Activities: Cultural Exploration , Family , Safari
Lake Nakuru Park and the Masai Mara See lion, elephant, hippo, giraffe and rhino Stay in small bush camp
Kenya is bisected by the Rift Valley and is a land of amazing beauty. From our lodge at Lake Elementaita we can walk to the lakeshore and enjoy the fantastic flamingo and birdlife that abounds here. Lake Nakuru National Park is perhaps the best small park in East Africa while the Masai Mara is, quite simply, the most prolific game park in the world. Whether it is in migration season or not, the game is usually teeming around our luxury bush camp on the edge of the Mara River. Nevertheless, it is not just game, it is towering escarpments, proud Masai warriors, exciting walking, incredible skies and impossibly beautiful sunsets which make this a magical destination.Read our MD's account of his family's visit to the Masai Mara The Sunday Times - writes about the perfect safari in Kenya (12 October 2008).
Day by Day Itinerary
Day 1Start Air Kenya Terminal, Wilson Airport, Nairobi, arrival by 0830, for a 1000 flight. After a short (1 hour max) flight to the Mara, we transfer to our camp.
Day 2-3
Two full days in this remarkable game area. The game drives normally take place early in the morning and late in the afternoon, as this is the best time for viewing game. They last approximately 3-4 hours. You can choose whether to have a packed breakfast out on the plains or whether to return to camp. If you fancy a lie-in one day or an optional nature walk, this can easily be arranged. Meal times are a delight taken in the shade or under the stars in the evening. During time off you can relax in your private tents, the lounge or viewing tower. However it is the game and scenery that make this area so incredible: huge prides of predators feasting on an abundance of plains game. Once a year the plains darken with the annual migration of wildebeest and zebra. This is an astonishing spectacle of almost two million plains game searching for the best grass. It is impossible to predict the scale or the exact timings of the migration into the Mara as this varies from year to year but it occurs some time between July and October. At this time the plains game are relentlessly pursued by the big predators, including lions, leopards and cheetahs. As a climax, there is the also the option of taking a sunrise balloon ride over the African plains (subject to the weather conditions and availability).
Day 4
We head off early for a long and bumpy journey (approximately 6 hours) to Lake Elementaita. This is one of Kenya’s famous lakes and home to many thousands of flamingos. A picnic lunch will be taken en-route and you will arrive mid-afternoon in time to relax by the pleasant hotel swimming pool with views down to the lake.
Day 5
Early start for a full day's game drive at Lake Nakuru, about 30 minutes away. The National Park (285 km sq) is world-renowned for its teeming flamingo population made famous by Denys Finch Hatton's flight over it in the film 'Out of Africa'. Nakuru is also the best place in East Africa for white rhino and it is not unusual to see at least a dozen in a day. Coupled with this, there is a healthy buffalo population, many other plains game and frequent leopard sightings. A picnic lunch is taken at one of the picturesque picnic sites within the Park. We head back to Elementaita as the sun sets and enjoy dinner at the lodge.
Day 6
The morning is free to relax and swim. Alternatively there is time for a morning optional game walk (recommended) on which you might see plains game including gazelle, impala and sometimes giraffe as well as plenty of bird life. After lunch we head back to Nairobi (3 hours). Many groups enjoy a meal (at your expense) at the Carnivore. Here you can sample a variety of meats including ostrich and camel. (the other game meats are no longer available due to licencing restrictions).
Day 7
Those not flying with the group leave us in Nairobi.
Departure Dates
14/02/201011/08/2010, Migration Season Departure
23/08/2010, Migration Season DepartureRecommended Teenage Departure
17/10/2010, Migration Season Departure
24/10/2010, Migration Season Departure
27/12/2010
21/02/2011
08/08/2011, Migration Season Departure
21/08/2011, Migration Season DepartureRecommended Teenage Departure
Prices
Date: Base Price14/02/2010: £1569
11/08/2010: £1569
23/08/2010: £1649
17/10/2010: £1599
24/10/2010: £1599
27/12/2010: £1649
21/02/2011: £1699
08/08/2011: £1749
21/08/2011: £1749
Optional single supplement from: 375 GBP
Important Notes:
Child must be aged 5 to 11 at time of departure Migration season: August to October
Prices displayed are based on the lowest season base price and assume double occupancy. Prices may or may not include administrative fees, taxes, meals, airfare (where applicable) and Single Supplements. Cancellation penalties, blackout dates and other restrictions may apply.
Trip Information
Trip ProfileFlights direct with Virgin Atlantic. Transport minibus, plus one internal flight.
Accommodation
3 nights luxury bush camp, 2 nights lodge and 1 night hotel.
While in the Masai Mara we stay at Karen Blixen Camp, set in a spectacular location on the edge of the Mara River, where animals come to drink throughout the day. The camp itself consists of 22 walk-in luxury canvas tents, all are en suite and most are located along the river bank or on raised platforms, so there are always incredible views from your veranda.
Food
Full board on safari.
Group Size and Age
Min. 4, max. 12, plus guide and driver(s).
