Day 1
Nairobi/Aberdares National Park: (180 km Approx 3-4 hrs)
Morning drive to Aberdares National Park. Lunch at the base hotel, in the evening transfer to the Ark Lodge, dinner and overnight game viewing from the verandahs of the lodge.
The Ark Lodge
The Ark Lodge is nestled deep in the forests of Aberdares National Park on the path of an ancient elephant migratory route between the Aberdares Mountains and Mount Kenya and is strategically located right in front of a watering hole and salt lick which is visited by a variety of animals. Often seen here are the elephants, rhino, warthog, bush pig, waterbuck, duiker, bongo, and reedbuck. Occasionally a leopard or a giant forest hog may be seen.
Day 2
Aberdares/Nakuru: (180 km Approx 3-4 hrs)
Morning drive via Nyahururu Falls down to the floor of the Rift Valley to Lake Nakuru National Park. Lunch, afternoon game drive, dinner and overnight at your lodge/Camp
Lake Nakuru National Park is best known for its vast and dynamic variety of birdlife, over 400 birds’ species exist here, White Pelicans, Plovers, Egrets and Marabou Stork including the beautiful flamingo and many more branding it as the bird watchers paradise. You will interact with four of the Big Five at the park, excluding the elephant. The lake has also earned a reputation as an important haven for endangered species, particularly the Rothschild Giraffe and the black and white rhino. As you go further inside the park there is a spectacular area called “Out of Africa” where you experience an amazing view of part of the Great Rift Valley. The park is also home to the olive baboon, an amazing animal to see!
Day 3
Nakuru/Maasai Mara: (300 km Approx 6 hrs)
Morning drive across the Rift Valley down to the Maasai Mara Game Reserve. Lunch, afternoon game drive, dinner and overnight at your lodge/Camp
The Masai Mara Game Reserve is one of the best places in Africa for wildlife viewing. Game drives are a great way to experience the park and they take place all year round. If the big cats are what you’re looking for on your Kenyan safari, you are guaranteed to spot them at the Mara. All of the “Big Five” animals (elephants, lions, leopards, rhinos, and buffalo) can be spotted here.
Wildebeest Migration
Over 1.5 million wildebeest, zebras and several species of antelope make an annual circular tour between the Serengeti in Tanzania and Masai Mara in Kenya in search of greener pastures. The trek happens with a fair share of animal drama as the migrating herds attract the attention of hungry predators – the hyenas and lions that prey on the lame and sick animals along the way. The animals trek for four months (July-October) towards the Mara.
Day 4
At Maasai Mara: Full Day with Game Drives
Experience the magical Maasai Mara: with morning and afternoon game drives, lunch, dinner and overnight at your lodge/Camp
Bird Watching
For bird lovers, the Mara birds come in every color and size. More than 400 bird species have already been recorded, including birds of prey.
Maasai Cultural Tours
You will have an opportunity to visit the maasai village where you get a chance to interact with the Maasai people in their traditional setting and experience their culture. Often the Maasai morans (young Maasai warriors) will perform their traditional dance. (Maasai cultural tour – optional at an extra US$30 per person)
Hot Air Balloon rides
For the adventurous tourist who wants a sky-high view of wildlife from the hot air, balloon rides and safaris are the best way to travel over the massive Masai Mara park. Hot air balloon rides last approximately an hour and a half and often take place at dawn. (Hot air balloon safari ride – optional at an extra US$450 per person).
Day 5
Maasai Mara/Nairobi (265 km Approx 5-6 hrs)
This morning, you will have your breakfast at your lodge/camp, and check out. You will then drive back to Nairobi. On arrival, you will drive to Carnivore Restaurant for a farewell lunch or dinner. Later, you’ll transfer to JKIA for your flight back home or you will be dropped off at your pick up hotel.