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Journey Snapshot

Activity level: Level 2 Requires moderate physical activity. You need to be able to participate in physical activities such as longer walking tours, walking over uneven terrain, climbing steps and be comfortable with some periods of standing. Not suitable if you have limited mobility.
Destination: Kenya Wildlife Safari
Duration: 11 days
Pickup location: Nairobi’s Jomo Kenyatta International Airport [NBO]

Overview

The word safari means ‘journey’ in Swahili. This fantastic wildlife safari is an unforgettable journey to one of the best safari destinations on the planet.

Kenya is renowned for beautiful scenery, the proliferation of wildlife and in particular the ease in which to spot the elusive ‘Big 5’; elephant, rhino, buffalo, leopard and lion.

On this trip you will stay in small lodges and luxury safari tents, surrounded by breathtaking landscapes, diverse cultures and abundant wildlife. It will take you off the beaten track, as well as ‘ticking off’ the most famous safari destination of all - the spectacular Masai Mara.

Itinerary

Itinerary summary: DAY 1 - Welcome to Kenya
DAY 2 - Discovering Nairobi National Park
DAY 3 - To Laikipia National Reserve
DAY 4 - Exploring Laikipia National Reserve
DAY 5 - Game Driving in Laikipia National Reserve
DAY 6 - To Lake Naivasha
DAY 7 - Spotting the Wildlife of Lake Naivasha
DAY 8 - To the Masai Mara
DAY 9 - The Mighty Masai Mara
DAY 10 - Masai Mara
DAY 11 - To Nairobi and Home
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Full Itinerary

DAY 1 - Welcome to Kenya

Welcome to Nairobi - one of the most energetic cities in Africa! You will be met at the airport on your arrival by a Big Safari Company representative and then there is a short transfer to Ololo Lodge in Nairobi National Park.

The lodge is the perfect place to relax after a long haul flight, as well as giving you your first wonderful wildlife experience in Kenya!

Accommodation: Ololo Lodge, Nairobi National Park 

DAY 2 - Discovering Nairobi National Park

Despite its size and proximity to the city, Nairobi National Park boasts a large and varied wildlife population, including one of the world's highest concentrations of black rhinoceros. Its wetland areas are abundant with birdlife boasting over 400 bird species.

On your game-drives you can spot lion, hyena, warthog, zebra, giraffe, ostrich, gazelle, buffalo, and if you're lucky, leopard and cheetah.

Included meals: Breakfast, Lunch & Dinner 
Accommodation: Ololo Lodge, Nairobi National Park 
Optional extras: Why not visit the Sheldrick Trust Elephant Orphanage? Located in Nairobi National Park, the Sheldrick Wildlife Trust's Nairobi Nursery’s holds a daily public visiting hour, time-honoured tradition in which they invite the public to learn more about the conservation work and meet the orphans in their care. Visiting is from 11h-12h, and places are limited so pre-booking is required. 

DAY 3 - To Laikipia National Reserve

Today drive north to Mt Kenya, the route passes through the outskirts of Nairobi, agricultural smallholdings, a pineapple plantation and several towns to reach the Loldaiga Hills Conservancy, where the Safari Series Camp is located.

Set against the backdrop of Mountt Kenya, Laikipia National Reserve offers dramatic rocky scenery, open grasslands, basalt hills and forests all with a dense population of wildlife including lion, leopard, buffalo and elephant; as well as rare species such as the black rhino and Grevy’s zebra.

Included meals: Breakfast, Lunch & Dinner 
Accommodation: Safari Series Camp, Laikipia National Reserve  

DAY 4 - Exploring Laikipia National Reserve

Your days on safari can be spent as you wish and your driver/guide will discuss each day with you as you go along. The norm is an early wake up with coffee/tea around 6a.m. to depart on a pre-breakfast game drive at about 6:30a.m. Being so close to the equator Kenya’s sunrise and sunset varies by an hour at most throughout the year, the temperature can also be comparatively cold in the early mornings and evenings, so it is a good idea to dress in layers when you go out on a drive as the middle of the day will be hot and dry.

After a sumptuous breakfast, the middle of the day is yours to do with as you please, many people go back to their tents and have a shower, perhaps read and take a nap before lunch or play board games in the main mess/lounge area of camp. After lunch you have a few hours to relax again before heading out around 3.30-4p.m. on an afternoon game drive – perhaps follow up on the pride of lion you saw in the morning, or head out to look for an elusive leopard or cheetah. After the game drive is time for a well-deserved pre-dinner drink around the camp fire and a chance to swap stories with other guests.

Included meals: Breakfast, Lunch & Dinner 
Accommodation: Safari Series Camp, Laikipia National Reserve  
Optional extras: Excursion to Mount Kenya - Reaching to heights of 5,199m, Mt Kenya is the tallest peak in Kenya and the second highest in Africa! The stunning National Park that surrounds it was declared a UNESCO World Heritage Site in 1997. Its unique Alpine scenery includes lakes, glaciers, dense forest, springs and a selection of rare species, adapted to the unique montane and alpine landscape.. 

DAY 5 - Game Driving in Laikipia National Reserve

As well as game drives and bush walks, the lodges in this area offer a wide range of optional activities such as horse or camel rides, quad-bike tours, fishing and kayaking.

This is a working community so it will also give you a unique experience to witness people going about their day to day lives and go on included cultural visits.

Included meals: Breakfast, Lunch & Dinner 
Accommodation: Safari Series Camp, Laikipia National Reserve  

DAY 6 - To Lake Naivasha

The drive from the Loldaigas to Lake Naivasha passes over the Laikipia Plateau to the Great Rift Valley - an a clear day the views are spectacular.

Check in for your stay at Kiangazi House in the Oserengoni Sanctuary by Lake Naivasha.

Included meals: Breakfast, Lunch & Dinner 
Accommodation: Kiangazi House, Oserengoni Sanctuary 
Optional extras: Lake Naivasha Boat Ride: Take to the water and cruise the mighty Lake Naivasha. Spot families of hippos cooling off by the lake shores, flocks of pelicans, lofty cranes and storks and mighty African fishing eagles swooping down to catch their lunch. The lake is teeming with wildlife and you can see if from a different and relaxed perspective from the water. 

DAY 7 - Spotting the Wildlife of Lake Naivasha

Lake Naivasha is the highest of the Great Rift Valley lakes. It is fringed by papyrus and acacia trees and supports a vast array of birds, including large flocks of flamingos.

The Oserengoni Wildlife Sanctuary is a conservation success story and is home to over 50 mammal species and 400 bird species. On our game drives we will try to see some of the protected animals who have taken refuge here including Leopard, Topi, Grevy’s zebra, Impala, Serval cat, Warthog, and Lesser Galago.

Included meals: Breakfast, Lunch & Dinner 
Accommodation: Kiangazi House 
Optional extras: Boat ride on the lake, visit to Hell’s Gate National Park 

DAY 8 - To the Masai Mara

Leaving Lake Naivasha, drive along the floor of the Rift Valley to the Masai Mara to stay at the centrally located Spekes Camp, which has fabulous access to the best gaming areas in the reserve. There is an incredible variety of wildlife on offer here including elephants, lion, giraffe, buffalo and zebra to name just a few. You will have exclusive use of a safari vehicle for your game drives.

Included meals: Breakfast, Lunch & Dinner 
Accommodation: Speke's Camp, Masai Mara 

DAY 9 - The Mighty Masai Mara

The Masai Mara (together with Tanzania’s Serengeti) forms Africa’s most famous wildlife area. The iconic landscape consists of endless grass plains and acacia trees. You will also probably see the colourful Masai communities, which the game reserve is named after roaming the plains. 

Perhaps visit a Masai Village, to see how the tribe lives and learn of their culture.

Included meals: Breakfast, Lunch & Dinner 
Accommodation: Speke's Camp,  
Optional extras: Masai Village Cultural Visit 

DAY 10 - Masai Mara

The annual wildebeest migration through the Serengeti and the Masai Mara is the largest mass movement of land mammals on the planet – with more than a million animals following the rains. Aside from the wildebeest are large prides of lions looking for an easy meal, plus a whole host of other ‘hangers on’ including elephant, gazelle, giraffe and eland.

Included meals: Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner 
Accommodation: Speke's Camp 
Optional extras: Hot air balloon ride 

DAY 11 - To Nairobi and Home

Check out after breakfast and drive to Nairobi. Transfer to the international airport for your flight home.

Included meals: Breakfast 
Optional extras: Excursions (eg to the Giraffe Centre) or shopping trips in Nairobi flight times permitting 

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More information

What's includedWhat's not includedImportant information

What's included

  • Airport transfers
  • 2 nights accommodation at Ololo Lodge in Nairobi National Park
  • 3 nights accommodation at Safari Series Camp in Loldaiga Hills Conservancy
  • 2 nights accommodation at Kiangazi Lodge at Lake Naivasha
  • 3 nights accommodation at Speke's Camp in the Masai Mara
  • Exclusive use of 4 x 4 safari vehicle with experienced English speaking driver guide throughout the safari
  • Park and conservancy fees
  • AMREF Flying Doctors Membership
  • All known Government taxes

What's not included

  • International Flights and Visas
  • Any activity not mentioned in the itinerary
  • Items of a personal nature such as shopping
  • Tips and gratuities
  • Any unforeseen tax increases
  • Any COVID-related testing

Important information

  • Vaccinations are recommended for Kenya. Please consult your doctor for advice.
  • US Passport holders require an e-Visa to visit Kenya.
  • Please let The Big Safari Company know prior to travelling if you have any medical needs or take any medication that we need to be made aware of to ensure that you have a safe and pleasant tour.
  • Check in is after 2-3pm and check out is before 10am unless otherwise specified in the itinerary.
  • Cancellation 90 – 0 days prior to departure cancellation fee is 100%. It is your responsibility to ensure the correct travel insurance in place to protect you against the need to cancel your holiday. Deposits are non-refundable. Balance payments due 14 weeks prior to departure.
  • Further terms and conditions apply and will be provided upon request or at the time of booking. The Big Safari Company reserves the right to withdraw any offer prior to accepting a reservation request. This does not affect your statutory rights. This offer is subject to availability and space is limited.

The big journey promise

The big journey company was set up with one goal in mind, to share our passion for inspirational cultures, destinations and experiences. Over the last 10 years we have had the privilege to escort thousands of travellers on awe inspiring and sometimes life changing journeys. Our promise to every guest who joins us is that we will do everything possible to make sure your journey not only exceeds expectations but delivers at least one moment of true amazement.

talk toll free to our well travelled team of experts

Call us on:UK 0800 689 0941
USA 1 800 949 3295

Monday to Thursday 09:00am - 8:00pm. Friday 09:00am - 05:30pm. (London time)

or Send us a message

Anytime, day or night

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Holiday tours are operated by The Big Safari Company - a subsidiary of The Big Journey Company Limited. Registered in England. Registered office: Marron Bank, Branthwaite, Cumbria, CA14 4SZ. Registered number: 6532140. The Big Journey Company Limited is a member of The Travel Trust Association member number U5675 and holds an Air Travel Organiser’s License number T7282.

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