Overview

No feeling in the world matches the sheer exuberance of being on a safari - you will be spellbound by your first sightings of Cape buffalo, cheetah, elephants and giraffes, lions. Experience the exhilaration of being in the wild, and the thrill of seeing these wonderful animals. To further heighten the experience, we will be travelling during the time of "The Great Migration"- the mass movement of hundreds of thousands of Wildebeests, Zebras, and other species- as they cross into Kenya from Tanzania in search of new food sources with the changing of the seasons. Along with a visit to Lake Nakuru where millions of flamingos inhabit- This is a once in a lifetime experience that you will remember forever!

Please note: This trip can easily scheduled to coincide with a Tanzania- Kilimanjaro hiking trip (to the summit on the Machame route), typically done after a safari.

Situated on the east coast of Africa, and split in half by the equator, is the colorful and exciting Republic of Kenya.  The country has a multiracial population of 30 million with 50 different languages and dialects. However, one can easily get by speaking English almost anywhere. Even with all these different people and customs, Kenya is one of the most economically and politically stable countries on the continent of Africa.

Itinerary at a glance

Day  Location       Lodging
0    Travel day      en route
1    Nairobi           Jacaranda Hotel    
2    Amboseli        Amboseli Serena Lodge    
3    Amboseli        Amboseli Serena Lodge    
4    Mt Kenya       Mountain Lodge    
5    Samburu         Samburu Simba Lodge    
6    Samburu         Samburu Simba Lodge    
7    Nakuru           Sarova Lion Hill Lodge    
8    Masai Mara    Masai Mara Sopa Lodge    
9    Masai Mara    Masai Mara Sopa Lodge    
10  Nairobi-         Evening flight home
11  Arrive USA

Itinerary

Detailed Itinerary 

Day 0  Depart USA on International flight

Day 1   NAIROBI
Your safari adventure begins with a warm welcome by our representatives upon your arrival at Jomo Kenyatta International Airport. You will be driven to your luxurious hotel where you will relax in your air-conditioned suite. Rest of day at leisure.  In the evening we will have a special meet and greet with our safari guides and introductions.  Overnight at JACARANDA HOTEL  – www.jacarandahotels.com  

Day 2   AMBOSELI  (B,L,D)
After an early breakfast we proceed to Amboseli National Park through the Staten lava plateau. Beautifully situated beneath the foot of Africa’s highest mountain Mt. Kilimanjaro (5895m), the park is well renowned for its huge herds of elephants and various types of other Savannah wildlife such as Giraffes, Bushbuck’s, Kudu, Warthog’s, Zebra’s and over 425 species of birds recorded here. The snowcapped peak of Kilimanjaro rising above white clouds dominates every aspect of Amboseli and forms a backdrop to an impressive display of wildlife attracted to this location by swamps and springs fed by underground rivers from Kilimanjaro’s melting snow. The park is also home to the Masai people- who live in close harmony with the environment.

Enjoy a game drive en-route, as we arrive in time for your lunch at your lodge, situated deep in the heart of the world famous Amboseli National Park. The lodge itself draws on a subtle Maasai cultural motif, featuring natural woodcarvings, traditional artifacts and a glowing selection of local art. The rooms, each with an uninterrupted view over the ever-changing vistas of the African plains, are styled to a traditional Maasai concept featuring bead work, gourds, hand painted murals and the clever use of the traditional Manyatta bent-brushwood effect so as to blend.
Dinner & overnight at AMBOSELI SERENA LODGE-  www.serenahotels.com


Day 3   AMBOSELI  (B,L,D)
A dawn game drive will be the perfect time for photographing the humbling and magnificent Mt. Kilimanjaro the highest peak in Africa. We return to the lodge for breakfast and some rest and relaxation, sunbathing, swimming or for those of you reading enthusiasts, you can read the day away in the well stocked library with a relaxing view of Mt. Kilimanjaro, before heading out for an afternoon game drive. All meals and overnight at AMBOSELI SERENA LODGE

Day 4   MT. KENYA   (B,L,D)
After an early breakfast we head north with a stop in Nairobi for lunch at CAFÉ KIGWA thereafter continue and through coffee plantations to your final destination.  The Lodge comes alive at night with the various sounds of animals, is an exotic “Tree Hotels” situated in the heart of Mt. Kenya’s forest reserve. All of the rooms have balconies from which you can look beyond the trees to observe the endless parade of wildlife. You can watch animals from your room or from a specially built viewing bunker connected to the lodge by a tunnel, which affords you an amazing up-close view of the animals as they visit waterholes and salt lick. Dinner & overnight at MOUNTAIN LODGE www.serenahotels.com

Day 5   SAMBURU   (B,L,D)
After breakfast, we drive  we drive northward  through Nanyuki town , crossing the northernmost foothills of Mount Kenya, until we reach Isiolo town and then down into the thorny landscape of Samburu country. This area boosts of unique northern species of wildlife which are not found in any other part south of equator, here you will find the Grevy zebra, Beisa Oryx, Reticulated Giraffe, Somali Ostrich, the long necked gerenuk, herds of elephants and their predators abound. You will arrive in time for lunch at your lodge.
After lunch and time to relax you will be off for an afternoon game drive in this spectacular game reserve. Dinner and overnight at SAMBURU SIMBA LODGE  www.marasimba.com

Day 6   SAMBURU   (B,L,D)
Before dawn we head out in search of Africa’s wild cats. From the game drive we return to the lodge for breakfast and some rest and relaxation or perhaps read a book/novel, sunbathe and go for a refreshing dip in the uniquely designed swimming pool before heading out again on your afternoon game drive.  Dinner and overnight at SAMBURU SIMBA LODGE

Day 7    LAKE NAKURU   (B,L,D)
After an early breakfast bid farewell to Samburu as we drive south through Isiolo, crossing the foothills of many as Thomson's falls for its 237ft cascade. After the stopover, we drive to our next destination Lake Nakuru known as an ornithological paradise by birdwatchers.

The lake is world famous as the location of the greatest bird spectacle on earth -between one and two million pink flamingos that feed on the abundant algae thriving in the lakes warm waters. The park has also been established for the protection of endangered species such as the rhino and is also home to Columbus monkeys, Leopards, Giraffes, and a variety of plain antelope. You will arrive in time for lunch at your lodge. Afternoon game drive, dinner and overnight at SAROVA LION HILL LODGE www.sarovahotels.com

Day 8    MASAI MARA   (B,L,D)
Today our safari will take us to the jewel of Kenya’s parks, the world famous Masai Mara Game Reserve. Its rolling grasslands and acacia savannah have time and again been captured on film, “Out Of Africa” being the most famous. Masai Mara is home to the “Big Five” (Elephant, Buffalo, Lion, Leopard and Rhino) and over 450 bird species. During the Migration, hundreds of animals are swept away by the first moving Mara River and others are killed by the ferocious African Crocodiles. This crossing gives true meaning to the phrase “Survival of the fittest”. Arrival will be in time for lunch at your lodge. Afternoon game drive, dinner & overnight at, MASAI MARA SOPA LODGE  www.sopalodges.com

Day 9   MASAI MARA  (B,L,D)
We start the day off with an early morning game drive before dawn, followed by breakfast at the lodge. Enjoy a swim in the pool under the African sun or just sit back and relax for the rest of the morning. In the afternoon we return to the bush in search of wildlife, such as Thomson’s and Grant’s Gazelle, elephants, lions, and the solitary and ill-tempered Rhino, among others. All meals and overnight at MASAI MARA SOPA LODGE

Day 10 NAIROBI – EVENING DEPARTURE TO USA (B,L,D)
After breakfast, we drive back to Nairobi arriving in time for lunch at LA PAMPA GRILL . In the afternoon enjoy a tour of Nairobi “The City Under The Sun”, followed by a complimentary dinner hosted by our tour company at the world famous CARNIVORE Restaurant considered “Africa’s greatest eating experience”, and home to the “Simba Saloon” one of the most popular night clubs. Thereafter you will be transferred to the Airport for your safe journey home.

Day 11 ARRIVE HOME

What's included

Price: From $3295.  Please ask us about current availability

Quotation includes:    
1.    Accommodation as stipulated in the itinerary.
2.    Transportation in a chauffeur driven minivan with pop-up roof for easy game viewing & photography.
3.    Services of an English speaking driver-guide, game viewing drives and all national parks entrance fees as indicated in the itinerary.
4.    All Government taxes and levies.
5.    Mineral water during all game drives in the safari vehicle.
6.    All meet and greet services.
7.    All arrival and departure transfers.
8.    24 hour stand-by contact number.
9.    Meals as indicated in the itinerary. Including special farewell dinner at Carnivore
10.    Guaranteed window seat in each vehicle (up to 7 passengers per vehicle).
11.    Two-way long-range high frequency radio communication in each vehicle.
12.    On safari accessories in each vehicle: - First-aid kit, wildlife books, a pair of binoculars, cooler and fire extinguisher.
13.     City tour of Nairobi on last day
14.     USA Based trip host for entire trip(minimum number of guests applies)

Quotation excludes:    
1.    All items of personal nature e.g. telephone call bills, fax/email bills etc and tips and gratuities to hotel, lodges, camp staff, and driver- guide(s).
2.    Alcoholic and non-alcoholic drinks,
3.    International flight, departure taxes, and any visa fees.
4.    Flying doctors coverage: Optional @ US$ 45 dollars per person- Covers you within East Africa for a period of 14 days. In the eventuality of a medical  emergency, you will be airlifted to Nairobi where you will be taken to a good hospital. Hospital bills are born by the patient.


Accommodation Information

Jacaranda Hotel
Originally opened in 1964, The Jacaranda Hotel (formerly known as the Landmark) is a comfortable garden hotel set in 4 acres of colourful gardens, 5kms from the bustle of Nairobi's cosmopolitan suburbs. Its location in the heart of Westlands makes the charms and attractions of the city easily accessible.
This is an ideal hotel for the visiting businessman, for a conference or as a Nairobi base for the start of an unforgettable safari. Nairobi's city center is easily accessible by a courtesy bus.
All 106 en-suite rooms are tastefully furnished.  A ceiling fan and satellite TV are welcome features.  Each room has a proper workspace with a desk and chair for writing and an electric socket for a laptop.  All rooms have a private balcony, air-conditioning and a mini-bar.

The rooms are split into 86 Twins, 55 Doubles, 13 Triples and 6 VIP Suites. There is also a business centre equipped with PC, laser printer, photocopier, fax, e-mail and telephone.  Direct dialing is also available from the bedrooms.  The secretarial services can handle anything from the Internet to binding a document.  The Jacaranda is particularly well equipped for conferences of all sizes.
One of Nairobi's best kept secrets is the particularly attractive pavilion styled Safari Cafe. At lunch time there's a choice of buffet or the extensive a la carte menu. At night it is soothing and elegant, with comfortable wicker chairs, a lofty wood paneled ceiling, flowers and candles on the tables. You can dine here a la carte or choose the three course set menu.

Amboseli Serena Lodge
In the shadow of Mount Kilimanjaro, Africa's highest mountain, beside a copse of giant Acacia trees and a gently flowing natural spring, stands Amboseli Serena - one of Africa's finest safari lodges. All around the lodge roams the big game that has made East Africa legendary - lion, buffalo, cheetah, giraffe, baboon, gazelle and wildebeest. More wild elephant can be seen in Amboseli National Park than almost anywhere else on the continent.
With Kilimanjaro's 6,000 meter snow-capped peaks presiding over the landscape, the setting is unrivalled. Influenced by native Masai architecture, the lodge is in perfect harmony with its environment. Beautifully landscaped gardens, unique guest services. The uniquely constructed guest rooms, individually appointed with authentic Africana and murals painted by a renowned local artist, convey a distinctive Masai Manyatta mood. Grouped in the manner of a Masai village, each room enjoys a view of either majestic Mount Kilimanjaro or the expansive Amboseli plains, which are home to herds of elephant that feed on the large, feathery acacia trees.

Mountain Lodge
At 7,200 feel on the slopes of Mount Kenya, Mountain Lodge is ringed by a dense rain forest which comes alive at dusk with a myriad of sounds of creatures all sizes.  Constantly towering the scene are the majestic rocky peaks of Mount Kenya, providing some dramatic photographic opportunities.  This is the adventure offered at Mountain Lodge, regarded by many as having the most consistent high record of animals "visits" and sightings in the area.

Mountain lodge is a two and half hour drive from Nairobi and has 42 rooms each with private showers, toilets and spacious verandahs.  Game viewing throughout the day and evening includes, elephant, buffalo, rhino and waterbuck.  A specially constructed viewing bunker, connected to the lodge by a short tunnel, offers spectacular closer views of wildlife at the waterhole.

Sarova Lion Hill Lodge
Set on a plateau in an elevation above Lake Nakuru. The lodge is beautifully landscaped with natural foliage and a startling variety of flower gardens, and is surrounded by electrical fences.
Flamingo Restaurant on the ground floor has an interior section, a patio overlooking the pool, the lodge grounds and the rift valley and serves a buffet breakfast and lunch. Dinner is table d'hote Capacity of 200 people. Rift Valley Bar Ground floor, overlooking a spectacular view of the lake.

All bedrooms are chalets with private shower and WC, mosquito net, verandas with panoramic views of the flamingo pink-rimmed lake. Voltage is 220 volts and 50 cycles, razor outlets operate on both 220 and 240 volts.

Masai Mara Sopa Lodge
Set in the Oloolaimutia valley the lodge blends in perfectly with its surrounding hillside landscape. The accent here is on the Masai people and the fabulous wealth of wildlife, bird life, and natural flora to be found in the fabled Masai Mara Game Reserve
We have earned a well-deserved reputation for the friendliness and care offered to our guests by our management and staff. This is one of the most important aspects of the style and service offered by each and every SOPA destination

The lodge has 200 beds by way of 77 rooms, 12 suites and 1 Presidential suite, all of which are 'rondavel' style and have en-suite bathroom facilities, which provide shaving sockets and hairdryers. Every room and suite has a private, elevated verandah with splendid views across the valley and on which guests can relax, sunbathe and watch resident birds and wildlife. Mini-bars are also available in each room.

Service Information

Dinner

Carnivore with its top quality food and unique atmosphere make it an ideal location for private parties or functions. The restaurant has a capacity for 420 people in the main restaurant and it can be combined with the Simba Saloon to create spectacular 'gala events like the Carnivore African Experience or Carnival parties for more than 1000 persons.
Every type of meat imaginable, including four choices of wild game, are roasted on traditional Maasai swords over a huge, visually spectacular charcoal pit that dominates the entrance of the restaurant.

The waiters then carry these swords around the restaurant, carving unlimited amounts of the prime meats onto sizzling, cast iron plates in front of you. A wide selection of salads, vegetable side dishes, and a variety of exotic sauces accompany the meat feast. Dessert and coffee follow this. The full meal including a soup course is at a set price.

Additional  Information

Drinks:
These are not included in our costs although we do provide complementary mineral water in vehicles.

Visa:
All USA citizens will require visas for Kenya. The cost of which is US$ 50 per person per entry. We recommend that where possible your clients attain their visas in advance, although they are available upon arrival in Kenya.

Climate:
The climate is hot and sometimes humid. From December to March, when the north-east monsoon blows, it is hot and humid. In April and May heavy rains occur with June to October being the coolest and driest period. The lesser rains fall in November. Temperatures sway between 25 degrees Celsius and 35 degrees Celsius and annual rainfall is about 20mm.

Baggage allowance:
Soft-sided luggage or duffels are preferable to hard luggage for storage on safari vehicles and on aircraft used within Africa. Large suitcases of dimensions greater than 24" x 17"x 7" are impossible to store in vehicles and on aircraft and should not be used.  

Shopping Trips
We provide escort at no extra cost to accompany guests on shopping trips so as to help with recommendations and savings

Photos