Kenya Highlights Private Custom Safari

12 Days/ 11Nights Kenya Safari

Waterbuck at Lake Naivasha in Kenya

Chimpanzee at Sweetwaters Game Sanctuary in Kenya

Masai Mara Game Reserve in Kenya

Summary Itinerary

Day 1: Nairobi arrival

Day 2: Nairobi Day Excursion
Day 3: Nairobi — Lake Naivasha

Day 4: Lake Naivasha — Lake Nakuru National Park
Day 5: Lake Nakuru — Ol-Pejeta Sweetwaters Game Sanctuary

Day 6: Ol-Pejeta Sweetwaters Sanctuary

Day 7: Sweetwaters — Samburu Game Reserve

Day 8: Samburu Game Reserve

Day 9: Samburu — Mt Kenya safari Club

Day10: Mt Kenya safari Club — Fly Masai Mara Game Reserve

Day 11: Masai Mara Game Reserve

Day 12: Masai Mara — Fly Nairobi

Cost for 2011: Per Person
Land Arrangements (per person)

Child rate 2 – 11 years is 75% of the adult rate

Kenya Highlights Private Custom Safari 12 Days/ 11 Nights Kenya Safari

The Kenya Highlights Private Custom 12 Days 11 night Safari is a delightful journey for travelers with limited time away from home yet who desire an in-depth safari experience. Devoted exclusively to Kenya, in less than two weeks we touch upon nearly all of the region’s highlights, while enjoying exceptional wildlife throughout. Two flights expedite travel between locations and make the most of our time in each reserve. We start in Nairobi at Nairobi Serena or the Norfolk Hotel with a city tour, Karen Blixen Museum and the giraffe Centre.

Our adventures in the bush begin with spectacular Lake Naivasha then followed by a visit to Lake Nakuru National Park. Awaiting us at our next stop is a sheltered oasis, clustered around a waterhole and set in the pristine calm of its own private reserve: Sweetwaters Tented Camp. Samburu Game Reserve follows next. Wild and rugged, Samburu is fiercely beautiful with its arid savannahs watered by the lovely Uaso Nyiro River.

The Mount Kenya Safari Club, our next sojourn, might well be one of the most gracious establishments in Kenya, with a colorful past to boot! And its setting is truly magnificent. The grand main building gleams white against the green sweep of surrounding lawns, while the idyllic swimming pool reflects the forested evergreen foothills rising up to the clouds and peaks of Mount Kenya in the distance.

The best is yet to come still, on safari in the Masai Mara. An un spoilt wilderness of haunting beauty, it promises a
profusion of wildlife, prolific bird life and the unprecedented opportunity of catching up with all the members of the “Big Five” in one morning. When it comes to game viewing, there is nowhere richer in wildlife or more eventful in encounters. Part of the vast Serengeti plains, this is the legendary Africa of our dreams where spectacular events take place.

Daily Safari Itinerary

Day 1

Nairobi arrival

On arrival at the Jomo Kenyatta International Airport Nairobi, you will be met by your Safari Director who will accompany you to the venerable InterContinental Hotel or the New Stanley Hotel. Welcome to Nairobi, the City in the Sun! Today Kenya’s capital and a busy metropolis Africa’s center of commerce and finance, Nairobi is only as old as its railway and slightly older than the century.

Nairobi means “place of cold water” in the Masai language and used to be a resting place on the slave route between the interior of East Africa and Mombasa, the former capital. Situated 100 miles south of the Equator, and 300 miles west of the Indian Ocean at an elevation of 5,500 feet, Nairobi’s pleasant climate has been an important factor in its booming success. The nights are cool, the days are warm, the temperature rarely exceeds 75 degrees and humidity is low. Karibi! In Swahili means welcome.... When your flight touches down in Nairobi, your hotel room is available the minute you walk through the hotel’s door.

Meal Plan {Bed & Breakfast}

Day 2
Full Day Nairobi City Tour

View of Nairobi Central

Karen Blixen Museum

The Giraffe Centre

Nairobi

The name alone conjures up images of dashing characters and romantic adventurers, and today we feel the intrigue that has seduced travelers for centuries. Exciting special events are planned. After breakfast, a Safari Briefing answers questions and creates excitement. You have the option of joining us for an orientation walk of the neighborhood around our hotel. Next is lunch at the New Rangers Restaurant, which is located outside of the city and overlooks a scenic bush area. You'll enjoy traditional Kenyan dishes and have the chance to see various game animals wandering in the bush below.

We travel to the nearby town of Karen to visit the museum dedicated to Karen Blixen, who wrote Out of Africa under her pen name Isak Denisen. The Kikuyu people she wrote about with great affection are still one of Kenya’s major ethnic groups. The Danish writer, as you may know, “had a farm in Africa, at the foot of the Ngong Hills.” Here she lived from 1914 to 1931. The Danish government gave the beautiful house to the country of Kenya upon its independence, and today it is a museum furnished with much of her original period furniture and open to visitors. This is a fascinating peek into the lives of early Kenya settlers.

To add a touch of African nature to today’s encounters with African culture, we stop in at the Giraffe Center, where you can get close to these towering animals and photograph them. “Giraffe Manor,” a beautiful Tudor-style manor house, was built in 1932. In 1974, Jock and Betty Leslie-Melville purchased it and relocated five orphaned and rare Rothschild giraffe here. Over the years they have thrived, and now have their own young.

We also visit the Kazuri Bead Factory, where ceramic beadwork jewelry made by local craftspeople is on display. Afterwards, we return to our hotel for some time to relax and a leisurely dinner.

Overnight at the InterContinental Nairobi or similar
Meal Plan {Breakfast, Lunch & Dinner}

Day 3
Nairobi – Lake Naivasha & Crescent Island Wildlife Sanctuary
Next, we overland to papyrus-fringed Lake Naivasha, a cool and peaceful escape from Nairobi’s big-city bustle. Our first stop is at Elsamere Home were we have Tea, Coffee or Hot chocolate as we learn more about the home. This is the former home of the late Joy Adamson who, together with her husband George, became world famous for their pioneering conservation work and relationship with the Lioness Elsa, as told in her best-selling book and subsequent film: Born Free. Joy Adamson wrote the following: "For years I had been looking for a house where George and I could live. Eventually I found a place that seemed to combine all we wished for. It would be impossible to imagine a more attractive site for a home. We decided to call our home Elsamere."

With over 400 species of bird, this freshwater lake is a birding Paradise. Along the lake’s fabled waters, we are bound to see some of the area’s more intriguing species—hippos, giraffes, buffalo and even the arboreal colobus monkey. Lake Naivasha lies in the Great Rift Valley and the name derives from the local Masai name Nai'posha, meaning "rough water" because of the sudden storms which can arise. After lunch we visit Crescent island — a private sanctuary, where you can walk beneath yellow-barked acacias (yellow fever trees) in search of giraffes, wildebeest , impala , dikdiks, thompson’s and grant’s gazelles, elands, waterbucks and countless bird species. Oh, and there are some rather gigantic pythons too! We are allowed to walk with the animals since all were introduced during the filming of Out of Africa. An optional boat ride on the lake reveals many water bird species and schools of Hippos.

Overnight at Lake Naivasha Sopa Lodge or similar
Meal Plan {Breakfast, Lunch & Dinner}

Day 4
Overland to Lake Nakuru National Park
After a delicious breakfast, we travel overland to Lake Nakuru National Park for a full day game viewing experience. The spectacular alkaline Lake is famously known as the feeding ground of both lesser and greater flamingos. This National park, which is fenced all round is a sanctuary for birds, Rothschild giraffes and both black and white-rhinos. Other mammals in abundance include Waterbucks, Buffalos, Gazelles, Lions, Baboons and the elusive Leopards sometimes seen sleeping on the horizontal branches of the “Fever trees”. Lunch will be served at your lodge located in the game park, offering its own local specialties, served with fresh produce from the region.

Overnight at Sarova Lion Hill or similar
Meal Plan{Breakfast, Lunch & Dinner}

Day 5
Lake Nakuru – Ol-Pejeta Sweetwaters Game Sanctuary

This morning we drive to Nyahururu and proceed northeast, driving through the Great Rift Valley to Sweetwaters Tented Camp. Sweetwaters land, the Ol Pejeta Conservancy and its sumptuous ranch were once the private domain of famed multi-millionaire, Adnan Kashoggi. We visit the Chimpanzee Sanctuary, a charming haven established by the Jane Goodall Institute to provide sanctuary to orphaned chimps, and the specially protected and fenced refuge of black rhino with its stunning forty specimens! In fact Sweetwaters boasts excellent game viewing with the highest ratio of game to area of any park or reserve in Kenya.
Moreover, the camp has its own private waterhole and saltlick so we’ll be guaranteed unprecedented close encounters. Whether its day or night game drives, camel trekking, lion tracking, al fresco dining or relaxing by pool, Sweetwaters is bound to delight.

Overnight at Sweetwaters Tented Camp
Meal Plan {Breakfast, Lunch & Dinner}

Day 6
Discover Sweetwaters Tented Camp
Today we enjoy a game drive to the secluded heart of Ol Pejeta Ranch and Rhino Reserve. Here at the reserve these magnificent beasts are given sanctuary from those who would take their lives in order to sell their horns. And here too, the Jane Goodall Institute offers the Chimpanzee Sanctuary, where you will truly enjoy meeting the primates face-to-face. The reserve provides a fascinating opportunity to study and learn about the rhinos, and to experience them up close. Ol Pejeta Ranch overlooks one of the busiest waterholes in the area…elephant, giraffe, waterbuck, gazelle and the big cats all come here to drink. It is fascinating to see the variety of plains game that risk receiving too much notice from a predator in order to enjoy the bounty of the waters! We return to our camp for another superb dinner and dream-laden evening’s sleep.

Overnight at Sweetwaters Tented Camp
Meal Plan {Breakfast, Lunch & Dinner}

Day 7
Sweetwaters to Samburu National Reserve
After an early breakfast, your private custom safari cruiser takes you overland to Kenya’s northern frontier. Wild and rugged, Samburu is fiercely beautiful with its arid savannahs watered by the lovely Uaso Nyiro River. It is also one of Kenya’s most protected areas and home to species only found north of the equator, from the Reticulated Giraffe, Somali Ostrich to Grevy’s Zebras and Beisa Oryx’s.

We also enjoy the beautiful Samburu Serena, our luxurious hostelry set beneath a canopy of acacia trees. This luxury lodge has been designed to recreate the romance and charm of an East African safari as undertaken in the early years of the 20th century. Situated on the banks of the Uaso Nyiro River along with the many crocodiles and leopards, the lodge is rustic yet sophisticated and captures the rhythms of riverside life. Making full use of native materials and artwork, all guest rooms are located in wooden thatched cottages surrounded by lush gardens. Each cottage has a private verandah overlooking the river so that the crocodiles can be seen feeding.

Overnight at Samburu Serena Lodge
Meal Plan {Breakfast, Lunch & Dinner}

Day 8
Explore the Shaba National Reserve

Full English breakfast and buffet luncheons are served in a comfortable dining atmosphere under the shade of the native trees. The hotel has 62 rooms, with a superb swimming pool surrounded by thatched umbrellas and sunny skies. Game drives and bird-watching safaris are extra special here in Samburu with over a hundred species of birds can be spotted. With its backdrop of rocky outcrops and prominent Mountain ranges to the North, it’s Doum Palm trees and Riverine forest, Samburu National Reserve has an exotic feel in it.

Overnight at Samburu Serena Lodge
Meal Plan {Breakfast, Lunch & Dinner}

Day 9
Drive to the famous Mt Kenya Safari Club
Today we drive to Isiolo and continue by road south to Mount Kenya Safari Club—reminiscent of the English countryside—to the Mount Kenya Safari Club. Sprawled on the slopes of majestic Mount Kenya, this historic club offers luxury and relaxation, including such activities as golf, trout streams, horseback riding and tennis, as well as a charming animal orphanage. Our upgraded accommodations are in the original cottages of the club’s founders or in riverside bungalows.

Overnight at Mount Kenya Safari Club
Meal Plan {Breakfast, Lunch & Dinner}

Day 10
Fly to Masai Mara Game Reserve

Excitement and expectations build as we fly to the Masai Mara, Kenya today with its myth-like stories of bountiful wildlife. And here we find the Old Africa of the movies, with rolling grasslands dotted by acacia trees and sweeping plains teeming with wildlife. No matter how much you have thought about Africa, this is more than you expected. We take a short game drive en-route to the Siana Springs Tented Camp, Perched on the saddle of a hill, the Mara Serena Safari Lodge has one of the most spectacular views imaginable across the vast plains, forests and rivers that make up the Masai Mara – one of the world’s richest wildlife sanctuaries. The hotel has been designed to mirror a traditional Masai village or Manyatta and all the guest rooms are located in individual domed huts grouped in a circular manner. Each hut has its own private balcony with views that stretch over the vast African landscape.

Here, our game drives are rousing exploits in the company of guides who regale us with bush lore, educate us on conservation and entertain us with tall tales. Masai Mara is famously known for its spectacular great wildebeest’s migration and is home of the Big Five: Lion, Elephant, Leopard, Buffalo and Rhino. Residents among the Park's are: Masai Giraffe, Eland, Klip Springer, Dik-dik and thousand of plain game including Impala, Zebra, Topi, both Thomson's and grants Gazelles.

Overnight at Siana Springs Tented Camp

Meal Plan{Breakfast, Lunch & Dinner}

Day 11
Discover Masai Mara Game Reserve

Today we get a closer look at the Mara during two extensive game runs. On the plains are enormous herds of grazing animals plus predators—cheetah and black-manned lion— hiding amidst acacia trees. The sheer enormity of the Masai Mara offers endless opportunities for excitement and is home to an incredible variety of wildlife.

Manyatta is a village or home of the Masai people. The Masai guarding his cattle is an enduring and proud figure across the plains of East Africa. Livestock represents status, wealth and livelihood to these ancient people. In between game drives you will thoroughly enjoy a visit to a Masai village, learning about their tribal social systems, customs and the place of the Masai people in today’s Africa.

The residents live in their Manyatta, or village, much as they have for centuries and you will have an opportunity to see the interior of these mud-hut homes, spotless and unadorned, contrasted with the Masai themselves, bedecked with brilliantly colored beads and cloths. The bright smiles and warmth of the tribe once considered among the fiercest warriors on earth will surely win your heart. This afternoon an extensive game run is planned.

Overnight at Siana Springs Tented Camp

Meal Plan{Breakfast, Lunch & Dinner}

Day12
Fly back to Nairobi. Depart for home
One long, last look over the savannah and after breakfast, we board our flight to Nairobi. You then enjoy a lunch at one of Nairobi’s local restaurants and following perhaps a visit to a favorite shop or two. Dinner is planned at the famous Carnivore restaurant and then you proceed to the Jomo Kenyatta International Airport and your flight home.

Meal Plan{Breakfast}

Safari inclusion

• Multiple daily game viewing in Custom Safari vehicle, driven by accomplished non-smoking driver guides private

2 Time saving domestic flights: Mt. Kenya Safari Club to Masai Mara & Mara to Nairobi

• Guaranteed a window seat and easy access to pop-up roof hatch for each member

• 2 Overnights at the Norfolk Hotel or Nairobi Serena on a bed & breakfast basis

• Entrance to the Karen Blixen Estate and Museum (Out of Africa)

• Entrance into the Giraffe Manor (Rothschild Giraffe Sanctuary)
• Arrival and departure transfers in Nairobi and Masai Mara
• Meet and greet upon arrival and departure in Nairobi

• Membership in the Flying Doctors medical services

• Game Reserve and National Park entrance fees

• Dinner at Carnivore Restaurant on the last day

• African Spice Safaris Designer Safari Hat
• Services of professional safari driver/guide
• Ice chests with complimentary beverages

• Safari library with wildlife guidebooks

• Radio calls for easy communications

• Entrance into Crescent Island

• Boat Ride on Lake Naivasha
• 2 game drives per day
• First aid kit

Safari Exclusions

• Personal expenses such traveling insurance (medical, accident, cancellation ,lost Baggage, etc.) excess baggage fee, communication charges that include, laundry, emails, faxes and phone calls beverages including luxury champagne, luxury spirits, beer, wines, soft drinks, and juices, water during meals.

• Personal items such as soft drinks, alcohol, juices etc phone calls, gratuities and souvenirs

• Optional: Hot air balloon ride over savannah in the Masai Mara (450 US Dollars per person)

• Optional: Visit to authentic Masai village for cultural exchange (30 US Dollars per person)

• Gratuity for your expert and professional Driver Guide

• Gratuity for all Porters and Waiters & driver guides

• Visa expenses (allow US Dollars 50 per person)

• Lunch & Dinner on the Last Day

• Applicable airport taxes

Options that Complement this Safari