Kenya Classic, Keekorok Lodges - Private Tour

Upon arrival at Nairobi International Airport, make your way to the arrivals hall where a representative will meet and transfer you to the hotel. Please note that check-in is from 02:00 pm, clients arriving in the middle of the night must book a pre-night, as waiting in the lobby is not permitted. Enjoy an afternoon at your own leisure, perhaps taking advantage of the modern facilities, which include two restaurants, a bar, and a swimming pool. This contemporary-style hotel provides comfort and convenience before you embark on your Kenyan odyssey. 

Overnight in Nairobi.

Leaving Nairobi early in the morning, we travel towards Kenya's fertile highlands and head down the Rift Escarpment, on a road built by Italian prisoners during World War II. Keep an eye out for the charming chapel they built at the foot of the escarpment. Pass the futuristic Longonot earth satellite station as you head across the valley to Narok, and then travel through fields of wheat and barley. Arrive at the Maasai Mara and Keekorok Lodge in time for lunch and, perhaps, a siesta. Afterwards, it’s time for the first game drive of the tour in the afternoon. Keekorok is strategically located in the direct path of the annual Great Migration and was the first lodge to be built in the Mara. At the height of the migration, Keekorok is surrounded by a swarming mass of hundreds of thousands of wildebeests, zebras and gazelles, all relentlessly tracked by predators. Sandstone, cedarwood, and other indigenous materials are used in all rooms and public areas. In front of the lodge, there is a 300-metre-long elevated walkway that meanders through a small riverine forest to a bar. This overlooks a dam where resident hippos and other game are regularly seen. There are no fences around Keekorok and it is not uncommon to see elephants and buffaloes on the perimeter of the grounds or even strolling in – though there are watchmen on the constant lookout. All this ensures a blissfully comfortable stay, and in the late afternoon, dinner will be served at the lodge. 

Overnight in Maasai Mara.

Enjoy an early breakfast before departing on a morning game drive. The Maasai Mara National Reserve is home to millions of wild animals, including the fabled Big Five of lions, leopards, elephants, buffaloes, and black rhinos. There are also antelopes, gazelles and wildebeests, and many others. Return to the lodge for lunch and perhaps a siesta before setting off to visit a Maasai village followed by an afternoon game drive in the afternoon, heading back to the lodge as the sun sets, where you’ll end the day with dinner. 

Overnight in Maasai Mara.

Bid farewell to the Maasai Mara after breakfast and travel across the ‘breadbasket’ of Kenya. Acres of wheat and barley dominate the landscape as you head north to Narok, the district headquarters of this part of Maasailand. Cross the vast plains on the floor of the Great Rift Valley, keeping an eye out for herds of giraffes and gazelles as you head up the Mau Escarpment, before arriving at Lake Nakuru around midday. The waters are often shimmering pink, from the thousands of flamingos that line its shores. After lunch, depart for an afternoon game drive in Lake Nakuru National Park. Head back to the lodge at sunset, before ending the day with dinner. Like all the beautiful flamingos, both black and white rhinos are being carefully protected and given a new lease of life in this 188 square kilometre, fully fenced park. The rhino population numbers more than 50 and continues to multiply. The Rothschild’s giraffe is another rarity and the park has its fair share of buffaloes, leopards, zebras, elands, waterbucks and lions. Lake Nakuru Lodge is situated in the heart of what is Kenya's most densely populated wetland national park, which is one of six internationally protected marsh areas, known as Ramsar sites, in the country. Lake Nakuru Lodge is in the south-east ecological niche of the park, with commanding views of the lake and the flamingos. Lush gardens surround the lodge and cottages, and there is an exciting programme of activities and evening entertainment. 

Overnight in Lake Nakuru.

Have a delicious breakfast before heading towards Lake Naivasha for a one-hour boat ride. The beautiful lake provides a habitat for hundreds of bird species and hippos. It is located at one of the highest elevations in the Rift Valley, which is left behind as the tour proceeds towards Nairobi for an early lunch (or picnic lunch dependent on road conditions). Head south to Amboseli National Park, arriving at Ol Tukai Lodge by late afternoon. The lodge lies at the heart of the national park, which is itself at the foot of Mount Kilimanjaro, the highest mountain in Africa. The cottage-style accommodation spreads out on both sides of the main lodge, where the architecture is rustic and inviting. Built out of indigenous materials, the beautifully designed rooms offer uninterrupted views of the wetlands or Mount Kilimanjaro. Relax by the swimming pool shaded by acacia trees, enjoy a drink at the two-storey Elephant Bar (not included) or stroll the spacious gardens. In the late afternoon, wrap the day up with dinner at the lodge.

Overnight at Amboseli.

Feast on a fine breakfast in preparation of a morning and afternoon spent on game drives in Amboseli. Most of the park consists of a partially dry lake bed of evaporated salts and fragile grassland with patches of acacia woodland. You can see most types of game in the park, including rhinos, giraffes, gazelles, lions, cheetahs and leopards. Birdlife is prolific, too, especially around the swamp areas. This entire experience is carried out under the shadow of the majestic Mount Kilimanjaro, which rises some 5,000 metres above the national park. Enjoy a warm picnic lunch in the park, and return to the lodge in the afternoon. In the late afternoon, dinner will be served at the lodge. 

Overnight at Amboseli.

After an early breakfast, relax and catch the last views of the magnificent Mount Kilimanjaro. Early morning, head northwards to Nairobi, crossing the seemingly never-ending Athi Plains. Arrive in the bustling capital or the airport by 01:30 pm, for drop off and ongoing travel arrangements. Recommended departure flights departing from 04:00 pm.