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.

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

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.

Kensington Tours donates a portion of proceeds to our charitable initiative www.kensingtoncares.com which supports education-based initiatives in disadvantaged communities.

The Nairobi Serena Hotel is a member of the Leading Hotels of the World, excelling in quality, service, and comfort beyond expectations. Its vibrant tropical gardens and skyline offer a range of views from its 184 rooms and suites, each decked with pan-African themed influences. Two stylish restaurants, offer both a la carte and/or buffet, and serve an international selection of fine cuisine amidst mesmerizing settings. Take advantage of the local attractions and, following a demanding full day, relax in the hands of an expert masseuse at the Maisha Serena Health Club. Gym, spa & pool at the hotel.

Overnight at Serena.

Day 2 Nairobi

Enjoy a day of motorcycle riding with spectacular views of the Rift Valley. Starting in the low traffic Nairobi suburbs and onto scenic side roads, you will be accompanied by an experienced motorcycle instructor. (Helmet, boots and other equipment available for rent).

Included in your stay, stop at the famous Carnivore restaurant. The Carnivore first opened in 1980 and is a meat specialty restaurant. Commonly referred to as the ultimate 'Beast of a Feast' - here you will enjoy a variety of meat roasted over charcoal and carved at your table. Meats commonly include beef, chicken, and options to try game meat such as crocodile or ostrich. Delicious side dishes and an array of sauces complement the meats served. Your meal also includes soup, a selection of desserts and Kenyan coffee. Set in attractive tropical gardens, the restaurant remains a local attraction for international visitors.

Please let us know in advance if you have any dietary restrictions, requirements or food requests.

Overnight at Serena.

Day 3 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.

Ride north on newly paved road onto the Rift Valley escarpment. A breathtaking view of the great valley greets you, along with a stop at the famous rift souvenir stands. Descend to the valley floor and nearby Lake Naivasha famous for its hippos. Three hours, moderate skill (traffic). Optional dirt or cross country trails for more advanced riders.

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.

Like an African castle in the sky, Sopa Lodge Naivasha spins wondrous safaris from natural treasures below the golden Kenyan sun. It is situated on the southern shores of Naivasha, the largest freshwater lake in the Great Rift Valley. Let this dazzling resort of 21 cottages prepare you for mouth-dropping silence. Feast on the succulent meats and preparations of the hotel’s talented chefs. Allow your eyes to indulge in the scenery and wildlife that draws so many to visit this hotel, built for open views of nature’s activities at their most untouched. Make sure to wander around the compound. You will be enchanted by the fine architecture, cathedral ceilings, and grand windows. Stroll around the gardens, and take a swim. It’s hard to leave this heavenly escape.

Overnight at Sopa Lodge.

Day 4 Naivasha

A highlight day of offroad riding. Start along the paved road along Lake Naivasha and then enter the Hell's Gate national park, famous for its geothermal activity and sheer cliffs. One of the few parks that allows walking and riding. Continue to Mount Longonot, an extinct volcano with preserved caldera. Ride onto the cool slopes and picnic with spectacular views. Descend onto the floor of the Great Rift Valley and ride amidst herds of zebra, antelope and giraffe. Return to Naivasha.

Overnight at Sopa Lodge.

Day 5 Masai Mara

Masai Mara is the northernmost portion of the larger Serengeti ecosystem and features the best game viewing in the region. The small size funnels animals into a tight space, and park rules allow for off-road driving which means that guests can venture into plains covered with hundreds or even thousands of animals. Take an optional hot air balloon ride over the plains, with the opportunity for amazing pictures of the animal herds below.

Ride southwest from nice pavement to potholed and gravel road. Across the Rift Valley and up the escarpment to Nanyuki. Stop for cold drinks at souvenir stands where you can buy a few treasures and put them in your pannier. Continue into the famous Mara reserve, the world's finest game park. Gravel road will give way to offroad requiring stream crossings and some mud. Five hours, high skill (traffic, road condition, duration)

This afternoon's game viewing will be exciting as you are searching for game with your private guide and driver. The leopard is difficult to see as it moves fast and is very shy. If you're lucky there is a good chance to spot them around water holes or up in a tree after a long, hot day.

Kensington Mara West Camp has been revamped and relocated to what is surely one of the best views in East Africa. Perched elegantly on the Ololoolo escarpment, forming the western boundary of the Masai Mara Reserve itself. This is the authentic Out of Africa experience where much of the original film itself was filmed & produced. The camp borders the remote and beautiful western edge of Masai Mara National Reserve. Kensington Mara West provides nature lovers with deluxe accommodations while experiencing the sights and sounds of an unforgettable African safari. Tents offer rustic charm surrounded by grassy fields. Chalets are perched in secluded spots on an escarpment edge overlooking the vast plains of the Masai Mara Game Reserve, giving tremendous views and a sense of private exclusion.

Overnight at Kensington Mara West.

Day 6 Masai Mara

Wake up early for game viewing in the fabled Masai Mara. Explore the northern reserves on off-road and gravel tracks led by your experienced guide. Riders must be careful to follow instruction. Morning and afternoon drives, approximately 2-3 hours. Medium to high skill level (off road)

Sign up for optional activities (not included in tour price); guided nature walk, hot air balloon ride, cultural tours and more. You can also arrange to volunteer for the day at Mara West and pay any associated fees directly on-site. Volunteer activities range from individual to community projects.

Overnight at Kensington Mara West.

Day 7 Masai Mara

Wake up early for game viewing in the fabled Masai Mara. Explore the northern reserves on off-road and gravel tracks led by your experienced guide. Riders must be careful to follow instruction. Morning and afternoon drives, approximately 2-3 hours. Medium to high skill level (off road)

Hike with a Masai warrior to the nearby village to meet the people and experience a bit of the nomadic lifestyle.

Overnight at Kensington Mara West.

Day 8 Nairobi

A challenging six hour ride from Masai Mara to Nairobi. Offroad driving in the Mara reserve, changes to potholed pavement with occasional gravel and offroad detours. Your guide will stop regularly for refreshment and lunch. 6 hour ride, high skill level (traffic, road conditions, length)

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.

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

Depart from Nairobi international airport - end of itinerary.

Overnight at Depart.

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