Number of Days: 7 Days

This safari features the innovative Sarova Lodges, which has a consistently comfortable standard of accommodation with lodges located in excellent spots affording good game-viewing nearby.

There will also be some fine outdoor meals and sundowners on this safari.

Day 1 - Nairobi
Upon arrival into Nairobi, you will be met and transferred to the Stanley Hotel. Afternoon at leisure. Overnight at the Stanley Hotel on a bed and breakfast basis.

The Stanley Hotel
Situated in the city centre, it was where the travellers, including Earnet Hemingway, gathered for a drink at the legendary Thorn Tree Café before or after a long safari. A message board on the acacia xanthophildea tree is used by travellers to make contact with fellow travellers. The 220 room hotel has been refurbished to a high standard and still retains the original Victorian charm. Bedrooms with private bathrooms are very comfortable while the restaurants serve excellent international cuisine. The gym is excellent, pool large and conference facilities extremely modern.

Day 2 - Nairobi - Shaba Game Reserve

Heading north after breakfast, (stopping for lunch en route) you'll pass near Thika and continue north through some breathtaking scenery dotted with rushing mountain streams and fields of tea and coffee. After Nanyuki town, you'll continue north, eventually reaching a dusty outpost known as Isiolo, the last major stop on the journey into the remote northern frontier district. From here it's a fairly short hop to Shaba, where you’ll enjoy a game drive before arriving at the lodge late afternoon. Overnight at Sarova Shaba Lodge on a full board basis.
sarova lodge

Shaba Game Reserve was made famous by the late Joy Adamson and her lioness Elsa and is often referred to as ‘Born Free Country’. Located on the banks of the Uaso Nyiro River, Sarova Shaba offers a luxury seldom found in a large African bush lodge. There are 80 chalet rooms, or for those looking for a little extra luxury, 4 junior suites and one honeymoon suite. The tranquil flow of sparkling spring water throughout the grounds, creates an atmosphere of peace and serenity as it collects and cascades and attracts a great variety of birds. There is also a large pool to enjoy, crocodile feeding and evening entertainment is provided by local Samburu dancers.

Day 3 - Shaba Game Reserve

Early morning game drive followed by breakfast.
Then for the remainder of the morning, one is able to relax by the pool or terrace, overlooking the river.
After lunch there will be another game drive returning to the lodge as the sun sets. Overnight at Sarova Shaba Lodge on a full board basis.
 
Day 4 - Shaba Game Reserve – Great Rift Valley

Leaving Shaba behind, you'll travel south through Isiolo, crossing the northernmost foothills of Mount Kenya, until you get to the town of Nanyuki. Here you'll head west to Nyahururu, still known to many as Thomson's Falls for its 237 foot cascade. Now travel in a southerly direction to Lake Nakuru. The lake is often coloured by a shimmering flamingo pink from thousands of the beautiful birds lining its shores. Once in the park, there will be a game drive en route to the lodge. Following lunch and a siesta, there is an afternoon game drive returning to the lodge as the sun sets. Overnight at Sarova Lion Hill Lodge on a full board basis.

Sarova lodge

Overlooking one of the world's greatest ornithological spectacles, Lake Nakuru and its surrounding national park, the lodge is set high on a plateau and offers panoramic views of the shimmering lake in the distance. Here, what feels like millions of flamingos, pelicans and marabou storks always gather and the landscape seems to blossom as natural foliage and a variety of wild flower continually bloom. There are only 65 modern en suite bedrooms here, and meals are excellent and served inside the lodge, by the pool or under a forest of towering acacia trees. The Rift Valley bar is always a great watering spot and is located on the ground floor with great views of the lake.

Day 5 - Great Rift Valley - Masai Mara Game Reserve

After an early morning breakfast leave the flamingo fringed Lake Nakuru behind and head for Njoro town, where you begin your ascent up over the top of the Mau Escarpment. Then, heading due south, travel towards Narok, the gateway to the Maasai Mara and district headquarters of this part of Maasailand. You'll travel across the "breadbasket" of Kenya, covered with acres of wheat and barley, before you reach the Mara in time for lunch. Following lunch and a siesta, there is an afternoon game drive returning to the lodge as the sun sets. Overnight at Mara Sarova Lodge on a full board basis.

Mara Sarova Camp

Sarova Mara Camp is located inside the eastern section of the Masai Mara and hidden in a wonderful little forested valley away from sight of other Mara visitors. The 75 tents are luxurious with a permanent roof and floor, zip-up fronts, attached bathroom, running hot water supply and electricity. Wooden walkways link the tents and manicured lawns with the main dining / bar areas, and are built over wide lily ponds. Bird life is abundant, with kingfishers a speciality. The impressive main building consists of a high thatched lobby, Oloip bar with its cosy log fireplace, a big dining area and outdoor terrace with side-angle views. Food and service are excellent and there is a small private area by the pond for private meals if needed. There is also a sparkling swimming pool surrounded by sun lounges for those who want an alternate activity?

Day 6 - Masai Mara Game Reserve

Early morning and afternoon game drives. Overnight at Mara Sarova Lodge on a full board basis.

Day 7 - Masai Mara Game Reserve - Nairobi

After breakfast you’ll depart the Masai Mara and head across acres of rolling wheat and barley farms to Narok, the district headquarters of this part of Maasailand. From here cross the vast plains on the floor of the Rift Valley whilst keeping an eye out for herds of giraffe and gazelle before heading up the rift escarpment on a road built by Italian prisoners during World War II. You’ll arrive into Kenya’s bustling capital around mid day and be dropped off at the airport of a city centre hotel.

Minimum of 2 guests to operate the tour.