DAY 1: THE ARK LODGE, ABERDARE NATIONAL PARK  

Aberdare National Park

Located northeast of Nairobi, Kenya, the Aberdare National Park was created to protect the Aberdare Mountain Range, the peaks of which soar to 3930 metres. The landscape is characterised by steep forested slopes, expansive moors, and deep ravines scattered with cascading waterfalls, crystal-clear streams and rushing rivers. The park is inhabited by a variety of African wildlife such as: elephant, lion, spotted hyena, rhino, black leopard and the very elusive bongo antelope that lives in the high altitude bamboo forests. The park offers the perfect environment for picnics, camping in the moorlands, trout fishing in the rivers, and excellent bird watching with over 250 species of birds including hawks, eagles, sunbirds and plovers.

Day Itinerary

On arrival at Jomo Kenyatta International Airport, you will be met and assisted by our AMA Safaris representative. After a short briefing drive to Aberdares National park. Arrive Aberdares Country Club for Lunch. After lunch, you will be transferred to the Aberdares National Park arriving in time for check in at The Ark Lodge. Set in the heart of the Aberdares National Park, iconic and yes, quirky.

The Ark overlooks a floodlit waterhole and salt lick, which attracts a host of awesome wildlife. Modelled after Noah’s Ark, The Ark has four viewing decks with balconies and lounges to provide superb game viewing from the comfort of the lodge. The animals come to you! Dinner and overnight at the Ark Tree hotel.

Overnight: The Ark Lodge or similar category.

The Ark has four viewing areas from which to observe the ever-present animal activity at the waterhole and saltlick. There is also a ground level hide – the perfect spot for the discerning photographer. From this vantage point, photos of animals can be taken at eye-level.

As described in the book, Haven Under the Hill, Monty Brown says, “In this intimate recess one can almost, but not quite, pat the animals, hear their sounds and smell the aroma of the night. This is a magical corner, where there is close contact with the essence that tells of unexplored Africa, and where, very often, the visitor may enjoy in solitary state the beauty of it all.”

So as not to miss any animal sightings, the resident guide will buzz your room when special animals come to the waterhole. Simply throw on your provided robe and slippers, grab your camera and view nightlife at the waterhole!

The sister property to The Ark the Aberdare Country Club, is a short distance away and is the perfect place to spend an afternoon. Activities include a game walk on our 1300 acres, golf, tennis, horseback riding, relaxing at our health club or swimming pool, or simply enjoying the gorgeous gardens.

Basis

Full Board – Dinner, Bed, Breakfast and Lunch

DAY 2: SAMBURU INTREPIDS TENTED 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 165kms² 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

After breakfast, 0800hrs drive to the Samburu National Reserve for your stay is at Samburu Intrepids, a deluxe camp on the banks of the Ewaso Nyiro River. Samburu has a healthy population of elephant and buffalo in addition to predators and unique wildlife endemic to Northern Kenya such as reticulated giraffe, grevy’s zebra, and long-necked gerenuk. Enjoy afternoon game drives till sunset. Meals and overnight at the lodge.

Overnight: Samburu Intrepids Tented Camp or similar category.         

Dry, rugged and stunning, Samburu’s landscape is at once stark and sensual, with its iconic loaf shaped Lolokowe Mountain and hills spreading in every horizon. Its life lung is the Usao Nyiro River coursing through its craggy terrain full of stone, thorn bush and the forked doum palms. In this arid zone where water is scarce and the land baked by the eternal sun, herds of elephants and the big cats roam the plains with the Samburu special – the Reticulated giraffe, Grevy’s zebra, Beisa oryx, Somali ostrich and the long necked antelope, the gerenuk easily seen despite its harsh climes.

Located 345 kilometres north of Nairobi, the journey to the camp involves a 50-minute flight to the Samburu airstrip followed by a 20-minute drive through the reserve.

Basis

Full Board – Dinner, Bed, Breakfast and Lunch

DAY 3: SAMBURU INTREPIDS TENTED CAMP, SAMBURU NATIONAL RESERVE  

Day Itinerary

Whole day in Samburu with shared morning and afternoon game drives.All meals at the Samburu Intrepids Tented Camp.

Basis

Full Board – Dinner, Bed, Breakfast and Lunch

DAY 4: SWEETWATERS SERENA 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

Breakfast at the overnight lodge. After breakfast, drive to the Ol Pejeta Conservancy where you will arrive in time for check in. Ol Pejeta is a success story in matters conservation. It has played a critical role in conservation of endangered species like Black Rhinos. It is also home to the only Chimpanzee Sanctuary in Kenya. Lunch at the camp. In the afternoon enjoy a game drive in the conservancy.

Overnight: Sweetwaters Serena Camp or similar category.     

A sheltered oasis, clustered around a water hole and set in the pristine calm of the private Ol Pejeta Conservancy, Sweetwaters Tented Camp offers a charming blend of under-canvas ambiance and safari luxury.

Located on the plains of Mount Kenya, the camp features thirty-nine luxury tents, each with its own private veranda overlooking the water hole. The central Rhino Restaurant is housed in the former manager’s house of this once colonial farm, and offers both regional and international cuisine. Also within the house is the Kashoggi Bar and lounge, which centres on a blazing log fire. The Waterhole Bar, built in the style of a game-viewing hide, overlooks the waterhole and offers unrivalled wildlife-watching.

Basis

Full Board Plus – Dinner, Bed, Breakfast, Lunch and Activities

DAY 5: LAKE NAIVASHA SOPA RESORT, 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, 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

Breakfast at the camp

0900 hrs: Depart for Lake Naivasha with a stop at the Thomson falls. Proceed to Naivasha arriving for lunch. Afternoon at leisure with optional boat ride along the lake at an extra cost

Meals and overnight at your lodge.

Overnight: Lake Naivasha Sopa Resort  or similar category.    

Naivasha is a Masai name given to the area, denoting the characteristics of the lake. 21 cottages are built in a crescent shape, and each has four rooms, totalling 80 standard rooms and Two suites.  Two of these rooms are suitable for the physically challenged.  Six of the 21 cottages have interconnecting rooms on the ground floor.

Rock gardens feature vibrantly coloured flowers, which give a beautiful contrast to the greenery of the well-manicured lawns.  Monkeys play on the lawns and different species of birds chip in the trees.  Pathways wind between the open lawns and frangipanis, with aloes and proteas growing in abundance.  The acacia trees are plentiful in this area and provide welcome shade.  The stone exterior walls of the cottages are carried into the rooms.  Ground-floor rooms have two queen-size beds and a sunken living room at the front, which opens out on to the beautifully manicured lawns.

Basis

Full Board – Dinner, Bed, Breakfast and Lunch

DAY 6: SAROVA MARA GAME CAMP, MASAI MARA     

Masai Mara

The Masai Mara together with Tanzania’s Serengeti form Africa’s most famous wildlife park, the Masai Mara National Reserve. The image of acacia trees dotting endless grass plains epitomises 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 National Reserve 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

Breakfast at the lodge,

0700hrs, depart for the fabled Masai Mara. The enormous reserve is actually part of the vast Serengeti plains famously known for its spectacular great wildebeest migrations and its home for the big five Lion, Elephant, Leopard, Buffalo and Rhino. Arrive in time for lunch at the Sarova mara game lodge. After a sumptuous lunch, you will depart for an afternoon game drive to see the game of Savannah.

Meals and overnight at your Camp/ Lodge

Overnight: Sarova Mara Game Camp or similar category.       

Nothing quite captures the true spirit of East Africa like a safari in Kenya’s richest game reserve, the Maasai Mara. Sarova Mara Game Camp offers front seats to nature’s most breathtaking show – the wildebeest migration. The endless plains of East Africa are the setting for the world’s greatest wildlife spectacle where, from the vast Serengeti plains to the champagne coloured hills of Kenya’s Maasai Mara, over 1.4 million wildebeest and 200,000 zebra and gazelle, relentlessly tracked by Africa’s great predators, migrate in a clockwise fashion over 1,800 miles each year in search of rain ripened grass.

Sarova Mara Game Camp is well positioned to enjoy this unique phenomenon. The rolling plains around the Camp are teeming with wildebeest, gazelles and zebras during the migration months, and the Camp is situated right in the center of their migration path. A wildlife safari puts you right in the middle of all this action. Get a first-hand account of this epic phenomenon and live to tell the tale. A safari also helps you acquaint yourself with the landscapes of this beautiful African setting.

Sarova Mara Game Camp is also the ideal choice for those seeking a richer experience of the Maasai Mara that goes much beyond just game drives. By virtue of its location and layout, the Camp offers an unparalleled plethora of activities and experiences from luxury tented living to bird-watching, mini golf, sport fishing and a unique insight into the Maasai culture at the adjoining Maasai village.

Basis

Full Board Plus – Dinner, Bed, Breakfast, Lunch and Activities

DAY 7: SAROVA MARA GAME CAMP, MASAI MARA     

Day Itinerary

{0500hrs Early morning optional balloon ride with champagne-style breakfast at an extra coast}

Option 1. An early wake-up call and embark on an early morning game drive and later return to your lodge with a game drive en-route. Rest of the morning at leisure followed by lunch at your lodge.

Afternoon game viewing drive. Optional visit to a local Maasai village at an extra cost.

Option 2. A relaxed rise followed by a hearty breakfast and thereafter a full day game drive with picnic lunch to see the varied game of the Masai Mara. This region is Kenya’s most popular game sanctuary where you will have the best opportunity of spotting the Big Five (lion, leopard, buffalo, rhino and elephant). Optional visit to a local Maasai village at an extra cost. Meals and overnight at your Camp/ Lodge

Basis

Full Board Plus – Dinner, Bed, Breakfast, Lunch and Activities

DAY 8: LEISURE LODGE BEACH AND GOLF RESORT, DIANI BEACH     

Diani Beach

Famous for its gorgeous palm trees and its powder white sand lapped by glistening azure waters, Diani Beach is a popular resort area resting on Kenya’s magnificent Indian Ocean shoreline. The area’s wonderfully warm waters and exquisite coral reefs provide an ideal environment for an array of exhilarating water-based activities including snorkeling, scuba diving and boat safaris where you can witness the richly diverse marine life for which the southern coast of Kenya is known. You’re likely to see turtles, mantas, barracuda and, if you are lucky, even the elusive and exceptionally large whale shark. Don’t miss: the Colobus Conservation which provides a sanctuary for these fascinating endangered primates; the Shimba Hills National Reserve which offers an exceptional and unforgettable safari experience; and the nearby Kisite Marine National Park close to the Tanzanian border.

Day Itinerary

Breakfast at the camp.

0700 hrs Drive to Nairobi, Lunch on own arrangement, transfer to Wilson airport for your flight to Mombasa Diani Beach. Arrive and transfer to your Beach resort. Rest of the time spend at leisure.

Overnight at you hotel on Half Board.

Overnight: Leisure Lodge Beach and Golf Resort or similar category.

Leisure Lodge Resort offers 5 star accommodations, just a pitching wedge away from the golf course. Leisure Golf Club enjoys the enviable reputation as being one of the best upcoming golf courses in East Africa. Awarded the accolade of Finest Golf Resort in 1999, Leisure Golf Club strives to maintain its position as one of the top 3 best golf courses in Kenya. The marriage of golf and accommodation gives guests a perfect chance to relax in comfortable surroundings. The hotel also has an excellent conference facility in the Dr. Meister Hall, which makes it, apart from a great holiday destination, a great conference and golf location.

Basis

Half Board – Dinner, Bed and Breakfast

DAY 9: LEISURE LODGE BEACH AND GOLF RESORT, DIANI BEACH     

Day Itinerary

Breakfast at leisure. Rest of the day spend at leisure on HB. Beach activities and excursions at extra cost payable direct.

Basis

Half Board – Dinner, Bed and Breakfast

DAY 10: END OF ITINERARY      

Day Itinerary

Breakfast at leisure. Pick up and transfer to /Ukunda Airstrip / Mombasa Moi international airport for your International departure flight out OR transfer SGR train for Nairobi.

Basis

Breakfast