After breakfast we depart north via Nanyuki for the Samburu Game Reserve set in the rugged, semi-arid northern region of Kenya, with a spectacular scenic landscape. Arrive in time for lunch, a short siesta then heads out for an afternoon game viewing drive. The water of the great Ewaso Nyiro River, dotted with doum palms meanders through the reserve giving it an oasis setting and draws wildlife in great numbers to its banks. The verdant riverine forest is a stark contrast to the arid thorn studded plains. Samburu is visited by large herds of Elephants, drawn by the promise of water. In the dry season, the elephants use their tusks to dig deep into the dry river beds, unearthing precious water. These waterholes then become a focal point for other games. The Samburu region is the best place to find several endemic Northern species; including the Gerenuk (twiga gazelle) due to her long neck, the beisa Oryx, the reticulated giraffe, the Somali ostrich and Grevy’s Zebra. Samburu is also an ornithological paradise, home to many birds including local species such as the Palm Nut Vulture and the Vinaceous Dove. Leopards are often seen at dusk. Overnight at Samburu Sopa Lodge. Meal Plan: Lunch, Dinner.

Enjoy morning and afternoon game viewing in both Samburu and Buffalo Springs game reserves. Leopards are often seen at dusk. The Samburu culture is a truly fascinating one, sharing a great deal of ancestral and linguistic ties to the Maasai. The entire Samburu region is a place of breathtaking and magical beauty, a place where the vision of a deep red sunset silhouetting the doum palms along the river as a leopard emerges to hunt brings the perfect end to a day on safari…… Enjoy meals and overnight at Samburu Sopa Lodge. Meal Plan: Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner.

We will depart Samburu in the morning and drive along the floor of the Great Rift Valley to Lake Nakuru National Park, arriving in time for lunch. The park is Kenya’s first rhino sanctuary and features one of the largest concentrations of black rhinoceros in the world, as well as a large population of white rhino. Also of interest is an area fenced off as a sanctuary to protect Rothschild giraffes. Predators here include lions, leopards, and large pythons hiding in the dense woodlands—which may occasionally be seen crossing roads or dangling from trees. Other game includes Thomson’s and Grant’s gazelle, the long- eared leaf-nosed bat, colobus monkey, rock hyrax, hippo, waterbuck, impala, striped hyena, bat-eared fox, wildcat, reedbuck, and golden cat. Dinner and your overnight stay will be at the Lake Nakuru Sopa Lodge. Meal Plan: Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner.

After breakfast at your lodge, traverse the Rift Valley and ascend its western rim into the Masai land. Red-clad, with spear Masai warriors tend their herds of cattle among the wildlife, admirably unmoved by the presence of large predators. The most spectacular feature in the Mara is the annual migration of wildebeest, zebra and gazelle from the plains of Serengeti that cross the Tanzanian border and rivers to reach the Mara’s grasslands from late June, tracked by predators and circled by vultures as the journey unfolds. Arrive in time for lunch at your lodge. Depart for an afternoon game-drive in search of wildlife. Overnight at Mara Sopa Lodge on a full board basis. Meal Plan: Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner.

The full day spent exploring the park in search of the “Big Five.” An optional hot air balloon safari can be arranged at an extra cost of $450 USD per person. The Mara offers wildlife in such variety and abundance that it is difficult to believe—over 450 species of animals have been recorded here. You will easily see lions, rhinos, hippos, crocodiles, giraffes, wildebeests, zebras, buffalo, warthogs, hyenas, jackals, wild dogs, buffalo, leopard, many kinds of antelopes, and elephants. It is here that the most spectacular event of the natural world takes place: the annual migration of millions of wildebeest and zebras from the Serengeti in search of water and pasture. Following on their heels are the predators of the savanna: lion, cheetah, wild dog, jackal, hyena, and vultures. An optional visit to a local Masai village ($35USD) can also be arranged. Dinner and your overnight stay will be at Masai Mara Sopa Lodge. Meal Plan: Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner.

After breakfast we will drive to Lake Naivasha—the highest and purest of the Great Rift Valley lakes. This area is famous for its birdlife. It is a breeding ground for pelicans, fish eagles, cormorants, and many more. You will also find other animals such as hippos, zebras, antelopes, and Colobus monkeys. In the afternoon you’ll take a boat ride along Lake Naivasha to Crescent Island, where you will be doing a nature walk next to zebras, giraffes, wildebeest,waterbucks, antelopes, and many types of birds. You might also see zebras and giraffes close to the lakeshore. Dinner and your overnight stay will be at the Lake Naivasha Sopa Resort. Meal Plan: Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner.

After an early, sumptuous breakfast, you’ll depart for Amboseli National Park, which is truly classic Africa. Set in rolling savannah scenery, it is dwarfed by the presence of the pink-tinged, snow-capped peak of Mount Kilimanjaro, which is the highest free-standing volcanic mountain in the world and topped by one-fifth of all the ice in Africa. Against this magnificent backdrop, vast herds of elephant are accompanied by a kaleidoscope of other fabulous animals, including lion, buffalo, cheetah, giraffe, baboon, gazelle, hippo, and wildebeest. You’ll arrive at your preferred choice of accommodation in time for check-in and some delicious lunch. The afternoon will be spent on a game drive in search of the “Big Five” and other animals. Dinner and your overnight stay will be at the at Amboseli Sopa Lodge. Meal Plan: Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner.

After an early morning game drive, you’ll return to the camp and eat breakfast before checking out of the lodge. You’ll enjoy a game drive en route to Nairobi, where you’ll be transferred to the airport or your Nairobi Hotel. Meal Plan: Breakfast, End of services.