9 Day Big Five Safari

DAY 1: NAIROBI – DRIVE TO SAMBURU NATIONAL RESERVE: (293KM)

Breakfast at the hotel.

Depart Nairobi and drive towards the northern Kenya, traversing the scenic and agricultural
rich Central highlands of awash with pineapple, tea, and coffee plantations. Continue further
North past Isiolo, the gateway to the Northern circuit Parks of Buffalo, Shaba and Samburu
itself.

Upon arrival, proceed to your lodge for lunch.

Later in the afternoon, enjoy a game viewing drive in the reserve.

Dinner and overnight at SAMBURU SIMBA LODGE (Standard Room– Full board basis).

DAY 2: SAMBURU NATIONAL RESERVE

Morning and afternoon game viewing drives in the Reserve.

All meals and overnight at SAMBURU SIMBA LODGE (Standard Room– Full board basis).

Samburu National Reserve is a stunning wildlife haven located in the northern part of
Kenya. It spans an area of about 165 square kilometers along the banks of the Ewaso
Ng’iro River, which provides a vital water source for the region’s rich biodiversity. The
reserve is renowned for its unique and diverse wildlife, including the “Samburu Special
Five”: the Grevy’s zebra, reticulated giraffe, Somali ostrich, beisa oryx, and gerenuk.
These species are rarely found in other parts of Kenya, making Samburu a must-visit
destination for wildlife enthusiasts.

The reserve also hosts large populations of elephants, lions, leopards, cheetahs, and
over 450 bird species, making it a paradise for bird watchers. The landscape is
characterized by open savannahs, acacia woodlands, and riverine forests, creating a
picturesque and varied environment.

Visitors can enjoy game drives, guided nature walks, and cultural experiences with the
Samburu people, who have a rich cultural heritage and are known for their traditional
way of life.

DAY 3: SAMBURU NATIONAL RESERVE – DRIVE TO OL PEJETA CONSERVANCY:

Breakfast at the lodge.

Commence a drive towards Isiolo town continue to Nanyuki town turn right to Ol Pejeta Wildlife
Conservancy.

Upon arrival at the conservancy commence a game viewing drive enroute to your camp for
lunch and check in.

Afternoon game viewing in the extensive conservancy with a chance of spotting all the big five,
the special five and their competence.

Late evening drive back to the camp for dinner and overnight at MAISHA SWEETWATERS CAMP
(Deluxe Tent-Full Board basis).

Ol Pejeta Conservancy is a remarkable wildlife conservancy located in Central
Kenya’s Laikipia County. Spanning 360 km2 (140 sq mi), it’s situated between the
foothills of the Aberdares and Mount Kenya. The conservancy is dedicated to
wildlife conservation, providing a sanctuary for great apes, and generating income
through wildlife tourism and other enterprises to reinvest in conservation and
community development.

It is the home of the largest black rhino sanctuary in East Africa and was the home to the last two northern white rhinos in the world. The only place in Kenya where chimpanzees can be seen
Hosts the “Big Five” and “special five “game animals and a variety of other African
wildlife

DAY 4: OL PEJETA CONSERVANCY – DRIVE TO ABERDARES NATIONAL PARK:

Breakfast at the camp.

Depart for 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 5: 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 6: 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 7: 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 8: MAASAI MARA NATIONAL RESERVE – DRIVE TO NAIROBI

Breakfast at the Lodge and depart for Nairobi 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 provides the perfect balance of relaxation and exploration, ensuring that visitors leave with
lasting memories.

DAY 9: LAKE NAIVASHA – DRIVE TO NAIROBI

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