On this Kenya Cultural Tour Acacia Safaris will take you to several tribes in their natural environments. You will receive a rare peek into their daily life and experience their unique traditions first hand. The areas covered in this safari would be the northern region of Kenya, the Rift Valley and the Masai Mara National Park. Accommodation in Kenya Cultural Tours would be provided in camps and all your comforts will be taken care of.

A Cultural Tour of Kenya would include safari around Nairobi, Samburu National Park and its beautiful wildlife, a visit to Samburu tribesmen, and first hand exposure to the Masai Mara tribes, Kikuyu tribes, Turkana tribes and Nderobo tribes. Visit would also include the Masai Mara National Park, Crater Lake, The Great Rift Valley and game viewing.

Arrival at the airport at night. Transfer from the airport to a hotel in Nairobi.

Day 2: Aberdare Game Sanctuary

After breakfast drive to Nyeri in central Kenya, home of the Kikuyu tribe. You will drive through the main farming areas of Kenya with a lot of coffee and pineapple plantations. We will make a stop at the open air Karatina market, which is the biggest farm produce market in the region.

We arrive at the Aberdare Country Club in time for lunch. In the afternoon we will walk in the Aberdare Game Sanctuary with opportunities to see warthogs, Thompson and Grant’s gazelles, zebras, reticulated giraffes and the biggest antelopes: elands. Dinner and overnight at a Camp/Lodge in Aberdares.

DAY 3 Aberdare Game Sanctuary

After breakfast leave the Lodge/Camp on foot we will enter the open grassland by taking a right turn from the lake, where the big herd of the resident Waterbucks, Elands and Bushbucks reside. There are also good views of the snow-capped peaks of Mt. Kenya and the Aberdare range.
Overnight at an Aberdare Lodge/Camp.

DAY 4 Solio Ranch, Treetops

After breakfast we drive to the nearby Solio Ranch for an extensive game drive in the Rhino Sanctuary, which has the world’s largest concentration of black rhinos.

The white rhino is also found here as well as the reticulated giraffe, leopard, lion and a wide range of plains game and bird life.

Lunch is at the Outspan Hotel in Nyeri, which is also the check in point for Treetops.

Many people who come to the Aberdare National Park expressly visit the tree hotels for game viewing. Their interest is highly justified: to see elephants, buffaloes, rhinos and other game coming to a floodlit waterhole right below the balcony of the hotel is really amazing.

Our hotel of choice is Treetops, which is designed for game viewing on a 3-storey structure standing on stilts. Treetops gets its name from the original hotel in which Princess Elizabeth arrived on Feb 5, 1952 and checked out on Feb 6 as the queen of England after her father, King George died in London during the night. The game viewing is an all-night show and many visitors pass the time focused on the waterhole where among the species frequenting are elephants, rhinos, hyenas, various gazelles, warthogs, giant forest hogs, the elusive bongo and with luck a leopard or a lion may pay a visit.

DAY 5 Transfer To Nairobi

Return to Nairobi in time for lunch. Day rooms are at your disposal until 6 p.m. Evening transfer to the airport where we say goodbye.

N/B:Itinerary changes may be made due to local conditions beyond our control.

Arrival at the airport at night. Transfer from the airport to a hotel in Nairobi.

DAY 2 Crescent Island. Lake Naivasha

After breakfast there is the briefing by the guide about the program. Thereafter we leave Nairobi via the Nakuru road to the Rift valley. The Nairobi – Nakuru road is on a contour along the rim of the Rift valley and on viewpoints we will be able to see our whole route for the next days.

We arrive at a Lake Naivasha Lodge / Camp in time for lunch. In the afternoon a game viewing walk at the privately owned Crescent Island, which is a peninsula on the Eastern shore of Lake Naivasha. There is a lot of easy to see game e.g. giraffes, waterbucks, elands, zebras and impalas. It is also a heaven for birds with +200 species recorded. We return to the Lodge/Camp for dinner and overnight.

DAY 3 Hell’s Gate National Park, Lake Naivasha

We wake up for breakfast with the sun giving a wonderful effect over the lake. An early morning here should not be missed by anyone with an eye for birds since the lake boasts a wide variety of water and woodland birds.

After breakfast we do a short transfer to the gate of the park. This is a unique park where walking is done in the middle of wildlife. Giraffes, zebras, warthogs and many types of gazelles are found here. The first part of this walk is done in typical flat African savannah in a volcanic area with huge rock boundaries. There are camphor and acacia trees all over and this is where to look for the giraffe as they mainly feed on them. A picnic lunch provided by the hotel will be at the Rangers post.

The last part of the walk is done in the Hell’s Gate Gorge by descending into a steep canyon with running water from geysers and wild vegetation. The climax of the day is in walking in the Side Gorge where the rocks have split to leave only a walking path. We climb back to the rangers post for the transfer back to the Lodge/Camp.

DAY 4 Crater Lake, Lake Naivasha

An early rising will ensure that one gets another magical display of the various birds. After breakfast we do a transfer by bus to the nearby Crater Lake Game Sanctuary. It is a lesser lake in the Rift Valley but a place where nature is at its best.

We do a walk in the sanctuary followed by a circular trek on the top of the crater from where we see the lake from various angles. Pleasant interruptions on the walks will be from giraffes, black and white Colobus monkeys, elands and a range of gazelles.

DAY 5: Visit Lake Nakuru National Park – Lake Elementaita

The nearby Lake Nakuru National Park is the oldest park of Kenya. It’s not only known for its thousands of flamingos but also for the vast herds of buffaloes, tens of rhinos and cats like leopard and lion. Of the big five only the elephant is missing. We make a wildlife viewing drive around the lake and have lunch at the Lake Nakuru Lodge.

Afternoon transfer to a Lake Elementaita Lodge.

DAY 6: Lake Elementaita

This lake may not have the big name of Lake Nakuru but its scenic beauty is unmatched. We walk up to the shores of the alkaline lake. From there we proceed up to the hot springs and into the Kikopey Hills surrounding the lake.

We walk mainly in open savannah land and occasionally we will stop for a chat with a Masai herdsman. The gentle sloping hills give a good panorama. The walk should be for 4 hrs after which we go back to the lodge in time for lunch. Afternoon is spent in the lodge.

DAY 7: Masai Mara

We now take a break from walking to put all our attention to watching wildlife. To see the best of Kenyan wildlife, Masai Mara is the place to be. Elephants, rhinos, giraffes, buffaloes, gazelles and all the big cats are found here. So, after breakfast we start our journey passing through Narok Town; a colorful Masai town.

Our game viewing does not actually start at the park gate. We will be able to see many animals along the way grazing side by side with the Masai livestock.

DAY 8 -9 : Masai Mara

Morning game drive through the park and hike to a Masai manyatta (=homestead). Here we will see how the typical Masais live. On day 9 we do a morning and an afternoon game drive. We break from the driving with an optional walk in a natural area with rolling hills and grasslands, out of the park boundaries.

Day 10: Transfer To Nairobi

Return to Nairobi in time for lunch. Day rooms are at your disposal until 6 p.m. Evening transfer to the airport where we say goodbye.

N/B:Itinerary changes may be made due to local conditions beyond our control.

Arrival at the airport at night. Transfer from the airport to hotel in Nairobi.

Day 2: Menengai Crater. O/n Maili Saba Tented Camp

After breakfast we leave Nairobi via the Nakuru road to the Rift valley. The Nairobi – Nakuru road is on a contour along the rim of the Rift valley and on a viewpoint we will be able to see our whole route for the tour.

We arrive at the Maili Saba tented camp in time for lunch. In the afternoon we do a guided walk in the crater where we will enjoy the beautiful contrasts of nature: rocks that have stood the test of time, natural springs with mirror clear water, lava that reminds us that this is the Rift Valley and baboons trooping around with their babies. For birders, though this area is not yet listed as a hot spot in Kenya birding tours, its mixed habitat of rocks, patch grass land, scattered bushes and natural springs have interesting bird life such as Yellow Bishop, Pin-tailed Whydahs, Streaky Seedeater, Schalow?s Wheatear, Scarlet-chested Sunbird, Hunter?s Sunbird, Yellow-throated Longclaw, Red-cheeked Cordon-bleu, Purple Grenadier and the elusive Cinnamon-breasted Rock Bunting among others.

Day 3: Lake Nakuru National. O/N Maili Saba Tented Camp

We will spend the day in the nearby Lake Nakuru National Park, famous for its thousands of flamingos as well as vast herds of buffaloes and tens of rhinos. There is a good chance to see cats such as leopard, cheetah and lion.

Day 4: Crescent Island Walk. O/N Lake Naivasha Lodge

After breakfast we now move to the Lake Naivasha Country Club, arrving, in time for lunch. In the afternoon we do our first African game viewing walk at the privately owned Crescent Island, which is a peninsula on the eastern shore of Lake Naivasha. There is a lot of easy to see game e.g. giraffes, waterbucks, elands, zebras and impalas. It is also a heaven for birds with +200 species recorded. The walk is gentle and satisfying. We return to the Lake Naivasha Lodge for dinner and overnight stay. .

Day 5: Hell’s Gate Walk. O/N Lake Naivasha Lodge

We wake up for breakfast with the sun giving a wonderful effect over the lake. An early morning here should not be missed by anyone with an eye for birds since the lake boasts a wide variety of water and woodland birds.

After breakfast we do a short transfer to the gate of the park. This is a unique park where walking is done in the middle of wildlife. Giraffes, zebras, warthogs and many types of gazelles are found here. The first part of this walk is done in typical flat African savannah in a volcanic area with huge rock boundaries. There are camphor and acacia trees all over and this is where to look for the giraffe as they mainly feed on them. A picnic lunch provided by the hotel will be at a viewpoint on the Hell’s Gate gorge.

The last part of the walk is done by descending into a steep canyon with running water from geysers and wild vegetation. The climax of the day is in walking in the Side Gorge where the rocks have split to leave only a walking path. We climb back to the Rangers Post for transfer back to the Lake Naivasha Country Club.

Day 6: Crater Lake. O/N Lake Naivasha Lodge.

An early rising will ensure that one gets another magical display of the various birds. After breakfast we do a transfer by bus to the nearby Crater Lake Game Sanctuary. It is a lesser lake in the Rift Valley but a place where nature is at its best.

We do a walk in the sanctuary followed by a circular trek on the top of the crater from where we see the lake from various angles. Pleasant interruptions on the walks will be from giraffes, black and white Colobus monkeys, elands and a range of gazelles.

Day 7: Kiambethu Tea Farm + To Nairobi For Outbound Flight

Leave Naivasha in the morning for lunch at the Kiambethu Tea Farm. This is an old colonial home established by the early settlers and the pioneers of tea growing in Kenya. There will be a talk on tea: its arrival in Kenya, the growing, processing and up to when you put it into your cup. A short walk in the tea plantation and into a small remaining part of indigenous forest completes the tour. We have a healthy farm lunch and thereafter transfer to Nairobi for the evening flight out.

Price

Our attractive price based on the size of your party includes all accommodation as per itinerary, all meals from breakfast of day 2 through lunch of day 7, all transport Nairobi-Nairobi and airport transfers, bottled water during the walks, services of guides, and the park entrance fees. The only extras on you are spending on airfare to Kenya, airport taxes, visa, a Flying Doctors Evacuation cover, insurance, drinks at the table, tips and expenditure of personal nature.

Our representative will pick you from arrival point and then take you to Mountain Village Lodge for Dinner and overnight included.

DAY 2: Lake Manyara Serena

After breakfast we depart for to Lake Manyara. Nestling at the base of the Great Rift Valley escarpment, the park is recognized for its incredible beauty.
Game animals viewed include Buffalo, Elephant, Giraffe, Impala, hippo and others. Overnight at Lake Manyara Serena Lodge.

DAY 3: Serengeti National Park

After breakfast you start on your way to Serengeti National Park. A picnic lunch will be provided. On the way you will stop at the Olduvai Gorge where anthropologists Louis and Mary Leakey made many significant discoveries, contributing to the theory that human life originated in Africa. After stopping for your picnic lunch on a kopje (rock outcropping) in Serengeti you will continue further into the park and go on a game drive. Overnight at Serengeti Serena Lodge.

DAY 4: Serengeti National Park

You will have breakfast at the Lodge before we embark on an early morning game drive in the park. The Migration, consisting of around 2 million animals, is on the move all year round. Depending on the season you may see this impressive phenomenon. Naturally it also attracts a mass of predators and you may be able to see a band of lionesses gather for a hunt. You will return to your lodge for a sumptuous lunch to gather strength for the afternoon game drive. Overnight at Serengeti Serena Lodge.

DAY 5: Ngorongoro Crater

Early morning game drive to see also nocturnal predators returning from hunting and animals waking up in early morning light. After breakfast continue game driving on your way towards Ngorongoro Conservation Area. After lunch and some rest at your lodge you go in the afternoon for a Walking safari at the Northern Crater Rim of Ngorongoro Crater inhabited by buffaloes, elephants, baboons, monkeys and different species of birds. Escorted by an armed ranger you follow animal paths through dense bush. Overnight at Ngorongoro Wildllife Lodge

DAY 6: Ngorongoro Crater

After breakfast you will descend into the crater for a game drive (with a picnic lunch) inside the Ngorongoro Crater. It is the world?s largest intact volcanic caldera and a natural sanctuary for some of Africa?s densest animal populations. It is one of the few places where the rare black rhino can be observed in their natural setting. As very few animals migrate in and out of the crater with its 2000 ft. high walls, you can expect to see lions, elephants, zebras, hippos, flamingos, jackals, rhinos, antelopes, many birds and other species. With a bit of luck the ?Big Five? can be spotted. Overnight at Ngorongoro Wildllife Lodge.

DAY 7: Zanzibar

After breakfast we will visit a Masai Village at Ngorongoro , then proceed to Arusha for your scheduled flight to Zanzibar. Overnight at Blue Bay Beach Resort.

DAY 8 – 10 : Zanzibar

Relax and enjoy Zanzibar?s Beaches around your resort. Overnight at Blue Bay Beach Resort.

DAY 11: Departure

After breakfast transfer to Zanzibar Airport for your onward flight back home

Arrive at Jomo Kenyatta International Airport in Nairobi and proceed to the Sarova Stanley Hotel located in the heart of the city of Nairobi. Dinner and overnight at the The Sarova Stanley.

DAY 2 Nairobi

Start with an early breakfast, then proceed to Muthaiga Golf Club, one of Kenya?s pioneer golf courses that has for years, hosted the country?s most prestigious golf events, the Kenya Open where upcoming and returning pros compete in the African leg of the European Challenge Tour. The course has just undergone a complete redesign making it a brand new golfing experience for returning golfers.

Afternoon excursions to the City of Nairobi, Karen Blixen, National Museum available on request (optional).

Dinner on this night will be at the Tamarind Restaurant, one of the city?s premier sea food outings.
Overnight at The Sarova Stanley.

DAY 3 Nairobi

After breakfast, proceed to the Royal Nairobi Golf Club, the oldest golf club in Kenya, having started in 1906 with a nine hole course. Presently, it is a fine 18 hole course that is located just minutes away from the bustling downtown Nairobi and plays host to one of the most talked- about local tournaments, the Tanahill Cup that takes place every Easter. Spend the afternoon at leisure or choose to take excursions to the City of Nairobi, Karen Blixen, or the National Museum (optional).
Dinner and overnight at The Sarova Stanley.

DAY 4 Maasai Mara National Reserve

Depart after breakfast for Wilson Airport for your scheduled flight to Mara. Arrival after one hour and pick up from the airstrip for your en route game drive in the famous Maasai Mara National Reserve home to the greatest concentration of Africa?s ?Big Five.? Enjoy your dinner and overnight at Sarova Mara Luxury Tented Camp.

DAY 5 Maasai Mara National Reserve

Enjoy an early morning game drive across the rich tree stubbed grasslands and rolling hills. You will find breathtaking views over the famous migration corridor through which more than a million Zebras and wildebeest pass yearly in search for greener pastures. Meals and overnight at Sarova Mara Luxury Tented Camp.

DAY 6 Nairobi

After breakfast transfer to the airstrip for your flight back to Nairobi. Transfer back to Sarova Stanley and have the afternoon at leisure.
Dinner and overnight at Sarova Stanley.

DAY 7 Nairobi

Have a late breakfast and enjoy the morning at leisure. Proceed to Karen Country Club, which is located in the famous Ngong Hills and is an admirably maintained course with strong traditions and high standards. It is considered by some to be one of the most attractive due to its profusion of flowers and trees. Karen Country Club is one of the top eighteen-hole courses and has hosted the Kenya Open several times.

After playing the Karen Course, have dinner at the world famous Carnivore Restaurant, where all sorts of meat items (including game meat) are served in traditional barbeque stakes. Overnight at Sarova Stanley.

DAY 8 Mombasa

Depart for Jomo Kenyatta International Airport after breakfast for your onward flight to Mombasa. Proceed to Sarova Whitesands Beach Hotel for check in and lunch. In the afternoon play a round of golf at the nearby Nyali Golf Club, an 18-hole championship golf course. The course is as magnificent as it is challenging and your game will definitely be uplifted by the antics of the vervet monkeys and the flowering coastal trees that add character to the fairways. Dinner and overnight at Sarova Whitesands.

DAY 9 Mombasa

Play a round of golf immediately after breakfast then relax on the beach or choose to go on excursions or participate in beach sporting activities e.g snorkeling, deep sea fishing, visits to the marine park and visits to Mombasa old Town which has plenty of historical sites (optional).

Dinner and overnight at Sarova Whitesands.

DAY 10 Mombasa /Depart

After an early breakfast transfer to the airport for your flight back to Nairobi. Arrive and then proceed to your terminal for your onward flight home.

Leave Nairobi in the morning, pass through the Rift Valley via Nakuru with a short stop over for lunch at Kericho. Walk in the tea plantations then drive via Lwanda Magere (the Luo warrior who was killed and turned into a stone) and continue to Kisumu for dinner and overnight.

Day 2 Ndere Island National Park ? Kakamega

After breakfast drive to Kaloka beach, get a chance to talk to the fishermen and the women fishmongers by the beach before taking a boat to Ndere Island national park to see some game and bird life. Row the boat back to Kaloka beach. Drive via Kit- Mikaye ( This rock is where Mikaye the mother of Luo tribe sheltered herself after along journey down the Nile) and back to Kisumu for Lunch. Optional Kisumu tours include Impala park, Kisumu Museum and Dunga beach. Drive to Kakamega arriving late evening, dinner and overnight.

Day 3 Kakamega Forest ? Kisumu

After breakfast, full day exploration of Kakamega forest in search of birds, butterflies and animals such as debraza, colobus, blue and red tailed monkeys and olive baboons. Over 30 varieties of snakes including the deadly gaboon viper, Jamesons mamba and black mamba are found here among other animals. Great and very old indigenous trees, some of which are hundreds of years old. Drive to Kisumu for dinner and overnight.

Day 4 Kisumu – Homa Bay

Leave Kisumu after breakfast, drive southwards through rice plantations in Kano plains to Odino falls after brief stop continue to Kendu bay for lunch. Proceed to lake Simbi Nyaima for bird viewing , continue to Kanjira and Kanam hot springs onto Homa bay for dinner and overnight.

Day 5 Homa Bay -Rusinga ? Mbita

Drive to Rusinga, do a tour of the Island to the historical places including the museum (where the remains of the first man were found) by Doctor Louise Leakey, Tom Mboya Mauseleum where this accomplished nationalist cum- politician was burried. After his assassination on a Nairobi street. Return to Mbita for dinner and overnight.

Day 6 Mbita- Ruma National Park ? Awendo

Depart after breakfast drive through hills and meandering road to Ruma national park with a picnic lunch do game drive then drive out to Thim Lich Ohinga onto Gogo falls then to Awendo for dinner and overnight

Day 7 Awendo ?Nairobi

Depart Awendo, drive past sugar plantations through the Great Rift Valley back to the city of Nairobi.

You will be received at the airport and transferred to a Nairobi hotel for overnight stay in preparation for the start of the Safari.

DAY 2

After breakfast, depart for flight to Masai Mara. Transfer to the lodge. Lunch and afternoon game drive follows. Dinner and overnight at a Mara Lodge /Camp

DAY 3

Full day at Mara, with morning and afternoon game drive. Rest of the day at leisure ? relax by the pool. Overnight at a Mara Lodge / Camp

DAY 4

After early morning gamedrive and breakfast, transfer to the airstrip for flight to Nairobi at 11am. Arrive at 12 noon. Depart for Lake Nakuru National Park, a bird and Rhino sanctuary. This scenic lake is famous for its millions of pink flamingoes, along with other wildlife. Evening gamedrive. Overnight at Lion Hill Lodge.

DAY 5

After early morning gamedrive and breakfast, depart for Mountain Lodge. Arrive at the lodge by lunchtime. This is a tree lodge in the heart of the mountain forest. The saltlick here attracts animals such as elephant and buffalo among many others. Lunch, dinner and overnight at Mountain Lodge.

DAY 6

After breakfast, depart for Samburu Game Reserve, the semi arid region of the nomadic Samburu people. Game drive after lunch allows viewing of the rare local species of Zebra and Giraffe. Dinner and overnight at Samburu Serena Lodge

DAY 7

Full day at Samburu with morning and afternoon game drives. Rest of the day at leisure. Dinner and overnight at Samburu Serena Lodge.

DAY 8

After early morning gamedrive and breakfast, depart for Nairobi. Arrive by lunchtime. Brief sightseeing or shopping trips can be arranged. Overnight at a Nairobi Hotel

DAY 9

Catch a short flight to Mombasa. Welcome to the beach! Transfer to a Beach Hotel. Beautiful white beaches and numerous activities on offer, including watersports. Dinner Overnight at a Beach Hotel

DAY 10

Half Board accommodation at a Beach hotel.

DAY 11

After breakfast, depart for the airport for flight to Nairobi. On arrival, check-in for your international flight back home

This tranquil haven is home to several well established resorts, and many private guesthouses scattered through the forest along the deserted shore. At Watamu a Marine National Park has been established, an ideal day trip for divers and snorkellers alike.

Northwest of Malindi is the spectacular Marafa Depression, locally known as Nyari and popularly known as Hell’s Kitchen. An extensive series of sandstone gorges and sheer gullies, this unique and otherworldly landscape has become part of local folklore.

The thick jungles of the Arabuko Sokoke Forest reserve hide a world of wonders. In the cool of the forest winding paths will take you in search of rare endemic birds and mammals, and visiting herds of Elephants.
The forest holds another secret, the lost town of Gedi, a deserted trading Swahili town hidden deep in the forests, whose winding passages and crumbling walls tell of a long and mysterious past.

Walk through the Forest, explore the mangroves by boat, dive on the reef or try your hand at big game fishing. At the North coast you have all these choices and more, with the space and freedom to relax, unwind, and soak up the atmosphere.

Lamu began life centuries ago as a swahili settlement and today still retains the charm and mystique of an ancient town, where vehicles are rare, transport is by mules and the pace of life is so relaxed one would feel far removed from the modern world as we know it.

The people of Lamu are great believers in tradition and custom, and this is a strong society built on a respect for the past.

For the traveler, Lamu is a hypnotically exotic experience, made even more enjoyable by the relaxed and welcoming attitudes of the locals. To visit Lamu is to enter another world, and the visitor finds themselves becoming a part of this world. Life slows down, and long days are spent strolling along the waterfront, exploring the town or relaxing on the beaches.

Lamu is therefore a must see location for those who aspire to get away from it all, and also has several superb hotels and guesthouses, small and boutique-like , full of character.

The town has the beautiful beaches that stretch for miles along the North and South Coasts. It is a haven for those who are looking for a quiet, relaxing vacation, watersports and fishing enthusiasts. Remnants of historical and cultural attractions from centuries ago still remain. Other attractions showcase the diversity of flora and fauna in the region, and nature parks are an appealing destination for many visitors, and offer an opportunity to experience the different facets of the Kenyan culture – within the city, in some of the surrounding towns, and even in remote villages.

NORTH COAST

These are beaches to the immediate north of Mombasa, up to and including the Kilifi beaches. The beaches include Nyali, Bamburi and Shanzu and Kikambala. There are many hotels along this stretch though the concentration of the hotels thins out while moving towards Kilifi. There are various activities on offer ranging from nature trails to fishing and golf.

SOUTH COAST

To get to ” South Coast” from Mombasa, one takes the Ferry across a narrow channel, usually a colorful experience owing to lots of noise and bustle of the Swahili people as they go about their daily business. South Coast is generally more quite and a cleaner stretch of coastline than the North coast. Beaches include Diani, Tiwi and Gazi, leading upto the Pemba area.

Met on arrival by our customer care representative, briefed on safari before departing to Macushla House, where there are over 50 different bird species found in the hotel grounds alone!

Day 2

After breakfast, drive to the Great Rift Valley and Lake Nakuru National Park. Arrive in time for lunch at Lake Nakuru Lodge, thereafter enjoy an afternoon drive in the Park before dinner and overnight at the lodge.

Nakuru is most famous for its concentrations of both Greater and Lesser Flamingo who feed upon the blue green algae with which the lake abounds. Depending upon the concentration of the algae, there may be up to 2 million flamingos in the area, turning the entire lakeshore a dusky pink.

The park has over 400 varieties of birds such as the Little stints, Curlew sandpipers, Marsh sandpipers and Greenshanks Verreaux Eagles Augur buzzards, Harrier eagles, Fish eagles, Gabar goshawks and Harrier hawks . Large numbers of Pelicans can also be seen on the southern and eastern shores.

Day 3

Spend a full day exploring the Nakuru National park with your guide. You should be able to spot at least 150 species of bird in this one day, and if lucky, you may reach over 200 species. All meals and overnight at the lodge.

Day 4

After breakfast drive over the Mau Escarpment to the fertile plains of the western part of Kenya, close to Lake Victoria. Here you explore the Kakamega Forest Reserve, the last remaining remnant of tropical rain forest in Kenya.

The Forest itself is incredibly diverse, with over 125 species of trees, orchids, creepers and bushes. The high forest canopy shades the ground, preventing thick undergrowth from forming. Walking is surprisingly easy and one of the best ways to explore the Forest as the animal, bird and insect life is small, but truly spectacular.

Over 400 of Kenya?s 1000 butterfly species may be found here. Several animals, such as the bush-tailed porcupine, giant water shrew and hammer-headed fruit bat, are found nowhere else in the country. Colobus and blue monkeys cavort in the trees and shy duikers peer out from the occasional bush.

Dinner and overnight at Rondo Retreat.

Days 5 and 6

Spend the day exploring all the forest habitats, from the high canopies to the mossy ground.. Watch for the Giant Plantain Eater or the small, Dusky tit, the Banded snake eagle and the Crowned eagle, Black and white casqued hornbill, the Crowned hornbill, the Paradise flycatcher, Emerald cuckoo, Lemon dove and Yellow white-eye.

Other often-spotted species include the Blue shouldered robin chat, Green pigeon, Scarce swift, Bearded woodpecker, Green sunbird and Nariner?s Trogon.

All meals and overnights at the Rondo Retreat.

Day 8

Leave the forests of Kakamega behind as you return to the Rift Valley, this time to the fresh water of Lake Baringo.

The colony of Goliath herons attracts many ornithologists, but this is just one of the over 400 species to be found in the area.

Baringo is located in the middle of a very, dry, arid savannah plain and the fresh water of the lake is a huge draw to a myriad of birds as well as the water birds who are permanent residents of the lake shores.

Enjoy a walk along the cliff edges this afternoon before dinner and overnight at Lake Baringo Club,

Days 8 and 9

Using boats, vehicles and your feet, explore the Baringo lakeshores, islands and surrounding plains. Watch for the huge colonies of Weavers in the acacia trees, including buffalo weavers and white-headed weavers.

Tawny eagles, Martial eagles, Wahlberg eagles and others nest in the treetops and feed off the small mammals, dry country game and birds such as the abundant Guinea fowl and Francolins that come to the lake to drink.
Blacksmith plovers nest on sand bars and huge flocks of Sand grouse come to bathe and quench their thirst. Queleas, hornbills, Secretary birds and Black crested snake eagles may also be found in the area.

Malachite kingfishers, White throated bee-eaters and various Barbets are all easily spotted as are Variable and Collared sunbirds.

Black headed herons, purple herons, Yellow-billed storks, Sacred ibis, Red-billed duck, Cape teal and other water birds are all found in abundance and there are always new species being recorded.

All meals and overnight at the Baringo Club.

Day 10

Leaving the Rift Valley behind you, drive to Nairobi arriving in time for lunch at the Carnivore.

After lunch, transfer to the airport for your onward connection back home.

Morning departure to Lake Elementaita arriving at midday. Enjoy a bird walk to try and identify available species like the Feral lovebird, Avocet, Klaas’ cuckoo, Glossy ibis, Black heron, Red billed Teal, Black tailed godwit among others before time for lunch at Lake Elementaita Lodge. An afternoon bird walk around the lodge environs before time for Dinner and overnight at Lake Elementaita Lodge.

Day 02: Lake Naivasha

After breakfast we depart from Elementaita for a scenic drive through the Great North road to Lake Naivasha arriving by mid-morning for bird walk before time for lunch at Lake Naivasha Lodge. Lake Naivasha was declared a bird sanctuary in 1967 and also supports pastoral industries of wine and flowers. During our full day field trip to Lake Naivasha, we study the birds of the region such as herons, fish eagles, ospreys, black crakes, and lily-trotters. Dominated by the shadow of Mt. Longonot, few lakes in the world have a more commanding or spectacular setting than Naivasha. We also have an excursion to the Elsa mere Center. Activities include reliving the experience of Joy Adamson and Elsa while viewing “Born Free.” Lake Naivasha being on the Rift floor is home to an incredible variety of species. Over 450 species have been recorded here. Dinner and overnight stay at Lake Naivasha Lodge.

Day 03: Lake Naivasha

After breakfast, enjoy a morning bird walk with the aim of viewing birds on the shores of the Lake with a few hours of relaxation before lunch. Afternoon visit to Hell’s Gate National Park, which is a breeding ground for vultures in Kenya e.g. Lammergeyer vultures we also anticipate for species like Imperial eagle, Schalow’s wheatear, Chin spot batis. Dinner & overnight at Lake Naivasha Lodge

Day 04: Lake Nakuru National Park

After breakfast depart for Lake Nakuru National Park known as “The pink Heart Of Kenya” because of the millions of Flamingoes that cover the lake with pink shine. Afternoon game/bird viewing, dinner and overnight stay will be at Lake Nakuru Lodge.

Day 05: Lake Nakuru National Park

Today we will spend the whole day bird watching at the park and if lucky enough we have the chance to see the shy cat “the Leopard” mostly seen in this park before returning for lunch at the lodge. In the afternoon we have some time to relax before embarking on our late afternoon game drive to try and capture what was not seen during the day before the dusk engulf us. Dinner and Overnight stay will be at Lake Nakaru Lodge.

DAY 06: Nairobi

After breakfast drive back to Nairobi to end our safari in the mid/late afternoon.

A safari to the north via the high shoulder of Mt Kenya to the Game Reserve of Samburu, then the world famous Bird Sanctuaries of the Great Rift Valley Lakes of Baringo, Bogoria and Nakuru. This tour is excellent for those who wish to combine wildlife viewing with bird watching at panoramic sites in Kenya. Attractions include thr Great Rift Valley, Rift Valley Lakes, Mount Kenya, wildlife at the northern Kenya park of Samburu with its peculiar species that include the gerenuk(antelope giraffe), Beisa’s Oryx, Somali Ostrich, Grevy’s Zebra and the Reticulated Giraffe.
The Itinerary

Day 1 – Samburu

Depart Nairobi in the morning passing through the rich agricultural farmland on the slopes of Mount Kenya to the mainly dry scrub land and open Savannah plains of Samburu Game Reserve. Here the Ewaso Nyiro River supports a wide variety of game among them elephant, buffalo, cheetah leopard, lion, grevy’s zebra, reticulated giraffe, oryx and the long necked gerenuk. Accommodation in our semi-permanent campsite beautifully set on the edge of the river under a canopy of trees, or pitches tents nearby.

Day 2 – Samburu

Day spent game viewing in the park.

Day 3 – Baringo

Leaving Samburu in the early morning, we make a scenic drive to the west across the Lerochi Plateau, (lunch enroute) and later descend to the floor of the Great Rift Valley, arriving at Lake Baringo in the afternoon. This is a fresh water lake, which supports a great variety of birds as well as hippos and crocodiles. Indeed, the lake is reputed to be the “bird-watching centre of Kenya.”

Day 4 – Lake Nakuru

Early in the morning we head south via Lake Bogoria, which is a shallow soda lake with a beautiful scenery and also home to a sizeable number of flamingos and other species of birds. The highlight, however, is the boiling hot springs and geysers, which also contribute to the beauty of the lake. After lunch, we proceed to Lake Nakuru in the south – another shallow soda lake that has been described as “an ornithologist’s paradise and one of the world’s most magnificent sights”. Here one has an opportunity to see up to two million flamingos besides tens of thousands of other birds if lucky. Lake Nakuru is a rhino sanctuary and harbours lions, warthogs, waterbucks, buffaloes, hippo and many other animals. Dinner and overnight in a campsite outside town.

Day 5 -Nairobi

After breakfast, we proceed to Nairobi arriving in the late afternoon.

Talk of Southeastern Kenya and think of Amboseli on the slopes of Africa’s highest mountain, Mt. Kilimanjaro and Tsavo East and West National Parks, then onto the Coast to enjoy at leisure the beautiful sunny beaches of Mombasa, Malindi and/ or Lamu (drop off only in Mombasa with cost of stay at the coast not included in the package deal we can arrange this extension for you).

DAY 1: Amboseli
Depart Nairobi in the morning and drive via the Kenya / Tanzania border post of Namanga to Amboseli. Lunch will be served en-route and we will enter the park in the afternoon and enjoy a game drive as we head to our campsite for dinner and overnight

DAY 2: Amboseli
Day spent exploring this park with the magnificent snow capped Mt. Kilimanjaro in the background. The waters from melted snow drain down the mountain under lava flows and surface on the Amboseli plains, creating a green belt of swampland amidst dusty plains. Here elephant, buffalo, lion, cheetah, wildebeest, hyena, jackal, zebra and the Maasai giraffe are likely to be seen. All meals and overnight as above

DAY 3: Tsavo West
We break camp and leave soon after breakfast for Tsavo West National Park. Visit the Chyulu Hills and the Mzima Springs, which are favourite haunts of both the hippo and crocodile that can be seen from an underwater observation chamber if time permits. Dinner and overnight at a campsite.

DAY 4: Tsavo West
Day spent exploring this park famous for its ?Man-eating Lions’ (so named following numerous killings of slaves during the construction of the Kenya-Uganda railway line that passes through the park). All meals and overnight as above

DAY 5: Tsavo East
Early in the morning we drive to Tsavo East. This park once famous for its great herds of elephant still has these beasts usually covered in red dust and a variety of game and fine scenery. We visit Lugards Falls, Mudanda Rocks and Aruba Dam as we view game if time permits.

DAY 6: Mombasa:
An early morning game drive is followed by breakfast and thereafter, proceed to Mombasa arriving there in good time for clients to find their way to their hotels and the tour ends