8-day Splendours of Kenya (Gold)

From the open grasslands of the Masai Mara Game Reserve, the savannahs and forests of Samburu National Reserve and rhinos of Ol Pejeta Conservancy, our 8-day Splendours of Kenya (Gold Level) safari takes in three of the most picturesque regions in Kenya – creating a truly unrivalled cultural adventure that offers so much more beyond that of your regular safari. Wildlife galore and breath-taking scenery is but one facet of this safari.

There are 3 levels of accommodation for this itinerary; Gold, Silver and Bronze.

This itinerary is available in 3 levels of accommodation:
DayBronzeSilverGold
DayBRONZESILVERGOLD
1Serena Mountain LodgeSerena Mountain LodgeSerena Mountain Lodge
2Samburu Sopa LodgeSarova Shaba Game LodgeElephant Bedroom Camp
3Samburu Sopa LodgeSarova Shaba Game LodgeElephant Bedroom Camp
4Sweetwaters Serena CampSweetwaters Serena CampSweetwaters Serena Camp
5Lake Naivasha Sopa LodgeLake Naivasha Sopa LodgeLake Naivasha Sopa Lodge
6Masai Mara Sopa LodgeSarova Mara Game CampTipilikwani Mara Camp
7Masai Mara Sopa LodgeSarova Mara Game CampTipilikwani Mara Camp
8EndEndEnd

 

Highlights

  • Lake Naivasha
  • Mount Kenya
  • Nairobi
  • Ol Pejeta Conservancy
  • Samburu National Reserve
  • Masai Mara National Reserve
  • Kenya

Tour Summary

Full Day by Day Itinerary

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Day 1 : Mount Kenya

A representative will warmly meet you upon arrival at the Jomo Kenyatta International airport with our traditional, unique & special welcome (champagne, hot/cold towels and presentation of authentic safari hat and souvenirs). Our guide driver will help you load your luggage into the safari land cruiser then proceed to Mount Kenya National Park arriving at our ‘tree lodge’ to arrive in time for hot lunch. Serena Mountain Lodge is situated in the shadow of Mt Kenya, Kenya's highest mountain. It is the only ‘tree hotel’ ever to be built on the slopes of Kenya’s legendary Mount Kenya. It offers a matchless game viewing opportunity whilst combining a glorious panorama of mountain vistas with the primordial splendours of an ancient rainforest. Floating high on the flanks of Kenya’s highest mountain and secreted deep within her largest forest reserve, the lodge offers not only the champagne-clarity of mountain air, the tranquillity of the forest and a colorful cavalcade of wildlife but also the chance of scaling the icy peaks of Africa’s second-highest mountain. You can awake to the trumpeting of elephant, fall asleep to the symphony of the African night or sit in stillness and observe the fascinating interplay of the animals as they arrive to drink, bathe, spar and forage around the water hole. Down the secret viewing hide by the water’s edge, you will experience the awesome thrill of being only meters away from some of the most massive beasts on earth - the savannah elephants. Enjoy dinner and overnight at our hotel.

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Day 2 : Samburu National Reserve

After breakfast we depart north via Nanyuki for the Samburu Game Reserve set in the rugged, semi-arid northern region of Kenya, with spectacular scenic landscape. Arrive in time for lunch, a short siesta then head for an afternoon game viewing drive. The water of the great Ewaso Nyiro River dotted with doum palms meanders through the reserve giving it an oasis setting and draws wildlife in great numbers to its banks. The verdant riverine forest is a stark contrast to the arid thorn studded plains. Samburu is visited by large herds of Elephants, drawn by the promise of water. In the dry season, the elephants use their tusks to dig deep into the dry river beds, unearthing precious water. These waterholes then become a focal point for other game. The Samburu region is the best place to find several endemic Northern species; including the Gerenuk (twiga gazelle) due to her long neck, the beisa Oryx, the reticulated giraffe, the Somali ostrich and Grevy’s Zebra. Samburu is also an ornithological paradise, home to many birds including local species such as the Palm Nut Vulture and the Vinaceous Dove. Leopards are often seen at dusk. The Samburu culture is a truly fascinating one, sharing a great deal of ancestral and linguistic ties to the Maasai. The entire Samburu region is a place of breath-taking and magical beauty, a place where the vision of a deep red sunset silhouetting the doum palms along the river as a leopard emerges to hunt brings the perfect end to a day on safari. Enjoy dinner and overnight at your lodge/camp.

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Day 3 : Samburu National Reserve

After an early breakfast enjoy a full day of game viewing drives in both Samburu and the nearby Buffalo Springs Game Reserves. The verdant riverine forest along the Ewaso Nyiro River is a stark contrast to the arid thorn studded plains. Packs of African Hunting Dogs are some of the animals you may see during your game viewing. Our driver guide will carefully select an amazing picnic site with a great scenic view where you will take your picnic lunch before venturing into the bush once again! Be on the look-out for the 'special five of Samburu': Reticulated giraffe, Grevy’s zebra, Somali ostrich, gerunuk and the beisa Oryx, along with other wildlife and a large number of bird species. Return to your lodge/camp for dinner and overnight.

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Day 4 : Ol Pejeta Conservancy

After breakfast depart south on a scenic drive towards Mt. Kenya, short game viewing on route, arriving at your Sweetwaters Serena Camp in time for lunch. Later in the afternoon, proceed on an afternoon game viewing drive within the reserve famous for plenty of plains game and the big five. It is also home to the endangered Chimpanzee and the Rhino Sanctuaries. Return to the lodge/camp for dinner and overnight.

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Day 5 : Lake Naivasha

Enjoy early morning game viewing drive followed by breakfast at your Camp. Depart thereafter, driving further south towards the Great Rift Valley with a brief stop at the Equator crossing point for photos and experiment the effects of the magnetic fields being the centre of the earth! Proceed towards the shores of Lake Naivasha to arrive at Lake Naivasha Sopa Resort in time for lunch. Lake Naivasha; a fresh water lake set in the heart of the Great Rift Valley. The lake derives its name from the local Maasai word Nai'posha, meaning "rough water" because of the sudden storms, which can arise. Spend the rest of the afternoon at leisure and enjoy an exciting like a boat ride on the lake and a guided walking safari on Crescent Island.

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Day 6 : Masai Mara National Reserve

After breakfast depart for Kenya's famous game reserve. You start the day venturing through the Great Rift Valley travelling to the northern most extension of the Serengeti Plains and one of the richest wildlife Game Reserves, the Masai Mara. It is perhaps the only region left in Kenya where the visitor may see animals in the same super-abundance as existed a century ago. Arrive for a late lunch at your lodge/camp. Enjoy an afternoon game viewing drive in this vast and expansive Reserve teaming with game. Be on the look-out for the 'big five' Mara is famous for and the most sought after in the early 20th century when Kenya was a hunters' paradise. These include the lion, Cape buffalo, the savannah elephant, black rhino and the elusive leopard. The vast savannah grasslands as far as the eye can see is home to impalas, Maasai giraffes, cheetah, waterbucks, wart hogs, Thompson & grand gazelles, topis, the migrating wildebeests, thundering herds of zebra among many others. You return late in the evening to freshen up prior to dinner and overnight at the lodge/camp.

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Day 7 : Masai Mara National Reserve

Wake up for an early morning breakfast and a full morning’s game viewing drive to return for lunch. Experience the friendly atmosphere where the Masai community lives in harmony with wild game. After lunch visit a traditional Masai Manyatta (off the beaten track) and experience the culture of this world famous community. The Masai still live as they did for centuries - Interact with these nomadic people and experience their way of life as you learn about their customs and traditions. Continue with the afternoon game viewing as you return to the lodge for dinner and overnight.

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Day 8 : Departure

Wake up early to enjoy a sumptuous breakfast before heading off on your last trail of the African Savannah – hopefully you may spot some of the animals that may have eluded you. Unfortunately, all good things must come to an end and sadly you must say ‘Kwaheri’ to your wonderful lodge manager and his team, as you drive back to Kenya’s colourful capital city, Nairobi. Drop-off at your city hotel/airport.

Included

Arrival transfer from/ to the Jomo Kenyatta International Airport
Bed & breakfast board accommodation in Nairobi
Full Board Accommodation while on safari.
Park entry fees
Services of professional English Speaking guide-driver
Unlimited supply of drinking water in the safari vehicle while on safari.
Unlimited game viewing drives.
Use of a custom designed pop-up roof Safari Land Cruiser while on safari.
Complimentary Flying Doctors cover while on safari for Evacuation.

Excluded

International flight, passport & visa fees
Comprehensive travel insurance cover.
Cultural visit to a Maasai Village (Manyatta)
Balloon Safari ride in Maasai Mara
All personal expenses – laundry, telephones, soft & alcoholic drinks, tips to Camp Staff and gratuity to Guide/Drive
Any items not expressly specified in the itinerary