DAY 1: FAIRMONT THE NORFOLK, 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 National Park. Make sure you pay a visit to the Elephant orphanage operated by the David Sheldrick Wildlife Trust.
Day Itinerary
On arrival at Jomo Kenyatta International airport clear with customs and immigration, thereafter you will be greeted by your friendly AMA Safaris tour manager / local representative outside the baggage hall. Later, proceed to your hotel for check in. Overnight at the Norfolk Hotel Nairobi – BB
Overnight: Fairmont The Norfolk
Situated in the heart of Kenya, the Fairmont Norfolk Hotel offers a sophisticated retreat that is within easy reach of world-renowned wildlife centres, golf courses, and museums. The luxurious rooms and suites are tastefully furnished and include en-suite bathrooms, armchairs, work desks, and plasma screen TVs. The hotel offers four dining establishments featuring a variety of cuisines, as well as an all-day dining restaurant. Guests can enjoy leisurely walks through the tropical gardens, have a splash in the pool, work out at the fitness centre, or enjoy relaxing massages and treatments at the spa.
Basis
Bed and Breakfast
DAY 2: LOLDIA HOUSE, 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, boat 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 drive through the scenically beautiful East Africa Great Rift Valley down to Loldia House, nestling on the shores of Lake Naivasha. Approximately – 2hrs drive from Nairobi (Check in at Loldia House followed by lunch. Afternoon at leisure on the farm, with the option of an evening walk with Loldia’s resident naturalist, witnessing the prolific variety of bird-life on the lake and the lake shore. Other activities include visits to the local flower farm & game walks (time allowing). Dinner and overnight at Governors Loldia House – FB
Overnight: Loldia House
Set on the north-western shores and enjoying a spectacular view over Lake Naivasha, Loldia House is a peaceful, beautiful and traditional farmhouse retreat with a rich heritage, offering glimpses into a bygone era. Loldia House was completely refurbished in 2018 to refresh the classic elegance of a place steeped in history. A new infinity pool positioned on a rocky outcrop between two ancient fig trees has beautiful views out to the lake.
Loldia House sits in a conservancy of 6500 acres that stretches from the shores of Lake Naivasha back to the edges of the lush and beautiful Eburru Forest. Set in flower filled gardens and soft lawns; the greenery surrounding Loldia House is grazed daily and nightly by the conservancy’s resident wildlife – hippos, impala, waterbuck, giraffe and warthog. Nine beautifully adorned ensuite cottages enjoy lake views and provide a chic yet traditional style haven in which to relax. Loldia is perfectly located to enjoy a multitude of different activities, discovering the varying landscapes and wildlife areas of the Great Rift Valley. After a day of exploring, Loldia House ensconces you in a warm, candle-lit atmosphere.
Basis
Full Board Plus – Dinner, Bed, Breakfast, Lunch and Activities
DAY 3: GOVERNORS’ CAMP, MASAI MARA
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
After breakfast transfer to the airstrip for your flight to the world – famous Masai Mara National Reserve via the Great Rift Valley’s aerial view. Enroute enjoy the beautiful scenery. Met on arrival at the Masai mara airstrip and transferred to the camp. Arrive at your camp in time for check in and lunch. In the afternoon, enjoy an enthralling game-viewing drive. Spotting lions, cheetahs and other spectacular predators is the highlight of your day. In the evening enjoy dinner and overnight at Mara Main Governors, – FB
Overnight: Governors’ Camp
The award-winning Governors’ Camp nestles in the forest along the winding banks of the Mara River, it’s waters teeming with birdlife, hippo and crocodile, in the heart of Kenya’s Masai Mara National Reserve. Some of the camp’s tents enjoy uninterrupted views over the Mara River, others have views across the sweeping plains of the Masai Mara. Created in 1972 Governors’ Camp set new standards in luxury for a tented camp. Today it’s still Africa’s best. Everything is under canvas and all tents have ensuite bathrooms with hot and cold running water and flushing toilets. There is a bar tent with deck overlooking the Mara River and a dining tent with views over the plains.
Basis
Full Board Plus – Dinner, Bed, Breakfast, Lunch and Activities
DAY 4: GOVERNORS’ CAMP, 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 Camp 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 Main Governors – FB
Basis
Full Board Plus – Dinner, Bed, Breakfast, Lunch and Activities
DAY 5: GOVERNORS’ CAMP, MASAI MARA
Day Itinerary
An early morning game drive during the first hours of the morning, the savannah is filled with a special animation. This is when the larger predators hunt for their food, before the temperature becomes too hot for any excessive physical activity, it’s the time we have the highest chances of watching a hunt in action and search for the myriad species of game that make this reserve their home.
If you are lucky, you can witness the kill in action, moment by moment, right in front of your unbelieving eyes! After a sumptuous lunch at your lodge, proceed for another exciting afternoon game drive, where you can expect to see the famous ‘Big 5’.
Dinner and overnight at Mara Main Governors – FB
Basis
Full Board Plus – Dinner, Bed, Breakfast, Lunch and Activities
DAY 6: END OF ITINERARY
Day Itinerary
Early morning game drive and breakfast at the camp. Later transfer to the airstrip for your flight to Nairobi Wilson and transfer to Jomo Kenyatta International airport for your flight back home.
Basis
Breakfast