.
Samburu's rugged and secluded ambiance sets it apart from other parks, offering a more intimate wildlife encounter. It is the exclusive habitat of unique species such as Grevy’s zebra and the reticulated giraffe. Despite the lengthy journey, the ever-changing landscapes and the prospect of encountering these rare animals make it an adventure well worth undertaking.
Driving time: 2 hours.
- Main Destination:
- Samburu National Reserve (Kenya)
- Accommodation:
- Samburu Simba Lodge
Wildlife in Samburu NR
- Meals & Drinks:
Day 3
Full Day in Samburu National Reserve
Full Day in Samburu National Reserve
Samburu National Reserve is a gem in Kenya’s northern region, known for its arid landscapes and rare wildlife. Today, you’ll explore this unique reserve on morning and afternoon game drives. The Ewaso Nyiro River, which flows through Samburu, attracts a variety of animals, including elephants, crocodiles, and over 450 bird species. The day’s activities allow plenty of time to relax at your lodge or camp, and the lack of crowds in Samburu means you’ll enjoy peaceful game viewing. It’s a perfect balance of adventure and relaxation in a truly wild setting.
- Main Destination:
- Samburu National Reserve (Kenya)
- Accommodation:
- Samburu Simba Lodge
- Meals & Drinks:
Day 4
Samburu National Reserve to Ol Pejeta Conservancy
Samburu National Reserve to Ol Pejeta Conservancy
After enjoying a relaxed breakfast, you'll drive south of Samburu to arrive at Serena Sweet Waters Camp in time for a delicious lunch. Afterward, take some time to explore the camp and its beautiful surroundings, including a waterhole next to the bar where animals come to drink the water and mudbath. Then, it's time for an exciting afternoon game drive! You'll start with a visit to the chimpanzee sanctuary and then head out to explore the park, which is home to a fantastic variety of wildlife, including white and black rhinos, giraffes, gazelles, elephants, lions, cheetahs, and more.
Ol Pejeta is also known for being the largest black rhino sanctuary in East Africa and is the precious home of two of the world's last remaining northern white rhinos. It's also the only place in Kenya where you can see chimpanzees, as the sanctuary was established to rehabilitate animals rescued from the illegal wildlife trade.
- Main Destination:
- Ol Pejeta Conservancy (Laikipia Plateau, Kenya)
- Accommodation:
- Sweetwaters Serena Camp
Wildlife in Ol Pejeta Conservancy
- Meals & Drinks:
Day 5
Ol Pejeta via Elementaita to Lake Naivasha
Ol Pejeta via Elementaita to Lake Naivasha
Today's journey will take you from Ol Pejeta to Lake Naivasha, passing by the stunning Lake Elementaita, known for its large population of flamingos. The 4.5-hour drive will offer scenic views of the Rift Valley and its diverse birdlife, including the beautiful flamingos. Upon arrival, you can enjoy a delightful lunch, relax at the lodge, or partake in exciting activities such as a boat ride or a walking safari at Crescent Island.
Lake Naivasha is a freshwater paradise home to hippos, fish eagles, and other fascinating wildlife. After the drive, you can treat yourself to a peaceful boat ride on the lake, perfect for bird watching. The drive is easy, and the change of scenery from savannah to the lush lakeside is truly refreshing, offering a soothing contrast to the bush.
Driving time: 4.5 hours.
- Main Destination:
- Lake Naivasha (Naivasha, Kenya)
- Accommodation:
- Lake Naivasha Sopa Resort
- Meals & Drinks:
Day 6
Lake Naivasha via Hell's Gate to Masai Mara
Lake Naivasha via Hell's Gate to Masai Mara
After breakfast, start your day with a visit to Hell's Gate National Park, a short drive from Lake Naivasha. Known for its striking cliffs and geothermal activity, Hell's Gate is one of the few parks where you can walk or cycle among wildlife. After exploring, continue to the Masai Mara, about a 5-hour drive away. The Mara is renowned for its vast plains and the annual great migration. You can ease any concerns about the length of the drive by stopping at a curio shop on the way to freshen up and buy souvenirs. The excitement of reaching the Mara is palpable, and an evening game drive offers your first glimpse of this world-famous reserve.
Driving time: 5 to 6 hours.
- Main Destination:
- Masai Mara National Reserve (Kenya)
- Accommodation:
- Zebra Plains Mara Camp
Wildlife in Masai Mara NR
- Meals & Drinks:
Day 7
Full day in Masai Mara National Reserve
Full day in Masai Mara National Reserve
Spend a full day in the Masai Mara, where the vast savannahs are teeming with wildlife. The Mara is home to the Big Five - lion, leopard, elephant, buffalo, and rhino - as well as cheetahs, zebras, and wildebeests. If you’re visiting during the great migration, you might witness the dramatic river crossings. While the idea of an entire day in the park might seem tiring, the thrill of spotting wildlife around every corner makes it exhilarating. The day includes game drives and time to relax at your lodge, ensuring you’re comfortable while experiencing the best of the Mara.
A balloon safari can be arranged for you to truly grasp why the Mara is the world's most famous game reserve.
- Main Destination:
- Masai Mara National Reserve (Kenya)
- Accommodation:
- Zebra Plains Mara Camp
- Meals & Drinks:
Day 8
Masai Mara to Serengeti via Tarime Airstrip to Seronera
Masai Mara to Serengeti via Tarime Airstrip to Seronera
After you've enjoyed a leisurely breakfast, drive to the Masai Mara Airstrip for your flight to Migori. Once there, you'll hop on a bus to the immigration offices before heading to the Tarime Airstrip for your next flight to Serengeti.
When you touch down at Seronera, our friendly Tanzanian driver-guide will take you to your hotel in Serengeti. During the drive to the camp, you'll get to enjoy a game drive and arrive just in time for a delicious lunch. Afterward, get ready for your first afternoon drive in Serengeti National Park to witness the incredible wildlife in their natural habitat.
Your overnight stay promises to be an authentic African safari experience. The lodge, situated within the national park, offers the perfect opportunity to immerse yourself in the midst of all the wildlife action. Upon arrival, your friendly and welcoming driver-guide and the camp manager will ensure you receive a comprehensive safety briefing to kick off your stay here.
Flight time: 3.5 hours.
- Main Destination:
- Serengeti National Park (Tanzania)
- Accommodation:
- Acacia Central Camp
Wildlife in Serengeti NP
- Meals & Drinks:
Day 9
Full day in Serengeti National Park
Full day in Serengeti National Park
The Serengeti is one of Africa’s most famous parks, known for its vast plains and incredible wildlife. Today, you’ll have the chance to explore different areas of the park on morning and afternoon game drives. The Serengeti is home to the Big Five, as well as cheetahs, hyenas, and large herds of wildebeests and zebras. The day’s drives are complemented by time to relax at your lodge, with views of the sweeping plains. Despite the park’s size, your experienced guides know where to find the best wildlife sightings, ensuring you make the most of your day.
- Main Destination:
- Serengeti National Park (Tanzania)
- Accommodation:
- Acacia Central Camp
- Meals & Drinks:
Day 10
Serengeti National Park to Ngorongoro Crater
Serengeti National Park to Ngorongoro Crater
After a morning game drive in the Serengeti, you’ll travel to the Ngorongoro Conservation Area, a journey of about 3 hours. Ngorongoro is famous for its crater, the world’s largest intact volcanic caldera, teeming with wildlife. The crater’s steep walls create a natural enclosure, making it one of the best places to see a wide variety of animals in a relatively small area. Visitors often worry about missing out on game viewing during travel days, but a descent into the crater ensures this day is as thrilling as any other.
Driving time: 2 hours.
- Main Destination:
- Ngorongoro Crater (Tanzania)
- Accommodation:
- Ngorongoro Lion's Paw Camp
Wildlife in Ngorongoro Crater
- Meals & Drinks:
Day 11
Ngorongoro Crater to Tarangire National Park
Ngorongoro Crater to Tarangire National Park
Depart Ngorongoro and head to Tarangire National Park, known for its large elephant herds and ancient baobab trees. The drive is about 2.5 hours, allowing plenty of time to enjoy the park’s unique landscapes. The Tarangire River, which runs through the park, attracts a variety of wildlife, especially during the Dry season. Some travelers worry about the park being less famous than others, but its uncrowded nature and rich wildlife make it a hidden gem. An afternoon game drive reveals the beauty of this lesser-known park, offering a tranquil escape.
Driving time: 3 hours.
- Main Destination:
- Tarangire National Park (Tanzania)
- Accommodation:
- Acacia Tarangire Luxury Camp
Wildlife in Tarangire NP
- Meals & Drinks:
Day 12
Tarangire National Park to Amboseli National Park
Tarangire National Park to Amboseli National Park
Depart at 7:30 am and head towards the Kenya border via Arusha, leaving Tarangire National Park behind. Once you reach the border, proceed to the immigration office, which is a one-stop border post. After completing the clearance process, you will meet your Kenyan driver-guide, who will take you to Amboseli National Park, located approximately 2 hours away from the border. You will arrive in time for lunch.
At 4:00 pm, embark on your first-afternoon game drive, exploring the acacia woodland, freshwater swamps, scrub brush, and open plains in search of wildlife. Part of the park comprises a dried-up lake bed, where mirages rise from the shimmering heat. Return to the lodge at sunset for dinner and an overnight stay.
Please note: You have the option to continue your wildlife holiday in Amboseli today, or fly to Zanzibar island via Arusha airport for a 3-day beach safari.
Driving time: 4.5 hours.
- Main Destination:
- Amboseli National Park (Kenya)
- Accommodation:
- Kibo Safari Camp
Wildlife in Amboseli NP
- Meals & Drinks:
Day 13
Guided game drive (Full day)
Guided game drive (Full day)
Leave the camp after breakfast, carrying your packed lunch to be enjoyed in the wild. Spend the whole day exploring the marshlands and swamps of Amboseli which are fed by subterranean water channels. Water is abundant throughout the year and so is the pasture. Elephants and various other herbivores are found here. You will retreat to the lodge late in the afternoon after exploring this 392 sq km park.
You also have the option of starting the day with an early morning game drive to search for animals when they're at their most active. Then, return to the lodge for a relaxed breakfast and lunch.
Spend the hottest part of the day relaxing in camp, reading your favorite book, writing your journal about the safari or just listening to your favorite music while observing the birds. Don't stress, the animals will be doing the same relaxing. At 4:00 pm, head out for another drive through the park. Return to the lodge at sunset for dinner and overnight.
- Main Destination:
- Amboseli National Park (Kenya)
- Accommodation:
- Kibo Safari Camp
- Meals & Drinks:
Day 14
Amboseli National Park to Nairobi
Amboseli National Park to Nairobi
Your safari adventure comes to an end with a drive back to Nairobi, which takes approximately 4.5 hours. After enjoying breakfast, you will leave Amboseli and head to Kenya’s vibrant capital. As you travel, take a moment to reflect on the incredible experiences from the past two weeks. You'll return home with memories of stunning landscapes, close encounters with wildlife, and the warmth of the people you've met along the way. Whether you are heading to the airport or continuing your exploration of Nairobi, this safari will leave a lasting impression.
Please note that we can arrange additional accommodation after your tour or extend your stay to visit the beautiful coastal beaches of Diani in Kenya or the island of Zanzibar.
Driving time: 4.5 hours to Nairobi.
- Main Destination:
- Nairobi (City, Kenya)
- Accommodation:
- No accommodation (End of tour)
- Meals & Drinks:
