8 Day Grey Heron Safari

DAY 1: NAIROBI –DRIVE TO ABERDARES NATIONAL PARK:

Upon arrival at the Jomo Kenyatta International Airport on flight TBA, clear with immigrations
and custom formalities, on arrival exit hall you will be met by Maa Expeditions driver guide
commence your safari with drive to Aberdares National Park to arrive at Aberdares Country
Club in time for lunch and check in.

At designated time transferred to the ark lodge by the camps vehicle.

Afternoon game views from the precincts of the lodge.

Dinner and overnight at THE ARK LODGE (Standard Room – Full board basis).

Aberdares National Park, located in central highlands of Kenya, is a stunning nature
reserve known for its diverse landscapes and wildlife. The park spans the Aberdare
Mountain Range, which rises up to 4,001 meters (13,130 feet) at its highest peak,
Mount Satima. The dramatic topography includes deep ravines, cascading waterfalls
(Karuru Waterfall: the highest waterfall in Kenya, Gura Waterfall, Chania Waterfall &
Magura Waterfall), dense forests, and open moorlands. The park boasts beautiful
scenery with mist-covered mountains, deep valleys, and the landscapes are perfect
for nature photography and hiking.

The park is home to a rich variety of wildlife, including elephants, buffaloes,
leopards, hyenas, and a diverse array of bird species. Unique to the Aberdares are
the rare Bongo antelope and the elusive African golden cat. Visitors might also spot
the endangered black rhinoceros and Colobus monkeys swinging through the trees.

Aberdares National Park is not only a haven for wildlife but also a place of
historical significance. The park contains the Treetops Lodge, where Queen
Elizabeth II was staying when she learned of her father’s death and her subsequent
ascension to the throne.

The park plays a crucial role in the conservation of Kenya’s wildlife and forests. It’s
part of the Aberdare Range, which forms the eastern wall of the Great Rift Valley,
and is an important water catchment area.

It’s a fantastic destination for hikers, wildlife enthusiast, bird watchers, and anyone
looking to immerse themselves in the natural beauty of Kenya.

DAY 2: ABERDARES NATIONAL PARK – DRIVE TO LAKE NAKURU NATIONAL PARK:

Breakfast at the lodge.

Transferred to Aberdares country club (by the camps vehicle) to meet your driver guide
and commence a drive to Lake Nakuru National Park.

Upon arrival, at the park commence your late afternoon game viewing in the park with
chances to see all the big five except for elephants.

Late evening drive to your camp for dinner and overnight at LAKE NAKURU SOPA LODGE
(Standard Room – Full board basis).

Lake Nakuru National Park, located in Kenya’s Great Rift Valley, is a significant
destination in the tourism industry. Known for its prolific birdlife, including over 400
species, the park is especially famous for the millions of pink flamingos that flock
to its alkaline waters. The park is also home to 56 species of mammals, including
the endangered rhino and the rare tree-climbing lions.

The park’s unique ecosystem, with its rocky escarpments, forested areas, and the
lake itself, offers breathtaking scenery and diverse wildlife. It’s one of Kenya’s
“Premium Parks,” drawing international tourists with its iconic sites.

Lake Nakuru National Park is a sanctuary for both black and white rhinos, making it
a critical area for conservation efforts.

Despite facing challenges like pollution and habitat loss, Lake Nakuru National Park
continues to be a vital part of Kenya’s tourism brand

DAY 3: LAKE NAKURU NATIONAL PARK – DRIVE TO MAASAI MARA NATIONAL RESERVE:

Breakfast the lodge.

Drive to famous Maasai Mara National Reserve via Mau Narok route.

Arrive in time for lunch at the Sarova Mara Camp.

Afternoon game viewing drive in the Reserve.

Dinner and overnight at AA MARA LODGE (Standard Room– Full board basis).

Maasai Mara is popularly known for large numbers of wildlife including Africa’s
Big Five and the Plethora of other wildlife inhabiting this vast Kenyan game reserve. On clear days, the Mara offers fantastic, orange-tinged sunset’s well- worth capturing on camera. The Mara Reserve is 1510 km2 of incredible wide- open landscapes and fertile riverine woodland following the looping meanders of the Mara and Talek Rivers in Kenya. One glimpse is enough to explain its appeal; it is a typical open savannah, with a mass of amazing wildlife.
Wherever you go in the vast Masai Mara you will see a frequent amount of
wildlife such as Masai Giraffe, Baboons, Warthogs, Bat eared foxes, Grey
Jackals, Spotted Hyena, Topis, Impala, Hartebeests, Wildebeest. Elephants,
Buffaloes, Zebras and Hippos are also found in great numbers. It is also
common to see lions either basking after a heavy meal or surveying the plains
for their next meal. Cheetahs and Leopards are harder to spot, but reasonably
common.

DAY 4: MAASAI MARA NATIONAL RESERVE

Morning and afternoon game viewing drives (full day game drive with picnic lunches) in the
Reserve.

All meals and overnight at AA MARA LODGE (Standard Room – Full board basis)

The Maasai Mara National Reserve in Kenya is an iconic wildlife conservation area
renowned for its incredible biodiversity and spectacular landscapes. Located in the
southwest of the country, it borders Tanzania’s Serengeti National Park, forming a
larger ecosystem that spans both nations.

The reserve covers around 1,510 square kilometers (583 square miles) and is
named after the Maasai people who inhabit the area and the Mara River that flows
through it. The landscape is characterized by vast open savannas, rolling hills, and
acacia woodlands, providing a stunning backdrop for the incredible array of wildlife
that calls it home.

The Maasai Mara is famous for the Great Migration, an awe-inspiring natural event
where over 1.5 million wildebeest, zebras, and gazelles traverse the plains in
search of fresh grazing, accompanied by predators like lions, cheetahs, and hyenas.
This phenomenon typically occurs between July and October and draws visitors
from around the world.

In addition to the migration, the reserve is home to the “Big Five” (lions, elephants,
leopards, rhinoceroses, and buffaloes), as well as countless other species,
including giraffes, hippos, crocodiles, and numerous bird species.

The Maasai Mara offers a unique opportunity to experience the rich cultural
heritage of the Maasai people, who are known for their distinctive customs, dress,
and traditional way of life.

Overall, the Maasai Mara National Reserve is a must-visit destination for nature
enthusiasts, offering unparalleled wildlife viewing and unforgettable safari
experiences.

DAY 5: MAASAI MARA NATIONAL RESERVE – DRIVE TO LAKE NAIVASHA

Breakfast at the camp and depart for Lake Naivasha driving along the Rift Valley floor, via
Mai Mahiu Town with a stopover at the Great Rift Valley view point.

The Great Rift Valley Viewpoint is a stunning location in Kenya that offers
breathtaking views of the vast Rift Valley. It’s a popular spot for both locals and
tourists to take in the natural beauty of the landscape.

From the viewpoint, you can see the expansive valley, rolling hills including Mt.
Longonot and sometimes even spot wildlife in the distance. It’s a great place to
stop, take photos, and enjoy the serene environment. There are also local shops
where you can buy souvenirs and enjoy some refreshments.

Continue with your drive to arrive at the resort in time for and check in.

Transferred to the shores of the lake for an afternoon 01Hr boat ride.

The rest of afternoon spent at leisure enjoying the resort facilities.

Dinner and overnight at BURCH RESORT (Standard Room – Full Board basis).

Lake Naivasha is a popular destination in Kenya known for its breathtaking
beauty and diverse wildlife. It offers a range of experiences for nature lovers,
adventure enthusiasts, and those seeking tranquility.
Lake Naivasha is a haven for birdwatching enthusiasts. It is home to over 450
species of birds, including the African fish eagle, pelicans, herons, and
flamingos (during migration seasons). The surrounding areas, such as Hell’s
Gate National Park, also host various wildlife, including giraffes, zebras, and
buffaloes.
Visitors can enjoy boat tours on the lake, where they can spot hippos (which
are common in the lake) and numerous bird species. These tours offer an
excellent opportunity to explore the lake’s beauty up close.
Walking safaris at Crescent Island, allowing visitors to explore the island on
foot and experience its abundant wildlife up close. Guests can enjoy intimate
encounters with animals like antelopes, fish eagles, monkeys, hippos, bush babies, genet cats, and bat-eared foxes. The island offers a safe and soul-fulfilling experience, with warm days and cool nights, making it an ideal location for nature lovers.                  In conclusion, Lake Naivasha offers a unique blend of nature, adventure,
wildlife, and cultural experiences, making it a prime tourist destination in
Kenya. It provides the perfect balance of relaxation and exploration, ensuring
that visitors leave with lasting memories.

DAY 6: LAKE NAIVASHA – DRIVE TO NAIROBI

Breakfast at the resort and depart for Nairobi.

Drop off for lunch and leisure for the rest of the day at the hotel (dinner on own
arrangements)

Overnight MAA HOTEL & SUITES (Standard room – Half Board basis).

DAY 7: NAIROBI – DRIVE TO AMBOSELI NATIONAL PARK

Early breakfast at the hotel.

Met with your driver guide and commence your drive to Amboseli National Park, driving
along the Nairobi/Mombasa Highway, before turning due West towards Mount Kilimanjaro.
The drive is through typical African savanna country dotted with local homesteads and
colorful Masai herdsmen grazing their cattle.

On entrance to the park, Game viewing en route to your lodge for lunch and check in.
In the afternoon, further game viewing drive in this park, which is one of the best in Africa
to spot large herds of Elephants up close, with the immense grandeur of Mount
Kilimanjaro, the highest peak in Africa, as a picturesque background.

Late evening drive to the lodge for dinner and overnight at AA AMBOSELI LODGE (Standard
Room – Full Board basis).

Amboseli National Park, located in southern Kenya near the Tanzania border, is
renowned for its stunning scenery and diverse wildlife. It offers breathtaking views
of Mount Kilimanjaro, the tallest mountain in Africa, which is just across the border
in Tanzania.
It is famous for its large herds of free-ranging elephants, making it one of the best
places in Africa to get up close and personal with these majestic creatures. The
park is also home to a wide variety of other wildlife, including lions, cheetahs,
zebras, giraffes, buffalos, hippos, and numerous bird species.
The landscape in Amboseli is diverse, with a mix of swamps, grasslands, and acacia
woodlands. The park’s swamps are fed by underground rivers from Mount Kilimanjaro’s melting snow, providing a crucial water source for the park’s inhabitants.
In addition to wildlife viewing, Amboseli offers opportunities for cultural
experiences with the local Maasai communities, who live around the park. Visitors
can learn about their traditional way of life and participate in cultural tours.

DAY 8: AMBOSELI NATIONAL PARK – DRIVE TO NAIROBI-DEPART

Breakfast and check out from the lodge.

Commence your drive back to Nairobi.

Upon arrival, transferred to at Jomo Kenyatta International Airport where you will be
dropped off for your international departure flight on TBA.