A Journey through Kenya

Detailed Itinerary

Day 1: Journey to Meru Park.
We depart Nairobi and head north, driving through agriculturally rich country destined for Meru National Park, with a brief lunch break at Mountain Rock Lodge. Our lunch stop is at a small country lodge located on the western slopes of Mount Kenya, close to the equator, to which we shall return after 3 days. Our journey proceeds further north, past khat (a stimulating and intoxicating shrub grown as a cash crop for export to the Arab world) growing country, and we arrive in time for an evening game drive. Overnight here is at a manned campsite inside the park. (L, D)

Day 2: Explore Meru Park.
We go on an extended game drive in the park where our expert nature guide and driver take us to different locations of the park to spot wildlife. Meru National Park is among the most geographically diverse parks in Kenya. Its ecosystem comprises rainforest, swamps, and grassland and provides fodder and shelter to a wide variety of herbivores and predators. There is a good chance to see elephants, buffalo, reticulated giraffes, oryx, reedbuck, eland, gazelles, impala, lions, cheetahs, and crocodiles, among others. This park is also famous for being the former base of world-renowned conservationists Joy and George Adamson. It is here that they raised lion and leopard cubs before releasing them into the wild. After lunch, we escape the hot afternoon sun and take a break to swim. The campsite we stay at has a swimming pool. (B, L, D)

Day 3: Journey to Samburu Park.
An early morning game drive, followed by breakfast, then a visit to the khat growing Igembe farming community (a sub-tribe of the Bantu-speaking Meru people). We will get access to their khat farms and local market to understand their livelihood and culture. After lunch in one of the local homes, we then journey further north, for approximately 2 hours, to reach Samburu Game Reserve for an evening game drive and camping by the Ewaso Nyiro River. Located in the semi-arid parts of northern Kenya, Samburu teems with wildlife and birds and is a true representative of the semi-arid ecosystems of East Africa. Some of the unique wildlife species found here include the long-necked Gerenuk, Grevy’s Zebra, and birds such as the Bateleur and Buffalo Weaver.

Day 4: Explore Samburu Park.
Full day game driving in Samburu and adjacent Buffalo Springs National Parks. Both of these parks teem with wildlife. Some of the unique wildlife species found only here or further north include oryx, Grevy's zebra, reticulated giraffe, and the Somali ostrich. Enjoy a picnic lunch with the opportunity to swim at one of the most beautifully sited natural spring pools in the park. In the evening, we return to the bush campsite once again for the night. (B, L, D)

Day 5: Samburu Cultural Insights / Mount Kenya Farm Visit.
Early morning game drive, breakfast, then cultural activities in a true Samburu manyattaon the edge of the reserve. An opportunity to interact with this colorful tribal people and learn about their culture and lifestyle. After this, drive back to Mountain Rock Lodge, arriving in time for a late lunch. En-route, you will pass the Equator and can optionally stop for a demonstration of the Coriolis effect on water rotation on either side of the Equator. After lunch, you will participate in a cultural visit to local villages and subsistence farms of the Kikuyu people living on the lower slopes of the mountain. A visit to a local school we support during term times and an afternoon cup of tea with the villagers will conclude the day. Then, return to Mountain Rock Lodge for overnight and enjoy a welcome break from camping for the next 3 nights.

Day 6: Sweetwaters Rhino and Chimpanzee Sanctuary.
Early breakfast (7 am) then drive to Sweetwaters Game Sanctuary (25 km), bringing along a picnic lunch. Sweetwaters is a private conservancy with a higher wildlife-to-area ratio than any of Kenya's national parks. It doubles as an orphanage for chimpanzees that were rescued from the war-torn Great Lakes region of central Africa. Located on the vast plains of Mount Kenya, Sweetwaters is home to all members of the ‘Big Five' plus many other species of wildlife. At the forefront of the Kenyan wildlife conservancy program, the conservancy boasts the largest black rhino sanctuary in East Africa, hosts the only chimpanzee sanctuary in Kenya, and shelters large numbers of rare and endangered species. After exhaustive game viewing sessions with a lunch break in between, we drive back to Mountain Rock Lodge for dinner and overnight once again. (B, L, D)

Day 7: Journey to Lake Bogoria.
Leave early and drive westwards past Thomson’s Falls to a coffee and tea estate farmhouse for a homemade hot lunch and a visit to the tea and coffee processing operations. Then, drive on to Lake Bogoria Reserve. Lake Bogoria is famous for its hot springs and a concentration of flamingos and other salt lake birds. This afternoon, we will enjoy some short walks along the lakeshores between drives, where thousands of flamingos, kingfishers, herons, and an array of other birds congregate to feed. With some luck, it is possible to see the rare lesser kudu, gazelles, zebra, and other game in the surrounding bushes. The fascinating scenery of Lake Bogoria National Reserve incorporates stunning geysers. Dinner and overnight at Lake Bogoria Lodge Campsite. (On request, we can upgrade your accommodation to the lodge at a premium).

Day 8: Bogoria Exploration.
Today we explore in greater detail the infinitely remote Lake Bogoria, which presents an exciting contrast to the more conventional game parks. Gregory, the great geologist who first set eyes on this lake in 1892, described the sight as the most beautiful view in Africa. We do an early to mid-morning walk, and driving around the reserve gives us the best chance to see the rare lesser kudu. We escape the midday sun and take a dip in the unique natural hot spring found at the lodge and do a scheduled visit to a local Turgenvillage for insights into the rich culture of this Nilotic ethnic group. Meals and overnight once again at the Lake Bogoria Lodge Campsite. (B, L, D)

Day 9: Through Baringo to Lake Nakuru.
After breakfast, we proceed on a short drive to nearby Lake Baringo, where we go on a short walk along the shoreline to see the abundant birdlife as well as crocodiles and hippopotami (time permitting, an optional boat ride can be arranged). Lake Baringo is one of the two freshwater lakes of the Great Rift Valley. Situated in the semi-arid part of the country, this vast freshwater lake is truly a bird's paradise and a wonderful reward for those with an ornithological appetite. After enjoying our picnic lunch on the lakeshore, we proceed on a 3-hour journey to Lake Nakuru National Park, arriving in time for a late afternoon game viewing session. Lake Nakuru National Park is Kenya’s largest rhino reserve and is home to the greatest ornithological spectacle in the world, at times hosting more than a million pink flamingos. We camp overnight inside the park. (B, L, D)

Day 10: Explore Lake Nakuru.
An early start (6:00 am) for game drives in Lake Nakuru National Park. This is a moderately small but spectacularly picturesque park with abundant wildlife and an excellent chance of seeing both black and white rhinos, lions, leopards, vast herds of buffalo, and the unusual Rothschild's giraffe. It has also had nearly 400 species of birds recorded within its boundaries. We will enjoy a picnic lunch and observe flamingoes and other birds at the shores of the lake, then drive for 1.5 hours (60 km) to Lake Naivasha. Overnight stay here in comfortable chalets with access to a swimming pool. (B, L, D)

Day 11: Hell’s Gate Walking Safari.
After breakfast, we have a short drive to Hell’s Gate National Park. With our packed lunches, we will proceed on a walking safari for a 4-5 hour hike across flat terrain to arrive at the spectacular gorge. Hell’s Gate is a small, beautiful park with plenty of plain game and one of the few national parks in Kenya where exploration on foot is permitted. During our walking safari, we will have close encounters with giraffes, gazelles, impalas, zebras, elands, and hartebeests, among others. As a highlight, we will descend into the gorge where we’re welcomed by fascinating sights of volcanic formations, geysers, and hot springs. After the walk, we return to the lakeside chalets for dinner and overnight in comfortable en-suite rooms. (B, L, D)NB: You can hire bicycles locally to ride inside Hell’s Gate instead of trekking or ride around in the vehicle if unwilling to walk or ride.

Day 12: Boat Ride / Maasai Cultural Insights and Sundowner.
Lake Naivasha is a vast freshwater lake, famed for its hippos and birdlife, particularly fish eagles, lovebirds, and pelicans. You will take an early morning boat trip to see some of them, disembarking at an animal sanctuary halfway to walk amongst giraffes, zebras, impalas, gazelles, and waterbucks. Leave mid-morning for Maasailand. En-route, we visit a Maasai cultural center that supports needy widows and their children for lunch and gain insights into the fascinating Maasai culture in the process. Then, we drive on to our secluded camp in the Masai Mara, viewing wild game at a slow pace as we go. In the evening, we drive partway up Naunare Hill to enjoy a memorable sundowner outing in the bush as we watch the sun go down over the Mara and enjoy a snack. Enthusiastic trekkers can hike to the top of the hill for a fabulous view of the Mara park. Weather permitting, we may have the chance for a brief night game drive within the Siana Wildlife Conservancy (adjoining Mara Park) for the only chance to observe nocturnal wildlife — no extra cost charged for the night game drive, but please advise us in advance. Dinner and overnight in our comfortable permanent tented safari camp with en-suite facilities. (B, L, D)

Day 13: Explore Masai Mara.
A day dedicated to game viewing in the Masai Mara. Now the seventh wonder of the modern world, Masai Mara, an extension of the Serengeti, is a country of breathtaking vistas, vast rolling plains, acacia woodlands, dense thickets of scrub, and the riverine ecosystem of the Mara River. Its vast plains teem with endless herds of grazing game along with the associated predators. Here, you can see elephants, buffalo, lions, cheetahs, leopards, zebras, giraffes, hippos, crocodiles, and a whole ark-full of other animals. Our expert naturalist guides and sturdy vehicles ensure you have the best chance of seeing them all and understanding their habits. (B, L, D)

Day 14: Journey Back to Nairobi.
An early morning game drive (6:00 am) in the Mara gives you a chance to spot any animals you may have missed on previous game drives (or a hot air balloon safari at your own cost). For bird lovers, this early morning is the best time to see species that include eagles, vultures, marabou, ostrich, touraco, guinea fowls, bustards, secretary birds, cranes, and many more. Return to camp for breakfast, then commence the 4-hour (230 km) journey back to Nairobi. Lunch is provided at our Rock House before you proceed with your onward arrangements. (B, L)