Cheetah Safari
Pack your binoculars and your camera, as you head off for one of Kenya’s Classic Safaris regaled for sightings of the “Big “5” – buffalo, rhinoceros, elephants, lions and leopards. You will travel within four of Kenya’s most famous game parks; each with its own unique topography, wildlife and culture.
This will truly be an unforgettable safari experience as you begin your journey in Outspan and travel north through the rich farming lands of Africa. You will cross the equator to arrive at your first destination, Samburu Game Reserve. On your third day, game viewing will again be the focus as you drive into Aberdares National Park which sits near the slopes of Mount Kenya.
Your safari will then track to Lake Nakuru considered to be the “greatest ornithological spectacle on earth” as it proudly boasts over 400 species of birds and during migration, one may see millions of pink flamingoes flocking to the banks of Lake Nakuru. Your journey continues on to Lake Naivaisha, where your will relax in the tranquil settings of the lodge or you may want to take a boat ride to catch a glimpse of the resident hippos.
You will then descend into the Great Rift Valley and onto the Masai Mara. You will experience first-hand the grandeur of Kenya as told by Ernest Hemingway and as depicted in Karen Blixen’s, breath-taking film, “Out of Africa”.
Your African journey will be complete once you witness the customs of the Masai Mara tribe. Within their own habitat, you will have a first-hand opportunity to share their culture, or perhaps you may choose to sail above the Mara to observe their habitat and also observe wild game, maybe even lions, as this area is known for spectacular game viewing all year round.
- Discover Kenya as you explore Samburu, Aberdares and Masai Mara National Parks.
- “Big 5” Game Drives as you “hunt” with your camera for exotic game in the wilds of Africa.
- Visit Lake Nakuru, a geologic wonder, within the Great Rift Valley, a home to millions of birds and African animals.
- Pamper yourself in the spa at Lake Naivasha, or choose to rock climb, cycle or safari-by-horseback.
- Marvel at the “Mara” while on safari, while interacting with the Masai tribe or while “scouting” wildlife from your sun-deck.
Day 1
Nairobi
Arrive in Nairobi, meet, and transfer to your hotel – Tamarind or similar
Day 2
Nairobi (B/L/D)
Breakfast and visit the Giraffe Centre and the Elephant Orphanage. Lunch and continue your visit with visits to Kazuri Beads, Matt Bronze & Zab & Effie where you will see how beads are made and unique handcrafted clothing made by women from disadvantaged backgrounds. Return to your hotel and this evening enjoys dinner at the Carnivore.
Day 3
Naivasha (B)
Breakfast and travel by road over the Rift Valley to Naivasha, where you will enjoy your stay in an original Kenyan home set on an old farm on the shores of Naivasha. – Loldia House.
Day 4
Lake Nakuru (B/L/D)
Full-day visit to Lake Nakuru, one of Kenya’s smaller National Parks, is one of the most beautiful. The park is abundant with a wide variety of wildlife, large numbers of rhinos, and millions of both Great and Lesser Flamingoes.
Enjoy game viewing around the park in our specially designed 4wheel-drive Landrovers before choosing a shady spot for a sumptuous picnic lunch. Return to Loldia House for afternoon tea and delicious cakes on the lawn overlooking Lake Naivasha.
Day 5
Navaisha / Masai Mara (B/L/D)
Depart lake Navaisha, with brief stops for lunch and arrive at the home of the Maasai people – ‘The Masai Mara’ – Approximate travel time 5-6 hours. Overnight at Governors Camp
Day 6
Musiara (B/L)
Enjoy morning and afternoon game drives. The Musiara area is home to family herds of elephants, famous for its abundance of cats and cheetah in the open fields. Every year from July to October, this area plays host to one of the greatest spectacles on earth – The Great Migration, with a million wildebeest crossing the Mara River and no doubt plenty of drama along with the crossings.
Day 7
Big 5 (B/L)
AM Hot air balloon safari followed by a champagne breakfast and a safari. This afternoon you will venture out on safari looking for the Big 5
Day 8
Mara Naboisho (B)
After breakfast, drive to the Mara Naboisho conservancy, where big cats are in significant numbers. The density of lions in the Mara is the highest in Africa and the the largest pride in the Greater Mara Region – comprise of approximately 20 lions. Of course, a healthy lion population would not be possible without an equally healthy wildlife food chain below it.
The conservancy boasts impressive herds of elephants, giraffes, wildebeest, and zebra. It is also home to Kenya’s rare wild dog. In addition to the abundance of resident game, the Mara Naboisho Conservancy also serves as a migration corridor for several hundred thousand animals between the Masai Mara National Reserve and the Loita Plains to the east. The existence of the Mara Naboisho Conservancy ensures that migratory cycles and patterns are not disturbed or forced to change. Stay at the Eagle View Cap located atop a natural hilltop overlooking a natural waterhole. In 2013 Eagle View was nominated as one of the top eco-lodges in the world.
Day 9
Mara Meeru Cheetah Project (B)
After breakfast, meet with Dr. Elena V.Chelysheva, Ph.D. PROJECT MANAGER and PRINCIPAL INVESTIGATOR of the Mara Meeru Cheetah Project, who will join you on a full-day interactive safari on the life of a Cheetah. The experience of enjoying a safari with Dr. Elena is unique and extraordinary.
Day 10
Maasai Mara (B/L/D)
Enjoy your morning safari and visit Basecamp Maasai Mara, where you will contribute to reviving the biodiversity helping to build a sustainable future by planting a tree. After lunch, visit a community-based handicraft workshop that empowers disadvantaged Massai women and helps preserve the Maasai beading tradition. Continue your game drives with your expert guide. Return to your lodge.
Day 11
Nairobi / Departure (B)
Enjoy a morning game drive and transfer to the airstrip for your flight to Nairobi. Be met and transferred to the Jomo Kenyatta International airport for your flight back home.
- Meet and greet on arrival at Airport.
- Accommodation and meals as indicated in the itinerary (B – Breakfast, L – Lunch, D – Dinner).
- Entrance fees where applicable.
- Tours as indicated in the itinerary.
- Professional English-speaking guide/driver guide.
- Transfers
- Travel Protection is offered on all packages at an additional cost.
