Magical Kenya Safari 12 Days

Location

This amazing safari to Kenya is fully escorted by myself, Kathy Gailey, Danville resident and Mahinda, a native of Kenya. You can join us for 12 or 18 days, whichever fits your schedule. You'll see Nairobi, Samburu National Reserve, Mount Kenya National Park, Great Rift Valley, Lake Nakuru, Masai Mara National Reserve, Tsavo West National Park and Mombasa. Your trip includes meals, entrance to all parks, 4 & 6 star lodging and of course International and Domestic airfare!! Most of our lodges are part of the Serena Hotel group and the Fairmont Hotel group Highlights of this amazing trip include Mt. Kenya & The famous White Highlands, Maasai Village visit, complimentary Bush Breakfast, play golf on either side of the Equator, Equator demonstration, walk with the herds in Naivasha (Optional), bird watching, spot big cats, exciting game drives window seat guaranteed, English-speaking driver-guides, shop at local markets, school visit (optional), relax with a cocktail or a book at the beach, Kazuri Beads visit.

NAIROBI > SAMBURU NATIONAL RESERVE > MOUNT KENYA NATIONAL PARK > GREAT RIFT VALLEY > LAKE NAKURU > MASAI MARA NATIONAL RESERVE > NAIROBI > TSAVO WEST NATIONAL PARK > MOMBASA

Day 1: May 3, 2012
Depart Local International Airport for a connecting flight via Europe or Dubai.

Day 2: Arrive Nairobi - Jomo Kenyatta International Airport, after Clearing Customs and Immigration formalities, proceed to the International arrival lounge where I will be waiting for you along with our drivers. Upon arrival, I will assist you check into the hotel. Safari Park Hotel or Fairmont Norfolk Hotel (Bed & Breakfast)

Day 3: This morning we will drive north across the Equator and slopes of Mount Kenya to Samburu National Reserve, arriving in time for lunch. Samburu is in the northern frontier of Kenya and is mainly semi-arid with thorn bush, and woodland along the shores of the Ewaso Nyiro River. The dramatic volcanic scenery is striking. In the afternoon, embark on a game drive where you may see the rare northern species of Grevy's Zebra, Reticulated Giraffe, the Blue Thigh Somali Ostrich and the graceful long necked Gerenuk. Spend the second day in the park with morning and evening game drives along the woodland shores of the Ewaso Nyiro River. Samburu Simba Lodge or Similar (B, L, D)

Day 4: Prepare yourself to be up after dawn each day as we eagerly head out on our morning game drives. The early morning not only allows us to view and photograph the rising sun, but this is the time of day when almost all the animals are most active. This is a wonderful time to make silhouette photographs of the big animals, like giraffes, and elephants and the long-necked gerenuk. This is also a great time for action photography because of the intensity of wildlife activity.

During our stay here in Samburu, we will have the opportunity to interact with the Samburu and Turkana people. The Samburu are herdsmen and you will discover that the rhythms and activities of their lives is integrated with their cattle. Your interaction opportunities will be limitless - warriors, women & children. Samburu Simba Lodge or Similar (B, L, D)

Day 5: After breakfast we drive towards Mount Kenya. The club blends comfort, relaxation and adventure. This resort, one of the "Leading Resorts of the World", is set like a jewel of history and romance. William Holden and his friends turned their lodge into the most exclusive private club in the world and amid the hunting trophies and elegant surroundings, one can feel the lost, glamorous world of Churchill, Hemingway and Ruark and all of that bygone eras' dashing adventurers. The Equator runs through the hotel and when the clouds open to reveal Mt. Kenya, it is one of the most glorious views in Africa.
Fairmont Mount Kenya Safari Club (B, L, D)

Day 6: The day is free to enjoy the club’s outstanding facilities – heated swimming pool, 9-hole golf course, horse riding, tennis court, and more optional excursions. Fairmont Mount Kenya Safari Club (B, L, D)

Day 7 & 8: This morning, depart westward around the Aberdare Mountains to Lake Nakuru National Park for lunch at Lake Nakuru Lodge. Lake Nakuru is one of a series of shallow alkaline lakes that formed on the floor of the Great Rift Valley, with Menengai Crater, an extinct volcano rising 514 meters (1,700 ft.) in the background. The lake is home to millions of Flamingos and Pelicans who turn the lake pink with their numbers. Nakuru is also becoming renowned for its' successful protection of Rhino's inside the park where they are easily viewed.

A short drive from the well-maintained Pan African Highway is the Great Rift Valley Lodge & Golf Resort Its location midway between the Samburu and Maasai Mara reserves makes the lodge the perfect stopover between the country’s top safari destinations. The Great Rift Valley Lodge sits at about 7,000 feet, from which elevation it enjoys magnificent views to the west and east. The vistas stretch from the shimmering waters of Lake Naivasha to the jagged volcanic crater of Mount Longonot and, beyond, the sloping shoulders of the Aberdare Mountains – Kenya’s most important watershed.
The Great Rift Valley Lodge & Golf Resort (B, L, D)

Day 9: After breakfast, depart for the world famed Masai Mara Game Reserve, an extension of Tanzania's Serengeti National Park. After lunch we embark on an afternoon game drive to explore this magnificent reserve with its' abundant species of mammals, birds and wonderful scenic views. Mara Serena Safari Lodge or Sarova Mara Game Camp (B, L, D)

Day 10 & 11: Spend the second day in the Mara game viewing and having a picnic lunch in this beautiful reserve. On these rolling savannahs, you can see an incredible variety of animals. Morning and afternoon game drives will lead you to some of Africa's largest lion prides, herds of zebra, antelopes, buffaloes, wildebeest, giraffes, cheetahs, and hyenas. In between game drives, lounge at the pool or bar, or enjoy a mid-day nap.
Mara Serena Safari Lodge or Sarova Mara Game Camp (B, L, D)

Day 12: After breakfast drive to Nairobi with picnic lunch en route and on to the airport for those ending their 12 day adventure. (B, L) KWAHERI!

EXTENSION

Day 12: After breakfast drive to Nairobi with picnic lunch en route. The Fairmont Norfolk Hotel has played a leading role in Kenya's colorful history, and continues to be Nairobi's finest and best known luxury hotel. Afternoon is free.
Fairmont Norfolk Hotel (B, L, D)

Day 13 & 14: After breakfast, depart for Kilaguni National Park driving east toward the Indian Ocean. Enter Kenya’s largest park, Tsavo and lunch at Kilaguni. After lunch, visit Mizima Springs. The springs are believed to be filtered water from the rain that falls within the region. In the underwater glass chamber, you may view Hippos and Crocodiles and the amazing barber fish. Kilaguni Serena Safari Lodge (B, L, D)

Day 15-17: After Breakfast drive towards Mombasa town and cross with a ferry to Tiwi, a beautiful resort set on a private beach on the South Coast of Kenya. Ideal for families, honeymooners, couples and singles - There is something for everyone! Tiwi Beach Resort looks forward to welcoming you to 'Paradise under African skies’. Tiwi Beach Resort is Located 4 degrees below the equator on the south coast of Kenya's fabled Mombasa coast line. You can Scuba dive directly from the resort. Serena Beach Hotel & Spa or South Coast (B, D)

Day 18: This morning after breakfast, we transfer to the airport to catch our flight to Nairobi. Day is free to shop or do optional sightseeing before your transfer to Jomo Kenyatta Airport for your flight home. Airline flight home

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