DAY 1: LA MAISON ROYALE, 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

A warm welcome awaits you upon arrival at the Jomo Kenyatta International airport by our AMA Safaris representative ( ETA TBA). Meet and greet and thereafter transferred to your hotel where you are booked on bed and breakfast basis. Lunch and dinner on own arrangements.  Overnight at La Maison Royale Nairobi, BB

Overnight: La Maison Royale         

La Maison Royale is located in Kenya’s most busy city, Nairobi. Accommodation consists of a variety of guest rooms and suites, each equipped with an en-suite bathroom. Guests can enjoy a variety of local and international cuisines at any of the on-site restaurants. Other amenities offered are a cafe, bars, a fitness centre and a spa.

Basis

Bed & 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 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

After breakfast depart for the Aberdares region, arrive at the Aberdares Country Club in time for lunch. In the afternoon transfer to the tree lodge where you will spend the night and watch the game from the comfort of your lodge. Dinner and overnight art The Ark Lodge, LDBB

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 3: THE ARK LODGE, ABERDARE NATIONAL PARK

Day Itinerary

After breakfast depart with packed lunch boxes for a full day tour of Ol Pejeta Conservancy. You will have a chance to visit the Rhino & Chimpanzee Sanctuaries. In the evening return to your lodge for dinner and overnight at The Ark Lodge, BB

Basis

Full Board: Dinner, bed, breakfast and lunch

DAY 4: THE ARK LODGE, ABERDARE NATIONAL PARK

Day Itinerary

Today you will depart with picnic lunch for nearby Solio Ranch.

Meals and overnight at The Ark Lodge, LDBB

Basis

Full Board: Dinner, bed, breakfast and lunch

DAY 5: LAKE NAKURU SOPA LODGE, 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

After breakfast drive to Rift Valley Region and arrive at your lodge in good time for lunch. The park’s ecosystem comprises of the lake, surrounded by mainly wooded and bushy grasslands. The park is an important Ramsar site and supports a wide ecological diversity. The 188sq km Lake Nakuru is the only KWS – administered reserve that is fully enclosed. Once just a bird sanctuary, Lake Nakuru is now the best place in Kenya to see the highly protected black and white rhino Among other animals found in the park include rhino, lion, leopard, flamingos, Egyptian geese, water-buck, giraffe, hyena, buffalo, baboons, vervet monkeys, gazelles, Flamingos (Greater and Lesser) and other water birds being also major attractions of the area. In the evening proceed for a game drive till sun set. Dinner and overnight at Lake Nakuru Sopa Lodge LDBB

Overnight: Lake Nakuru Sopa Lodge         

Lake Nakuru Sopa lodge is located on a range of hills that form the western limits of Africa’s Great Rift Valley, the Lodge offers spectacular views over the vastness of lake Nakuru and its surrounding National Park. The park supports a wide ecological diversity with Flamingos and other water birds being the major attraction of the area. The ecosystem provides for about 56 different species of mammals including the white and black rhino, buffaloes and others.

The Lodge is 20km from the park main gate and 15 minutes drive from Naishi airstrip. Lodge accommodation consists of 60 rooms which include 2 inter-connecting rooms, 2 rooms accessible on wheel chair. Rooms are grouped into single, twin or triple rooms. All rooms have a clear view of the lake and you are able to view the sun rise from the balcony. All rooms have safe box, tea and coffee making facilities, mini bar is stocked on request and telephone extension is also provided in all rooms.

Basis

Full Board: Dinner, bed, breakfast and lunch

DAY 6: LAKE NAKURU SOPA LODGE, LAKE NAKURU NATIONAL PARK       

Day Itinerary

Spend full day in Nakuru with morning game drives and afternoon game drives.

All meals and overnight at Lake Nakuru Sopa Lodge – LDBB

Basis

Full Board: Dinner, bed, breakfast and lunch

DAY 7: 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 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

Early breakfast at your lodge and thereafter start your journey for Masai Mara, the reserve offers 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. Arrive for check-in and lunch at your lodge , after lunch proceed for an evening game drive until sunset, dinner and overnight at Mara Sopa Lodge LDBB

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 aloevera, 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 l 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 veranda with two safari chairs.

Basis

Full Board: Dinner, bed, breakfast and lunch

DAY 8: MASAI MARA SOPA LODGE, MASAI MARA

Day Itinerary

(On this day you have a chance of departing for an early morning balloon ride with champagne-style breakfast at an extra cost per person – 450USD not included in the quote)

After breakfast enjoy morning and afternoon game drives in the Mara reserve; The Masai Mara National Reserve is approximately 1510km² of incredible wide-open landscapes and fertile riverine woodland following the looping meanders of the Mara and Talek rivers in Kenya. it is typical open savannah, with a mass of amazing wildlife, It hosts over 95 species of mammals and 570 recorded species of bird. All member of the “BIG FIVE “ ( Lion , leopard , African elephant African buffalo and black Rhinoceros ) are found in this reserve , other animals found in this reserves are Hippo’s , Nile Crocodiles , Hyenas , cheetahs, jackals and bat –eared foxes . All meals and overnight at Mara Sopa Lodge LDBB

Basis

Full Board: Dinner, bed, breakfast and lunch

DAY 9: ZEBRA PLAINS MARA CAMP, MASAI MARA      

Day Itinerary

Spend a full day game drive with picnic lunch. proceed for an evening game drive until sunset, dinner and overnight at Zebra Plains Mara Camp – LDBB

Overnight: Zebra Plains Mara Camp          

Zebra Plains Mara Camp is a small boutique luxury tented camp nestled in Olare Motorogi Conservancy. The camp is set below the Oldonyo Loip ridge facing the open plains of the Maasai Mara. The ridge is one of the most important wildlife habitats as it is home to some big cats and also a migration corridor. The camp is small and intimate with eight luxury tented rooms that can be converted into doubles or twin splits and one family tent which can accommodate a family of five. Each tent has great views of the open plains of the Mara and all tents have both cold and hot running water for showers, wash basin, flush toilet, and luggage rack, reading table, mosquito nets and comfy safari chairs on the verandah for you to enjoy the amazing views from your tent. The camp also has two lounges, a bar and three dining areas where local and international cuisines are served. There are three open sided safari vehicles with a private 4 x 4 vehicle for each and every booking. All 4 x 4 vehicles are custom made for photographic safaris and game viewing. The camp also has very knowledgeable guides on the big cats of the Mara and general movement of the game.

Basis

Full Board: Dinner, bed, breakfast and lunch

DAY 10:  ZEBRA PLAINS MARA CAMP, MASAI MARA    

Day Itinerary

Spend a full day in Mara with morning & afternoon game drives or a full day game drive with picnic lunch.

All meals and overnight at Zebra Plains Mara Camp, LDBB

We awaken to the sounds of Africa and begin our day with a morning game drive, affording an intimate and profoundly personal bond to the world of the wild. Our expert driver guide is hard at work, pointing our each individual miracle of the land that we are now part of.

An extensive afternoon game drives run explores the depths of the deep Masai mara. Everywhere there are animals, including monkeys and yes birds…but look closely and you will thrill to the huge jungles cats- Lions, Leopards and cheetahs just watching the earth go by. And go by it does: rhino, gazelles, antelopes and massive elephants by the herds. There are animals in the trees, on the wing, camouflaged in the bush, in rivers and streams.

Basis

Full Board: Dinner, bed, breakfast and lunch

DAY 11: SERENGETI SOPA LODGE, 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, water buck, 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

Early rise followed by breakfast and thereafter depart with picnic lunch boxes for the Isebania Boarder for a drop off. After immigration formalities, pick up by out Tanzanian driver/guide and proceed to Serengeti national park. Upon arrival enjoy a game drive en route to your lodge to arrive in the evening in good time for dinner and overnight at Serengeti Sopa Lodge LDBB

Overnight: Serengeti Sopa Lodge  

Offering arguably the best wildlife to be seen anywhere in Africa, the Serengeti National Park provides the perfect backdrop for the Serengeti Sopa Lodge. Located in the Nyarboro Hills in the south-west of this world-famous park, the lodge has panoramic views over the savannah. An almost constant southerly breeze keeps the temperature at a comfortable level. The lodge now accommodates 146 guests in 73 rooms and four luxury two-storey suites, all overlooking the eastern plains of the Serengeti.  Each room has a private lounge with mini-bar, en-suite bathroom and private verandah.  The Lodge has telephone facilities, satellite TV, a conference room and a swimming pool.

Basis

Full Board: Dinner, bed, breakfast and lunch

DAY 12: SERENGETI SOPA LODGE, CENTRAL SERENGETI       

Day Itinerary

Spend a full day in Serengeti with morning and afternoon game drives or a full day game drive with picnic lunch. Serengeti National park is undoubtedly the most famous wildlife sanctuary in the world, unequalled for its natural beauty and the greatest concentration of plains game anywhere. This Park is home of the largest concentrations of animals in Tanzania and is the southern extension of the famous Masai Mara Game Reserve of Kenya. It is in this area that annual migration of Wildebeest accompanied by the predators takes place (normally between June and September).  Residents Wildebeests always dot the plains.  Huge prides of lion live in the Mara; cheetahs are often found on the plains.  There are large herds of elephants and buffalo and other plains animals are also to be found.

All meals and overnight at Serengeti Sopa Lodge, LDBB

Basis

Full Board: Dinner, bed, breakfast and lunch

DAY 13: SERENGETI SOPA LODGE, CENTRAL SERENGETI       

Day Itinerary

Spend another full day in Serengeti with morning & afternoon game drives or a full day game drive with picnic lunch. You have a chance to visit the local villages and interact with the local people as well as learn more about their culture (entrance fees payable direct).

All meals and overnight at Serengeti Sopa Lodge, LDBB

Basis

Full Board: Dinner, bed, breakfast and lunch

DAY 14: NGORONGORO SOPA 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

A relaxed rise followed by breakfast and thereafter depart for a morning game drive as you exit the park for Ngorongoro Conservation Area. Arrive at your lodge in time for lunch. Spend the rest of the afternoon at leisure. Dinner and overnight at Ngorongoro Sopa Lodge, LDBB

Overnight: Ngorongoro Sopa Lodge       

Perched on the edge of the Ngorongoro Crater, the magnificent Ngorongoro Sopa Lodge is the only property on the eastern rim of this World Heritage Site. Accommodating 186 guests in its 97 spacious en-suite bedrooms, the Lodge has its own private road to the crater floor.  The Lodge is perfectly situated to explore the abundant game in what is often referred to as the “Eighth Wonder of the World”.  Its location offers awe-inspiring views over the crater and some of the most breathtaking sunsets to be seen in Tanzania. Each suite has a private lounge with mini-bar, en-suite bathroom, central heating and a private solarium.  The Lodge has telephone facilities, satellite TV, a conference room, and a swimming pool situated on the very edge of the rim.

Basis

Full Board: Dinner, bed, breakfast and lunch

DAY 15: NGORONGORO SOPA LODGE, NGORONGORO CRATER   

Day Itinerary

With picnic lunches descend to the conservation area and into the crater floor for rest of the day’s game drives. The Ngorongoro Crater is often called ‘Africa’s Eden’ and the ‘8th Natural Wonder of the World,’ a visit to the crater is a main draw card for tourists coming to Tanzania and a definite world-class attraction. The Ngorongoro Conservation Area (NCA) is home of Ngorongoro Crater. It was formed some 2.5 million years ago from a volcanic mountain sinking due to inactivity, and was initially thought to be higher than Tanzania’s famous Kilimanjaro. The crater has evolved into a unique and integral part of Tanzania’s eco-system. The crater is actually a caldera, measures 22.5kms across and the rim walls stand 600m high. Views from within and from the rim are breathtaking (as can be seen from the picture). The crater houses 30,000 animals and a large variety of birds, which rarely move from the crater due to the availability of water through wet and dry seasons.

In the evening return to your lodge for dinner and overnight at Ngorongoro Sopa Lodge,  LDBB

Basis

Full Board: Dinner, bed, breakfast and lunch

DAY 16:  THE AFRICAN TULIP, ARUSHA      

Arusha

Resting at the foot of Mount Meru, the sprawling city of Arusha is known as the safari capital of northern Tanzania. It serves as an excellent base from which to explore the remarkably scenic surrounding area which includes majestic Mount Kilimanjaro, as well as the Manyara, Tarangire and Ngorongoro National Parks. Arusha is a good spot to take a day or two off from the safari circuit as it features a temperate climate and lush surrounds. Visitors can look forward to exploring the wildlife-abundant Serengeti National Park; the magnificent Arusha National Park; and taking on the challenge of climbing Mount Meru, Africa’s fifth highest mountain.

Day Itinerary

On this day you will check out and depart for Arusha. Enjoy lunch at a local restaurant, and thereafter do a last minute shopping if time allows.  Drop off at your Arusha Hotel where you are booked on bed and breakfast basis. Dinner on own arrangements. Overnight at The African Tulip Hotel, BB

Overnight: The African Tulip          

The African Tulip is an elegant and charming Luxury Boutique Hotel in the heart of Arusha. A warm and friendly welcome awaits guests who want to experience the best of Tanzanian hospitality. The hotel has been designed with safari travellers, business persons, families, honeymooners, elite and leisure travellers in mind. It has amenities of convenience whilst offering a high standard of luxury. The hotel has 29 guest rooms, 7 of which are suites. The rooms are individually and stylishly decorated using warm African tones. A lot of African material and local art has been used reflecting the common thread that runs throughout the hotel which is one of consistence and quality.

Basis

Full Board: Dinner, bed, breakfast and lunch

DAY 17: END OF ITINERARY      

Day Itinerary

After breakfast pick up and transferred to Kilimanjaro International Airport (ETD TBA) in good time for your flight back home. End of Services

Basis