DAY 1: HEMMINGWAYS NAIROBI, 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 Airport met and assisted by a our AMA Safaris driver guide. Transfer to your hotel.
Meal Plan: Dinner – Hemingways Hotel
Overnight: Hemingways Nairobi
Hemingways Nairobi, a member of the Small Luxury Hotels of the world, is an elegant boutique hotel situated in Nairobi’s Karen residential area with magnificent views of the nearby Ngong hills. Sensitively designed for the discerning business and leisure traveller, Hemingways Nairobi offers the full facilities expected in a modern day luxury boutique hotel. The hotel offers forty-five luxury suites which include the Hemingways suite, The Blixen suite, 19 Executive rooms and 24 deluxe rooms. The Hemingways Nairobi Brasserie serves classic dishes and the very best of local and international cuisine and is open every day for breakfast, lunch, afternoon tea and dinner.
Basis
Half Board – Dinner, Bed and Breakfast
DAY 2: HEMINGWAYS NAIROBI, NAIROBI
Day Itinerary
0630hrs -Pickup and proceed for Nairobi Full day tour.
Visit the Nairobi National Park, Daphne Sheldrick Orphanage, Giraffe Centre, Karen Blixen Museum and lunch at Carnivore Restaurant. Later in the evening return to hotel for dinner and overnight.
Meal Plan: Breakfast & Dinner – Hemingways Hotel / Lunch – Carnivore Restaurant.
Overnight: Hemingways Hotel
Basis
Half Board – Dinner, Bed and Breakfast
DAY 3: 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 165km² 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 best selling 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
0800 hrs – Drive north via Nanyuki and Mt Kenya to the Samburu National Reserve. Rugged and remote, this wildlife reserve provides some the best and most colorful game viewing in the country. Break for lunch at Trout Tree Restaurant. In the afternoon have a game drives en-route to your camp.
Meal Plan: Breakfast – Hemingways Hotel / Lunch – Trout Tree Restaurant / Dinner – Samburu Intrepids Camp
Overnight: Samburu Intrepids Camp
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 345kms 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 4: SAMBURU INTREPIDS TENTED CAMP, SAMBURU NATIONAL RESERVE
Day Itinerary
All day spent in the Samburu National Reserve with morning and afternoon game drive.
Meal Plan: All Meals -Samburu Intrepids Camp.
Overnight: Samburu Intrepids Camp
Basis
Full Board – Dinner, Bed, Breakfast and Lunch
DAY 5: SERENA MOUNTAIN LODGE, MOUNT KENYA NATIONAL PARK
Mount Kenya
Rising up from the heart of the Kenyan landscape, the snow-capped Mount Kenya is a UNESCO World Heritage Site. It is Africa’s second highest mountain reaching an impressive 5199 metres in height, which is an awe-inspiring sight. Visitors can explore its surrounding forests, trout-filled streams and game reserve; or for the more adventurous, summit the peak. While Mount Kilimanjaro is an easier climb, Mount Kenya is more of a challenge as it has a higher technical difficulty, however, Point Lenana can be easily reached by a fit hiker. Visitors can look forward to a variety of wonderful activities such as: cave exploration, mountain climbing, camping, and game viewing. Commonly spotted wildlife include: elephant, mongoose, duiker, bushbuck, eland and over 130 bird species.
Day Itinerary
0800hrs – Drive to your lodge situated at the foot of Mt Kenya, arriving in time for lunch. Afternoon at leisure viewing game from the lodge’s terrace.
Meal Plan: Breakfast – Samburu Intrepids Camp / Lunch & Dinner – Serena Mountain Lodge
Overnight: Serena Mountain Lodge
Sailing like an ark amid the primeval forests of Kenya’s highest mountain, Mount Kenya, this timbered tree hotel offers champagne-clear mountain air, sweeping views across the tree-canopy, sparkling trout streams, and gentle forest walks. Located at 2,134 metres above sea level, on the lower slopes of the mountain, the lodge is cool, tranquil and hushed for optimum game-sightings. The open-air viewing-deck looks down on to its own water hole and salt-lick, which attracts numerous herds of elephant and buffalo. There is also a tunnel leading to a photo-hide, which offers spectacular viewing and photographic opportunities just metres away from the wildlife at the water hole.
Basis
Full Board – Dinner, Bed, Breakfast and Lunch
DAY 6: LAKE ELMENTEITA SERENA CAMP, LAKE ELMENTEITA
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
0800hrs – Drive to Lake Nakuru National Park, famous as the home to thousands of lesser and greater flamingo. This park also provides sanctuary for Rothschild giraffe, rhino and leopard. Break for lunch at Sarova Lion Hill Lodge. After lunch you will proceed on afternoon game viewing drives. After the game drive head to Lake Elementaita Serena for dinner and overnight.
Meal Plan: Breakfast – Serena Mountain Lodge / Lunch – Sarova Lion Hill / Dinner – Lake Elementaita Serena Camp
Overnight: Lake Elementaita 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 7: MARA SERENA SAFARI LODGE, MARA TRIANGLE
Masai Mara
One of Kenya’s undisputed natural highlights is the Masai Mara National Reserve, which sprawls across more than 1510kms² 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, recognized 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
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.
Break for lunch enroute at Sarova Mara Camp. Proceed for an afternoon game drive en-route to your Mara Serena.
Meal Plan: Breakfast – Lake Elementaita Serena Camp / Lunch – Sarova Mara Camp / Dinner – Mara Serena Safari Lodge
Overnight: Mara Serena Safari Lodge
Secreted deep within the Western section of the Masai Mara Reserve – The Mara Triangle, 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, MARA TRIANGLE
Day Itinerary
{0500hrs Early morning optional balloon ride with champagne-style breakfast- Extra cost of US$450-US$490 Per person)
Or
Early wakeup 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. Later in the afternoon proceed for another game drive. Meal Plan: All Meals and Overnight: Mara Serena Safari Lodge
Basis
Full Board – Dinner, Bed, Breakfast and Lunch
DAY 9: MARA SERENA SAFARI LODGE, MARA TRIANGLE
Day Itinerary
Spend full day in the park with both morning and afternoon game drive. Meal Plan:
All Meals and Overnight: Mara Serena Safari Lodge
Basis
Full Board – Dinner, Bed, Breakfast and Lunch
DAY 10: ANDBEYOND KICHWA TEMBO TENTED CAMP, MARA NORTH CONSERVANCY
Mara North Conservancy
Situated in southwest Kenya, the Mara North Conservancy is a beautiful private wilderness area spanning more than 30 000 hectares. It is home to a spectacular array of plants, reptiles, birds and mammals; including elephant, rhino, buffalo, lion, leopard, cheetah and large concentrations of wildebeest, zebra, gazelle and other migratory wildlife. Leopard Gorge, in the heart of the conservancy, is famous as the setting of countless BBC Big Cat Diaries and National Geographic documentaries. Neighbouring the well-known Maasai Mara National Reserve, this conservancy is vital for sustaining the famous Serengeti wildebeest migrations as well as the highly threatened African wild dog and black rhino.
Day Itinerary
Check out after breakfast then transfer by our driver for drop off Kichwa Tembo Tented Camp. You arrive in time for lunch. Check into your room and relax, later proceed for an afternoon game drive – scheduled and shared with other guests.
Meal Plan: Breakfast – Mara Serena Safari Lodge / Lunch & Dinner – Kichwa Tembo Tented Camp.
Overnight: andBeyond Kichwa Tembo Tented Camp
AndBeyond Kichwa Tembo Tented Camp is situated in the Kichwa Tembo private concession, which neighbours the Masai Mara National Reserve.
In addition to the excellent year-round concentration of wildlife, Kichwa Tembo lies directly in the path of Africa’s spectacular Great Migration. The camp boasts 12 classic tents, 20 superior tents and 8 superior view tents. While all the tents look out onto the open grasslands or the shady forest surrounding the Saparingo River, the superior view tents boast exceptionally beautiful, uninterrupted views of the Masai Mara.The generously sized swimming pool is set among the trees and surrounded by lush lawns and spectacular views. Opening up onto incredible Masai Mara views, the guest areas feature a double-story bar and lounge area with oversized windows offering spectacular panoramas. The dining area surrounds an interactive kitchen and vegetable garden, making food an integral part of the safari experience.
Basis
Fully Inclusive – Bed, All Meals, Fees and Activities
DAY 11: ANDBEYOND KICHWA TEMBO TENTED CAMP, MARA NORTH CONSERVANCY
Day Itinerary
Spend full day in the park with scheduled shared morning and afternoon game drives.
Meal Plan:
All Meals and Overnight: andBeyond Kichwa Tembo Tented Camp
Basis
Fully Inclusive – Bed, All Meals, Fees and Activities
DAY 12: ANDBEYOND GRUMETI SERENGETI TENTED CAMP, SERENGETI WESTERN CORRIDOR
Serengeti Western Corridor
Defined by its two parallel rivers; The Mbalageti River and the Grumeti River, the Serengeti’s remote Western Corridor is home to a dazzling array of animal, bird and floral species. This region becomes a hive of activity around July, when it offers front row seats to the Great Migration, with hundreds of thousands of wildebeest and other migratory species thundering through the area’s woodlands and across its plains. While this is undoubtedly the annual wildlife highlight, the Western Corridor offers good game viewing throughout the year, with guided walks, horse riding safaris and balloon trips offered as an alternative to drives.
Day Itinerary
Early morning breakfast then transfer to the Airstrip for flight to Grumeti Serengeti. Please note this is NOT a direct flight; you fly to Migori then road transfer to the border of Kenya and Tanzania for immigration formalities then you will be transferred to another Tarime airstrip and board a flight to final destination Grumeti. Upon landing at the Grumeti Aistrip, the camp’s driver will be waiting for pick and transfer you to the Camp for lunch. Later enjoy an afternoon game drive till dusk. Return in the evening for dinner and overnight.
Meal Plan: Breakfast – Kichwa Tembo Tented Camp / Lunch & Dinner – Grumeti Serengeti Camp
Overnight: AndBeyond Grumeti Serengeti Tented Camp
AndBeyond Grumeti Serengeti Tented Camp is set in the Serengeti National Park on a by-water of the Grumeti River, known for its dramatic wildebeest crossings and enormous Nile crocodiles. Every year, in June and July, Africa’s renowned Great Migration passes through the Grumeti region and hundreds upon thousands of wildebeest, zebra and other herbivores cross the Grumeti River. Rustic yet sophisticated, the tented suites look out onto the river and sliding doors open out onto shaded private decks. While the dining area opening up to an African boma is ideal for dining, the spacious decks are perfect for enjoying sundowners, and the camp’s rim-flow swimming pool provides a view of the hippos lazing in the lagoon.
Basis
Fully Inclusive – Bed, All Meals, Fees and Activities
DAY 13: ANDBEYOND GRUMETI SERENGETI TENTED CAMP, SERENGETI WESTERN CORRIDOR
Day Itinerary
Spend full day in the park with scheduled shared morning and afternoon game drives.
Meal Plan: All Meals and Overnight: Grumeti Serengeti Tented Camp
Basis
Fully Inclusive – Bed, All Meals, Fees and Activities
DAY 14: ANDBEYOND SERENGETI UNDER CANVAS, NORTHERN SERENGETI
Northern Serengeti
The vast, rolling savannah of the Northern Serengeti is known as the hub of the great migration. The landscape is characterized by vast stretches of savannah interspersed with acacia trees and riverine woodlands. Wildlife can be seen along the banks of the Mara River and visitors can view the annual spectacle of the half a million migrating wildebeest. Commonly spotted wildlife include: a multitude of plains game such as buffalo, zebra, gazelles, impala, giraffe as well as lion and leopard. Visitors can look forward to bird watching, hot air ballooning, game safaris and guided bush walks.
Day Itinerary
Transfer to the Airstrip for flight to Kogatende Serengeti. Another driver will be waiting for pick and transfer to Serengeti Under Canvas Camp. Have Lunch then check into your room and relax, later proceed for an afternoon game drive. In the evening return for dinner and overnight.
Meal Plan: Breakfast – Grumeti Serengeti Tented Camp / Lunch & Dinner – Serengeti Under Canvas
Overnight: andBeyond Serengeti Under Canvas
Set in Tanzania’s magnificent Serengeti National Park, the luxurious tented camps of andBeyond Serengeti Under Canvas’ move around the park year-round, attempting to anticipate the movements of the Great Migration. These mobile camps are entirely intimate and exclusive, featuring spacious safari tents, each with a double bed, ensuite bathroom and separate w.c, as well as his and hers al fresco bucket showers. Redolent of classic safari style, custom-made Indian rugs, crisp linens, sparkling crystal and polished brass lend flair to the simplicity of camping. Following a recent revamp, the camp now boasts even more spacious tents. With an additional two metres in length, each tent now features an indoor sitting area, thus giving guests even more privacy.
Basis:
Fully Inclusive – Bed, All Meals, Fees and Activities
DAY 15: ANDBEYOND SERENGETI UNDER CANVAS, NORTHERN SERENGETI
Day Itinerary
Spend full day in the park with scheduled shared morning and afternoon game drives.
Meal Plan: All Meals and Overnight: Serengeti Under Canvas
Basis
Fully Inclusive – Bed, All Meals, Fees and Activities
DAY 16: ANDBEYOND KLEIN’S CAMP, NORTHERN SERENGETI
Northern Serengeti
As previously described
Day Itinerary
After breakfast transfer to the airstrip for flight to Lobo. Arrive in time for lunch and proceed for an afternoon game drive later. Return for dinner and overnight.
Meal Plan: Breakfast – Serengeti Under Canvas / Lunch & Dinner – Klein’s Camp Serengeti
Overnight: andBeyond Klein’s Camp
Deep in a remote corner of the game-rich Serengeti National Park, &Beyond Klein’s Camp consists of ten cottages made of local stone and thatch, with wooden floors and classic interiors. Each cottage has an ensuite bathroom and private veranda with breathtaking views over the surrounding hills and the valley below. A diversity of resident wildlife can be viewed from everywhere in camp – even the kitchen boasts unforgettable views. Camp facilities include a large bar and sitting area, a sparkling pool and a Safari Shop featuring locally-made Maasai crafts. Fresh vegetables picked from the camp’s organic African garden are used to create wholesome dishes. Dinners are served in the main dining area, which is graced by a large open fireplace.
Basis
Fully Inclusive – Bed, All Meals, Fees and Activities
DAY 17: ANDBEYOND KLEIN’S CAMP, NORTHERN SERENGETI
Day Itinerary
Spend full day in the park with scheduled shared morning and afternoon game drives.
Meal Plan: All Meals and Overnight: Klein’s Camp Serengeti
Basis
Fully Inclusive – Bed, All Meals, Fees and Activities
DAY 18: ANDBEYOND NGORONGORO CRATER 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
Transfer to the airstrip for flight to Lake Manyara. Upon landing the Manyara Airstrip, our driver guide will be waiting for pick up and transfer to the Ngorongoro Conservation Area. Enjoy an afternoon game drive with lunch served at the Ngorongoro Crater Lodge. In the evening return for dinner and overnight.
Meal Plan: Breakfast – Klein’s Camp Serengeti / Lunch & Dinner – Ngorongoro Crater Lodge
Overnight: andBeyond Ngorongoro Crater Lodge
Perched on the edge of the Ngorongoro Crater, andBeyond Ngorongoro Crater Lodge comprises three separate camps totalling just 30 suites. Each stilted, handcrafted mud and thatch suite is adorned with antiques, chandeliers and elegant African treasures and floor-to-ceiling windows overlook the magnificent Crater below. Ensuite bathrooms feature spacious showers and chandelier-lit bathtubs. A personal butler discretely caters for each guest’s every need, bringing tea in bed, stoking fireplaces and drawing luxurious bubble baths. Frequently described as Maasai meets Versailles, each camp has its own guest sitting and dining areas, as well as viewing decks. The domed dining room, with its fireplace, crystal, silver and massive wooden platters, turns every meal into a special occasion.
Basis
Fully Inclusive – Bed, All Meals, Fees and Activities
DAY 19: ANDBEYOND NGORONGORO CRATER LODGE,NGORONGORO CRATER
Day Itinerary
Spend full day in the conservancy with a tour of the Crater included. After game drive return to the lodge for dinner and overnight.
Meal Plan: All Meals – Ngorongoro Crater Lodge. Overnight: Ngorongoro Crater Lodge
Basis
Fully Inclusive – Bed, All Meals, Fees and Activities
DAY 20: END OF ITINERARY
Day Itinerary
Meal Plan: Breakfast – Ngorongoro Crater Lodge.
Transfer from Ngorongoro Crater Lodge to Manyara airstrip for flight to Kilimanjaro International Airport to connect with onward International flight back home. End of safari
Basis
Breakfast.
Rate Includes: Accommodation, three meals daily, soft drinks, house wines, local brand spirits and beers, teas and coffees, refreshments on lodge activities, laundry, Camping Fees at Serengeti Under Canvas and emergency evacuation insurance.
Rate Excludes: Telephone calls, Safari shop purchases, gratuities, all items of a personal nature, champagne, cognacs, fine wines, premium brand spirits and cigars, park and conservancy fees, Tourism Development Levy of USD 1.50, all transfers to and from the lodges, all safari activities.