Day 1
Lake Nakuru
Start
Nairobi
End
Lake Nakuru
Departing Nairobi for Lake Nakuru marks the beginning of a journey that is not just a transition from the bustling capital to the tranquility of one of Kenya's most famous soda lakes but also a passage through diverse landscapes and ecosystems. Covering a distance of approximately 160 kilometers, this journey, lasting about 2-3 hours, offers a glimpse into the heartlands of the Great Rift Valley, unveiling a world where nature and wildlife converge in a spectacular display.
Lake Nakuru National Park, nestled around the alkaline Lake Nakuru, is a sanctuary renowned for its vibrant populations of pink flamingoes, a sight that has captivated visitors for decades. However, the number of flamingoes gracing its shores can vary, influenced by water levels and food availability, painting a dynamic picture of nature's ebb and flow.
Upon arrival, the park unfolds in a mosaic of wooded and bushy grasslands, offering sanctuary to a wide array of wildlife including lions, rhinos, leopards, and buffalo. The initial game drive through the park is an exploration into this biodiversity, with each turn and trail offering the possibility of encounters that highlight the delicate balance of this ecosystem.
Lunch in the park is not just a meal but a moment to pause and immerse oneself in the surroundings, perhaps catching glimpses of wildlife in the distance, against the backdrop of the lake and the surrounding escarpment.
The afternoon journey further into the park intensifies the safari experience, delving deeper into the habitats that support its rich birdlife and the conservation areas dedicated to protecting its endangered species, like the white and black rhinos. This period of exploration is shaped by the natural rhythms of the park's inhabitants, offering insights into their daily lives and the ongoing efforts to preserve this unique environment.
As the sun sets, casting golden hues over the landscape, the return to the lodge or campsite offers a time for reflection. The evening unfolds with discussions over dinner, sharing stories of the day's sightings and experiences. This end to the day in Lake Nakuru is a serene conclusion to a journey that not only showcases the beauty of Kenyan wildlife and landscapes but also emphasizes the importance of conservation and the role each visitor plays in supporting these natural sanctuaries.
Accomodations in
Lake Nakuru
Day 2
Masai Mara
Start
Lake Nakuru
End
Masai Mara
Your day begins with an early breakfast at Lake Nakuru, setting the stage for a scenic drive to the renowned Masai Mara National Reserve. As you journey through the picturesque landscapes of the Great Rift Valley, you'll have the opportunity to take in the stunning vistas and perhaps spot some wildlife along the way.
Arriving at the Maasai Mara in time for lunch, you'll check into your lodge and enjoy a delicious meal before heading out for an afternoon game drive. The Masai Mara, as the northern extension of the Serengeti ecosystem, offers a unique chance to witness the incredible seasonal migration of wildebeests, zebras, and their predators. The reserve is one of the few places on earth where wildlife still roams in large numbers, providing a truly authentic safari experience.
During your game drive, you'll explore the vast savannahs dotted with acacia trees, searching for the Big Five—lions, leopards, elephants, buffalo, and rhinos—as well as other fascinating wildlife. As the sun sets over the Mara, you'll return to your lodge for a relaxing evening, reflecting on the day's adventures.
Accomodations in
Masai Mara
Day 3
Masai Mara
Start
Masai Mara
End
Masai Mara
After a restful night and a hearty breakfast at our accommodation, we're primed for a full day immersed in the heart of the reserve. Today, armed with packed lunches, we venture deeper into the Mara for an extended exploration of its vast landscapes and rich biodiversity.
Our morning game drive is an opportunity to witness the Mara awakening. The reserve's reputation for close encounters with the big cats sets the stage for a thrilling safari experience. It's here, in the cool of the early day, that we might observe lions or cheetahs, with some even using the shade of vehicles as respite from the sun. The Mara's openness makes it one of the few places where the elusive Big Five can often be spotted in a single morning.
The birdlife in the Mara is equally captivating, with nearly 500 species recorded. This avian diversity includes a range of eagles, vultures, and colorful sunbirds, offering a spectacle for bird enthusiasts and adding another layer of wonder to our safari.
As we traverse the reserve, the iconic landscapes of the Mara serve as a backdrop to our adventure, from the rolling grasslands to the dotted acacia trees. Our packed lunch allows us to eat amidst this natural beauty, further connecting us to the wilderness we've come to explore.
In the afternoon, we continue our game viewing. Towards late afternoon we head back to our accommodation for dinner and overnight.
Accomodations in
Masai Mara
Day 4
Central Serengeti
Start
Masai Mara
End
Central Serengeti
The day unfolds with the early light of dawn in the Masai Mara National Reserve, where a hearty breakfast awaits, fueling us for the journey ahead. Today's voyage from the Mara to the Serengeti is not just a crossing of borders but a passage through the heart of Africa's wilderness, a seamless continuum of the safari experience across two iconic national parks.
Our first leg takes us to the Isebania Tanzania/Kenya border. Here, amidst the administrative rhythm of crossing countries, the anticipation grows; the Serengeti beckons. Once visa formalities are smoothly handled, we embark on the drive into the vastness of Serengeti National Park. This journey is punctuated by game drives — the morning's farewell to the Mara and the afternoon's welcome by the Serengeti unfold as a continuous tapestry of wildlife encounters.
Lunch is a momentary pause in our adventure within the sprawling savannah as our backdrop. As we venture deeper into the Serengeti, the afternoon game drive en route to our accommodation is a thrilling introduction to the park's endless plains. The Serengeti, a name that evokes images of vast, open landscapes, is home to the grand spectacle of the wildebeest migration, a marvel of nature that defines this ecosystem. Depending on the season, we may witness the herds in their endless quest for fresh pastures, a dramatic testament to the circle of life, shadowed by Africa's great predators.
Our arrival at the tented camp or lodge in the Serengeti marks the end of the day's journey but the beginning of our exploration in this new wilderness. Dinner under the stars, surrounded by the sounds of the African night, is a moment of reflection and anticipation. The Serengeti's night is a canvas of sounds, a prelude to the discoveries that await.
Day 6
Central Serengeti
Start
Central Serengeti
End
Karatu
,
Ngorongoro Conservation Area
Early morning game drive at Serengeti followed by afternoon drive to Ngorongoro Conservation area.
On this day we suggest a very early wake up in order to do an early morning game drive when the animals are more active. Also witness one of the best sunrises you'll ever see. It's really an exceptionally beautiful experience.
After the game drive, we return to the camp for a rewarding brunch and then we'll proceed towards Ngorongoro, the 8th wonder of the Natural World.
The drive takes you back through the Serengeti via a different route, offering plenty of opportunities to spot the animals that eluded you before. You will see wildebeest and zebras migrating together, tall and graceful giraffes, jumping antelopes and gazelles, the mighty African elephant and the predators. You will have the chance to spot lean cheetahs and shy leopards, foraging hyenas, and last but not least, the king himself, the lion.
You should reach Ngorongoro region in time for a sundowner.
The eventful day comes to an end with a dinner and a good night’s rest in your accommodation.
Accomodations in
Karatu
,
Ngorongoro Conservation Area
Optional Activities
Day 7
Ngorongoro Crater
Start
Ngorongoro Crater , Ngorongoro Conservation Area , Karatu
End
Ngorongoro Conservation Area
,
Karatu
Game drives at Ngorongoro crater.
We will start the day very early and descend into the crater floor for an incredible morning of wildlife in one of the most stunning places on Earth.
After the game drive, you will enjoy a picnic lunch near the beautiful hippo lake. Then its time for the afternoon game drives until close to 5 or 6 pm, depending on the driving time to your accommodation from the crater floor.
You will dine and stay at your chosen lodge/camp.
Accomodations in
Ngorongoro Conservation Area
,
Karatu
Optional Activities
Day 8
Tarangire
Start
Tarangire , Ngorongoro Crater , Karatu , Ngorongoro Conservation Area
End
Moshi
,
Arusha
,
Kilimanjaro International Airport (JRO)
After enjoying breakfast at your accommodation, you'll set off on an exciting journey to Tarangire National Park. This park is renowned for its stunning landscapes, characterized by vast savannahs dotted with iconic baobab trees and a rich diversity of wildlife.
As you arrive at Tarangire, you'll embark on a game drive, where you can expect to see large herds of elephants, which are a highlight of this park, along with lions, leopards, and a variety of antelope species. The park is also home to an impressive array of birdlife, making it a paradise for birdwatchers.
During your adventure, you'll enjoy a picnic lunch in the park, surrounded by the sounds of nature. After lunch, your exploration continues with another game drive, allowing you to soak in the beauty of the African wilderness and spot more wildlife.
As the day winds down, you'll begin your drive back to Arusha, reflecting on the incredible experiences and sights you've encountered throughout your safari. This marks the end of your unforgettable trip, filled with memories of Africa’s breathtaking landscapes and remarkable wildlife.
Accomodations in
Moshi
,
Arusha
,
Kilimanjaro International Airport (JRO)
Optional Activities