DAY 1: PRIDEINN AZURE HOTEL, 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 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 as well as Giraffe Centre
Day Itinerary
On a morning arrival at Jomo Kenyatta International airport ex international flight clear with customs and immigration, thereafter you will be greeted by AMA Safaris your friendly tour manager / local guide representative outside the baggage hall. Later proceed on a panoramic city tour as you head to your hotel. Proceed to your hotel for check in. Overnight at the PrideInn Azure Hotel on Bed & breakfast
OVERNIGHT: PrideInn Azure Hotel – We provide the most luxurious services
PrideInn Azure Hotel is located in Westlands an upmarket part of Nairobi city, 4km North West of the City Centre. Greenery and serenity defines this area, dotted with contemporary architectural designs hosting residences, offices, shopping malls and hotels. PrideInn Azure Hotel offers 164 contemporary well-appointed spacious rooms, multi-cuisine all day dining restaurant, Garden View Bar, over 20000 sq ft of banquet space, an outdoor swimming pool, fitness centre, Spa and a casino. All rooms are centrally air conditioned and equipped with the latest state of the art technology, High speed complimentary Wi-Fi access, flat screen TV, mini bar, in-room programmable safe, iron, hairdryer, Direct dial local & international telephone, tea & coffee making facilities.
Basis
Dinner, Bed and Breakfast
DAY 2: 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 3930m. 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
After breakfast proceed towards the lush foothills of the Aberdare Mountain Range to the Aberdare Country Club for lunch. After lunch transfer to The Ark (children under 7 yrs not permitted, light bags only) overlooking a waterhole and salt lick where the ‘Big Five’ occasionally gather for an exhilarating night of wild encounters. The Ark comprises three decks from which numerous balconies and lounges provide superb vantage points for game viewing. Dinner and overnight at The Ark Lodge – FB – game viewing from the balconies of your lodge.
Overnight: The Ark Lodge
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, and 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 3: 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, 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
After breakfast at 0800hrs drive to Lake Naivasha which is a freshwater Lake. Lake Naivasha is on the floor of the East African Rift Valley. Birdlife is particularly abundant (over 460 species). It is a breeding ground for cormorants all year round. You might see pelicans and spoonbills perched on the dead trees and almost certainly the fish eagle. There are two species of fish breeding in this fresh water lake, black bass and tilapia. The tilapias are ‘mouth breeders’, the various species of fresh water mouth breeders are known as “tilapia”. Large and small frogs are abundant, from the bull frog to the tiny tree toad. Crescent Island in Lake Naivasha is part of the rim of submerged volcano whose crater forms the deepest part of the Lake (can be booked and paid locally at an extra cost). Lunch is at the resort. Afternoon at leisure. Dinner and Overnight at Lake Naivasha Sopa Resort – FB
OVERNIGHT: Lake Naivasha Sopa Resort
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, totaling 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 4: MASAI MARA SOPA LODGE, MASAI MARA
Masai Mara
The Masai Mara together with Tanzania’s Serengeti form Africa’s most famous wildlife park, the Masai Mara. 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
After breakfast at 0730hrs proceed to the world-famous Masai Mara National Reserve via the Great Rift Valley. En route enjoy the beautiful scenery. Arrive at your lodge in time for Lunch and check in at the lodge. In the afternoon, enjoy an enthralling game-viewing drive. Spotting lions, cheetahs and other spectacular predators is the highlight of your day. Dinner and overnight at Masai Mara Sopa Lodge – FB
OVERNIGHT: Masai Mara Sopa Lodge
Located on the slopes of Oloolaimitia Hills, this is one of the first lodges to be built in the Masai Mara Game Reserve. Guests are drawn to the ethnic design of this Lodge, which itself is surrounded by a landscape rich in flora, from wild olive, bitter aloe vera, croton and Mexican trees.
The Lodge has 50 round buildings, each with two rooms. Eight of the 50 cottages have interconnecting rooms. The honeymoon suite is situated at the top of the property providing an uninterrupted view. This very spacious suite has a king-size bed, a shower and a sunken bath. A spacious verandah is perfect to watch the sunset or enjoy private meals. There are 12 suites, each with a large living area, spacious bedroom with either one 1 king size bed or two queen-size beds, mosquito nets, en-suite bathroom with shower, coffee table with chairs and a mini-bar on request . The standard rooms equally have a choice of one king size bed or two queen size beds with mosquito nets and en-suite bathrooms with shower. Each has a verandah with two safari chairs.
Basis
Full Board – Dinner, Bed, Breakfast and Lunch
DAY 5: MASAI MARA SOPA LODGE, MASAI MARA
Day Itinerary
Rise before dawn for a spectacular Hot Air Balloon ride followed by a bubbly bush breakfast (optional at extra cost). OR proceed for an early morning game drive. Return to the lodge for lunch then later, set out on a late afternoon game spotting safari in the reserve and the opportunity to spot Africa’s ‘Big Five’ – lion, leopard, elephant, rhino and buffalo. Overnight at Mara Sopa Lodge (Breakfast, Lunch & dinner included)
Balloon flights typically take off at 0630hrs. Passengers arrive in time to watch the balloon inflation as the pilots torch the colored fabric to life. The flight is for one hour, each one different path and following the days prevailing winds. A Balloon flight allows passengers to float over the world’s most spectacular game reserve, and offers a magical bird’s eye view of the wildlife the Mara is famous for. On landing, the balloon crew sets up a full champagne breakfast complete with “Bloody Mary’s” on the Mara plains. Each passenger then receives a certificate from their pilot as special memoirs of their flight.There are balloons with a flying capacity of 16 passengers and of 12 passengers (all this is extra at USD 450 per person)
Basis
Full Board – Dinner, Bed, Breakfast and Lunch
DAY 6: PUMZIKA SAFARI CAMP SERENGETI, CENTRAL SERENGETI
Central Serengeti
Situated in the heart of Tanzania, the Central Serengeti encompasses the world-famous Seronera Valley which is known for its prime wildlife-viewing opportunities. This picture-perfect landscape is characterized by endless stretches of Savannah-covered open plains, interspersed by rocky outcrops of granite, scattered with acacia woodlands and covered in a network of rivers and streams. The Central Serengeti forms part of the great wildebeest and zebra migration and provides an ideal habitat for a variety of wildlife such as giraffe, impala, waterbuck, hippo, elephant, buffalo, lion, leopard, hyena, jackal, serval and much more. Popular activities include: game viewing, cultural tours, horse riding safaris, and hot air ballooning over the spectacularly scenic terrain.
Day Itinerary
After breakfast at 0630hrs drive to the Isebania border for your onward journey with picnic lunches. Met at the Isebania border Kenya/Tanzania and after the border post formalities proceed to Serengeti National Park which is undoubtedly the most famous wildlife sanctuary in the world, unequalled for its natural beauty and the greatest concentration of plains game anywhere. With its wide-open spaces, bright blue skies and creature-filled landscape, over the next days we will discover why the fabled Serengeti typifies the dream of “Old Africa.” Large prides of lions laze in the long grasses; plentiful families of elephants feed on acacia bark and trumpet to each other across the plains, while giraffes, gazelles, monkeys, eland and the whole range of African wildlife present themselves in awe-inspiring numbers) Arrive for check in and a game drive en route with dinner and overnight at Pumzika Safari Camp Serengeti – Full board.
OVERNIGHT: Pumzika Safari Camp Serengeti
Pumzika Safari Camp Serengeti is a private safari camp perfectly located at heart of Central Serengeti with perfect view overlooking endless plains of Serengeti. Its unique location provides diversity of resident wildlife and million migrations of animals that pass through these plains year after year.
All their tents are custom made using heavy duty canvas ensure a spacious room complete with en suite bathrooms. The camp has 10 spacious tents, where you can enjoy all services of a hotel but feeling in the middle of Savannah surrounded by different trees of Acacia and animals. Tents can be configured to either Single, Double, Twin or Triple occupancy. All tents have private flush toilets, hot and cold showers and wash basins.
Basis
Full Board – Dinner, Bed, Breakfast and Lunch
DAY 7: PUMZIKA SAFARI CAMP SERENGETI, CENTRAL SERENGETI
Day Itinerary
Early morning game drive followed by breakfast. Spend rest of the morning at leisure with lunch at the lodge. Rest of the afternoon at leisure with a late afternoon game drive slotted for the day.
Dinner and overnight at Pumzika Safari Camp Serengeti – FB
Basis
Full Board – Dinner, Bed, Breakfast and Lunch
DAY 8: NGORONGORO FARM HOUSE, KARATU AREA
Karatu
Travellers heading for the Serengeti and Ngorongoro Crater will inevitably pass through the town of Karatu in the green hills of Tanzania’s northern highlands. Presided over by the towering Ol Deani Volcano, this small, colourful town serves as a popular overnight stop for visitors exploring the area’s many game parks. The town offers a variety of activities including browsing the bustling marketplace, sampling beer at a local brewery, visiting a traditional Iraqw homestead, or taking a guided walk through the Ngorongoro Forest in search of waterfalls and elephants caves. Whether you are looking for cultural tours, hiking and biking opportunities, a chance to enjoy an authentic rural Tanzania experience, or simply a break between safari game drives, this underrated town has plenty to offer.
Day Itinerary
After breakfast, drive to the Ngorongoro Crater, the largest intact caldera in the world. Its enduring charm stems from its overwhelming physical beauty and the abundance of wildlife permanently resident on the crater floor. Arrive at the lodge for lunch, have an afternoon game drive until sunset thereafter drive to the lodge for dinner and
OVERNIGHT: Ngorongoro Farm House / Farm House Valley Lodge – LDBB
Ngorongoro Farmhouse Lodge is situated beneath the majestic Oldeani Volcano, and boasts easy access to both the untamed wilderness of Ngorongoro Conservation Area, as well as the simple pleasure of a ramble through 500 acres of farmland. Ngorongoro Farm House was inaugurated on February 20th 2003, and is offering 52 room cottages, 49 standard rooms and 3 suite rooms, all with ample space inside, built on the style of an old colonial farm and rustically decorated with local materials and full of details of good taste, with the purpose of offering our clients an imaginary journey to the life of the days gone.
Basis
Full Board:- Dinner, Bed, Breakfast and Lunch
DAY 9: NGORONGORO FARM HOUSE, KARATU AREA
Day Itinerary
After breakfast at leisure drive to Lake Manyara National Park with picnic lunches. This beautiful park is at the base of the Great Rift Valley escarpment and comprises of forest, woodland, grasslands, and swamps. Gazelles; impala; buffalo; wildebeest; the famous tree climbing lion; hyenas; baboon; giraffe; hippopotamus; and a great number of smaller mammals; 350 species of bird, storks and flamingos Apart from its abundant bird and animal life is known for its tree-climbing lions. Later in the afternoon drive back to your lodge for
Dinner and overnight at Ngorongoro Farm House – FB
Basis
Full Board – Dinner, Bed, Breakfast and Lunch
DAY 10: AMBOSELI SOPA LODGE, KIMANA, AMBOSELI NATIONAL PARK
Kimana Wildlife Sanctuary
Located in the Loitokitok District of Kenya’s Rift Valley Province, close to the Kenyan border, Kimana is a beautiful, remote town boasting spectacular natural landscapes, an array of churches, and several enthralling wildlife parks. Nature and animal enthusiasts will delight in going on safaris at reserves such as the Kimana Sanctuary, where they can see mesmerising open plains, yellow fever trees, Mount Kilimanjaro in the south and the Chyulu Hills in the north. Visitors will have the chance to spot elephants, zebra, gazelle, eland, warthogs, vervet monkeys and kingfishers.
Day Itinerary
After breakfasts at 0700hrs depart by road via Namanga border where you will clear with immigration and onto Amboseli National Park, Park that is famous for its breath-taking views of Kilimanjaro. The Park also shelters more than 420 species of birds. Enormous Elephant population and other big game are attracted to the area by underground springs fed from the melting snows of Mount Kilimanjaro. Lunch at Oltukai Lodge. Afternoon game till sunset then game viewing drive enroute to the Sopa lodge. Dinner and Overnight at Amboseli Sopa Lodge – FB
Overnight: Amboseli Sopa Lodge
Nestled in 190 acres of wooded Masai land, the Lodge sits on the foothills of Africa’s highest mountain, Mount Kilimanjaro. Mature wooded gardens with a variety of trees and plants thrive in these surroundings. Different species of birds, monkeys and squirrels dart through the gardens. There are 83 rooms in total; some with interconnecting doors – ideal for families – and 24 rooms can be turned into triples on request. Two rooms are suitable for the physically challenged, and one room is a honeymoon suite. The rooms are constructed as individual huts, and they are all spacious, with en-suite bathrooms and verandahs. Local materials and colours are used for furnishings, maintaining the African theme. The totally private and spacious honeymoon suite has an ornamental fireplace and kitchenette. A spacious verandah surrounds the suite, ideal for viewing the mountain in its glory.
Basis
Full Board – Dinner, Bed, Breakfast and Lunch
DAY 11: END OF ITINERARY
Day Itinerary
After breakfast at leisure, then drive to Nairobi for International departure at Jomo Kenyatta International Airport for your flight back home
Basis
Breakfast