DAY 1: RADISSON BLU HOTEL NAIROBI UPPER HILL, NAIROBI
Nairobi
Situated in along the Nairobi River in beautiful Kenya, the capital of Nairobi is East Africa’s most cosmopolitan city. It serves as an excellent starting point for African safari trips around Kenya. Nairobi is Africa’s 4th largest city and is a vibrant and exciting place, and although it has developed a reputation which keeps tourist visits brief, there are some fascinating attractions: its cafe culture, unbridled nightlife, the National Museum, the Karen Blixen Museum,Giraffe Centre and most notably just 20 minutes from the city centre wild lions and buffalo roam in the world’s only urban game reserve. Make sure you pay a visit to the Elephant orphanage operated by the David Sheldrick Wildlife Trust.
Day Itinerary
You will be met on arrival, meet and greet by our AMA Safaris airport transfer representative, then transfer to your hotel. Overnight: Radisson Blu Hotel Nairobi Upper Hill.
Radisson Blu Hotel Nairobi Upper Hill is located in the heart of the fast-growing business district of Upper Hill in Nairobi, offering easy access to the Nairobi National Park. Accommodation consists of a variety of guest rooms and suites, each equipped with wireless internet access, a flat-screen television with satellite channels, a minibar and a private bathroom. Guests can enjoy a wide range of local and international cuisines at any of the on-site restaurants. Other amenities offered are a lobby bar, a spa, a fitness centre, a swimming pool and a lounge.
Basis
Bed and Breakfast
DAY 2: ELEWANA TORTILIS CAMP AMBOSELI, AMBOSELI NATIONAL PARK
Amboseli National Park
Located in the southern reaches of Kenya, the Amboseli National Park is renowned for its excellent variety of wildlife such as Masaai giraffe, elephant, lion and cheetah and not surprisingly it is one of Kenya’s most popular parks. The landscape of Amboseli is dominated by the majestic snow cap of Mount Kilimanjaro, as well as open plains, acacia woodland, swamps and the massif of Ol Doinyo Orok. The birding is excellent, especially closer to the lakes and swamps. The park is famous for being the best place in Africa to get close to large herds of elephants among other wildlife species. Other attractions of the park include opportunities to meet the Maasai people and soak up spectacular views of Mount Kilimanjaro, the highest free-standing mountain in the world.
Day Itinerary
This morning after breakfast, check out and drive to Amboseli National Park to arrive in time for Lunch.
Overnight: Elewana Tortilis Camp Amboseli
Amboseli is best known for its unrivalled views of Kilimanjaro and the local elephant population. There are over 1000 elephants in the park’s eco-system, featuring some of the largest in Africa. Elewana Tortilis Camp is situated in one of Amboseli’s areas of Acacia Tortilis woodland, with the majestic backdrop of Africa’s highest mountain, and the World’s highest free-standing mountain, snow-capped Kilimanjaro. Game drives, walks, sundowners and bush meals take place both inside the park, and within a private 30,000 acre game concession. The tents are all spacious, with king or twin beds and elegant ensuite bathrooms. There is a main lounge, bar and dining area, all exquisitely built with natural materials and thatched roofs.
Basis
Full Board – Dinner, Bed, Breakfast and Lunch
DAY 3: ELEWANA TORTILIS CAMP AMBOSELI, AMBOSELI NATIONAL PARK
Day Itinerary
Full day of game viewing drives at the Park. Head out on morning and afternoon safaris. Immerse yourself in the drama of Amboseli on morning and afternoon safaris. Amboseli is an enormous volcanic plateau, almost totally eroded and dry, and is dominated by the majestic peaks of the eternally snow-capped Mount Kilimanjaro, with a height of almost 6000 metres above sea level, earning itself the name “The rooftop of Africa”.
Curiously, and somewhat due to the good filtration of the volcanic rocks, this arid landscape contains several marshes and swamps, whose waters attract an extensive assortment of wildlife: gazelles, impalas, gerenuks, zebras, wildebeest, buffalos and lions, among others, finding solace in this harsh country. However, the biggest attraction of the park is the elephants, ambling along in huge herds with the incomparable Mt. Kilimanjaro as a backdrop.
Encounter local Maasai tribes people and the resident large elephant herds, and keep an eye out for the savannah’s smaller creatures—including some of the more than 400 bird species that have been identified here, spotting some of Africa’s largest bull elephants, as well as giraffes, zebras, lions, cheetahs, and much more. Later in the day pay a visit to a Maasai village and meet with the villagers to learn about their everyday life and traditions.
Basis
Full Board – Dinner, Bed, Breakfast and Lunch
DAY 5: JAMBO MUTARA CAMP, OL PEJETA CONSERVANCY
Ol Pejeta Conservancy
Resting at the foothills of Mount Kenya and the Aberdare Mountain Range, in central Kenya’s Laikipia County, the Ol Pejeta Conservancy is the largest black rhino sanctuary in East Africa. It is also home to the last three remaining northern white rhino in the world. Originally a working cattle ranch in colonial Kenya and now a pioneering wildlife conservancy, Ol Pejeta works to protect wildlife and provide a sanctuary for rescued chimpanzees. The Conservancy is a popular safari destination and is home to the renowned ‘Big Five’ as well as a wide selection of other African animals including: zebra, giraffe, hippo, cheetah, jackal, serval, hyena, vervet monkey and many more. Visitors can enjoy an assortment of outdoor activities such as horse rides, game walks, and nocturnal game drives.
Day Itinerary
This morning after breakfast, depart to Ol Pejeta Conservancy with a stopover lunch at Safari Park Hotel. Continue to arrive for an afternoon game viewing drive.
Overnight: Jambo Mutara Camp
North of the ancient Aberdares Forest, and west of the snow-capped Mount Kenya, our exclusive Jambo Mutara Camp wilderness haven sits above the tropical equator in one of the most unique places on Earth. The world-famous Laikipia plateau in Kenya has rich grasslands, basalt hills and dense forests that support the greatest diversity of wildlife in this part of the continent. At the very heart of this region, nestled high on a cliff-top, Jambo Mutara Camp enjoys a 360° view of raw, uninterrupted wilderness.
This is where untamed Africa meets true luxury; where iconic wildlife surrounds you; where personal service will cater to your every need and where safari-chic décor echoes an Africa from days gone by. Jambo Mutara Camp-Laikipia is the only accommodation in the 20,000 – acre Mutara Conservancy, with just 15 tents.
When we say exclusive, we mean it. It borders the famous Ol Pejeta Conservancy, and our partnership with them means that our guests have unlimited access to this 90,000-acre wilderness property. Mutara Conservancy and Ol Pejeta’ together make up the largest black rhino sanctuary in East Africa.
Basis:
Full Board – Dinner, Bed, Breakfast and Lunch
DAY 6: JAMBO MUTARA CAMP, OL PEJETA CONSERVANCY
Day Itinerary
Spend the day at the conservancy with morning and afternoon game viewing drives.
Departure for game drive at 0630hrs. (Coffee/ tea at 0615hrs.)
Breakfast at 0900hrs.
During the first hours of the morning, the savannah is filled with a special animation. This is when the larger predators hunt for their food, before the temperature becomes too hot for any excessive physical activity. This is the time we have the highest chances of watching a hunt in action (also likely in the early evening). The colours of the landscape are also more accentuated, and help us to take great photographs.
Basis
Full Board – Dinner, Bed, Breakfast and Lunch
DAY 7: ELEPHANT BEDROOM CAMP, SAMBURU NATIONAL RESERVE
Samburu National Reserve
Resting on the banks of the Ewaso Ng’iro River and neighbouring the Buffalo Springs National Park, Samburu National Reserve is remote, hot and arid. The reserve spans over 165 square kilometres of spectacularly scenic landscape featuring rugged hills, undulating plains and riverine forests. The park is home to abundant wildlife including a variety of rare species such as the reticulated giraffe, the long necked gerenuk, Somali ostrich, Grevy’s Zebra and Beisa Oryx. Samburu was one of the homes of ‘Elsa the Lioness’, star of the bestselling book and award-winning movie ‘Born Free’. Visitors can enjoy viewing over 900 elephants, a variety of predators, and over 450 bird species.
Day Itinerary
This morning after breakfast, drive to Samburu National Reserve. Arrive in time for lunch. In the afternoon, enjoy game viewing drives. Overnight: Elephant Bedroom Camp.
Set on the banks of the Ewaso Nyiro River in Samburu National Reserve surrounded by doum palms and other beautiful indigenous trees and shrubs sits this small and exclusive camp of 12 luxury tents – all furnished in rustic African style while offering all the comforts expected of a luxury Camp (hot & cold running water, electricity and herbal products).
The lounge and dining area offer vibrant safari colours with original oil paintings, soft intimate lighting designed to relax guests returning from an exciting game drive. Huge herds of elephant, prides of lion or the solitary leopard amongst other game are regular visitors around the camp providing excellent game viewing in spectacular scenic background of rugged rolling hills.
Dining is a culinary experience with al-fresco breakfast, 3 course lunch and 4 course candle lit gourmet dinner set either under the African sky or inside the well appointed dining area.
Basis
Full Board – Dinner, Bed, Breakfast and Lunch
DAY 8 & 9: ELEPHANT BEDROOM CAMP, SAMBURU NATIONAL RESERVE
Day Itinerary
Spend the day in Samburu National Reserve with morning and afternoon game viewing drives. All meals at the Camp
Basis
Full Board – Dinner, Bed, Breakfast and Lunch
DAY 10: MBWEHA CAMP, LAKE NAKURU NATIONAL PARK
Lake Nakuru National Park
Located in the Great Rift Valley surrounded by yellow acacia woodlands and bushy shrublands, the Lake Nakuru National Park was created to protect the Lake and its large flocks of Lesser Flamingo, which are drawn to the algae that flourish in the saline waters of this soda lake. The national park is inhabited by over 50 mammal species including hippo, black and white rhino, Rothschild giraffe, buffalo and eland. Known as a bird watcher’s paradise, the park is home to over 450 bird species. Visitors can look forward to hiking through the scenic landscape, picnicking next to this magnificent lake, and spotting an array of wildlife on a game drive. Don’t miss the opportunity to visit the beautiful Makalia Waterfall.
Day Itinerary
This morning after breakfast, drive to Lake Nakuru National Park, to arrive in time for lunch at Sarova Lion Hill. Enjoy afternoon game viewing drives with a late evening Check in with Overnight: Mbweha Camp .
Mbweha Camp
Nestled on the southern border of Lake Nakuru National Park, Mbweha Camp is 6 – 7hours away from Samburu and overlooks the scenic Eburru and Mau ranges. The accommodation features a spacious lounge, a dining area and ten rustic cottages with thatched roofs. Guests can experience day and night game drives, bush walks, picnic lunches, a visit to the prehistoric site of Kariandusi, and day trips into Nakuru National Park.
Basis
Full Board – Dinner, Bed, Breakfast and Lunch
DAY 11: MBWEHA CAMP, LAKE NAKURU NATIONAL PARK
Day Itinerary
Spend the day at Lake Nakuru with morning and afternoon game viewing drives. All meals at the Camp
Departure for game drive at 0800hrs. (Coffee / tea & Breakfast at 0700hrs.)
Lunch at 1300hrs.
During the first hours of the morning, the lake is filled with a special animation. This is when the larger predators hunt for their food, before the temperature becomes too hot for any excessive physical activity. This is the time we have the highest chances of watching a hunt in action (also likely in the early evening). The colours of the landscape are also more accentuated, and help us to take great photographs.
Basis
Full Board – Dinner, Bed, Breakfast and Lunch
DAY 12: ENASHIPAI RESORT & SPA, LAKE NAIVASHA
Lake Naivasha
Lake Naivasha is the highest of the Great Rift Valley Lakes and despite having no outlet, it is one of only two Rift Valley freshwater lakes. This beautiful lake is fringed by papyrus and acacia trees, a unique geologic landscape and supports a vast array of over 450 bird species. It serves as the main drinking hole for wildlife in the area such as zebra, eland, hippo, waterbuck, buffalo and much more. Visitors can look forward to excellent game viewing, intriguing night safaris, and boating excursions around the lake as well as to Crescent Island for spectacular bird watching opportunities. Other popular activities include: guided nature walks, horse riding, village visits and tours to neighbouring national parks.
Day Itinerary
This morning after breakfast drive to Naivasha for lunch. Enjoy an afternoon boat ride with a walk at the Crescent Peninsula Island.
Overnight: Enashipai Resort & Spa
Enashipai is a Masaai word meaning “a place of happiness”. Located within the splendour of the Great Rift Valley by the shores of Lake Naivasha, Enashipai is an award winning resort providing both leisure and conference facilities. The resort offers 135 lavish rooms adorned with afro-chic décor, state of the art Entumo Conference Centre with a capacity for 500 people, the Siyara Spa, a privately registered Maa Museum and a night club. Other conveniences include a fully equipped gym, business centre, in and outdoor playgrounds, an outdoor swimming pool and a gift shop.
The resort is located only an hour away from Nairobi, the capital city of Kenya, and is strategically located close to key attractions such as Mt. Longonot, Hell’s Gate and the Lake Nakuru National Park. Excursions to the Maasai Mara and other destinations can be arranged.
Basis
Half Board – Dinner, Bed and Breakfast
DAY 12: TIPILIKWANI MARA CAMP, MASAI MARA
Masai Mara
The Masai Mara together with Tanzania’s Serengeti form Africa’s most famous wildlife reserve, the Masai Mara National Reserve. The image of acacia trees dotting endless grass plains epitomizes Africa for many, then add a Maasai warrior and some cattle to the picture and the conversation need go no further. The undeniable highlight of the Masai Mara is undoubtedly the annual wildebeest migration traversing the vast plains of the Serengeti and the Masai Mara. It is known as the largest mass movement of land mammals on the planet – with more than a million animals following the rains. Large prides of lions, elephants, giraffes, gazelles and eland can also be spotted in the reserve. Aside from horse riding safaris and traditional vehicle safaris, hot-air ballooning over the Mara plains has become almost essential.
Day Itinerary
This morning, after breakfast we retrace our way down the Great Rift Valley, and head south. After crossing the wheat plantations , we drive towards Narok, the principal town in the Maasai Mara area, and approach the Loita Plains, where it is possible to observe the circular manyattas (Maasai villages) before finally arriving at the great Serengeti plains, in whose northern part we find the Maasai Mara National Reserve, we arrive in time for lunch. Enjoy afternoon game viewing drives.
Situated in Maasia territory, this reserve gets its name from the Mara River. In contrast with most of the rivers in the African savannah, the river has a permanent flow of water throughout the year, attracting a great variety of wildlife.
Overnight: Tipilikwani Mara Camp
This uniquely situated luxury camp on the banks of the Talek River overlooks the mottled plains of the Maasai Mara, where vast herds of wildlife co-exist with the colourful Maasai people between June and October the Maasai Mara plays host to one of the most spectacular wildlife shows on earth the great annual migration of over a million wildebeest and zebra as they enter the Mara ecosystem from Serengeti in neighbouring Tanzania. Tipilikwani’s tents enjoy river frontage and are decorated with warm, rich Maasai colours. The family tents have a standalone bath tub in addition to showers. Excellent food, personalised service and traditional Kenyan hospitality further compliment the prime location.
Game drives offer the unforgettable opportunity to enjoy the diversity of animals and birds living permanently in the Maasai Mara, as well as many migratory species. Guests can also learn more about the Maasai people, proud pastoralists and warriors, many of whom still retain their traditional nomadic lifestyle.
Basis
Full Board – Dinner, Bed, Breakfast and Lunch
DAYS 13 & 14: TIPILIKWANI MARA CAMP, MASAI MARA
Day Itinerary
The days is spent in the Mara with morning and afternoon game viewing drives.
All meals at the Tipilikwani Mara Camp
Departure for game drive at 0630hrs. (Coffee / tea at 0615hrs.)
Breakfast at 0900hrs.
During the first hours of the morning, the savannah is filled with a special animation. This is when the larger predators hunt for their food, before the temperature becomes too hot for any excessive physical activity.
This is the time we have the highest chances of watching a hunt in action (also likely in the early evening). The colours of the landscape are also more accentuated, and help us to take great photographs.
Basis
Full Board – Dinner, Bed, Breakfast and Lunch
DAY 15: END OF ITINERARY
Day Itinerary
Morning enjoy your breakfast. After an unforgettable fifteen-day African experience, relax and reflect on the return journey, we leave behind the legendary African Savannah, seen so many times in films and documentaries; the endless extensions of grassland gives way to bushland, and slowly, to the rich green vegetation around Nairobi.
Drop off Jomo Kenyatta International Airport for your international departure flight back home.
Basis
Breakfast
