Kenya Exclusive

NAIROBI
Upon arrival at JKIA., met by our representative and transferred to to your city hotel (kindly note rooms may not be ready for occupancy until noon).
Overnight at TAMARIND TREE HOTEL. (No meals)

NAIROBI – SAMBURU NATIONAL RESERVE
Distance: 330 KM / Time approx. 6 hrs.
Collected at 07:00 hrs from the Airport/Nairobi hotel and depart for Samburu National Reserve, driving North, Past Nanyuki (where you cross the Equator and possibly make a stop for a brief demonstration of Coriolis Effect).
Continue further north, past Isiolo, the gateway to the northern frontier Parks of Samburu / Buffalo & Shaba.
Arrive at your camp in time for lunch.
Late afternoon game viewing drive in the Buffalo Springs / Samburu National Reserves – hopefully an opportunity to see all the Special five of this spectacular area!
Return to the Camp at sunset, for dinner and overnight at ASHNIL SAMBURU CAMP.
(Breakfast, Lunch and Dinner)

SAMBURU, BUFFALO SPRINGS NATIONAL RESERVES
The sharp contrast of colours is the most remarkable feature of the trio of the Samburu, Shaba and Buffalo Springs National Reserves. The hazy blues of the surrounding hills and an infinite sky, the chocolate brown of the Uaso Nyiro River, the white dusty soils, interspaced with the vivid greens of semi-desert vegetation and the prehistoric looking Doum Palm- the only palm tree which has branches, scattered amongst the granite boulders and ancient black lava flows, found in the Shaba Reserve. The region’s animal life also pays tribute to the artist’s palette, with curious blue- legged Somali ostriches, chestnut coloured reticulated giraffes, black and white Grevy’s zebras, Gerenuk gazelles, and the grey-green Nile Crocodiles which inhabit the Uaso Nyiro River which flows through Shaba and Samburu. Samburu is often considered the country’s best leopard- viewing area, and sightings of prides of lions, cheetah, monolithic herds of elephants and buffalos in all the reserves is practically guaranteed. The birdlife in this area, ranging from the Sand Grouse to the multicolored kingfishers and spectacular eagles and falcons is striking for its diversity, as for its colorfulness.

SAMBURU NATIONAL RESERVE
Morning and late afternoon game viewing drives to truly appreciate the width and breadth of Samburu National Reserve.
The reserve is rich in wildlife with an abundance of rare Northern special five that is the reticulated giraffe, Grevy's Zebra, beisa oryx, somali ostrich and gerenuk.
All meals and overnight at the ASHNIL SAMBURU CAMP. (Breakfast, Lunch and Dinner)

SAMBURU NATIONAL RESERVE – LAKE NAIVASHA REGION
Distance: 320 KM / Time approx. 6 hrs.
After breakfast, commence your drive towards Naivasha region with a visit to Thompson falls Nyahururu. Lunch will be in a restaurant overlooking the falls.
After lunch, continue with the scenic drive to Lake Naivasha region.
Upon arrival in the afternoon, head for an Hour’s Boat ride, to enjoy the expansive bird life as well as numerous hippo families that reside within and around the Lake.
Dinner and overnight at ENASHIPAI RESORT & SPA (Breakfast, Lunch and Dinner)

Resting at an elevation of 1890 meters is the serene freshwater Lake Naivasha, a superb oasis for a safari holiday. Just beyond its shores are papyrus swamps, acacia woodlands, forests and unique geologic features that are remnants of the area’s volcanic past. The nutrient-rich soil is fertilized by an abundance of water, including the Gilgil and Malewa Rivers, to create an ecosystem that is known around the world for a diverse avian presence, as well as terrestrial game animals. Lake Naivasha is a RAMSAR site, a designation that reflects the ecological importance of the wetlands around the lake. More than 450 distinct birdlife species have been identified, and the resident avi-fauna are joined by migratory species from October to March. The lake, high cliffs and forests are home to spectacled weavers, red-billed firefinches, grey-backed fiscals, grey-capped warbler and many other interesting and colourful aerial creatures. The most prominent, though, are the cormorants and pelicans while the African fish eagles are the most majestic of the raptors. As you tour through the acacia forests, you may sight hawks, cuckoos, woodpeckers, shrikes and other birds, and a solo giraffe may peer through the thorn-leaves branches out of curiosity. The papyrus swamps are where you find jacanas, herons and kingfishers.
Lake Naivasha is one of the primary drinking holes for buffalos, zebras, elands, impalas, waterbucks and other grazers, as well as a favourite place for hippos to cool themselves during the day. Take a night game drive on one of the surrounding private conservancies like Loldia and Oserian, and you will see these incredible animals slowly emerge from their wallowing sites in the lake to grass along the shores. On your game drive, you may also see the other plains and forest fauna including the elusive Leopard.

LAKE NAKURU – MAASAI MARA
Distance: 300 KM / Time approx. 5.5 hrs.
After breakfast, (at 07:30 hrs.) depart for the world famous Maasai Mara National Reserve, driving along the Rift Valley floor, past lakes Elementaita and Naivasha, via Mai Mahiu Town, where you turn left towards the Maasai Mara – going past Narok Town (the Maasai Capital).
Arrive at the Camp in time for lunch.
Afternoon game viewing drive (at 16:00 hrs) in the Maasai Mara Game Reserve, generally acclaimed as the finest game viewing area in the world!
Return to the Lodge at sunset, for dinner and overnight at ASHNIL MARA CAMP.
(Breakfast, Lunch and Dinner)

Offering superb plains scenery, unmatched safari activities and diverse wildlife, Masai Mara National Reserve is considered Kenya’s best park and one of Africa’s highest wildlife density region for predators. The reserve covers 583 square miles (1510 square kilometres) of outstanding wilderness in South West Kenya.
The location, wildlife, activities and comfortable moderate climate puts Mara at the top of the list, even for the most discerning traveller to Kenya. When the public reserve was first established, it covered 645 square miles (1672 square kilometres). Strategically, the size of the reserve was later reduced in 1984 to accommodate Maasai cattle grazing on their ancestral lands.
Although the decrease in land area may be considered a let-down for wildlife conservation and protection at its infancy, the animals and habitats of the reserve found new allies to ensure their survival for generations to come. Many private conservancies have been introduced to protect the land that surrounds the reserve, thereby providing more area for wildlife. The lands not only protect habitats for resident species, but also preserve a critical part of the route used by wildebeests and zebras during the Great Migration that traverses the Masai Mara via the Serengeti National Park. Recognized as one of the most spectacular wildlife events on the planet, the migration is a continuous route that is followed by an over 1.5 million wildebeests and thousands of zebras, gazelles and elands. In their never-ending pursuit for the finest grazing and watering grounds, the gnu relocate on an almost constant basis. The perseverance of these wildebeests is demonstrated in their ability to mate while on the move, and many cows are pregnant during part of the migration. Additionally, even the youngest wildebeest calves are expected to keep up with the herd. Standing and walking within minutes are critical to its survival.

MAASAI MARA
Morning and afternoon game viewing drives in the extensive Maasai Mara Game Reserve, if lucky, opportunity to see the big five in one day!!!
In consultation with your drivers / guides, there is an option of a full day game viewing drive with packed lunches, this allows you time to explore greater areas of the reserve uninterrupted by journeying back to the Lodge for lunch.
All meals and overnight at ASHNIL MARA CAMP. (Breakfast, Lunch and Dinner)

The migrators of Masai Mara National Reserve are present from approximately late June – early August until end of October – early November. But the Mara offers year-round game viewing. The reserve and surrounding conservancies offer diverse resident species experiences. Frequently to be seen are impalas, topis, giraffes, elephants, zebras, buffalos, warthogs and other grazing herbivores. With so many prey animals, Masai Mara is a veritable bonanza for large predators, such as lions, cheetahs, leopards, crocodiles and other stealthy, powerful hunters. The abundance of terrestrial animals is enhanced by the presence of more than 450-winged species, including 57 birds of prey. Masai Mara Game Reserve offers varied tour activities to explore the plains landscape and see incredible animal behaviours. The adjoining conservancies offer distinct activities that are not allowed in the reserve. Game drives in the reserve are perfect for those who seek to be immersed in Kenya’s bush country and see larger animals.
For guests interested in observing the nocturnal animals, these are available in the form of night game drives in some of adjoining private conservancies. The Serengeti-Mara ecosystem is recognized for an enormous diversity of flora and fauna, and some small details are missed during game drives. Most conservancies offer bush walks for an intimate look at the micro-ecosystems of the area. To complement these walks or a general visit to the Mara, a balloon safari experience, for a bird’s-eye view of the area, is a memorable experience.
Lastly, the Maasai community is key to the advancement of wildlife management in the area. It is hence recommended for one to take time learning more about these noble people by visiting one of their villages for a life-changing cultural experience in understanding their modest and simple lives.

MAASAI MARA – NAIROBI - DEPART
Distance: 230 KM / Time approx. 4.5 hrs.
After breakfast at the Lodge, at 07:30 hrs, commence your return drive to Nairobi to arrive in time for lunch at the Carnivore Restaurant.
After lunch transferred to Jomo Kenyatta International Airport for your departure flight. (Breakfast and Lunch)
(Transfer 03/04 hrs. prior to departure)