Travelling north from Nairobi through the lush farming communities from Thika to Nyeri, the landscape drops away to the west into the Great Rift Valley, creating a dramatic back-drop to the journey. The bird-watching and views around Mt Kenya and the lakes are spectacular, while the big-game in Masai Mara is unforgettable.
Additional remarks
- We may have to re-route the itinerary or accommodate in similar lodges in case of non-availability.
- Prices for domestic flights, airport taxes or park fees may be changed without prior notice. This is beyond our control and any increase levied will be passed to you.
Passenger Information
- Passengers should bring only soft sided bags on safaris.
- This is a seat in bus programme and may form part of other programmes, other clients may therefore be joining or departing the safari at any time
Day 1
Leaving Nairobi, you'll journey north, passing near Thika, which boasts the world's third largest pineapple plantation, and Karatina, with its colourful market. Soon you turn off on the main road and head for Mountain Lodge for lunch. This is a tree lodge set in a forest glade with a waterhole that attracts all sorts of wildlife during the day and night. The waterhole is floodlit and there is an underground viewing platform.
Overnight at Serena Mountain Lodge on a full board basis.
Serena Mountain Lodge
Hidden away on the slopes of Mount Kenya, Serena Mountain Lodge (2,194m) is ringed by a dense rain forest that comes alive hours before dawn. With a myriad of forest sounds and the most spectacular forest waterhole in the Aberdare Range, wildlife sightings from the lodge are frequent and fascinating. The lodge is cosy and rooms comfortable, however the key feature here is that all visitors can hide away to watch the waterhole throughout the day or night. Local game includes elephant, buffalo, rhino, waterbuck and hundreds of bird species. A specially constructed underground viewing bunker adds to the experience, as this connects the lodge to the waterhole, enabling even closer photographic opportunities. In the distance and on a clear day, the majestic rocky peaks of Mount Kenya provide a stunning backdrop.
Day 2 Aberdares – Lake Nakuru
An early morning start takes you northwest as you head for Nyahururu, still known to many as Thomson's Falls for its 237?foot cascade. Now travel in a southerly direction to your next destination, the spectacular Lake Nakuru. This is often coloured a shimmering flamingo pink from thousands of the beautiful birds lining its shores. Once in the park, there will be a game drive en route to Nakuru lodge where you will have lunch. Following lunch there is an afternoon game drive you will then continue to Lake Nakuru lodge as the sun sets.
Overnight at Lake Nakuru Lodge on a full board basis.
Lake Nakuru Lodge
Lake Nakuru Lodge is situated in the heart of one of Kenya's most densely populated wetland National Parks, (Ramsar site) only two leisurely hours' drive from Nairobi, through beautiful forested uplands and passing a series of lakes. On the outskirts of the bustling market town of Nakuru lies a truly remarkable national park which has achieved international fame. Both black and white rhino are being given a new lease of life in this 188 sq km, fully-fenced park - and they are carefully protected. The present rhino population is over 50 and continuing to multiply. The Rothschilds giraffe is another rarity and the park has its fair share of buffalo, leopard, zebra, eland, waterbuck and lion. Lake Nakuru Lodge is in the south-east ecological niche of the park, with commanding views of the lake and the flamingos for which it is justly famous. Lush gardens surround the lodge and cottages. There is a good programme of activities and evening entertainment.
Day 3 Lake Nakuru - Masai Mara Game Reserve
After an early morning breakfast, drive to Narok town via Mai-Mahiu with a brief a rest stop and proceed on to Mara arriving in time for lunch at Mara Simba Lodge. After lunch, depart for an afternoon game arriving at the lodge as the sun sets.
Overnight at Mara Simba Lodge on a full board basis.
Mara Simba Lodge
Mara Simba extends for almost one kilometre along the beautiful Talek River and is surrounded by lush landscaped gardens filled with indigenous plants and trees. These alone attract many colourful birds and butterflies through out the year. The lodge overlooks a dramatic bend in the river and is designed to complement its natural setting, providing an emphasis on exclusivity and comfort, with a decor that incorporates ethnic design elements from local tribes. The 84 guest rooms are arranged in clusters of 6 and are fitted out in natural wood tones and stone. Guest rooms have en suite showers, tiled bathrooms with natural granite floors. Each room is spacious, opens onto its own private veranda with uninterrupted views across the river and can easily accommodate an extra bed. The restaurant and bar offer first-class cuisine and the staff are very relaxed and friendly. After game drives, there’s a large swimming pool to enjoy and a floodlit area by the river, to enjoy viewing nocturnal species drinking after dark.
Day 4 Masai Mara Game Reserve
Early morning and afternoon game drives.
Overnight at Mara Simba Lodge on a full board basis.
Day 5 Masai Mara Game Reserve - Nairobi
After breakfast you’ll depart the Masai Mara and head across acres of rolling wheat and barley farms to Narok, the district headquarters of this part of Maasailand. From here cross the vast plains on the floor of the Rift Valley whilst keeping an eye out for herds of giraffe and gazelle before heading up the rift escarpment. You’ll arrive into Kenya’s bustling capital in the early afternoon. Once in the city, you will be dropped off at a city centre hotel or the airport for your ongoing travel arrangements.
Children under the age of 7 not allowed at Mountain Lodge