SMALL GROUP LODGE SAFARI :Go wild for a week in Kenya on this comfortable lodge accommodated safari. Hand feed giraffes in Nairobi and spot animals of the shore of Lake Elemeintata. Visit the flamingos of Lake Nakuru and three days in the magnificent Masai Mara going in search of the Big Five.
Trip Highlights
Included
Not Included
Itinerary
Giraffe Centre & Elephant Orphanage
Nairobi - Elementaita. This morning we visit the Giraffe centre which offers the unique experience of hand-feeding these gentle giants at eye level from a raised platform, while watching the warthogs below snuffle around looking for titbits. Then we travel on to the Daphne Sheldrick’s Centre and visit the many baby elephants that have been rescued from threatening situations in Kenya’s various national parks and even get a chance to see the calves being fed and playing with the staff.
Next stop is the Karen Blixen Museum. Located in an area which was once part of Karen Blixen’s vast coffee estate, the museum was Karen’s home from 1917 until 1931.The house and grounds were made famous by the film ‘Out of Africa ’and have been restored by the Danish community of Kenya. Visitors have a glimpse of typical colonial life in Kenya at the turn of the twentieth century. After lunch at the lovely Karen Blixen Coffee Gardens, we depart on the next part of our adventure that takes us from the hustle and bustle of Nairobi city to the small but beautiful soda ash lake located in the famous Great Rift Valley, named Lake Elementaita. Lake Elementaita is home to numerous flamingos and over 400 species of birds. We spend the next two nights at a lovely eco-friendly lodge perched on a hillside overlooking the lake.
Overnight: Lake Elementeita | Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner
Elementaita & Nakuru
Elementaita - Lake Nakuru - Elementaita. The second great lake we visit on our tour is Lake Nakuru. 30 minutes’ drive from Elementaita, the lake is situated in the middle of the national park to which it gives its name. Teeming with wildlife the park has so much to offer. Sometimes, when the water levels are low, the entire lake is covered in flamingos, turning the whole area pink. Lions, buffalos as well as many rhinos call this corner of Kenya home and a game drive around the park is always rewarding. If we are lucky we may even spot a leopard relaxing in a tree beside the lake. After a game-packed day we arrive back at Sunbird Lodge in time to enjoy the sun set over the lake, before sitting down for dinner and toasting to the day’s adventures.
Overnight: Lake Elementeita | Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner
Masai Mara
Lake Elementaita - Masai Mara. Leaving the Great Rift Valley behind we drive to Kenya's famous Masai Mara, the setting for the Great Migration and countless wildlife documentaries. The Masai Mara is the highlight of any safari. We arrive for lunch at our camp and spend the rest of the afternoon relaxing by the pool and waiting for the late afternoon when the temperature cools to head out on our first Mara game drive. Back at the camp, dinner is served and gives us the perfect opportunity to look back at our day and relive all those highlights.
Overnight: Masai Mara | Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner
Safari in the Mara
After breakfast this morning we drive across the plains in search of the Big Five and other plains game. The early mornings are one of the best times to view the animals as this is when they are their most active before the heat of the day sets in and after a mid-morning of relaxation and lunch, head out into the reserve for a chance to tick off some more animals on your “must see” list. Keep your eyes peeled as you hunt for the last members on your list.
Overnight: Masai Mara | Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner
Optional hot air ballooning
This morning, there is the opportunity to rise early and experience a game viewing adventure from an entirely different perspective! A hot air balloon safari across the Masai Mara (at additional cost) which takes off in the crisp morning air, and lasts for approximately an hour, allows for a beautifully peaceful experience floating silently high above plains, forests and rivers. Upon landing a fully cooked breakfast awaits. More game viewing opportunities arise later that morning en-route back to camp and in the afternoon. In addition to the abundance of spectacular game, there are also over 450 species of birds that have been identified in the Masai Mara Ecosystem.
Overnight: Masai Mara | Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner
Nairobi
Masai Mara - Nairobi. This morning we enjoy our last sunrise in the Masai Mara with tea or coffee on the veranda. After a great final breakfast we drive back to Nairobi stopping at the Great Rift Valley for one last photo opportunity before you're dropped off at the Jomo Kenyatta airport. Onward international flights should depart no earlier than 6pm or 5pm for domestic flights. As we say in Swahili - Safari Njema!
Breakfast
Prices & Dates
Departure dates are guaranteed to run with a minimum of 2 persons. This Safari has a maximum group size of 6. The 'Twin Share' price is per person when there are 2 people sharing a room. The 'Single Room' price is applicable to all solo travellers, or if your booking party cannot reach the minimum of 2 persons in a room. Single Rooms can also be booked by any other person wanting the comfort and privacy of their own room.
Hotels
The hotels listed below are ones which we frequently use on this tour. We reserve the right to substitute these hotels to ones of a similar standard.
The Residences at Karen, Nairobi
Surround by lush forests overlooking the second hole of the Karen Country Club golf course, The Residences at Karen offer spacious rooms equipped with the latest conveniences including mini bar, plasma screen TV and complimentary WIFI. Each room features a delightfully furnished terrace, the perfect spot to enjoy a Sundowner away from the hustle and bustle of Nairobi. Peacefully situated on the grounds of the Karen Country Club approximately 16 Km from downtown Nairobi.
Sunbird Lodge, Lake Elementeita
The Sunbird Lodge is located on private land in the Great Rift Valley, on the shore of the “pink” Lake Elementaita, overlooking the vast plains of Soysambu Conservancy. Cottages are constructed from stone with thatched roofing. The have full length sliding glass doors and are perfectly positioned to maximise their enviable location near the lake. Sunbird Lodge is located in the Great Rift Valley, less than 130 km from Nairobi.
Fig Tree Camp, Masai Mara
Fig Tree Camp is located in the heart of the Masai Mara on the banks of the Talek River. The camp offers luxury Ngamboli tents and garden lodge rooms. All featuring en suite bathrooms and a large verandah. The camp has a swimming pool with loungers, perfect for cooling off in the midday heat and relaxing between game drives. There's restaurant onsite and two bars. In addition to game drives and game walks, the camp offers bush dinners and champagne breakfasts on the planes of the Masai Mara. Adventures Aloft Balloon Safaris is also located on site, which flies daily from the camp.
At a Glance
Extra Tour Info
I am at a loss for words on how incredible this trip was! It was a lifelong dream for me to go to Africa, and I'm so mad a myself for putting it off as long as I did! From accomodations, to food, to transportation, and especially my guide, this trip was beyond my expectations. I am looking forward to where On The Go will take me on my next adventure!!!!!”