DAY 1: NAIROBI SERENA 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,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

Arrival at Jomo Kenyatta International Airport met and assisted by our AMA Safaris representative before being transferred to your town hotel for check-in. Rest of the day will be at leisure.  Lunch and dinner on own arrangement.

Overnight: Nairobi Serena Hotel   

The Nairobi Serena Hotel is nestled among lush gardens at the edge of Nairobi’s Central Park. The elegant guest rooms include satellite TV, minibars, coffee and tea making stations, free daily newspapers, and free Wi-Fi. With three on-site restaurants, a coffee bar and a pool bar serving drinks, guests are spoilt for choice when it comes to dining. Guests can enjoy leisurely strolls through the large grounds, have a splash in the heated pool, or enjoy relaxing massages and treatments at the Maisha Spa and Health Club.

Basis

Bed and Breakfast

DAY 2: GIRAFFE MANOR, NAIROBI

As previously described

Day Itinerary

Breakfast at the hotel followed by check out.

1030hrs – Transfer from Nairobi Serena to the Giraffe Manor for your overnight stay. All meals and overnight at The Giraffe Manor.

Overnight: Giraffe Manor

Giraffe Manor is an exclusive boutique hotel, set in 12 acres of private land within 140 acres of indigenous forest in the Langata suburb of Nairobi. This elegant, personally hosted hotel is famous for its herd of resident Rothschild’s giraffe who visit morning and evening, poking their long necks into the windows in the hope of a treat. With its stately façade, elegant interior, verdant green gardens, sunny terraces, and delightful courtyards, Giraffe Manor offers a rich blend of comfortable accommodation and highly trained and friendly staff. It is the only place in the world where you can enjoy the breathtaking experience of feeding and photographing a giraffe over the breakfast table or at the front door.

Basis

Full Board – Dinner, Bed, Breakfast and Lunch

DAY 3: THE ARK LODGE, 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

Breakfast at the Hotel.

This morning you will commence your drive north. You will bid the capital city goodbye, drive past the pineapple plantations of Thika, Kenya’s central uplands famous as white highlands during the colonial era in Kenya.

Proceed to the Aberdares Country Club for lunch. Afternoon transfer to the Tree lodge (Ark) for dinner and overnight at your lodge in Aberdares National Park. Enjoy game viewing from the lodge premises.( Carry a light overnight bag to Ark 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, 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 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 tree hotel followed by your transfer back to Aberdare country club to reunite with your driver guide. 0900hrs – After collecting your left luggage, drive to your camp situated at the famous Ol Pejeta conservancy, well known for its Rhino protection and the Chimpanzee sanctuary.

Arrive in time for lunch and check in.
Afternoon Game drive in the conservancy until sunset, night game drive can also be arranged in the conservancy at an extra cost, but this will be subject to availability hence advisable to pre-book.
Dinner and overnight at your camp

Overnight: Sweetwaters Serena Camp      

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 – Dinner, Bed, Breakfast and Lunch

DAY 5: LAKE ELMENTEITA SERENA CAMP, LAKE ELMENTEITA

Elmenteita, meaning ‘place of dust’, is a small soda lake which attracts many visiting flamingos. It has been named as a World Heritage Site for its prolific birdlife. This is where Kenya’s most famous settler Lord Delamere lived and he was responsible for much of Kenya’s early agricultural experimentation in the fertile area, the area is still inhabited by some of his descendants. The shores are often alive with wildlife and the surrounding forests are perfect for long walks and birding. Visitors can look forward to visiting the Kekopey hot springs, spotting over 400 bird species and game viewing along the lake’s edge, which is abundant with eland, kudu, zebra, gazelle, and warthog families.

Day Itinerary

Breakfast at the hotel followed by the hotel check out. 0800hrs – After breakfast you will be collected for the day’s drive taking you past the Aberdares mountain range to the floor of the Great Rift Valley, destination Soysambu Ranch where the well appointed Lake Elementaita Serena is located. The ecosystem, being part of the Great Rift Valley and with the presence of the alkaline, lake of Elementaita supports lots of bird life as well as lots of plains game. Lunch at your camp. Afternoon game drives in the Soysambu conservancy.

Overnight: Lake Elmenteita Serena Camp

Lake Elmenteita Serena Camp is located in Kenya’s Soysambu Conservancy and features spectacular views of the surrounding volcanoes. Accommodation is available in deluxe tents and flamingo suites which feature a balcony and modern amenities, including free Wi-Fi, satellite TV, mini-fridges, and mosquito nets.

Guests may enjoy a meal in the central dining room or outdoors in the bush while watching the sunset. The camp features a beautiful outdoor swimming pool where guests can relax and enjoy the African sun. A massage service is available on-site and offers a variety of luxurious treatments.

Basis

Full Board – Dinner, Bed, Breakfast and Lunch

DAY 6: SAROVA LION HILL GAME LODGE, LAKE NAKURU NATIONAL PARK

Nakuru

Nakuru is a city on the shores of western Kenya’s Lake Nakuru, within a reserve that sprawls across almost 200 square kilometres. It is the capital of Nakuru County, located in the Great Rift Valley. Ten kilometres from town lies the massive Menengai Crater. A hiking trail leads up to the rim of this ancient caldera, offering bird’s eye views over the lake and surrounds then plunges 400 metres down to the floor below, where you will find ancient forests. Lake Nakuru National Park, surrounding Nakuru, is home to exceptional birdlife, as well as over 50 varieties of mammals. These include lion, leopard, buffalo, zebra, giraffe, rhino, antelope and various primates.

Day Itinerary

Breakfast provided at the overnight camp.
0900hrs. After breakfast, you will drive to the nearby Lake Nakuru National Park. Enjoy a morning game drive before proceeding to the Lodge for check in and Lunch. Lake Nakuru is one of the Rift Valley soda lakes and lies to the south of Nakuru, in the rift valley of Kenya. The lake’s is home to a variety of bird life including the now rare flamingoes. It is also home to larger mammals such as the Black and white rhinos which were introduced into Nakuru . Nakuru means “Dust or Dusty Place” in the Maasai language.
Lunch at the Lodge followed by an afternoon game drive. Dinner and overnight at the Lodge.

Overnight: Sarova Lion Hill Game Lodge  

Sarova Lion Hill Game Lodge is nestled along the Lion Hill overlooking the spectacular flamingo pink rimmed Lake Nakuru. Its location affords panoramic views of the lake and the picturesque Lake Nakuru National Park. A short 3-hour drive from Nairobi, Sarova Lion Hill Game Lodge is a favourite with residents and visitors to Kenya.

Sarova Lion Hill Game Lodge is cleverly laid out in such a way that most rooms and sitting areas afford stunning views of the lake and the park. The Lodge incorporates natural landscaping with tall acacia trees, winding walkways and greens dotted with bird feeds. The Lodge is a natural haven for bird life and attracts over 50 species of birds amongst the 400 species that inhabit the Park.

Lake Nakuru National Park was created in 1968 to protect the huge flocks of over of the lesser flamingo that breed and nest at the edge of Lake Nakuru, giving it the characteristic pink rim. Lake Nakuru National Park, located at an altitude of 4,000-5,767 feet above sea level, covers 188 square kilometres of land of great ecological diversity – from lake water, woodland, bush grassland, to rocky ridges. The park is home to not just the lesser flamingo but over 400 species of birds and one of the few places to see the endangered white rhino. Other wildlife at the park includes lions, leopards, zebra, gazelles, eland, giraffe and the hyrax.

Basis

Full Board – Dinner, Bed, Breakfast and Lunch

DAY 7: MARA SERENA SAFARI LODGE, MASAI MARA

One of Kenya’s undisputed natural highlights is the Masai Mara National Reserve, which sprawls across more than 1500km2 of the country’s southwest. The park protects a phenomenal array of game, including charismatic species such as elephant, lion, leopard and buffalo, as well as crocodile and hippopotamus in the Mara River. The birdlife is no less impressive, with over 450 resident bird species. However, the true highlight here is the Great Migration, recognised as one of the Seven New Wonders of the World. To survive the dry months of July to September, some 1.7 million wildebeest,  migrate from the parched plains of the Serengeti National Park in Tanzania. Along with much smaller numbers of antelope buffalo and zebra, they move to the more forgiving grasslands of the Masai Mara. In their wake come predators such as lion, hyena and cheetah, for whom these giant herds are an easy source of prey.

Day Itinerary

Breakfast at the Camp.
0730hrs – Drive to the Masai Mara National Reserve offering wonderful scenery and plenty of game. It is perhaps the only region left in Kenya where the visitor may see animals in the same super-abundance as existed a century ago.
1230hrs – 1400hrs – Lunch en-route at Sarova Mara Camp.
Afternoon game drive en-route to your lodge, visit to Masai village will be included on this day.

Overnight: Mara Serena Safari Lodge       

Secreted deep within the Masai Mara, the Mara Serena Safari Lodge is the ultimate safari destination. Set high on a bush-cloaked hill, embraced by arcing vistas and washed by a sea of richly rolling grasslands, it stands centre-stage to one of Africa’s most dramatic wildlife arenas and has a ringside seat for the greatest wildlife show on Earth, the legendary migration of the wildebeest. Drawing its inspiration from the traditional Maasai cultural motif of a cluster of domed, mud-colored huts encircled by a “Boma” of brushwood, the Mara Serena offers a rare blend of raw African splendor and sumptuous sophistication. The essentially ethnic décor also draws on a vibrant colour-palette of sun-burst colors, embellished by a unique selection of Maasai art to create the look and feel of a traditional bush encampment. The lodge features individual rooms, each with their own balcony and view of eternity, a sky-blue swimming pool and a spectacular restaurant, overlooking a water hole where a fantasia of creatures collect to drink.

Basis

Full Board – Dinner, Bed, Breakfast and Lunch

DAY 8: MARA SERENA SAFARI LODGE, MASAI MARA

Day Itinerary

{Optional at an extra cost: 0500hrs early morning optional balloon ride with champagne-style breakfast.}
Early wake-up call and embark on an early morning game drive and later proceed to the appointed site
for Hippo pool breakfast provided by Mara Serena. Thereafter 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

Basis

Full Board – Dinner, Bed, Breakfast and Lunch

DAY 9: FOUR SEASONS SAFARI LODGE SERENGETI, EASTERN SERENGETI

Eastern Serengeti

The rich acacia-dotted plains of the Eastern Serengeti are home to abundant wildlife. Visitors flock here to view the world-renowned wildebeest migration. Some of the best game-viewing can be enjoyed from Lobo on the eastern edge of the Serengeti National Park along the Grumeti River. Popular activities include: taking a guided walk through the spectacularly scenic terrain of the wild Serengeti, jumping on a hot air balloon safari, picnics in the bush, and learning about Maasai culture and history. Don’t miss the opportunity to visit the world famous Gol Kopjes for the best cheetah viewing in Africa.

Day Itinerary

After breakfast, check out and drive to Isebania border post of Kenya and Tanzania. On arrival go through the normal immigration and customs procedures. Once done, you will be met by a our Tanzania driver guide who will drive you to Serengeti. Enjoy Picnic lunch en route to Serengeti National Park.
Game viewing en route to the Lodge for dinner and overnight.

Overnight: Four Seasons Safari Lodge Serengeti

Deep within one of Africa’s finest game reserve, the Four Seasons Safari Lodge at Serengeti welcomes guests to a sanctuary of comfort. Guests can get up close with lions, leopards and elephants, yet always feel safe and pampered. Secluded and spacious, the 77 guest rooms, suites and villas keep guests in constant touch with the Serengeti. Contemporary African décor features four-poster beds with mosquito netting, as well as local textiles and artwork, all enhanced by modern comforts such as air conditioning and high-speed Internet access. Guests can step outside onto their elevated, open-air sundeck with a direct view of the plains and enjoy spotting any lions or elephants that might be passing by.

Basis

Full Board – Dinner, Bed, Breakfast and Lunch

 

DAY 10: FOUR SEASONS SAFARI LODGE SERENGETI, EASTERN SERENGETI

Day Itinerary

Breakfast at the lodge
Full day in Serengeti with scheduled morning and afternoon game drives in the Serengeti National park

Basis

Full Board – Dinner, Bed, Breakfast and Lunch

DAY 11: FOUR SEASONS SAFARI LODGE SERENGETI, EASTERN SERENGETI

Day Itinerary

Breakfast at the lodge
Full day in Serengeti with scheduled morning and afternoon game drives in the Serengeti National park

Basis

Full Board – Dinner, Bed, Breakfast and Lunch

DAY 12: NGORONGORO SERENA SAFARI LODGE, NGORONGORO CRATER

Ngorongoro Crater

Located in Northern Tanzania, the Ngorongoro Crater is best known for its natural beauty and abundance of diverse wildlife; which makes it one of Africa’s most popular safari destinations. Surrounded by Tanzania’s highlands, this UNESCO-listed crater is said to be the world’s largest intact volcanic caldera. Visitors can look forward to spotting the world-renowned Big Five and a host of other wildlife species including large herds of zebra and wildebeest. It is famed as one of Tanzania’s best tourist attractions offering visitors an array of wonderful activities including excellent bird watching, trekking, wildlife viewing, mountain biking and visiting a local Maasai village. Don’t miss the opportunity to jump on an excursion to the magnificent Olduvai Gorge.

Day Itinerary

Breakfast and check out.
0730hrs – Drive to the Ngorongoro Crater, the largest intact caldera in the world. Its enduring charm stems from its overwhelming beauty and the abundance of wildlife permanently resident on the crater floor. Arrive at the Lodge in time for Lunch and check in. Afternoon at leisure enjoying the views from the lodge.

Overnight: Ngorongoro Serena Safari Lodge       

Perched on the jagged rim of the crater, wreathed in morning mist, camouflaged in river-stone and cloaked in indigenous creepers, the Ngorongoro Serena Safari Lodge is a triumph of ecological and architectural fusion. Sensitively constructed so as to take nothing from its environment whilst affording endless vistas over the heat-shimmering reaches of the crater below, the clustered boulder-built buildings of the Lodge hug the crater rim, linked by rope-lashed timber walkways that skirt the buttressed roots of ancient, liana-hung trees.

The interior, radiating out from the primeval log fire glowing at the heart of the Lodge, blends the concentrated hush of a game-viewing hide with the ochre, rust and charcoal images of a prehistoric cavern. Lit by flaming wall-lanterns, clad in gigantic volcanic boulders and decorated by the iron spears, bright-beaded robes and intricately carven artefacts of the Maasai, the Lodge is a unique blend of world-class luxury, timeless volcanic splendour and ethnic style. As for the views, from lilac-streaked sunrise, to indigo star-studded night, the immeasurably ancient Ngorongoro Crater delivers a theatre of vistas, most unchanged since the dawn of time.

Strung around the crater rim, each with its own rock-enclosed balcony, the rooms feature brass lamps, embossed leather headboards, wildwood mirrors, Maasai carvings and flamboyant prehistoric wall motifs depicting fleeing giraffes, stylised gazelle and plunging buffalo. Each room draws on a cave-grey, indigo-blue and jasper-red colour-scheme, is fully air-conditioned and enjoys uninterrupted views over the Crater’s unmatched splendour.

At the end of an action-packed day, guests can also follow a gentle nature trail that loops around the Lodge through moss-hung glades and plunging ravines, take a guided walk to the Crater’s rim, relax with a herbal massage, or watch as the burning sun sinks behind the mountains from a unique vantage point on the craggy heights of the Crater’s rim.

Basis

Full Board – Dinner, Bed, Breakfast and Lunch

DAY 13: NGORONGORO SERENA SAFARI LODGE, NGORONGORO CRATER

Day Itinerary

Early breakfast.
0730hrs – Depart for the Crater Tour. Thereafter, return to the lodge for Lunch. Or Optionally (Go with Packed lunch for a longer crater experience) Rest of the day at leisure with dinner and overnight at the Lodge.

Basis

Full Board – Dinner, Bed, Breakfast and Lunch

DAY 14: END OF ITINERARY

Day Itinerary

After breakfast at the lodge, you will check out and drive back to Arusha arriving for Lunch at The Arusha Cultural Heritage. After lunch transfer to the Kilimanjaro International Airport /Arusha Airport for your onward flights or back to Nairobi for her connection back Home.

Basis

Breakfast