Nairobi - Masai Mara National Reserve

Maasai Mara National Reserve - The safari adventure begins with a pick-up by one of the experienced drivers or staff members. Guests will be met at their hotel, residence, guest house, apartment, or the airport. Please specify the pick-up location. Pick-up is as early as 7:30 AM, depending on the hotel’s location. A brief safari overview will be provided according to the itinerary, allowing guests to get acquainted with their guide. The journey to Masai Mara begins with a stop at the Great Rift Valley View Point, an ideal spot in the early morning and evening. Here, visitors can admire the breathtaking Rift Valley with its lush vegetation and the sun’s rays illuminating Mount Longonot in the distance.

The Great Rift Valley is considered a natural wonder, stretching from the Middle East through Africa, with a significant portion in East Africa, ending in Mozambique in the south. After a 15-20 minute historical overview, the journey continues to Narok. Narok is a town west of Nairobi that contributes to Kenya’s economy in the southwest, along the Great Rift Valley.

Narok is the district capital of Narok County and serves as the main commercial hub in the district. It has a population of approximately 40,000 people, predominantly Maasai. The Maasai, indigenous to the Narok district, call Narok “Enkare Narok” (meaning black water or dark water), named after the Enkare Narok River flowing through the town. Narok is situated at an elevation of 1,827 meters (5,997 feet). A brief stop for refueling will be made here before proceeding to Masai Mara. Upon arrival, guests will be welcomed by the Masai Mara staff, who will assist with check-in at the camp or lodge. A hot lunch will be served, followed by a late afternoon game drive, which can start as early as desired. This game drive offers sightings of the Big Five and a stunning African sunset around 6:30 PM. The driver will then return guests to the camp or lodge, where they will enjoy a buffet-style meal featuring African and English cuisine.

Masai Mara National Reserve

Maasai Mara National Reserve - Located in southwest Kenya, Masai Mara is one of Africa’s premier wildlife reserves. Together with Tanzania’s Serengeti National Park, it forms one of Africa’s most diverse and spectacular ecosystems, renowned for big game viewing. The wildebeest migration is a must-see and should be on everyone’s bucket list.

A balloon ride is highly recommended in Maasai Mara early in the morning to spot Africa’s Big Five and the abundant wildlife inhabiting this vast Kenyan game reserve. On clear days, the Mara offers stunning orange-tinged sunrises and sunsets, perfect for photography. Wildlife often comes close, allowing visitors to appreciate nature’s wonders from a bird’s eye view.

This day is dedicated to exploring the Masai Mara. Breakfast is served as early as 7:30 AM, and a fresh picnic lunch is packed by the cook for a full day of exploring the Masai Mara, one of the world’s seven wonders.

This game reserve is Kenya’s finest wildlife sanctuary. Including migrants, over 450 animal species have been recorded here. The Mara plains are filled with migrating wildebeest and zebra, along with resident wildlife year-round. The Mara’s gentle, fertile climate, bordered by The Rift, offers perhaps the richest reserve, spanning 1,672 sq km – an endless wildlife spectacle. Located 268 km west of Nairobi, the focus here is on game. Herds of large elephants roam among lions, buffalo, Thomson’s gazelle, zebra, and topi. Occasionally, black rhinos can be spotted. In the Mara River, hippos play and bask on the banks. After exploring the park, return to the camp for dinner and overnight stay.

Masai Mara National Reserve - Lake Nakuru National Park

Lake Nakuru - A wake-up call is scheduled for 6:00 AM, followed by hot African coffee or tea. A pre-morning game drive begins at 6:30 AM and lasts for three hours until 9:30 AM. The driver will then return guests to the camp or lodge for a full breakfast before checking out for Lake Nakuru. If desired, guests can visit a Maasai village for an hour to learn more about Maasai culture (company covers the cost). Lunch will be in Narok town or Mai Mahiu (hot water). After lunch, the journey continues to Lake Nakuru, arriving in the early evening. It is recommended to check into budget accommodation and relax after the long drive.

Game viewing in Nakuru will take place on day 4 in the morning until lunchtime. This is because Lake Nakuru does not allow re-entry, and arriving on this day would only allow a few hours before closing time. Entering the park in the morning allows for ample exploration time on day 4 (this is possible if staying at http://kranhotels.com/ as this budget accommodation is outside the park). Otherwise, for those opting for lodge accommodation, both evening and morning game viewing in Lake Nakuru is possible since lodge facilities are located inside the park, allowing for more game viewing opportunities.

Lake Nakuru - Nairobi

Lake Nakuru - Known as the Bird Watchers’ Paradise, Lake Nakuru is situated on the floor of the Great Rift Valley, surrounded by wooded and bushy grassland. The beautiful Lake Nakuru National Park offers visitors a wide ecological diversity and varied habitats, ranging from Lake Nakuru itself to the surrounding escarpment and picturesque ridges. The park is ideal for bird watching, hiking, picnics, and game drives.

Breakfast is served around 7:30 AM, followed by a game drive. Visitors will have the opportunity to visit a unique sanctuary that houses a significant number of endangered white and black rhinos, as well as Rothschild giraffes. Waterbucks and predators such as lions and leopards are common in the park. A myriad of bird species can also be seen in and around the lake. Flamingos are abundant, although not as numerous as in previous years due to rising water levels. Departure for Nairobi is in the late afternoon, arriving in the early evening, followed by a drop-off at the hotel of choice or back to the airport for the next flight. This marks the end of a 3-night, 4-day private safari trip.

• Accommodation as specified in the itinerary
• Breakfast
• Lunch
• Dinner
• All fees and taxes

• Tipping & Items of personal nature

For a full refund, cancel at least 24 hours before the scheduled departure time.