Trip to KENYA

DESTINATION HIGHLIGHTS

• Nairobi: Nairobi is one of the most interesting and happening cities in Africa. Highlights include visits to the Sheldrick Elephant Orphanage and the Giraffe Sanctuary.
• Amboseli National Park: Although it is lesser known amongst the Kenyan parks, Amboseli is famous for being the best place in the world to get close to free-ranging elephants. Amboseli was home to Echo, perhaps the most researched elephant in the world, and the subject of many books and documentaries. Amboseli offers some of the best wildlife safaris because the vegetation is sparse due to the long dry months. It is home to many of Africa’s iconic species, including African elephants, cape buffaloes, lions, cheetahs, giraffes, zebras, wildebeest, hyenas, impala and a host of Kenyan birds, both large and small. Other attractions of the park include opportunities to meet the Maasai tribe and visit a Maasai village. The park also offers spectacular views of Mount Kilimanjaro, the highest free-standing mountain in the world.
• Lake Naivasha: Lake Naivasha is a freshwater lake in Kenya and lies north west of Nairobi – approximately 2 hours by road. It is part of the Great Rift Valley. The lake is home to a variety of wildlife including over 400 different species of birds and mammals such as monkeys, wildebeest, waterbuck, zebra, impala, buffalo, giraffe, Kongoni and a sizeable population of hippos. A visit to Naivasha is not complete without a boat ride on the lake…an opportunity to enjoy its breathtaking beauty and to fill your camera rolls (or memory sticks) with beautiful images of birds and animals.
• Maasai Mara: Famous for the National Geographic Specials and BBC Television Series that have been shot here, Maasai Mara is undoubtedly a must-visit for every wildlife enthusiast. Maasai Mara is part of the massive ecosystem that covers Tanzania and Kenya…the part of the ecosystem that lies in Tanzania is called “Serengeti”, and the portion that falls in Kenya is “Maasai Mara”. The Serengeti-Mara ecosystem is also the location of the Great Wildebeest & Zebra Migration – one of the most fascinating wildlife spectacles in the world!

DAY BY DAY ITINERARY

• Day 1: You will depart from your home airport in the U.S. Kenya is waiting to give you its unique, warm welcome. Karibuni sana, marafiki zetu!
• Day 2: You will be en route to Kenya.
• Day 3: Upon arrival, you will be met at Nairobi International Airport by our English-speaking driver/guide. You will be escorted and transferred to your hotel in Nairobi.
  • Accommodation: Four Points by Sheraton (or similar). Meals included: Breakfast only.
• Day 4: After breakfast, you will meet our guide in the lobby, and he will take you for a tour of Nairobi, including visits to two wildlife conservation projects in Nairobi. Overnight stay will be at Four Points by Sheraton (or similar).
  • The David Sheldrick Wildlife Trust: The David Sheldrick Wildlife Trust operates the world’s most successful orphan elephant rescue and rehabilitation program and is one of the pioneering conservation organizations for wildlife and habitat protection in East Africa. More information here: https://www.sheldrickwildlifetrust.org
  • The Giraffe Centre: This center was established in order to protect the endangered Rothschild Giraffe. The main attraction for visitors is the feeding of giraffes from a raised observation platform. More information here: https://giraffecenter.org
• Day 5: After breakfast, you will be driven to Amboseli National Park, a wildlife haven for large herds of elephants and other mammals, reptiles, and birds. You will have lunch at your lodge. In the afternoon, you will have your first wildlife safari and game drive in Amboseli.
  • Accommodation: Amboseli Sopa Lodge (or similar). Meals included: All meals.
• Day 6: You will have a full day at Amboseli, with two safari game drives – one in the morning and one in the afternoon. Overnight and meals will be at Amboseli Sopa Lodge (or similar).
• Day 7: After breakfast, you will be driven to Lake Naivasha. The afternoon / evening will be at your leisure. You can enjoy the lake from your lodge or go on a boat ride (at extra cost).
  • Accommodation: Lake Naivasha Country Club (or similar). Meals included: All meals.
• Day 8: After breakfast, you will depart for Maasai Mara National Park, which is world famous for its Big Cats (Lions, Leopards, and Cheetahs). You will also see other carnivores (Hyenas, Jackals, etc.) as well as herbivores (Zebras, Gazelles, Giraffes, Elephants, etc.) Witness Africa’s Big 5 Mammals (Lion, Leopard, Elephant, Buffalo, and Rhino) in their natural habitat!
  • Accommodation: Keekorok Lodge (or similar). Meals included: All meals.
• Day 9: You will enjoy a full day of wildlife safaris (2 game drives) in Maasai Mara National Park. Meals and overnight stay at Keekorok Lodge (or similar). Meals included: All meals.
• Day 10: After breakfast, you will check out of the lodge and do a safari game drive as you make your way back to Nairobi.
  • Accommodation: Four Points by Sheraton (or similar). Meals included: Breakfast only.
• Day 11: At the appropriate time, you will be dropped off at Nairobi’s Jomo Kenyatta International Airport for your flight back home.
• Day 12: You will arrive in the U.S. after a trip of a lifetime – with beautiful photographs, amazing video clips, and of course unforgettable memories!