Trip Summary

The combination of Samburu and Olpejeta Conservancy allows you to explore and experience the various land formations that characterize this circuit. There is the Ewaso Ng’iro river flowing through doum palm groves and thick riverine forests which provides water to the animals in this arid ecosystem

Samburu National Reserve is one the areas which conservationists George and Joy Adamson concentrated to raise Elsa the Lioness, made famous in the best-selling book and award-winning movie Born Free. Samburu is also home to Kamunyak, a lioness famous for adopting oryx calves.

Olpejeta is home to the Chimpanzee sanctuary as well as the White Rhinos.

The rich farming areas of the Aberdare highlands gives a glimpse of the extensive efforts in maintaining this area as one of the top food baskets of Kenya

Daily Information

Day 1 – 2: Aberdare National Park

Located northeast of Nairobi, Kenya, the Aberdare National Park was created to protect the Aberdare Mountain Range, the peaks of which soar to 3930 metres. The landscape is characterised by steep forested slopes, expansive moors, and deep ravines scattered with cascading waterfalls, crystal-clear streams and rushing rivers. The park is inhabited by a variety of African wildlife such as: elephant, lion, spotted hyena, rhino, black leopard and the very elusive bongo antelope that lives in the high-altitude bamboo forests. The park offers the perfect environment for picnics, camping in the moorlands, trout fishing in the rivers, and excellent bird watching with over 250 species of birds including hawks, eagles, sunbirds and plovers.

| Day Notes

Pick up on arrival at Jomo Kenyatta International Airport or pick from your hotel within Nairobi environs. You will be met and assisted by our representatives. Immediately proceed by road to towards the lush foothills of the Aberdare Mountain ranges and check in at Aberdare Country Club for lunch. After lunch proceed to The Ark Lodge overlooking a waterhole and salt lick where the ‘Big Five’ occasionally gather for an exhilarating night of wild encounters. The Ark comprises of three decks from which numerous balconies and lounges provide superb vantage points for game viewing. Dinner and overnight stay at the lodge. LDBB 

Experience The Ark:

Immerse yourself in the wonders of wildlife with four viewing areas overlooking a bustling waterhole and salt lick. Our ground-level hide offers the perfect perspective for discerning photographers, capturing animal moments at eye-level.

Capture the Essence:
“As described in the book, ‘Haven Under the Hill,’ this intimate hide allows you to almost touch the animals, hear their sounds, and savor the aroma of the night. A magical corner where unexplored Africa comes alive, offering solitary beauty.”

Nightlife Alerts:
Don’t miss a moment! Our resident guide will discreetly buzz your room when special animals grace the waterhole. Slip on your provided robe and slippers, grab your camera, and witness the nocturnal spectacle.

Sister Property Delights:
Just a short distance away, Aberdare Country Club awaits. Enjoy a myriad of activities, from game walks and golf to tennis, horseback riding, and relaxation at our health club or pool. Immerse yourself in the stunning gardens for a perfect afternoon retreat.

| Basis

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

Day 2: Buffalo Springs National Reserve

Situated in northern Kenya, Buffalo Springs National Reserve is a protected area in the Isiolo County. Buffalo Springs, along with Samburu and Shaba make up a trio of adjoining reserves. Buffalo Springs National Reserve features wildlife viewing, and is renowned for its magnificent leopard sightings. This is a remote, hot and arid landscape boasting rugged hills and undulating plains. Forming the boundary with Samburu National Park, the Ewaso Ngiro River runs through the terrain flanked by riverine forests.  Visitors can look forward to spotting reticulated giraffe, the long-necked gerenuk, Somali ostrich and Grevy’s Zebra.

| Day Notes

Depart Nairobi at 07.30hrs by road and enjoy a fascinating drive North through constantly changing landscapes to Samburu, arriving in time for lunch. The Uaso Nyiro river, Samburu’s life support system, attracts plenty of wildlife as it meanders slowly through Acacia trees and Doum palms. Evening game drive at Buffalo Springs Reserve. Dinner and overnight at your Camp

Ashnil Samburu Camp sits in Buffalo Springs Game Reserve which takes its name from an oasis of crystal clear water at the western end of the reserve. It is separated from Samburu National Reserve by Ewaso Nyiro River and is less hilly and dense yet equally very attractive.

| Basis

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

Day 3 – 4: Buffalo Springs National Reserve

| Day Notes

Morning game drive followed by breakfast at the lodge. After lunch proceed on a late afternoon game-drive. Dinner and overnight at your Camp

| Basis

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

Resting at the foothills of Mount Kenya and the Aberdare Mountain Range, in central Kenya’s Laikipia County, the Ol Pejeta Conservancy is the largest black rhino sanctuary in East Africa. It is also home to some of the last remaining northern white rhino in the world. Originally a working cattle ranch in colonial Kenya and now a pioneering wildlife conservancy, Ol Pejeta works to protect wildlife and provide a sanctuary for rescued chimpanzees. The Conservancy is a popular safari destination and is home to the renowned ‘Big Five’ as well as a wide selection of other African animals including zebra, giraffe, hippo, cheetah, jackal, serval, hyena, vervet monkey, and many more. Visitors can look forward to an assortment of outdoor activities such as horse rides, game walks, and nocturnal game drives.

| Day Notes

After breakfast  drive South  through the rugged Laikipia plateau to Ol Pejeta conservancy, home to the famous Jane Goodall Chimpanzee Sanctuary checking into our camp in time for lunch. Thereafter we proceed on an exciting game drive where we can be able to spot lions, elephants, buffalos and even leopards if we are lucky! Dinner and overnight at Serena Sweet waters Camp

Nestled in the picturesque Ol Pejeta Conservancy, Sweetwaters Serena Camp is an ideal destination for those seeking an unforgettable holiday experience. Surrounded by breathtaking views of Mount Kenya, this sophisticated tented accommodation offers tranquil respite in the wild. Each of the 39 luxury tents features an ensuite bathroom, free Wi-Fi, and a private balcony or veranda overlooking the waterhole. Enjoy delicious meals and scenic views at the light-filled Rhino Restaurant or relax by the pool. With modern facilities and exceptional planning services, this central Kenyan tented camp is an ideal venue for weddings and corporate retreats. Guests can also take advantage of guided game drives to spot the famous “Big Five” or indulge in a massage at the treatment room.

| Basis

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

Day 5 – 6: Ol Pejeta Conservancy

| Day Notes

Full day at Ol Pejeta Ranch with a visit to the Chimpanzee Sanctuary. All meals and overnight at your camp

| Basis

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

Day 6 – 7: Naivasha

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 drive to Lake Naivasha arriving in time for lunch/check in. Lake Naivasha is a freshwater Lake found 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 enjoy a boat ride at the lake. Dinner and overnight at your resort.

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 m

| Basis

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

Day 7: Masai Mara

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 we depart for the famous Masai Mara. The trip is varied and gives a new and excellent impression of the savannah part of Kenya’s landscapes.

The change from the Rift Valley’s well-cultivated and lush areas to the often somewhat drier savanna area is significant. From the Maasai’s colorful, busy and dusty “capital” Narok, you immediately feel that you are in Masailand. The tribesmen are regularly seen along the road with their cattle and goats and savannah landscapes announce their arrival.

Arrive at your lodge/camp in time for lunch and check in. In the afternoon enjoy an enthralling game-viewing drive. Spotting lions, cheetahs and other spectacular predators is the highlight of your day.  Dinner and overnight at your Lodge/camp

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 8 – 9: Mai Mara 

| Day Notes

After breakfast, proceed on a full-day game-viewing drive-in search for the myriad species of game that make this reserve their home. If you are lucky, you can witness the kill in action, moment by moment, right in front of your unbelieving eyes! After picnic lunches at one of the designated sites proceed for another exciting game drive, where you can expect to see the famous ‘Big 5’. Dinner and overnight at your lodge/camp

OR

Rise before dawn for a spectacular Hot Air Balloon ride followed by a bubbly bush breakfast (optional at extra cost). OR proceed for an early morning game drive. Return to the Camp for lunch then later, set out on a late afternoon game spotting safari in the reserve and the opportunity to spot Africa’s ‘Big Five’ – lion, leopard, elephant, rhino and buffalo. Overnight at the lodge/Camp 

| Basis

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

Day 9: End of Itinerary

| Day Notes

After breakfast drive back to Nairobi – Kenya’s colourful capital city.  Your drive back to Nairobi is approximately 06 hours and arrival proceed on last minute shopping and thereafter lunch at the serene Karen Blixen Coffee Gardens. 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. On arrival drive to Karen Blixen Coffee Garden for lunch and relaxation. Later transfer to Jomo Kenyatta International Airport for your flight back home.

| 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