Tour itinerary
Day 1
Overnight flight to Nairobi.
Day 2
Kenya’s capital stands at an altitude of 1729m above sea level on an elevated plain at the heart of the country, surrounded by fertile land yielding coffee, wheat, sisal and maize. On arrival you will check into your hotel and have the rest of the day free to relax and acclimatise before an evening briefing. There are various things you can do; perhaps visit the National Museum or nearby Snake Farm, head out to the suburbs to see Karen Blixen’s House, visit a tea estate or take an excursion to nearby Nairobi National Park for an introduction to Kenyan wildlife.
Hotel - 1 night
Panafric Hotel - a large international hotel located on the edge of the city centre, which it overlooks from an elevated hillside. 154 simple but comfortable rooms with en suite bathrooms, air conditioning, satellite TV, etc.
Day 3
This morning you head out of Nairobi following the dual carriageway northward across the Central Highlands - the eastern boundary of the Great Rift Valley. The whole area is extremely fertile, which explains the population density – mainly made up of the largest tribal group in Kenya, the Kikuyu. The road passes a string of towns and skirts Mount Kenya (5199m), before crossing the equator. From the northern flank, there are impressive views of the wilderness of northern Kenya stretching into the distance. You will arrive at Shaba National Park outside the town of Isiolo, in time for a late afternoon game drive. The vegetation here is a mixture of grassland and woodland that provides a home for various species of plains game plus lion, cheetah and leopard. It’s also where George and Joy Adamson, of Elsa the Lioness fame, once had a camp.
(Driving: 350km - roughly 7 hours) Lodge - 2 nights (BLD)
Sarova Shaba Lodge - 80 spacious chalet-style rooms are comfortably furnished and have en suite bathrooms, mosquito nets and fans. The open-sided, thatched restaurant has views over the Ewaso Ngiro River. A permanent spring flows through the grounds, and the pool is perfect for relaxing.
Day 4
Rising early you go out for a game drive around dawn, when the animals are at their most active. Shaba adjoins Samburu NP and Buffalo Springs NP, which lie in the arid lowlands along the banks of the Ewaso Ngiro River. Together they make up possibly the most attractive of Kenya’s wildlife reserves. The permanent watercourse means there is always shade from the acacia trees and palms that grow along the crocodile-filled river and the joint presence of water and shade ensures there is plenty of wildlife. Among the game that can be seen are elephant, giraffe, zebra, oryx, gerenuk and gazelle as well as predators such as lion and cheetah. Even the normally elusive leopard is a relatively common sight here, attracted by the monkeys that live in the trees. You’ll have the chance to visit a local Samburu settlement (entry fee not included). Like the Masai, this tribe’s origins lie further north, in the area around Lake Turkana. The Samburu are essentially semi-nomadic herders, although as more and more adopt a settled lifestyle they have resorted to agriculture rather than the relentless search for pasture on which to graze their herds of cattle, camels and goats. In the afternoon you’ll have another game drive.
(BLD)
Day 5
This morning you head back south to the extinct volcano of Mount Kenya (250km - around 4 hours drive), re-crossing the equator en route. On approaching the mountain the landscape changes as you re-enter the fertile agricultural area. Arriving around lunchtime gives the opportunity to take optional activities this afternoon or relax at the lodge. After the heat of the plains, the difference in temperature is a welcome relief. The mountain is shrouded with cloud most of the time and clear views of its twin peaks are comparatively rare. Mount Kenya’s base is roughly 80km in diameter - which makes it one of the largest free-standing volcanoes in the world. Lodge - 2 nights (BLD)
Serena Mountain Lodge - on the slopes of Mt. Kenya, this lodge is surrounded by dense forest that comes alive at dusk with a myriad of sounds of the bush. The lodge even has a waterhole offering constant game viewing. Its 42 rooms are furnished with indigenous wood and African art and all have en suite bathrooms.
Day 6
You have a full day to appreciate Africa’s second highest mountain by walking in the company of a local guide; a picnic lunch is included. The vegetation on Mount Kenya ranges from grassy upland and riverine forest, through lush montane rainforest to conifer forest and bleak moorland - depending on the altitude. In the distance, the summit is perpetually covered in snow and ice. Weather on the mountain is notoriously fickle due to the cloud cover and swirling winds. The lower slopes where you walk have been subject to gradual encroachment by the shambas, or smallholdings, of the industrious local community. Almost every available square metre of fertile volcanic soil is put to good use, so there’s a veritable patchwork of fields and plantations mixed with forest.
(BLD)
Day 7
This morning’s drive of 300km (roughly 4-5 hours) brings you to Lake Nakuru NP, which once had a large colony of flamingos - reckoned to be up to two million strong! Over the year the lake changes size considerably, shrinking to its minimum in March at the end of the dry season. Changes in water level and chemical concentration caused the bulk of the flamingos to move elsewhere in the 1970s; they still reappear periodically, but never stay. However there are lots of things to see on the salty mudflats and wooded hills around the lake including giraffe, hippo, black and white rhino (both of which have been reintroduced), buffalo, and warthog. Due to the relative absence of predators, waterbuck and impala thrive in this low risk environment. Lodge – 1 night (BLD)
Lake Nakuru Lodge - an oasis of comfort and excellent service. The lodge blends well with its surrounds and wildlife often wanders close by. The Rhino Paddock Cocktail Bar overlooks the lake and the enticing blue swimming pool; both the bar and the pool offer a refreshing end to your day.
Day 8
This morning there’s a chance to start the day with a bird walk (optional - additional cost), before a short drive on to Lake Elementaita, another soda lake which sporadically dries up almost completely. The swathes of flamingos that inhabit the alkaline waters seem oblivious to the presence of outsiders.
From here it’s just over an hour’s drive (50km) to the next destination, Lake Naivasha. This afternoon you take a boat trip on the lake. The reed beds and lush pastures that surround the freshwater lake are home to a variety of bird species including the highest concentration of fish eagle in the world, as well as a thriving population of hippo. You make a stop at Crescent Island, just 15 minutes from your hotel, to see zebra, monkeys, giraffe and various species of antelope; there are no fences and no predators so you can wander on foot amongst the animals. Returning to the lodge you can relax and watch the sunset. Lodge – 1 night (BLD)
Lake Naivasha Sopa Lodge - this 120-acre property is located on the shores of Lake Naivasha. Accommodation is in cottages, each containing 4 rooms. A variety of bird species as well as Colobus monkeys can be observed on the grounds. Facilities include a swimming pool.
Day 9
Today you head down into the Rift Valley. Your destination is the finest of Kenya’s reserves, the Masai Mara - effectively a northern extension of the Serengeti, the most famous of neighbouring Tanzania's national parks, which lies just across the border. Animals, of course, recognise no border and each July/August immense herds of blue wildebeest migrate across the savannah driven by the innate urge to find new grazing land. They stay until October then start to head south again! At these times the plains teem with animals on the move, and the photographic opportunities are unrivalled. You should arrive in time to have lunch, followed by an afternoon game drive. (270km – roughly 4-5 hours) Tented camp - 1 night (BLD)
Basecamp Masai Mara - set on a peninsula by the Talek River at the edge of the savannah, the camp consists of 15 spacious and comfortable walk-in tents. Each one is shaded by a thatched roof, and has a verandah and en suite bathroom with hot shower open to the sky. There’s a lookout tower with views out over the river to the Masai Mara beyond. Most staff are local Masai.
Day 10
Today you have the chance to visit a local school and the nearby Masai boma (village) (see optional costs). This afternoon you depart on surely one of the highlights of the trip; you head out with Masai guides and a scout into the bush on a walking safari. The Masai are probably the best known of Kenya’s tribal peoples - largely due to their highly photogenic appearance. The young males in particular wear a striking costume of bright red cloth, with a cape slung from one shoulder, beads and jewellery, a spear, sword and club. Originally nomadic herders, the Masai used to live on a diet of fresh and curdled milk. Live cattle represent wealth; so much energy was devoted to cattle raiding. They have a fearsome reputation as warriors and hunters, but in the face of immense pressure are gradually - if reluctantly - starting to accept a more settled lifestyle. By walking with the Masai you get a glimpse of a way of life totally in tune with the environment. You’ll spend the night in a bush camp out in the wilds, with little in the way of creature comforts - a truly memorable experience. Bush camp - 1 night (BLD)
Bush Camp - safari tents pitched in a bush location. Masai camp staff prepare all meals which are generally served outdoors. Walks are done with Masai guides with spears. A real African bush experience!
Day 11
You make your return walk back to main camp this morning. There is then time to relax before setting off by vehicle in the afternoon for more game viewing across the extensive grassy plains where elephant, buffalo, zebra, giraffe and various gazelles - with attendant predators of lion cheetah, jackal, hyena, and perhaps even wild dog - can be seen. Finally, you return for your final night in the comfortable camp where you eat dinner beneath the stars, surrounded by the unfamiliar sounds of the African bush - this is the quintessential African experience!
Tented camp - 1 night (BLD)
Day 12
Departing this morning you re-cross the plains of the Mara and climb the Rift Valley’s eastern wall past Mount Suswa to make your way back to Nairobi (275km - 5-6 hours drive). En route there may be opportunities to stop and make some final purchases. In Nairobi there is time to go for dinner (not included) before transferring to the airport, where the trip ends for Land Only clients and those with our onward flights check in for the return flight to London.
(B)
Day 13
Arrive London
Day 14-17
Day 1-11: As per itinerary above
Day 12: You return to Nairobi with the group and spend the night in Naoribi. Hotel - 1 night (B)
Day 13: This morning you catch a domestic flight to the tiny offshore island of Lamu in the Indian Ocean. After taking a dhow from the airport on Manda Island over to Lamu and checking into your hotel, you’ll have an opportunity to look around. A short walk reveals something of the island’s history. The old town (a short dhow ride or a 45 minute stroll away) dates back to the 14th century, is remarkably atmospheric and has an air of quiet intrigue, which you can absorb as you explore its maze of streets and alleyways. Hotel - 3 nights (B)
Peponi’s Hotel - situated right on the beach facing Manda Island on the other side of the channel, this hotel consists of a series of cottages, each with a verandah and full facilities. An excellent restaurant, plus a bar and grill, and excellent water sports facilities complete the picture. Undoubtedly one of the best places to stay on the island!
Day 14-15: With almost three full days there is plenty of time to relax and enjoy this tropical paradise. The nearby glorious white sand beaches, backed by dunes, can be easily reached on foot. Diving and windsurfing are both available here. Back in the historic town there are lots of places to eat, a couple of museums to visit to gain an insight into Swahili culture, and over twenty mosques to explore. Lamu was once a thriving centre of coastal trade, but was gradually eclipsed by the growth of Mombasa and Zanzibar. There is ample time to browse the stores along Harambee Avenue, whose crafts, textiles and spices may prove irresistible, but for most people a state of blissful indolence sets in - you don’t actually have to do anything! (Bx2)
Day 16: This afternoon you transfer to Lamu’s tiny airport to fly back to Nairobi in the highlands. On arrival in Nairobi the trip ends for Land Only clients. For those with our onward flights you have time for dinner (not included) before checking in for your overnight flight back to London. (B)
Day 17: Arrive London