Trip Summary

This Safari also known as the Footsteps of the Elephants will take you close to the peaks of Mount Kilimanjaro through the great Rift Valley and into the plains of Masai Mara. The Wildlife residing on these varied ecosystems is diverse and unique. The Land formation varies from Mountains to water masses and ends with the expansive plains shared by Mara and Serengeti

Daily Information

Day 1 – 2: Tsavo National Park

Separating northern and southern Kenya, Tsavo East National Park features bushy grasslands, open plains dotted with baobabs alternating with semi-arid acacia scrub and lush woodlands. The arid environment with its unique red earth creates spectacular photo opportunities. This park is home to some of the largest elephant and buffalo herds in Kenya. Tsavo East boasts rich biodiversity and is said to be one of the last remaining wildernesses. Visitors can enjoy many wonderful attractions including: Galana River and Lugard’s Falls; the magnificent Yatta Plateau; and Mudanda Rock, a natural viewpoint that overlooks a much visited and photographed drinking hole. The south of the park is busier, while north of Galana is a remarkably quiet wilderness where visitors can enjoy this unspoilt beauty.

| Day Notes

Met on arrival ex Jomo Kenyatta International airport ex your fight or pick up from Nairobi hotel and transfer to SGR for your train experience to Voi train station. On arrival our driver guide will pick you and drive to Tsavo East National Park with a game drive enroute arriving at your lodge/camp in time for lunch.  Later in the afternoon proceed for another game drive till sunset. Dinner and overnight at your camp/lodge

Ashnil Aruba Lodge lies on the banks of Aruba Dam in the heart of Tsavo East National Park in Kenya, just a couple of hours from the coast of Mombasa. Accommodation is provided in Deluxe Twin Rooms, Deluxe Double Rooms and Deluxe Triple Rooms. In-room amenities include comfortable beds, private bathrooms, terraces and sunbeds. The open sitting restaurant located in the main building overlooks the dam at all angles and can sit a maximum of 150 guests. The restaurant serves set buffets featuring international, oriental and traditional African cuisine.

| Basis

FB: Full Board – Dinner, Bed, Breakfast and Lunch

Day 2 – 3: Tsavo West National Park

Located in Kenya’s Coast Province, Tsavo West National Park stretches for over 9000 square kilometres and is one of Kenya’s most impressive parks. Tsavo West’s spectacular natural scenery includes volcanic cones, swamps, rocky outcrops and lava flows, mountains, river forests, plains, lakes, natural springs, and wooded grassland. The other-worldly, black, layering Shetani Lava Flows, named after the devil, spreads over the savannah. Other incredible natural attractions include the awe-inspiring Chaimu Crater; the Roaring Rocks, offering panoramic views; and the gorgeous Mzima Springs, the main source of water for the Tsavo River. Animal lovers will enjoy the chance to see highly endangered black rhinos at the Ngulia Rhino Sanctuary, and a list of other animals in the park including large herds of elephants, common waterbuck, eland, buffalo, gerenuk, fringe-eared oryx, impala, and Maasai giraffe.

| Day Notes

After breakfast drive to Tsavo West and proceed to Kilaguni Serena Lodge, Tsavo West, arriving in time for lunch. Long game drive in the afternoon, which includes a visit to Mzima Springs. Dinner and overnight at Kilaguni Serena Lodge OR Similar. (Meals included: Breakfast, Lunch and Dinner). https://www.serenahotels.com/kilaguni

Tsavo West National Park is located in the former Coast Province of Kenya. The Park covers an area of 9,065 square kilometers. The A109 road Nairobi-Mombasa and a railway divides it from the adjoining Tsavo East National Park. Together with adjoining ranches and protected areas, they comprise the Tsavo Conservation Area

One of the earliest national park lodges in Kenya, our Tsavo West Safari Lodge includes 56 guest rooms including five suites that feature remarkably large living areas, ranging from our Standard Rooms to Deluxe Suites and the resplendent Kilaguni Suite. Greet the morning with a bush breakfast or sip traditional sundowner cocktails at Lion Rock. Relax on the garden sundeck by our swimming pool. Savour seasonal, locally sourced cuisine in the dining room overlooking the water hole. Unwind in a day bed at the stone-built bar, sipping a perfectly mixed drink while taking in marvelous views of the Chyulu Hills. Allow us to arrange for unforgettable safari experiences such as a game drive into Tsavo West National Park, a soothing aromatic massage, or an outing to see the hippos and aquatic life of Mzima Springs.

Surrender to the wild, ancient allure of Tsavo West, the land of lions and lava.

| Basis

FB: Full Board – Dinner, Bed, Breakfast and Lunch

Day 3: Amboseli National Reserve

Located in the southern reaches of Kenya, the Amboseli National Park is renowned for its excellent variety of wildlife such as Maasai giraffe, elephant, lion and cheetah and not surprisingly it is one of Kenya’s most popular parks. The landscape of Amboseli is dominated by the majestic snowcap of Mount Kilimanjaro, as well as open plains, acacia woodland, swamps and the massif of Ol Doinyo Orok. The birding is excellent, especially closer to the lakes and swamps. The park is famous for being the best place in Africa to get close to large herds of elephants among other wildlife species. Other attractions include opportunities to meet the Maasai people and soak up spectacular views of Mount Kilimanjaro, the highest free-standing mountain in the world.

| Day Notes

After breakfast drive to Amboseli National Park arriving in time for lunch at your camp/lodge. Amboseli National Park lies below the most famous symbol of Africa, Mount Kilimanjaro, Africa’s highest mountain standing at 5896 metres high.  The waters of the mountain feed the seasonal swamps and marshes on which the game and birds rely on. It is here that photographers will hope to shoot the classic picture of the elephant or giraffe standing against the backdrop of the snow-capped mountain. After lunch proceed on an afternoon game drive. Dinner and overnight at the Camp/lodge

Nestled in the heart of Amboseli National Park and near Mount Kilimanjaro, Amboseli Serena Safari Lodge offers 92 rooms with complimentary Wi-Fi, 24-hour room service, and a private balcony. The hotel’s facilities include a swimming pool and sundeck, a gift shop, a spacious interior bar with a terrace, a campfire bar, and a bush BBQ area. Guests can enjoy a variety of activities such as guided walks, bird-watching walks, dinner in the bush, and Maasai dance performances in the dedicated exterior bush BBQ area. The lodge’s stunning location offers guests an array of exciting excursions, including exploring Amboseli National Park, thrilling safari activities, eco-tourism adventures, bush expeditions, and more, creating countless unforgettable experiences for a perfect Kenyan holiday.

| Basis

FB: Full Board – Dinner, Bed, Breakfast and Lunch

Day 4 – 5: Amboseli National Park

| Day Notes

Today we shall have an early morning call for our pre-dawn game drive. Breakfast will be at the camp with the rest of the morning at leisure. After lunch proceed on another game drive. Dinner and overnight at the camp/lodge

| Basis

FB: Full Board – Dinner, Bed, Breakfast and Lunch

Located in the beautiful Kenya Rift Valley basin, Naivasha is a compact market town northwest of Nairobi, best known as a stopping point for spellbinding Lake Naivasha. Aspiring wildlife photographers and nature lovers will marvel at Lake Naivasha and its abundance of wondrous wildlife. Here visitors can spot wallowing hippo pods, clouds of vibrant birdlife, zebra and various other game. The nearby Lake Oloiden and Oserian Wildlife Sanctuary are great spots for those passionate about wild wonders. Shopping in the bustling town ensures unique souvenirs for mementoes as well as restaurants offering delicious local dishes with every taste in mind. Accommodations ranging from lodges to bed and breakfasts provide great conveniences for travellers looking to explore the area.

| Day Notes

After breakfast at leisure drive to Lake Naivasha which is a freshwater Lake. Lake Naivasha is on the floor of the East African Rift Valley. Birdlife is particularly abundant (over 460 species). It is a breeding ground for cormorants all year round. You might see pelicans and spoonbills perched on the dead trees and almost certainly the fish eagle. Lunch will be at the resort.  In the afternoon embark on a boat ride at the lake that will take you closer to the hippos and cap the afternoon with a tour of the crescent island along the banks of Lake Naivasha. Dinner and Overnight at Lake Naivasha Sopa Camp or similar – FB 

Naivasha is a Masai name given to the area, denoting the characteristics of the lake.

21 cottages are built in a crescent shape, and each has four rooms, totaling 80 standard rooms and Two suites.  Two of these rooms are suitable for the physically challenged.  Six of the 21 cottages have interconnecting rooms on the ground floor.

Rock gardens feature vibrantly coloured flowers, which give a beautiful contrast to the greenery of the well-manicured lawns.  Monkeys play on the lawns and different species of birds’ chip in the trees.  Pathways wind between the open lawns and frangipanis, with aloes and proteas growing in abundance.  The acacia trees are plentiful in this area and provide welcome shade.  The stone exterior walls of the cottages are carried into the rooms.  Ground-floor rooms have two queen-size beds and a sunken living room at the front, which opens out on to the beautifully manicured lawns.

| Basis

FB: Full Board – Dinner, Bed, Breakfast and Lunch

The Masai Mara together with Tanzania’s Serengeti form Africa’s most famous wildlife park, the Masai Mara National Reserve. The image of acacia trees dotting endless grass plains epitomises Africa for many, then add a Maasai warrior and some cattle to the picture and the conversation need go no further. The undeniable highlight of the Masai Mara National Reserve is undoubtedly the annual wildebeest migration traversing the vast plains of the Serengeti and the Masai Mara. It is known as the largest mass movement of land mammals on the planet – with more than a million animals following the rains. Large prides of lions, herds of elephants, as well as giraffes, gazelles and eland can also be spotted in the reserve. Aside from horse riding safaris and traditional vehicle safaris, hot-air ballooning over the Mara plains has become almost essential.

| Day Notes

After breakfast at approximately 0800hrs drive to the world-famous Masai Mara conservation area via the Great Rift Valley. Enroute enjoy the beautiful scenery. Arrive at your lodge/camp in time for lunch and check in. In the afternoon, enjoy an enthralling game-viewing drive inside the Mara reserve, home to lions, cheetahs and other spectacular predators.  In the evening enjoy   dinner and overnight at your camp or similar – FB 

Sarova Mara Game Camp is ideally located in the heart of the Masai Mara Game Reserve in Kenya and offers a unique African safari experience for game viewing. The luxury safari camps include 12 Club Tents, 57 Deluxe Tents with upgrades on some tents currently in progress, and 3, 2-bedroom Family Tents. All our tented accommodation is master ensuite while some Club Tents offer a spectacular view of the rolling Savannah plains. The organic garden provides the freshest ingredients for our exceptional cuisine with bush dining options available.

The camp also has its own fleet of well-equipped safari vehicles with excellent safari guides.
A luxury African safari is a lifetime experience. You want to make sure you’re booking with someone who knows Africa and knows safaris. Our dedicated staff is here to help you plan your perfect safari in Kenya.

| Basis

FB: Full Board – Dinner, Bed, Breakfast and Lunch

Day 7 – 8: Masai Mara

| Day Notes

After breakfast proceed on a full-day game-viewing drive-in search of the myriad species of game that are resident here. If you are lucky, you can witness the kill in action, moment by moment, right in front of your unbelieving eyes! Later drive back to the camp for lunch before proceeding on another exciting game drive where you can expect to see the famous ‘Big 5’if lucky. Dinner and overnight at your camp or similar 

Alternatively

Rise before dawn for a spectacular Hot Air Balloon ride followed by a bubbly bush breakfast (optional at extra cost) with an evening game drive scheduled for the day. Balloon flights typically take off at 6.30am. Passengers arrive in time to watch the balloon inflation as the pilots torch the colored fabric to life. The flight duration is usually one hour following the days prevailing winds. A Balloon flight allows passengers to float over the world’s most spectacular game reserve, and offers a magical bird’s eye view of the wildlife the Mara is famous for. On landing, the balloon crew sets up a full champagne breakfast complete with “Bloody Mary’s” on the Mara plains. Each passenger then receives a certificate from their pilot as a special memoir of their flight. (all this is extra)

All meals and overnight at your camp

| Basis

FB: Full Board – Dinner, Bed, Breakfast and Lunch

Day 8: End of Itinerary

| Day Notes

After breakfast drive back to Nairobi – Kenya’s colourful capital city.  On arrival proceed on last minute shopping and lunch at the serenity of Karen Blixen Coffee Gardens. Later transfer to Jomo Kenyatta International airport for your onward flight back home or proceed with an optional extension to Diani/Zanzibar/Uganda/Rwanda/Tanzania – Please consult your planner for further information

| Basis

B&B: Bed and Breakfast

Transport

Cost Based on per person sharing in $

LIST OF OPTIONAL ACTIVITIES AND COST

• Entry to Daphne Sheldrick Elephant Orphanage – USD 20
• Entry to Giraffe Centre – USD 20 per person
• Half day use of safari Land cruiser in Nairobi – USD 200 per vehicle (Minivan US$ 100)
• Full day use of Land cruiser in Nairobi – USD 250 per vehicle. (Minivan US$ 170)
• Fly Mara Nairobi one way US$ 250.00
• Balloon flight USD 480 per person
• Bush dinner USD 65 per person
• Sun downer at Masai Mara USD 50 per person
• Masai cultural Village tour USD 30 per person
• 01 Overnight stay at Nairobi Tamarind Tree Hotel on bed & breakfast US$ 95 per person sharing per night
• 01 Overnight stay at Nairobi Karen Blixen Camp on Bed & Breakfast US$ 140 per person sharing per night
• Nairobi transfers US$ 60 per van one way
• Lunch or Dinner in Nairobi $ 35 per person