KENYA WILDLIFE TRAIL

A safari to see the best game parks in Kenya and also the world famous bird sanctuaries of the Great Rift Valley lakes before taking you down to the coast to enjoy at leisure the beautiful sunny beaches of Mombasa, Malindi and Lamu. For 40 million years Africa has been torn apart by forces deep below the earth’s crust, they have formed The Great Rift Valley, the largest visible scar on the earth’s surface. Along this great fissure, is an incredible and unparalleled diversity of ecosystems. Nowhere is The Rift Valley more prevalent than in Kenya, where the high escarpment walls, and associated volcanoes, support a unique Afro-alpine environment. Winter and summertime temperatures are experienced in a single twenty four hour period. Along the valley floor, lakes - both fresh water and alkaline - support huge concentrations of wildlife. The millions of Lesser Flamingos on Lake Nakuru have a well deserved reputation as being one of the world’s greatest bird spectacles. The grassland savannas, formed by the volcanic ash are home to the last great concentrations of large mammals are still to be seen on our planet. The great Wildebeest migration of the Serengeti/Mara ecosystem is truly an unforgettable experience.

Day 1 – Samburu

Depart Nairobi in the morning passing through the rich agricultural farmland on the slopes of Mountain Kenya to the mainly dry scrubland and open Savannah plains of Samburu Game Reserve. Here the Ewaso Nyiro River supports a wide variety of game among them elephant, buffalo, cheetah leopard, lion, grevy's zebra, reticulated giraffe, oryx and the long necked gerenuk. Accommodation in our permanent campsite beautifully set on the edge of the river under a canopy of trees, or pitch tent nearby.

Day 2 – Samburu

Day spent game viewing in the park.

Day 3 – Baringo

Leaving Samburu in the early morning, we make a scenic drive to the west across the Lerochi Plateau. Lunch enroute and later descend to the floor of the Great Rift Valley, arriving at Lake Baringo in the afternoon. This is a fresh water lake, which supports a great variety of birds as well as hippos and crocodiles. Indeed, the lake is reputed to be the bird-watching centre of Kenya.

Day 4 - Lake Nakuru

Early in the morning we head south via Lake Bogoria, which is a shallow soda lake with a beautiful scenery and also home to a sizeable number of flamingos and other species of birds. The highlight, however, is the boiling hot springs and geysers, which also contribute to the beauty of the lake. After lunch, we proceed to lake Nakuru in the south - another shallow soda lake that has been described as "an ornithologists paradise and one of the world's most magnificent sights". Here one has an opportunity to see up to two million flamingos besides tens of thousands of other birds if lucky. Lake Nakuru is a rhino sanctuary and also harbors lions, warthogs, waterbucks, buffaloes, hippo and many other animals. Dinner and overnight in a campsite outside town.

Day 5 - Maasai Mara

We head further south to Narok, camping in our permanent campsite on the Talek River, which is at the edge of the park by afternoon. Here we have stand-up tents with beds for use, if available, otherwise we pitch tent.  tent. Showers are available in the camp and meals are served in the dining mess or in the open.

 
Day 6 - Maasai Mara

From the base camp, we explore the Mara region, packed with the elephant, zebra, rhino and all kinds of game throughout the year with the spectacular wildebeest migration from Serengeti occurring mainly in July and August. Being at Maasai Mara is "as if you found yourself in the New York of the natural world according to some authorities". Indeed, you have the best opportunity of seeing all the big five.

 
Day 7 – Nairobi

We break camp and drive to Narok where Maasai souvenirs can be bought and then proceed to Nairobi, arriving in the afternoon. Dinner and overnight in a hotel.

Day 8 – Amboseli

Morning drive via Namanga on the Tanzania border and reach. Amboseli early in the afternoon. We view game as we proceed to the campsite.

Day 9 – Amboseli

Day spent exploring this park with the magnificent snow capped Mt. Kilimanjaro in the background. The waters from melted snow drain down the mountain under lava flows and surface on the Amboseli plains. Here elephant, hippo, buffalo, giraffe are likely to be seen.

Day 10 - Tsavo West

We leave soon aster breakfast for Tsavo West National Park. Visit the Chyulu Hills and the Mzima Springs, which are favourite haunts for both the hippo and crocodile, which can be seen from an underwater observation chamber if time permits. Dinner and overnight in a campsite.

Day 11 - Tsavo West

Day spent exploring the park including the nature trails.

 

Day 12 - Tsavo East

Early in the morning we drive to Tsavo East. This park come famous for its great herds of elephant still has these beasts usually covered in red dust and a variety of game and fine scenery. We visit Lugards Falls, Mudanda Rocks and Aruba Dam as we view game if time permits.

Day 13 – Mombasa

Early morning gamedrive. Soon after breakfast we proceed to Mombasa arriving there in good time for pax to find their way to their hotels and the tour ends.

WHAT YOU NEED TO BRING

• Sleeping bag (available for hire in Nairobi office)

• Money for personal spending and tipping.

• Only a small case or rucksack, as storage space is limited.

• A pair of long trousers and jersey for the cool mornings and evenings in addition to plenty of light clothes for hot days (don't forget a hat), a pillow, good walking shoes.

• Torch, sunglasses, suntan lotion, insect repellent.

• Mineral water for drinking (available in office)

• Camera, films, binoculars, maps, guidebooks.

• Toilet paper, towel, soap, toothbrush/paste.

• Flying Doctor's Service Card, available in Nairobi.

It is a good idea to bring any drinks you might want around the campfire, they are not always available enroute.

A SAFARI WITH DIFFERENCE

With our Safaris you can follow in the footsteps of the early explorers and rediscover the source of the Nile, track gorillas in the tropical forests that cover the slopes of extinct volcanoes. These safaris are designed for those in search of a real adventure who enjoy the unpredictable and who want to get away from the well-beaten tourist track. We do a lot of camping by streams or riverbeds, in forest, on mountain slopes or on the edge of national parks. The crisp, clear, star filled African night can only be fully appreciated from a campsite deep in the bush, not a modern sound or artificial glow of a nearby town interfering with the feel of nature. Because of the nature of these tours, you are expected to help with the camp chores and the setting up of tents. The campsites lack the sophistication of those in Western countries and we can’t guarantee a shower every day, or that you won’t get dusty. But your meals will be prepared by our expert safari cooks over wood fires, and you will share the freedom of the open skies each night. Those who join us come from all walks of life and from all nationalities. Age is not important - but we need your sense of humour, your willingness to participate and a spirit of adventure. These will transform the rough journeys into memories of a lifetime. All vehicles are now fitted with powerful HF radio communication equipment, allowing us to stay in touch no matter how remote you are.

Important: Before you travel please check your Tour Voucher and Arrival Information for the latest joining instructions. This will be sent to you upon receipt of final payment.

All itineraries are subject to change without prior notice.

 Prices for- Kenya Group Safaris