Day 1: Arrival in Nairobi
Upon arrival at Jomo Kenyatta International Airport, you will be greeted by our team and transferred to Wildebeest Eco Camp, a short 30-minute drive from the airport, where you'll check in and settle into your accommodations.
The rest of the day is yours to relax and recover from your flight. Take some time to enjoy the African sunshine, unwind with a drink on the sundeck, or take a refreshing dip in the infinity pool.
In the evening, we will review the itinerary for the safari, including the route and key highlights, so you can get an overview of what to expect during your time in Kenya.
After a restful evening, you’ll be ready for the exciting journey ahead.
Day 2: Lake Nakuru National Park
After a refreshing breakfast at the camp, you will begin your journey to Lake Nakuru, a drive of approximately 3.5 hours. This provides a great opportunity to relax, enjoy the scenic views, and discuss your personal safari expectations and interests.
Lake Nakuru, located in the heart of the Great Rift Valley, is famous for its spectacular flocks of flamingos that gather here to breed and feed. The sight of millions of flamingos in shades of pink, white, and orange against the backdrop of the shallow blue lake is truly breathtaking. In addition to the flamingos, Lake Nakuru is home to endangered black and white rhinos, so you’ll keep an eye out for these majestic creatures as you explore the area.
You will stay for two nights at Sarova Lion Hill Game Lodge, offering stunning views of the lake and surrounding wildlife. The lodge’s peaceful setting allows for a fully immersive experience in nature. Though popular, it provides a serene environment where you can relax and unwind. The lodge is also eco-friendly, with a Silver Eco-Rating from Eco Tourism Kenya for its commitment to environmental conservation and sustainable practices. With amenities like a fabulous swimming pool, the lodge is an ideal place to rest after a day of exploration.
Day 3: Full Day at Lake Nakuru
Today is dedicated to exploring the wonders of Lake Nakuru. You’ll have the entire day to immerse yourself in the stunning surroundings, from the vibrant flocks of flamingos to the rich wildlife.
Lake Nakuru is home to a wide variety of animals, including rhinos, buffalo, defassa waterbuck, zebra, and even tree-climbing lions. As you explore the park, keep an eye out for these remarkable creatures during the safari drives. One of the best vantage points is Baboon Cliff, where you can enjoy breathtaking views of the lake below, often shimmering with flamingos. The yellow fever trees that line the lake add a striking contrast against the escarpment, especially when lit by the bright sunshine.
Throughout the day, there will be opportunities for additional guidance and wildlife observations, with some moments spent out in the bush and others back at the lodge. We’ll adapt to the flow of the day, taking advice from your guide to ensure you make the most of your time in this spectacular park.
In the evening, enjoy a delicious meal at Sarova Lion Hill Game Lodge. The lodge takes pride in its sustainable and fresh dining experience, using ingredients from its own vegetable and herb garden to create flavorful and innovative dishes that will refuel your energy after a full day of safari adventures.
Day 4: Lake Nakuru to Lake Naivasha
Start the day with a morning game drive in Lake Nakuru to enjoy the beautiful early light and the park’s diverse wildlife. After the drive, you’ll transfer to Lake Naivasha, a journey of approximately 2 hours, followed by a short boat ride to Crescent Island.
Lake Naivasha is one of Kenya’s most picturesque areas, a vast freshwater lake surrounded by yellow fever trees, with the majestic Mount Longonot standing tall in the background. As you explore the area, you'll spot giraffes, zebras, wildebeests, and impalas strolling along the shores. The waters are a sanctuary for numerous bird species and large numbers of hippos.
Upon arrival at Crescent Island, you’ll settle into your accommodations and enjoy the serene atmosphere of this unique destination. The island is known for its abundance of wildlife, including beautiful birds and pods of hippos. After settling in, you can enjoy informative sessions about the area and its wildlife from camp.
You will stay at Hippo House on Crescent Island for three nights, a tranquil retreat in the heart of this secluded reserve, often referred to as Naivasha's best-kept secret.
Day 5 & 6: Exploring Lake Naivasha
The next two days are dedicated to enjoying the stunning scenery of Lake Naivasha. You’ll have plenty of time to take in the beautiful surroundings, from the lake itself to the surrounding landscapes and wildlife.
Consider joining boat trips on the lake, offering a unique perspective of the area and a chance to see the abundant birdlife, hippos, and other animals that call the lake home. Whether you prefer to relax and soak in the atmosphere, explore the area on foot, or take in the sights from the water, this is a peaceful retreat perfect for unwinding before heading to the Maasai Mara.
Take the opportunity to enjoy the landscapes, wildlife, and flora of Lake Naivasha at your own pace, whether that means relaxing by the water, exploring on foot, or simply enjoying the serenity of the island.
Meals will be taken at the lodge, where you can enjoy a relaxing atmosphere with fresh, delicious food.
Day 7: Flight to the Masai Mara
Today, you will take a light aircraft flight to the Masai Mara, where you will stay for four nights at the Mara Crossing Camp.
Upon arrival, you’ll immediately experience the thrill and beauty of one of Africa’s most iconic wildlife regions. The Masai Mara is known for its vast, open plains and incredible wildlife, and it's no wonder it's at the top of many safari wish lists. The abundance of big cats, including lions and cheetahs, is a major highlight, along with tens of thousands of antelope and hundreds of thousands of zebras and wildebeests that roam the savannah grasslands.
As you settle into the rhythm of the Mara, you’ll have plenty of time to explore this magnificent area, with the chance to witness the natural drama of the African wilderness up close. The landscape, filled with grazing herds, towering giraffes, and breathtaking sunsets, offers an unforgettable safari experience.
Meals will be enjoyed at the lodge, allowing you to relax and recharge between your exciting game drives.
Your days in the Masai Mara will be guided by expert safari guides, who are always in tune with the best areas for wildlife sightings. The Great Rift Valley, which cuts through Kenya, provides a stunning backdrop to the incredible wildlife you’ll encounter.
A typical day starts early, before sunrise, with a game drive that allows you to witness the Mara come to life. After a return to the camp for a leisurely lunch and some rest, you'll head out again in the afternoon to explore new areas and enjoy more wildlife encounters.
The Masai Mara is famous for its dramatic wildlife displays, and you may have the opportunity to witness the awe-inspiring wildebeest migration, one of the most impressive natural events in the world. During your time in the Mara, you’ll likely see Maasai warriors, observe diverse African wildlife, and enjoy breathtaking red sunsets.
On days when you venture further into the park, packed lunches may be taken with you, allowing for an unforgettable dining experience in the heart of the bush.
Today concludes your African adventure.
In the morning after a reasonably early breakfast you transfer by light aircraft to Nairobi Wilson Airport.
Depending on your return flight we can also organise some visits in Nairobi before your road transfer to Jomo Kenyatta airport where we say our goodbyes and head home.
