Kenya Wildlife Safari

An air of suspense hangs over us as we stare out across the silent plains... And then as the blades of grass move almost imperceptibly a pride of lions slowly appears in the golden sunlight. This is the very special magic that is the essence of a Kenyan safari.

Essential Experiences:

• Discover the 'Big Five' on our Kenya wildlife safari

• Take tea on the terrace at the world famous "Treetops"

• Experience an early morning balloon ride over the Masai Mara

The Tour: Our Kenya safari explores Samburu, Naivasha, the Aberdares, and finally to the vast plains of the Masai Mara. Adjoining the Serengeti, the Mara is home to a spectacular abundance of wildlife including the 'Big Five': lion, leopard, buffalo, elephant and rhinoceros. It is also the scene of the annual migration when, accompanied by zebras and antelopes, more than a million wildebeest make the trek north from the plains of the Serengeti.

Accommodation: The hotels and lodges throughout your tour all offer good standards and have been specifically chosen, largely due to their excellent reputations and locations.

Wildlife checklist:
On this safari, you can hope to see: lions; cheetahs; leopards; spotted hyenas; black rhinos; elephants; Grevy's and Burchell's zebras; reticulated, Rothschild and Masai giraffes; gerenuks (giraffe-necked gazelle); dik-diks; Beisa oryx; warthogs; Colobus monkeys; baboons; hippos; wildebeest; cape buffaloes; mongooses; waterbucks; topis; elands; Grant's and Thomson's gazelles, Somali blue-necked ostriches. PLUS the most superb and colourful birdlife.

» Day 1: LONDON TO NAIROBI

Fly London to Nairobi, on arrival into Kenya's capital you will be met and transferred to your hotel. Flights are based on daylight flights arriving the same day, overnight flights departing the day before are also available.

» Day 2 to Day 3: SAMBURU NATIONAL RESERVE

Early start to set off on safari, driving north to the west of Mount Kenya, and across the equator to Samburu National Reserve for 2 nights. Set on the Uaso Niro River, the reserve is home to some of Africa's most unusual fauna including Grevy's zebra, reticulated giraffe and the gerenuk (or antelope giraffe), distinguished by its long neck and disproportionately small head. We include 3 game drives in the reserve during your stay, as well as time to relax at the lodge. (B,L,D)

» Day 4: TREETOPS

Leave Samburu after breakfast and travel south to the Aberdare mountains. Lunch at the Outspan Hotel in Nyeri, before continuing the short distance to the world-famous Treetops in time for afternoon tea on the rooftop terrace. Whilst simple compared to more modern properties, the lodge enjoys an historic charm - as it was here in 1952 that Princess Elizabeth first learned of her ascension to the throne. As dusk draws in watch as the animals come down to the waterhole and salt licks. (B,L,D)

» Day 5: LAKE NAIVASHA

After an early morning wake-up call and cup of tea, return to Outspan for breakfast. Continue, via Thomson's Falls, to Lake Nakuru. The lake is home to a fascinating variety of bird life, with over 400 different species reported and the waters are also home to a large number of hippos. It is also here where you will have the best chance of sighting the rare black rhino. Continue to Lake Naivasha and overnight.(B,L,D)

» Day 6 to Day 8: MASAI MARA

After a morning enjoying the lake's peaceful setting, continue to the Masai Mara Game Reserve. The vast plains of the Mara stretch to the Tanzanian border where they join the famous Serengeti, in what is almost one great reserve covering an area of over 6,000 square miles. The area is the homeland of the Masai, who have traditionally lived in harmony with the countless thousands of animals that roam the plains. Each year it plays host to the spectacle of the migration as over a million wildebeest head north in search of fresh grasslands. Game drives are included during your stay to view the abundant fauna, which includes zebras, giraffes, gazelles and lions. There is also the opportunity to take our optional early morning balloon safari over the Masai Mara. (B,L,D)

» Day 9: MASAI MARA TO LONDON

Return to Nairobi for your overnight flight back to London. Day rooms are available at the Southern Sun Mayfair Nairobi (at a supplement) if you would like somewhere to rest before your flight and some carriers require an overnight stay in Nairobi. (B)