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The African safari is a dream expedition for most adventure travelers. Images of being immersed in the raw and natural beauty of the African wilderness and the chance to witness its abundant creatures in their habitat is alluring to all adventurers, whether a novice or seasoned traveler.
When most people think of an African safari they think of Kenya. This captivating country situated on the eastern part of the continent is filled with dozens of national parks and reserves to explore, making it the ideal location for an exciting and diverse safari experience.
One of the most well-known of the national parks/reserves, the Masai Mara, is featured in all four of the Kenyan safaris we offer. The reserve, which makes up the northern portion of the Serengeti plains, is considered by many to be the Mecca of all African safaris. Together with Serengeti National Park to its south in Tanzania, Masai Mara plays host to the great animal migration which can typically be witnessed between August and November. However by no means does that mean Kenya is a four month destination. Since Kenya has many animals that are permanent residents of the Masai Mara and other national parks/reserves, safaris take place year-round. These trips also include a stop at a traditional Masai Mara village, where you can experience this native culture’s ancient traditions as they have been maintained for centuries.
The first stop on this adventure is Amboseli National Park where the breathtaking scenery is made unique by the mighty Mt Kilimanjaro dominating the background. Next you will explore the Mt. Kenya region. Here you will begin with exciting game viewing and experience the unique five star tree lodge accommodation. Finally, before heading out to Masai Mara National Reserve, you’ll visit Lake Nakuru. The main attraction here is the dramatic flamingo lake, where at times millions of pink flamingos gather making the lake seemingly come alive.
In the end, you’ll see why Kenya as earned its reputation as one of the premier adventure travel destinations in the world.
Places Visited:
Amboseli National Park, Mt Kenya Region, Lake Nakuru National Park, Masai Mara National Reserve
Trip Itinerary:
B – Breakfast, L – Lunch, D – Dinner
Day 1
Nairobi – Amboseli National Park (L, D)
This morning drive past the scenic Athi Plains and into the bushy country of Amboseli National Park. Amboseli National Park is a landscape dominated everywhere by the glistening, majestic snowcap of the mighty Kilimanjaro - a fitting backdrop to the wild region. It is also the region where pastoral Masai and their cattle have lived in harmony with wild creatures for many a century. After lunch, experience an afternoon game drive at the foot of Africa's highest mountain. Dinner and overnight is at one of the Amboseli Lodges, located in the very heart of the Amboseli National Park.
Day 2
Amboseli National Park (B, L, D)
Early morning game drive that is rewarded by magnificent views of the mighty Mt Kilimanjaro with its snowcapped summit appearing pink in the rising sun. Amboseli is known for its abundance of elephants as well as hippopotamus, giraffe, lion and Black Rhino. The snows of Kilimanjaro, white and crystalline, form a majestic backdrop to one of Kenya's most spectacular displays of wildlife, creating Kenya's most sought after photographer's paradise. After lunch, an extensive game drive is followed by dinner and overnight at one of the Amboseli Lodges.
Day 3
Amboseli National Park – Mt Kenya Region (B, L, D)
After breakfast, depart for the Mt Kenya region. Lunch will be at a base hotel from where you will be transferred to your tree lodge. Enjoy the unique experience of all night and unlimited game viewing. Dinner and overnight at a tree lodge surrounded by forest and
overlooking an illuminated waterhole and salt lick.
Day 4
Mt Kenya Region – Lake Nakuru National Park (B, L, D)
After breakfast, transfer to base hotel for onward journey to Nakuru. Arrive in time for lunch. Enjoy an afternoon game drive in Lake Nakuru National Park. The park provides a sanctuary for the rhino. Lake Nakuru has always been considered a flamingo lake par excellence. The contrast and apparent dislocation between the shallow soda lake with its primeval birds and the animated woods all around it give Lake Nakuru National Park a very distinctive appeal. Dinner and overnight at a lodge overlooking the lake.
Day 5
Lake Nakuru – Masai Mara (B, L, D)
After breakfast, depart for Masai Mara - the land of vast migrating herds. Arrive in time for lunch. In the afternoon, embark on a game drive to get a closer look at the Mara. Return to an archetypal Mara lodge/tented camp for sundowners, dinner and overnight stay.
Day 6
Masai Mara (B, L, D)
Awaken to the sounds of the big game country and venture out to absorb the enormity of the Mara. In this country of breathtaking vistas, view its vast assemblages of plains game together with their associated predators: buffalo, Black Rhino, hippopotamus, leopard, cheetah, zebra, Coke's Hartebeest, White Bearded Gnu, oribi, warthog, and Thompson's and Grant's Gazelles. An early evening game drive to catch up on all that was missed. All meals and overnight stay are at the lodge.
Day 7
Masai Mara - Nairobi (B)
After breakfast, return to Nairobi. Transfer to airport or continue with one of our other great trips such as a trek up Mt. Kilimanjaro or our exciting adventure to observe the mountain gorillas and chimps of Uganda.
Important Information
All Prices are LAND ONLY based on double occupancy. You are responsible for making your own international flight arrangements between your home city and Moshi. However, please DO NOT purchase your airfare or any personal travel requirements until you receive a written confirmation of guaranteed departure from Head Out Adventures.
This trip is priced based on a minimum of 2 people. Therefore, additional charges may apply to the total charged for single travelers or those requiring a single room.
Visas are required for Kenya for most nationalities. These should typically be obtained in advance. Please check your nearest Kenyan Embassy or Consulate for current requirements. NOTE: it is the traveler's responsibility to obtain any and all visas for entry to Kenya.
If possible, it is recommended that you add a night in Nairobi the day before the safari starts to avoid conflicts due to potential travel delays as well as to relax before starting your tour.
While in Kenya, why not add on a trek up Mt. Kilimanjaro or our exciting adventure to observe the mountain gorillas and chimps of Uganda.
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Trip ID: AF1084
Trip Highlights
- Fully guided safari through Masai Mara National Reserve.
- Also visit scenic Amboseli National Park and Nakuru National Park, famous for its spectacular flamingo packed lake.
- Stop at a traditional Masai Mara Village.
- All meals while on safari and breakfast in Nairobi.
- Qualified driver/safari guide in comfortable 4x4 vehicles with viewing roof.
- One night stay at a five star rated tree lodge, uniquely designed and a rare type of accommodation and remaining nights in excellent safari lodges.
- Optional sunrise hot air balloon ride with a champagne breakfast at Masai Mara National Reserve.
Price Includes
- Full board accommodation in the lodges (that is Breakfast, Lunch and Dinner)
- Park entrance fees to all parks
- Transport in a safari custom vehicle with pop-up roof excellent for game viewing, sight seeing and photography
- Professional English/Spanish speaking driver guide
- Sightseeing as indicated
- Game drives as indicated in the program
- Return airport transfers
- 1 liter of mineral water per person per day while on safari
Price Does Not Include
- International airfare
- Passport and Kenya entrance visas and expenses
- Expenses of personal nature e.g. laundry, alcoholic/soft drinks etc
- Tips and gratuities to drivers and hotel staff (driver guides tips is $20 per day)
- Airport taxes and departure fees
- Travel Insurance (Mandatory)
- Optional Tours
Minimum Group Size
Number of Days
Accomodation Included
- 6 nights in 4 to 5 star Safari/Tree Lodges
Transportation Included
- Safari custom vehicle with pop-up roof
Meals Included
- Breakfast, lunch and dinner while on safari.
Budget
- Cost for meals not included
Seasonal Info
Kenya Weather:
- January and February - hot and dry
- March to May - rainy season, hot and wet
- June to October - cooler and dry
- November and December - rainy and warm
Great Animal Migration:
- The great animal migration can typically be witnessed between August and November at Masai Mara. However since Kenya has many animals that are permanent residents of the Masai Mara and other national parks/reserves, safaris take place year-round.
- Be sure to check our Photo Gallery for a detailed migration map of the Serengeti and Masai Mara animal migration pattern.
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