Aberdare/Mt. Kenya National Park – Lake Nakuru National

Park & Maasai Mara (5 Day /4 Nights) Kenya Safari

 

Serena Mountain Forest Tree Lodge, Kenya

Lake Nakuru Sarova Lion Hill Lodge, Kenya

Maasai Mara Simba Lodge on Talek River, Kenya

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Itinerary Summary

 

Day 1: Nairobi – Aberdare National Park/ Mt. Kenya National Park (Forest Tree Lodge)
Day 2: Aberdare / Mt. Kenya National Park (Forest Tree Lodge) – Lake Nakuru National Park
Day 3: Lake Nakuru National Park – Maasai Mara Game Reserve
Day 4: Maasai Mara Game Reserve
Day 5: Maasai Mara Game Reserve – Nairobi

 

Cost for 2009: Per Person
Land Arrangements (per person)

 

Child rate 2-11 years is 75% of the adult rate

 

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Aberdare or Mt. Kenya National Park (Forest Tree Lodge) – Lake Nakuru National Park & Maasai Mara Game Reserve (5 Day /4 Nights) Kenya Safari

The Aberdare National Park has Mountain ranges and peaks soar to around 14,000 ft. giving way to deep V-shaped valleys with streams and rivers cascading over spectacular waterfalls - this area is a must for landscape lovers. From its vital catchment area, the Aberdare Rainforest feeds the entire local and Nairobi water supply. Above the forest is a belt of bamboo, a favorite haunt of the Bongo, a rare and elusive forest antelope. At 10,000 ft. the bamboo gives way to moorland, home to the eland, spotted and melanistic serval cats. Other features are the giant varieties of lobelia, groundsel and heather. Ideal for walking, picnics, camping and trout fishing in the rivers, the moorlands are reminiscent of the European Highlands.

 

Animals abound in the forest: Elephant, Buffalo, Giant forest Hog and Kenya's indigenous endangered Black Rhino. The entire forest is being fenced to protect settlement farmers from animal raids and to create a rhino and forest sanctuary. Set in the heart of the Aberdare National Park, The Ark is a unique tree lodge with a veranda that overlooks a floodlit waterhole and salt lick allowing undisturbed views of wildlife visiting the waterhole. Elephant, Rhino, Leopard, Bushbuck and occasionally an elusive Bongo Antelope and giant forest hog have been sighted.

 

Lake Nakuru National Park is dominated by a gentle undulating terrain with open bush and woodlands, typical of the dry rift valley vegetation. Twenty seven percent (27%) of the park is composed of the Lake Nakuru waters. The park was declared a rhino sanctuary in 1983. The Rhino stocking programme which ensued received white rhinos from South Africa. Currently the sanctuary has approximately 45 black and 31 white Rhinoceros.

 

The Maasai Mara Game Reserve is Kenya’s most famous and finest game sanctuary. In the months of June and July each year, the wildebeests in their troops arrive at the Kenyan border, ready to cross the steep banks of the broad and fast flowing Mara River. This crossing is truly the greatest episode of the entire migration. Hot on their heels are the predators of the savannah –lion, cheetah, wild dog, jackal, hyena and vultures. The banks of the Mara River provide one of the best vantage points to witness the drama. The Mara also offers wildlife in such variety and abundance that it is difficult to believe: over 450 species of animals have been recorded here. You will most likely see the Big Five- Lion, rhino, buffalo, leopard, and elephant. Not to mention numerous plain animals.

 

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Detailed Itinerary

 

Day 1
Nairobi – Aberdare National Park (Forest Tree Lodge)

Depart Nairobi after breakfast .Our destination today is the Aberdare National Park. We stop for lunch at The Aberdare Country Club, nestled on the slopes of Mweiga Hill. After high lunch, set off for the Ark tree lodge, located in the forest on mountain slopes of the Aberdare Mountains at 7,000 feet. This outstanding lodge offers high altitude game viewing, including animals that are rarely encountered elsewhere: Giant forest hog, Bush Pig, Tree Hyrax, Large Spotted Genet, and the elusive Bongo Antelope.

 

Wildlife can be observed from different levels – and from outside where you can see, hear and smell everything and inside where you can sit with a cup of tea and stay warm and cozy. You can put in a request to be awakened during the night if your favorite animals show up. A herd of Elephants might be just feet away and if you are lucky, a Leopard or large male Lion might put in an appearance.

Overnight at the Ark or Treetops Lodge or the Serena Mountain Lodge

Meal Plan {Lunch & Dinner}

 

Day 2
Aberdare (Forest Tree Lodge) – Lake Nakuru National Park

This morning we depart Nairobi by road and proceed to Lake Nakuru Park, regarded by avid birders' as the greatest World ornithological spectacle on the Earth. The Park is famous for its millions of pink flamingoes lining on the lake shore. We arrive mid morning at Lake Nakuru for a game drive en route before checking-in at your Lodge for Lunch. A spectacular afternoon game run is planned. The Park is also Sanctuary to the Black Rhino, White Rhino and the Rothschild Giraffe. Bird life include common species like the lesser and Greater Flamingoes, African fish Eagle, Tawny Eagle, Green Wood Hoopoes, Cliff Chat, Great White and Pink Backed Pelicans plus other intra- African Migrants.

Overnight at Lake Nakuru Lodge or Sarova Lion hill Lodge

Meal Plan {Breakfast, Lunch & Dinner}

 

Day 3
Lake Nakuru – Maasai Mara Game Reserve

After a leisure breakfast at your Nairobi Hotel, depart overland to the Maasai Mara Game Reserve–jewel of Kenya's Game Park. This enormous Reserve actually part of the vast Serengeti plains is famously known for it's spectacular great wildebeest migration and is a true home of the big five-Lion, Elephant, Leopard, Rhino and Cape Buffalo. After lunch, explore the Reserve on a late evening 'Spice' game drive.

Overnight at Mara Sopa Lodge or Mara Serena Lodge or Siana Springs Tented Camp

Meal Plan {Breakfast, Lunch & Dinner}

 

Day 4
Explore Maasai Mara Game Reserve

The Maasai Mara is one of the greatest wildernesses of the world. Morning and afternoon 'Spice' game drives are planned. Large mammals are varied, abundant and easy to see. Residents among the parks mammals are; Maasai Giraffe, Buffalo, Impala, Zebra, Topi, both the Thomson's and Grant's Gazelles. Optional hot Air Balloon rides are available on this day at an additional cost. On this final day in the Mara, you also have an opportunity to visit an authentic Maasai village.

Overnight at Mara Sopa Lodge or Mara Serena Lodge or Siana Springs Tented Camp

Meal Plan{Breakfast, Lunch & Dinner}

 

Day 5
Maasai Mara – Nairobi

Begin today with an early morning 'Spice' game drive followed by a complete English breakfast at your lodge. Midmorning depart for Nairobi. The balance of the day is at leisure for last minute assisted shopping and sightseeing.

 

Meal Plan {Breakfast}

 

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Included Safari Features

 

* Multi-lingual Professional Safari Guide/Driver. (Professional Safari Escort is available upon request)

* Round trip transport from Nairobi to Aberdare, Lake Nakuru and Maasai Mara Game Reserve

* Finest accommodations in Aberdare, Lake Nakuru and Maasai Mara Game Reserve

* Guaranteed departures for two or more passengers booking this safari

* Membership in Flying Doctors Society – Emergency air rescue
* Safari vehicles carry cold drinks and mineral water
* Guaranteed window seating with open top
* All applicable Game Park entrance fees
* All meals included while on safari

* High Altitude Game viewing
* Pre–tour itinerary document
* 5 Extensive Game drives

 

Excluded Safari Features

 

* Personal expenses such traveling insurance, excess baggage fee, communication charges that include, laundry, emails, faxes and phone calls beverages including luxury champagne, luxury spirits, beer, wines during meals or meals not indicated in the itinerary
* Optional Hot Air Ballooning (cost per person is 425 US Dollars), Nature walks etc
* Gratuity for Porterage / waiters at hotels, camps and airports

* Christmas, New Year and Easter Supplement
* Gratuity for your professional driver guide
* Sundowner bush cocktails and bush dinner
* Cost of obtaining passport and visas
* Accommodations in Nairobi
* A visit to a Maasai Village
* International Airfare

 

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Options that complement this African Spice Safari:

 

 

 

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