Kenya Insights - 14 days
Discover the contrasting scenery, wildlife, and environments of the rugged Samburu National Park, Mt Kenya forests, Rift Valley lakes and the quintessential savannah of the Masai Mara. Along the way you will experience some of the day-to-day life of the Pokot, Kikuyu and Maasai peoples – visit their villages, homes and farms and be guided through their lands and life.
Lake Elementaita dawnThe itinerary has been designed to compliment our Kenya Explorer (the second 7 days are the same) and cover a wider range of environments, game parks and cultural experiences - all at a not-too-hectic pace.
Day 1
Samburu National Park landscapeDrive north from Nairobi to Samburu National Park stopping on the equator for the a demonstration of the Coriolis effect (make of it what you will) then afternoon and evening game drives. The semi-arid north is much less visited and offers an atmosphere of mystery and adventure amid a stark and stunning landscapes. Overnight lodge in Samburu.
Day 2
Bathing in the Ewaso Nyiro riverFull day at Samburu. The permanent Ewaso Nyiro river ensures an abundance of wildlife and huge variety of species – several of which can be seen nowhere else. You’ll invariably see the rare reticulated giraffe, gerenuk, Grevy’s zebra, Somali ostrich and oryx along with all the more familiar African wildlife species. Overnight lodge in Samburu.
Day 3
Naturalist guide Morning game drive and on through increasingly lush farmlands to the Mt Kenya forest and an afternoon walk to the Maumau caves. Colobus monkeys crash around the branches, scarlet winged turacos flash through the forest canopy and you may see buffalo in the clearings. The Mau Mau fighters used area for shelter during their freedom struggle with the British in the 1950s and our naturalist guide will reveal their forest foods, herbal medicines and survival techniques, providing an understanding of the history and ecology of these forests. Overnight Mount Kenya Lodge.
Day 4
Rhino at Ol PejetaShort drive to Ol Pejeta Conservancy, the perfect place to watch wildlife against the iconic backdrop of Mount Kenya. This reserve has a higher wildlife to area ratio than any of Kenya’s national parks with all of the “Big Five” as well as wild dogs. It is the also the only place in Kenya to see chimpanzees (re-located from the war torn areas of Central Africa) and you’ll visit them at their reserve. Return to Mount Kenya Lodge for overnight.
Day 5
Grey headed kingfisher Drive for 4-5 hours to Lake Baringo. This lake is one of only two freshwater Rift Valley lakes and is a famous bird watching site; the proximity of freshwater, lush marginal vegetation and drier savannah attracts over 500 species to the area – one of the highest densities in the world. Afternoon leisurely bird-walk around the lake with an expert ‘birder’ guide. Overnight Roberts Camp cottages.
Day 6
Pokot herderA morning boat trip to Ruko Community Wildlife Conservancy, on an extinct volcano island in the lake. You’ll stroll amongst the endangered Rothschild giraffes, zebra, impala and gazelle. After lunch, a short drive to a Pokot tribal village. These people inhabit the highlands and plains of north-western Kenya and are both nomadic pastoralists and farmers. They have “a cow is life” approach to their existence as cattle supply virtually all their needs - food, clothing, wealth, pride and status. Overnight Roberts Camp cottages.
Day 7
Lake Bogoria hot springs and geysersShort drive to Lake Bogoria famed for its pink flamingos and the rare greater kudu antelope. Other wildlife in the park include leopards, hyenas, mongoose, jackals, civet cats, baboons and 350 species of birds. You can also take a short walk to the hot springs and gushing geysers for which this park is renowned. Overnight again at Roberts Camp cottages.
Day 8
Lake Nakuru view pointAn hour’s drive to Lake Nakuru for morning and afternoon game drives. This small but spectacularly picturesque park abounds with wildlife and you've an excellent chance of seeing the rare rhino, (both black and white), lion, leopard, vast herds of buffalo and the unusual Rothschild's giraffe. It has also had nearly 400 species of birds recorded within its boundaries, most famously flamingo which often frame its margins in flaming pink. Overnight at Wildlife Clubs of Kenya guesthouse in the Park.
Day 9
Lake Elementaita pelicanAnother early morning game drive in Lake Nakuru then on to a Kikuyu farmstead by Lake Elementaita – imagine ‘Little House on the Prairie’ in an African setting. Lunch and afternoon tea, exploration of the subsistence farm (they grow almost any tropical foodstuff that can be grown), and walk along the lakeside environment. There are hot springs with amazing heat tolerant fish (accessible if lake water not excessively high) and often thousands of pink flamingo (if they’re not at Nakuru) and pelicans. On to Lake Naivasha and overnight in boutique cabins by the lake.
Day 10
Lake Naivasha hippoA short drive to Hell’s Gate, one of the few national parks where visitors are allowed to walk freely, strolling amongst zebra, hartebeests, buffalo, gazelles and giraffes, impala and ostrich, with chances of spotting the rare Lamergeyer vulture; all these against a dramatic volcanic backdrop of soaring lava cliffs. You’ll also walk down the steep sided gorge past steaming volcanic vents and hot springs. Return for lunch by Lake Naivasha, a vast freshwater lake, famed for its hippo and bird life, particularly fish eagles, love-birds and pelicans. Then take a boat trip in the afternoon to see some of them close up. Overnight again in boutique cabins by the lakeside.
Day 11
Enkiteng Lepa classroomOn to a tiny Maasai settlement in the bush for insights into their fascinating way of life. Here you can visit traditional homes, observe or engage with day-to-day life, and immerse yourself amongst myriad other serendipitous activities which invariably crop up; or just relax and watch the savannah. During term times there's an option to visit a tiny junior school we suport (part of the Enkiteng Lepa Maasai Women’s project). Dinner by the camp fire, starlit skies, and the sounds of the African night - often hyenas calling very nearby. Overnight in Maasai style eco-cabins.
Day 12
Savannah strollEarly morning walk through the savannah with the Maasai as guides and interpreters of their lands, often spotting giraffe, impala, zebra, wildebeest, baboons – even elephant. Early lunch and then 2 hour drive to Masai Mara with game viewing opportunities all along the way. Overnight in a permanent tented camp right on the edge of the reserve.
Day 13
Young Mara lionEcologically the Masai Mara is an extension of the great Serengeti plains and teems with wildlife. Up at dawn to spend a full day in the reserve where you almost certainly will see elephant, buffalo, lion, zebra, giraffe, hippo, crocodile and a whole ark-full of other animals. From mid-July through to mid-October the Mara is home to the wildebeest migration. Rhino, cheetah and leopard are seen on 2 out of 3 visits but our expert naturalist guides and 4WD vehicles ensure you have the best chance of seeing them all. Overnight in a permanent tented camp right on the edge of the reserve.
Day 14
Mara sunrise Another early morning game drive and further chance to catch any of the animals you may have missed so far. Then drive back past the Mt Susua and Mt Longonot volcanoes and a final stop for breath-taking views over the Great Rift Valley before reaching Nairobi in the late afternoon.
General
Accommodation is comfortable safari lodges, cottages, tented camps, boutique eco-cabins and a guest house (all en suite). If for any reasons beyond our control we are unable to get accommodation as described we will substitute with an equivalent or higher standard option at no additional cost. All necessary equipment is carried by vehicle, and you only ever need carry a small day-pack with personal gear. When preparing meals we buy fresh produce locally and ensure good standards of hygiene. We can cater for special dietary requirements and there are no extra food-kitty payments.
Trip Costs
| Cost for scheduled departures: | Group rates private departures: |
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| US $5,165 per person if you can
join our scheduled departure each month. These run 7 days before our Kenya Explorer safari - see When
we go for all dates. Please contact us for current booking status if you are a single traveller. |
US $4,615 per person for group of 9
-10 US $5,055 per person for group of 5 - 8 US $5,385 per person for group of 3 - 4 US $5,715 per person for group of 2 US $8,460 for single person departure |
| Prices quoted include: | Prices quoted exclude: |
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