Eight days in Kenya, including visits to the Masai Mara Game

Eight days in Kenya, including visits to the Masai Mara Game Reserve, Lake
Nakuru, and Mt. Meru National Park. We stay at the famous Mount Kenya Safari
Club, and Elsa’s Kopje, which is named for the orphaned lioness made famous in
the movie “Born Free”.
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DAY 1
NAIROBI / MASAI MARA
We depart after breakfast for the Masai Mara Game Reserve (approx 5 hour
drive.) Shortly after leaving Lake Nakuru, the Great Rift Valley unfolds below
you, and there are splendid vantage points from which to photograph this
breath-taking panorama. We then cross the floor to Narok, a small Maasai
town, for an enroute stop. Continue the drive to the Serengeti plains to arrive at
Mara Simba Lodge for lunch. There will be an afternoon game drive to
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complete your day. Overnight at Mara Simba Lodge.
DAY 2
MASAI MARA
Masai Mara is arguably the world's most famous game reserve with
unrivalled natural beauty and wildlife concentration. It forms part of
the Great Mara-Serengeti ecosystem. It is home to all the big five
(elephant, buffalo, lion, leopard and the rhino). Over 95 species of
mammals are found in this great reserve. Besides mammals, over
350 bird species have been recorded here and the scenic beauty is
wonderful – as your camcorders and cameras will tell. Unmatched
game viewing in this reserve makes it a popular base for safari
exploration. A safari to East Africa is never complete without a visit to
the reserve and many people have referred to it as the 'must go'
safari destination. We spend a full day in the Masai Mara to witness
the diversity of wildlife and feel the cool atmosphere. There will be
two game drives during this day - morning and afternoon. All meals
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and overnight at Mara Simba Lodge.
DAY 3
MASAI MARA / LAKE NAKURU
After breakfast, drive to Lake Nakuru National Park to check in at
Sarova Lion Hill Lodge for lunch and afternoon leisure. Sarova Lion
Hill Lodge is set on a plateau according a panoramic view of the pink
colored shores of the lake from your private verandah. Meals are
served at the main restaurant. At 4 pm you will have an afternoon
game drive in this park known world over as the greatest
ornithological spectacle! The lake attracts thousands of lesser and
greater flamingos among other varieties of bird species. Not only does
this lake boast of being an ornithological paradise, it is also a
sanctuary for the white rhino and the highly endangered black rhinos.
Other animals found here include cheetah, leopard, lion, waterbuck,
zebra, gazelle and Rothschild giraffe. Dinner and overnight at Lion
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Hill Lodge.
DAY 4
LAKE NAKURU / MT. KENYA
After breakfast, drive via Nyahururu Falls to Mount Kenya Safari Club for lunch and an
afternoon of leisure activities. Mount Kenya Safari Club is located on Africa's second
highest mountain, offering a unique blend of comfort, relaxation and adventure. It is set
in over 100 acres of manicured lawns, ornamental ponds, streams and flowerbeds. This
famous retreat exudes quiet elegance amidst a dramatic backdrop. Most of the rooms
have a private verandah overlooking majestic Mount Kenya. Afternoon at leisure to
enjoy the heated swimming pool, tennis courts, horse riding, trout fishing, bird-watching
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and game viewing on the platform.
DAY 5
MT. KENYA
Another day spent in this luxurious resort on the base of the mountain. All meals and
overnight stay at the club.
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DAY 6
MT KENYA / NERU NATIONAL PARK
After breakfast, transfer to the nearby Nanyuki airstrip for your scheduled morning
flight to Meru National Park. On arrival at the airstrip, you will be met and
transferred to Elsa's Kopje for lunch and leisure. Afternoon game viewing in this
untamed land of the 'Born Free' movie. The area is wild and wonderful, numerous
streams and rivers dissect the dry landscape resulting in a unique environment
spotted with doum palms and baobab trees and filled with wildlife.
Elsa's Kopje, located on Mugwongo Hill in Meru, is the first lodge in Kenya to
receive the Bronze ESOK (Ecotourism Society of Kenya) eco-rating certificate.
Small and exclusive, Elsa's Kopje has eight stone thatched cottages, all individually
designed and built incorporating the surrounding natural rocks and trees. Tasteful,
handmade furnishings create a wonderfully relaxing, yet stylish hideaway. The
cottages are all spacious and each one has its own veranda with a view of the vast
Meru Plains. There is a swimming pool and library. Your stay includes two day and one night game drive, a guided walk each day and
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either a bush breakfast, bush lunch or Sundowner.
DAY 7
MERU NATIONAL PARK
Elsa's Kopje is named after Elsa,
the orphaned lioness reared by
George and Joy Adamson as
seen in the movie 'Born Free'
who was returned to the
wilderness here; and ‘Kopje’ for
the rocky outcropping the lodge
sits on. Full day spent at Elsa's
Kopje Lodge, with two gamedrives being provided per day. All meals and overnight at the lodge.
DAY 8
MERU / NAIROBI
After breakfast, transfer to the airstrip for your scheduled flight back to Nairobi
(8:45am~12:15pm). This flight is normally via Samburu Game Reserve. Arrive in time for a
sumptuous farewell complementary lunch at The Carnivore. You have time for last minute
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shopping before your transfer to the airport.
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WHAT IS INCLUDED
-
Arrival and departure airport transfers
Domestic flights within Kenya (including taxes) as stated
All park fees including local government taxes
Accommodations and meals as indicated
Services of an English speaking driver/guide
Safari vehicles with roof hatches for easy game viewing
Use of six-seat safari vehicle
Chilled/bottled water, snacks and juices whilst on safari
Specialized and personalized services all through the safari
Complementary lunch at the Carnivore Restaurant
WHAT IS NOT INCLUDED
-
International airfare
Items of a personal nature
Tips to the driver/guide
Visas and passports
Optional extras
Laundry, alcoholic drinks, telephone bills etc.
Any other item/s not mentioned in the itinerary