Itinerary

Day 1 Nairobi

Nairobiis the least expensive arrival city for flights with a full range of hotels and local attractions. Dubbed the “Safari Capital of the World,” cool, clear and cosmopolitanNairobiis the natural departure point for most safari itineraries. A city of contrasts, it is simultaneously the largest, the youngest, the most modern, the highest (1700m) and the fastest growing city inEast Africa. High-altitudeNairobienjoys a pleasant tropical climate all year round. There are ATMs and banks to stock up on cash, great restaurants, and malls where you can purchase any forgotten items.

In the event of serious illness, all travellers are covered by Flying Doctors Insurance. This covers the cost of emergency air evacuation service needed to fly back to Nairobi for treatment. This insurance does not cover the cost of medical treatment.

You will receive a private airport transfer to/from the airport.

Owned and operated by Fairview Hotel, Country Lodge offers modern accommodations at reasonable prices. Located in quite Upperhill, relax in the gardens or take advantage of gym facilities and local restaurants. Rest in comfort and security at this lovely location.

Overnight at Country Lodge.

Day 2 Mt Kenya

Mount Kenya is the highest mountain in Kenya, and the second highest in Africa (after Mount Kilimanjaro). The highest peaks of the mountain are Batian (5,199 m - 17,058 ft), Nelion (5,188 m - 17,022 ft) and Lenana (4,985 m - 16,355 ft). It is located in central Kenya, just south of the equator, around 150 km (95 miles) north-northeast of Nairobi. The area around the mountain is protected in the Mount Kenya National Park, which is a designated UNESCO World Heritage Site. The mountain is best seen at dawn, when the days early light silhouettes its impressive summit high over the surrounding plains.

Enjoy the drive from Nairobi to Mt. Kenya National Park through villages, towns, and up to the mountain's base. This drive will take about 3 hours.

Time permitting, there are many optional activities. Activities range from nature walks to cultural village visits. Some of these can be pre-booked through your destination specialist while others can be booked directly with the lodge upon arrival. Possible options are: Mt Kenya forest walk ($50pp), guided fishing trip in mountain streams ($75pp).

If you’ve been craving some down-to-earth diversity and a taste of the untamed, the Serena Mountain Lodge will be all that and more. The misty northern heights of Mount Kenya are now in your reach, thanks to the newly-paved highway from Nairobi. Recognized as one of the only two snow capped peaks in Africa, and the second highest mountain on the continent, the Serena Mountain Lodge is comfortably nestled among the treetops of Mount Kenya. Like a magnificent treehouse, the hotel appears on stilts. The unobstructed area allows all species to interact in their daily fashion. After an afternoon in the wild, return to the hotel for gourmet surprises. With a range of sumptuous African specialties, barbeques, and international choices, there is little left to desire in this untapped haven.

Overnight at Mountain Lodge Serena.

Day 3 Samburu

The Samburu National Reserve is located on the banks of the Ewaso Ng'iro river in Kenya; on the other side of the river is the Buffalo Springs National Reserve in Northern Kenya. It is 165 km² in size and 350 kilometers from Nairobi. Samburu is distinctive for its arid plains and herds of animals drawn to the river and water holes. Photographers love this park for its stark lighting and contrasts. In the arid north of Kenya, water means life. The river draws wildlife in great numbers to its banks, providing high quality game viewing.

Your guide will drive you down the cool slopes of Mt. Kenya, across the plain of Laikipia, to your finally destination, the sandy desert region of Samburu. This scenic commute will take approximately 2 to 3 hours.

Another species unique to the Samburu region is the gerenuk. With luck, you'll see some while on your game drive. It's amazing to watch them stand on their hind legs to eat! The gerenuk (also known as Waller's gazelle) is a long-necked species of antelope found in dry bushy shrub and steppe in East Africa. The word gerenuk comes from the Somali language, meaning “giraffe-necked”, and leads to its other common name, the giraffe-necked antelope.

The Sopa Samburu is located in this national park in Kenya, most popular for its incredible density of wildlife and stunning views. The 30 cottages are built to resemble the homes of the local Samburu people, with private verandas from which one may observe animals at the waterhole. Dining is a range of cuisine featuring both local influences and international. Bush cuisines are also a favorite of guests. The cultural talks and nature walks provide great insight into the region, the people, and their customs.

Overnight at Sopa Lodge.

Day 4 Naivasha

Naivasha is one of our favorite places to pause on safari. Lush, cool and relaxing, it is a beautiful freshwater lake, fringed by thick papyrus. The lake is almost 13 km across but its waters are shallow and thick with hippo. Hell'sGateNational Park,LongonotNational ParkandMountLongonotare nearby attractions. Boat tours on the lake are popular to observe birdlife and hippopotamus behavior, or exploreCrescentIslandon foot.

Your guide will drive you from the desert region of Samburu, through the beautiful, picturesque rift valley, to Naivasha. The drive takes an estimated 7 hours to complete.

Sign up for optional activities on-site. Activities include Crescent Island boat tour, hiking and day trip excursions to Mt Longonot and Hell's Gate, or simply walk along the lakeshore and relax at your lodge.

*Activity fees vary and are paid on-site to the lodge and/or park authority.

The Simba Lodge is situated not far from Nairobi, surrounded by gardens on the serene Lake Naivasha. Its 70 rooms are spacious and pleasantly decorated to fit in with the light, earthy and calm surroundings. Dining is an all around pleasant experience, where one may choose their favorites and make new discoveries at the wide buffet. Traditional and international cuisine is offered, as well as curries, which are popular with the locals. Hell’s Gate is not far, and there are plenty of activities such as cycling and rock climbing there. Otherwise, take a boat ride or nature walk.

Overnight at Simba.

Day 5 Naivasha

Your guide will drive you from Lake Naivasha to Nakuru. This passage of road is ideal for spotting wild game from the comfort of your vehicle. The drive will take around 1 hour.

Lake Nakuru is one of the Rift Valley soda lakes. The lake's abundance of algae attracts the vast quantity of flamingos that famously lines the shore. Other birds also flourish in the area, as do warthogs, baboons and other large mammals. Black and White rhinos have also been introduced.

Overnight at Simba.

Day 6 Nairobi

A local guide will drive you from Lake Naivasha, along the Rift Valley, to the beautiful city of Nairobi. This drive will take 1.5 hours.

Enjoy a visit to the Giraffe Center where you can hand-feed the giraffes. Then stop at the Karen Blixen house - made famous in the film "Out ofAfrica". If you are interested in the local jewelry you can visit the Kazuri Bead Factory, it's an all-woman craft workshop that is renowned for making fabulous clay beads and jewelry.

Includes opportunity to visit local handicraft markets to shop for souvenirs.

Before leaving that night, stop by the Kensington office for free use of Internet, lounge, showers and drinks. If you like, we can make reservations for dinner at a local restaurant as well. Please let us know in advance and if you are vegetarian.

Depart from Nairobi international airport - end of itinerary.

Overnight at Depart.

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