Met on arrival in Nairobi and transfer to your hotel. Overnight at the Nairobi Serena , a quiet sanctuary in a flower-filled garden amid the bustle of one of Africa’s most dynamic cities.
This morning meet to depart Nairobi to the Ol Pejeta Conservancy and Sweetwaters Tented Camp, for the next two nights.
A sheltered oasis, clustered around a waterhole and set in the pristine calm of its own private reserve, Sweetwaters Tented Camp is in a class of its own. Abounding with wildlife, unfettered by the more rigorous strictures of the Kenyan National Parks and designed to offer a charming blend of under canvas ambiance and uncompromising luxury, it has long been the preferred retreat of wilderness and safari lovers alike. One of only four private game reserves in Kenya, Sweetwaters excels in the provision of privileged seclusion and private game viewing. Thanks to its private status it also allows such unforgettable pleasures as night game drives, guided bush walks and both horse or camel riding across its game-teaming plains.
The camp enjoys spectacular views over the alternately lush and golden plains towards the snow-capped peaks of Mount Kenya. Because the Camp has its own private waterhole and saltlick, guests may enjoy unprecedented close encounters with the wildlife in the sanctuary of their natural habitat. Included are both day and night game drives in a fleet of open-sided 4WD safari vehicles, nature walks in the company of the resident naturalist, bird-watching, horse-riding, camel-trekking and a wide range of al fresco dining experiences. The camp has a luxuriant swimming pool with its own poolside bar.
Sweetwaters Chimpanzee Sanctuary was established in cooperation with the Kenya Wildlife Service and the Jane Goodall Institute for Conservation Projects for Chimpanzees. Throughout the World, the 1 km sq sanctuary is a non-profit-making venture and the only sanctuary of its kind in Kenya. A gentle and charming diversion for children and adults alike, it offers visitors the unique opportunity of taking a boat ride on the Ewaso Nyiro River, which flows through the centre of the sanctuary where 26 orphaned chimps enjoy the peace and harmony of their natural environment.
Sweetwaters wildlife include "The Big Five" (lion, leopard, elephant, rhino and buffalo) plus an exciting catalogue of; giraffe, zebra, eland, oryx, waterbuck, Grant’s gazelle, Thompson’s gazelle, cheetah, silver-backed jackal, hartebeest and baboon. The reserve also boasts several hundred bird species
Early breakfasts, then proceed with you driver guide to Lake Naivasha with lunch en route. Afternoon at leisure by this lovely lake and its abundant bird life; free for optional lake excursions.
Depart for the Masai Mara Game Reserve after an early breakfast. Lunch followed by an afternoon game drive in this wonderful area that borders the Serengeti National Park in Tanzania. Overnight at Mara Serena Lodge. Morning and afternoon game viewing in the Mara, famous for its black manned lion and leopard.
The Masai Mara is known as Africa’s Greatest Wildlife Reserve, situated in southwest Kenya. The Reserve stretches 1,510 sq km (580 sq miles) and the terrain of the reserve is primarily grassland and riverine forest with clumps of the distinctive acacia trees. The Maasai Mara Ecosystem holds one of the highest lion densities in world and this is where over TWO MILLION Wildebeest, Zebra and Thomsons Gazelle migrate annually. Its hosts over 95 species of mammals and 570 recorded species of birds. It is without a doubt one of Africa’s most famous safari destinations.
Drive south through panoramic Masai country to Amboseli Game Reserve where you will be staying for the next 2 nights. Enjoy lunch followed by afternoon game viewing beneath the magnificent snowcapped peaks of Mt. Kilimanjaro.
The next morning depart for a dawn game drive, returning to the lodge for breakfast. Rest of the morning at leisure, or by the swimming pool. Lunch and final game viewing drive late in the afternoon
Depart from Amboseli this morning to the Namanga Border Post for crossing into Tanzania where you will meet your new drivers as you make your way to Arusha for dinner and overnight. Enjoy a spa session at the resort (own expense).
Transfer to Lake Manyara National for a game drive.
Lush green vegetation, silvery waters and abundant game inspired the writings of Ernest Hemingway and many other travelers. This pocket-sized park has a phenomenal diversity of plants and animals. Lions, giraffe and elephant are plentiful along the lake and the dense woodlands conceal leopards, monkeys, baboons and some 380 species of birds.
Then continue to the Ngorongoro crater for dinner and overnight at Ngorongoro Serena Lodge.
The Ngorongoro Crater was once a gigantic volcano. Today, its peak long since collapsed and eroded, it is now an extensive highland area. This natural amphitheater covers an area 260 sq. km and has approximately 25,000 large mammals, almost half consisting of Zebra and Wildebeest.
The next day travel into Ngorongoro Crater for full day game drive with packed lunch.
After breakfast transfer for a game drive en-route to Serengeti National Park.
With the ‘Big Five’ and the annual migration being the constant highlights of any visit to the Serengeti, the introduction of Serengeti Pioneer Camp will help to sate the desires of even the most expectant of safari travelers. A million of wildebeest... each one driven by the same ancient rhythm, fulfilling its instinctive role in the inescapable cycle of life: a frenzied three-week bout of territorial conquests and mating; survival of the fittest as 40km (25 mile) long columns plunge through crocodile-infested waters on the annual exodus north; replenishing the species in a brief population explosion that produces more than 8,000 calves daily before the 1,000 km (600 mile) pilgrimage begins again. This experience will change the traveler forever!
Over the next days enjoy game drives in the Serengeti National Park with packed lunch or return for Lunch at the camp. Return to camp for dinner and overnight.
