THE GREAT AFRICAN EXPERIENCE: 9 DAYS

Private Tour

Day 1. Nairobi

Upon arrival at Jomo Kenyatta International Airport in Nairobi, you will be met and assisted by our representative, who will be waiting for you at the arrivals hall holding a sign with your names on it. You will then be transferred to the hotel, where our Masikio Safaris representative will assist you with check-in. If you arrive in the morning, you may choose to participate in an optional activity with us or spend the time on your own. If you arrive in the afternoon or at midday, we recommend that you rest. Bed and breakfast at the Argyle Grand Hotel

ARGYLE GRAND HOTEL

Day 2. Samburu

After breakfast, we’ll depart for the Buffalo Springs and Samburu reserves in the region of the same name, where the arid, desert-like lands of northern Kenya begin. We will travel through the territory of the Kikuyu, the country’s largest tribe, circling Mount Kenya—the dwelling place of their God and the second-highest peak in Africa. We will cross the equator. Arrival before lunch. In the afternoon, we will go on our first safari in the reserve. Full board at the Samburu Simba Lodge.

EQUATOR LINE

SAMBURU SIMBA LODGE

Day 3. Samburu & Buffalo Area

The combined area of the Samburu and Buffalo Springs reserves is one of the most fascinating places in Kenya’s Upper Rift Valley. These reserves consist of what the British call “bush.” During our stay in Samburu, we’ll set out early after breakfast to search for wildlife; along with sunset, this is the best time to spot and photograph them.

Samburu is home to animals found exclusively in this reserve, such as the gerenuk, Somali ostrich, reticulated giraffe, striped hyena, and Grevy’s zebra, as well as diverse habitats and landscapes that support a wide variety of African wildlife. The reserve is also known for its populations of leopards and lions, as well as elephants and crocodiles. All of this makes Samburu one of the most beautiful and unique reserves in the country and in Africa. Full-day immersion in the area, where you can go on morning and afternoon safaris. Full board at the Samburu Simba Lodge

SAMBURU

Day 4. Sweetwaters, Ol Pejeta + Night Safari

We’ll arrive around lunchtime in the highlands near Nyeri, with Mount Kenya in the background. We’ll visit and go on a safari in the Sweetwaters Private Reserve, Ol Pejeta, where we’ll look for large herds of white and black rhinos, as well as elephants, lions, cheetahs, wild dogs, Grevy’s zebras, and reticulated giraffes. This is a unique sanctuary where you can enjoy the seclusion of the park and its unique wildlife. Overnight at Sweetwaters Maisha Camp. This reserve is also famous for its chimpanzees. A night safari is included.

SWEET WATERS MAISHA CAMP

Day 5. Lake Nakuru

After breakfast at Sweetwaters, we’ll head straight to Lake Nakuru, traveling down the Rift Valley. Along the way, we’ll make a stop at Thomson’s Falls, or we can continue directly to Nakuru. We’ll have the chance to take some photos with the famous Kikuyu warriors. We’ll arrive in Nakuru in time for lunch, and then go on a safari until sunset. We find ourselves in a world-renowned birding paradise where well-known TV networks such as the BBC, CNN, and TVE—to name a few—gather to film wonderful documentaries that we later see on screen. Nakuru is a sanctuary for white rhinos and pink flamingos and is home to a wide variety of animals, including lions and leopards. If the lake level permits, we can stroll along the shore and delight our senses with the sounds and colors of the lake and its more than 400 species of birds. Dinner and overnight stay at Flamingo Hill Tented Camp.

NAKURU

FLAMINGO HILL TENTED CAMP

Day 6. Naivasha/Masai Mara

After breakfast in Nakuru, the tour includes a visit to Lake Naivasha, where guests will go on a boat safari followed by a walking safari on Crescent Island. This lake is a combination of volcanic rock and sedimentary deposits. It covers an area of 139 square kilometers. It is home to more than 400 species of birds and has a large population of hippos. This is the area where part of the film “Out of Africa” was filmed. The island is located in the center of the lake, home to countless wild animals. We will continue on foot, taking a walking safari surrounded by all this resident wildlife. We will be able to see all kinds of wild animals—such as giraffes, zebras, wildebeests, gazelles, and more—closer than ever before. Lunch at Lake Naivasha. After lunch, departure for the Masai Mara, followed by dinner and overnight stay at Loyk Mara Camp, Mara Maisha Camp, Basecamp Explorer, or Mara Zebra Plains.

NAIVASHA

LOYK LUXURY CAMP

MARA MAISHA CAMP

BASE CAMP EXPLORER MASAI MARA

ZEBRA PLAINS MARA CAMP

MASAI MARA

Days 7 and 8: Masai Mara

Full days in the Masai Mara dedicated to morning and afternoon safaris. We’ll visit different areas of the Masai Mara, such as Paradise Plain, Meta Plains, and Burrungant. We’ll explore various sections of the Mara River where the crossings occur, as herbivores pass through during their migration. Our guide will keep a close watch for vultures circling overhead, as they can signal the presence of predators feeding on recent prey. We recommend packing a picnic lunch one day to explore more areas of the savanna (at no additional cost). Accommodations at Loyk Mara Camp, Mara Maisha Camp, Basecamp Explorer, or Mara Zebra Plains.

August 9. Masai Mara / Nairobi / Departure

After breakfast, transfer to Nairobi by road. Upon arrival, enjoy lunch at Tamarindo Restaurant. After lunch, transfer to the airport for your departure flight. END OF SERVICES.