Splendours of Kenya

Are you tired of the ubiquitous safari? Are you looking for a truly unrivalled cultural adventure that offers so much more beyond that of your regular safari? Your remedy lies in “Splendours of Kenya”. Wildlife galore and breathtaking scenery are but one facet of this safari – this safari offers you the sights and sounds of a refreshing Africa which brings out the excitement and fascination that makes this continent come ALIVE. The tour departs every Tuesday, Thursday & Sunday – Minimum 2 persons.

Day 1: Samburu Game Reserve

After breakfast depart north via Nanyuki and Mt Kenya for the Samburu Game Reserve set in the rugged semi-arid northern region with spectacular scenic landscape. Arrive in time for lunch, short siesta then head for an afternoon game viewing drive.

The water of the great Ewaso Nyiro river, dotted with doum palms meanders through the reserve giving it an oasis setting and draws wildlife in great numbers to its banks. The verdant riverine forest is a stark contrast to the arid thorn studded plains. Samburu is visited by large herds of elephants, drawn by the promise of water.

In the dry season, the elephants use their tusks to dig deep into the dry river beds, unearthing precious water. These waterholes then become a focal point for other game.

The Samburu region is the best place to find several endemic Northern species; including the Gerenuk (twiga gazelle) due to her long neck, the beisa Oryx, the Reticulated Giraffe, the Somali ostrich and Grevy’s Zebra. Samburu is also an ornithological paradise, home to many birds including local species such as the Palm Nut Vulture and the Vinaceous Dove. Leopards are often seen at dusk.

The Samburu culture is a truly fascinating one, sharing a great deal of ancestral and linguistic ties to the Maasai. The entire Samburu region is a place of breathtaking and magical beauty, a place where the vision of a deep red sunset silhouetting the doum palms along the river as a leopard emerges to hunt brings the perfect end to a day on safari… Dinner and overnight at your lodge.

Meals: LDBB

Kawaida Series: Samburu Sopa Lodge

Fedha Series: Sarova Shaba Lodge

Ndahabu Series: Elephant Bedroom Camp

 

Day 2: Samburu Game Reserve

After an early breakfast enjoy a full day of game viewing drives in both Samburu and the nearby Buffalo Springs Game Reserves. The verdant riverine forest along the Ewaso Nyiro River is a stark contrast to the arid thorn studded plains. Packs of African Hunting Dogs are some of the animals you may see during your game viewing. Our driver guide will carefully select an amazing picnic site with a great scenic view where you will take your picnic lunches before venturing into the bush once again! Be on the look-out for the ‘special five of Samburu’, other wildlife and a large number of bird species. Return to your lodge/camp for dinner and overnight.

OPTIONAL ACTIVITY: Visit to a Samburu Manyatta to see how the tribe lives in this harsh surrounding.

Meals: LDBB

Kawaida Series: Samburu Sopa Lodge

Fedha Series: Sarova Shaba Lodge

Ndahabu Series: Elephant Bedroom Camp

 

Day 3: Mount Kenya National Park

After breakfast depart south on a scenic drive to the lower slopes of Mt. Kenya arriving at your Tree Lodge in time for lunch. Afternoon proceed on a forest nature walk with a professional (armed) guide. Return to the lodge for dinner and overnight floodlit game viewing.

Please note: A warm jacket/sweater and a good pair of hiking boots is highly recommended esp. for those who would like to experience an exciting bush walk through the Mount Kenya Forest.

Meals: LDBB

All Series: Mountain Lodge or similar

 

Day 4: Lake Nakuru National Park

After breakfast proceed to Lake Nakuru National Park to arrive for lunch. Afternoon proceed on a game viewing drive circumventing Lake Nakuru. The lake is situated in the heart of the Rift Valley and is one Kenya’s most famous soda lakes. A major feature of this park is the bird life and it is world renowned as the home for millions of Flamingos. A rhino sanctuary also provides the opportunity to see the greatly endangered black rhino. Return to the camp for dinner and overnight.

Meals: LDBB

Kawaida Series: Lake Nakuru Lodge

Fedha Series: Sarova Lionhill Lodge

Ndahabu Series: Mbweha Camp

 

Day 5: Masai Mara Game Reserve

After breakfast depart for Kenya’s famous game reserve. You start the day venturing through the Great Rift Valley travelling to the northern most extension of the Serengeti Plains and one of the richest wildlife game reserves, the Masai Mara. The Mara is home to the awesome black-manned lion, the elusive leopard, stately giraffes, vast herds of elephants, rhino, thundering herds of zebra, migrating wildebeest and numerous other plains game. You arrive at the camp for a late lunch. After lunch depart for an afternoon game-viewing drive. Dinner and overnight at the camp.

Meals: LDBB

Kawaida Series: Mara Sopa Lodge

Fedha Series: Sarova Mara Camp

Ndahabu Series: Tipilikwani Luxury Tented Camp

 

Day 6: Masai Mara Game Reserve

Amka! Wake up for an early morning breakfast and a full morning’s game viewing drive to return for lunch. Experience the friendly atmosphere where the Masai community lives in harmony with wild game. After lunch visit a traditional Masai Manyatta (off the beaten track) and experience the culture of this world famous community. The Masai still live as they did for centuries – Interact with these nomadic people and experience their way of life as you learn about their customs and traditions. Continue with the afternoon game viewing as you return to the lodge for dinner and overnight.

OPTIONAL ACTIVITY: Balloon Safari over the Mara plains followed by a champagne breakfast.

Meals: LDBB

Kawaida Series: Mara Sopa Lodge

Fedha Series: Sarova Mara Camp

Ndahabu Series: Tipilikwani Luxury Tented Camp

 

Day 7: Nairobi

An early morning game drive is followed by breakfast and departure for Nairobi. Drop-off at your city hotel.