Arrival
Arrival
Day 1
Calm Oasis in Kenya's Capital
Calm Oasis in Kenya's Capital
On arrival at Kenya’s Jomo Kenyatta International Airport, you’ll be met and transferred to the historic Fairmont The Norfolk Hotel (about a 20-minute drive depending on traffic). Since opening its doors in 1904 this charming colonial-style hotel has become a celebrated city landmark and the preferred start or end point for a luxury Kenya safari.
Set in lush tropical gardens, Fairmont The Norfolk has everything you could possibly need for a comfortable stay: spacious rooms with decent Wi-Fi, friendly staff, a heated outdoor swimming pool, and fantastic gym and sauna. If you’re tired after your flight, order from the 24-hour room service menu. If not, opt for dinner at the famous Lord Delamare Terrace or the hotel’s contemporary steakhouse, Tatu.
- Main Destination:
- Nairobi (City)
- Accommodation:
- Fairmont The Norfolk
- Meals & Drinks:
Day 2-3
Luxury Under Canvas & Lake Nakuru Safari
Luxury Under Canvas & Lake Nakuru Safari
After an excellent breakfast (from omelettes-to-order to pastries and pancakes), you’re driven to the Great Rift Valley - arriving at Lake Elmenteita Serena Camp in time for lunch. Spend a relaxed afternoon taking in the lake views from the private verandah of your wonderfully spacious tented suite, try your hand at the on-site archery range, or opt for a nature walk in the tree-filled grounds.
The following day you’re taken on a guided game drive in nearby Lake Nakuru. This smallish national park became famous for its huge flocks of flamingos, and although many of these birds have since left due to rising water levels - there’s still plenty to see. Along with a myriad of other bird species and spectacular views (particularly from the top of Baboon Rocks where you’re treated to a picnic lunch); you’ve got a good chance of seeing rhino, Rothschild’s giraffe, buffalo and, if you’re lucky, leopard.
- Main Destination:
- Lake Elementaita
- Accommodation:
- Lake Elmenteita Serena Camp
- Meals & Drinks:
Day 4
Waterhole Game Viewing & Chimp Sanctuary
Waterhole Game Viewing & Chimp Sanctuary
Today you cross the equator on your way to the southern plains of Mount Kenya. You arrive at Sweetwaters Serena in time for lunch, followed by an afternoon game drive. The Ol Pejeta Conservancy, a Big 5 reserve, is known for excellent game viewing. Another real highlight is visiting the Sweetwaters Chimpanzee Sanctuary, the only place in Kenya where you can see these highly endangered animals.
Back at camp you can easily spend hours watching and photographing wildlife at the lodge waterhole. Herds of elephant, buffalo, zebra, giraffe – and even the occasional rhino! - are all regularly seen. By night the waterhole is floodlit, so it’s well worth booking a front-row tent where your game viewing can continue from the comfort of your private verandah.
- Main Destination:
- Ol Pejeta Conservancy (Laikipia)
- Accommodation:
- Sweetwaters Serena Camp
Wildlife in Ol Pejeta
- Meals & Drinks:
Day 5-6
Samburu’s Wild Beauty & Unusual Wildlife
Samburu’s Wild Beauty & Unusual Wildlife
Set off with a packed picnic lunch to enjoy en route to Samburu National Park. Here you’ll be staying at Intrepids Camp on the bank of the Ewaso Nyiro River. Tents are extremely comfortable, each tucked amongst acacia trees and raised on a wooden deck which makes the most of the river views. Service is excellent too, your days starting with a wake-up call of Kenyan coffee and cookies, and ending with a 5-course dinner under the stars.
Twice daily game drives take you out into this ruggedly beautiful region of northern Kenya. Along with lion, leopard and plenty of elephant, you're likely to see some of the region’s more unusual creatures. These are know as the Samburu Special 5: the rare Grevy’s zebra, long-necked gerenuk, beisa oryx, Somali ostrich and reticulated giraffe with its striking pattern. Your afternoon drive includes a visit to a Samburu village and local school.
- Main Destination:
- Samburu National Reserve
- Accommodation:
- Samburu Intrepids
Wildlife in Samburu NR
- Meals & Drinks:
Day 7-9
Masai Mara Safari at Kenya's Best Loved Camp
Masai Mara Safari at Kenya's Best Loved Camp
After breakfast, board your flight to the Masai Mara Game Reserve where you’ll be met and transferred to Kichwa Tembo. Known as Kenya’s best loved safari camp, Kichwa Tembo has 40 tents neatly laid along the edge of an escarpment where a shady forest meets the plains of the Masai Mara. This superb location has sweeping views of the wildlife-dotted plains, especially from the lodge’s rim-flow swimming pool.
The Masai Mara is Kenya’s top reserve for good reason! Any time of the year you’re guaranteed excellent game viewing, and from July through to October the huge wildebeest and zebra herds of the Great Migration travel up from the parched Serengeti plains. Along with game drives, you have the option of guided safari walks in the private concession or an early morning hot air balloon safari (additional cost).
- Main Destination:
- Masai Mara National Reserve
- Accommodation:
- &Beyond Kichwa Tembo Tented Camp
Wildlife in Masai Mara NR
- Meals & Drinks:
Day 10
Flight to Nairobi & Dinner at Carnivore Restaurant
Flight to Nairobi & Dinner at Carnivore Restaurant
A final game drive on the Masai Mara plains completes your list of Kenyan sightings. Then it’s back to camp for breakfast, before being transferred to Kichwa Tembo airstrip and your flight back to Nairobi. Landing at Wilson Airport at around midday, you’re transferred to the Ole-Sereni Hotel were you have a room reserved for day use.
Relax alongside the rooftop swimming pool or visit the hotel spa. In the evening enjoy a farewell dinner at the famous Carnivore Restaurant, where you can tuck into all kinds of meat from steak and lamb to the more exotic crocodile. After dinner you’re transferred to Jomo Kenyatta International Airport for your flight back home.
- Main Destination:
- Nairobi (City)
- Accommodation:
- No accommodation (End of tour)
- Meals & Drinks:
