Itinerary

Days 1 / 2 / 3 ~ Lewa Downs ~ Sirikoi

After arriving in Nairobi you will take a short flight to Lewa where you will be met by an Extraordinary Journey’s representative and driven to Sirikoi Cottage, on the lower slopes of Mt. Kenya.

Sirikoi is one of the most outstanding lodges in Kenya, offering unparalleled hospitality in breathtaking surroundings.  This area offers some of the best game viewing in East Africa, with healthy populations of both black and white rhino – at the latest count there were 65 black and 46 white. The world's largest concentration of the endangered Grevy zebra resides on Lewa, as well as elephant, buffalo, greater kudu, oryx, lion, leopard and cheetah.  A wide range of activities beckon you to be part of a unique African adventure,  including explorations by helicopter and bi-plane, horseback riding, overnight camel safaris, bush walks and picnics, and visits to a local Maasai community. You can even go out with research scientists to help them locate lions. Lewa is, in short, the whole East African experience, past and present, rolled up into one magnificent bundle!

The camp has four luxury tents, each built on a platform with a private veranda overlooking the waterhole, a living area with a fireplace and an elegant bathroom with a Victorian bath and a shower. There are two further traditional tents with en-suite showers. The shared dining area, infinity swimming pool and veranda deck of the tented camp are set in a shady acacia grove and overlooking a natural waterhole where wild animals frequently visit to wallow and drink. Evening sundowners with amazing views of distant mountain ranges, delicious meals served under the stars next to a roaring fire and the sounds of animals in camp late at night are just a small part of this magical experience.

Overnight at Sirikoi.  http://www.extraordinaryjourneys.net/english/luxury-safari-camps/sirikoi-game-lodge.html

Days 4 / 5 / 6 ~ Maasai mara ~ Mara Plains Camp
Today you will take a short flight to the Mara, where an Extraordinary Journeys representative will drive you to Mara Plains Camp.

The Maasai Mara is Kenya’s most famous nature reserve, and one of the settings for the film Out of Africa. It is classic savannah – grasslands, where animals are plentiful and the vistas spectacular. In this dreamlike land, animals live in freedom, and the Maasai tend their cattle. The area, also known as the “Jewel of Africa,” has one of the largest and the most spectacular animal migrations in the world. The reserve is known for its large wildlife, including lion, cheetah, elephant, leopard, black rhino and hippo. There are also over 500 resident species of birds in the park including ostrich, lark and sunbird.  The reserve which covers an area of 700 square miles forms part of the Serengeti ecosystem and hosts the world famous spectacle of the annual migration of up to two million wildebeest, thousands of zebra and an escort of carnivores from the Serengeti plains, following the rains and succulent new grass. A costly trek as many of the lame, laggard and sick will fall prey to predators and many more will die in the swirling flood waters of the Mara River as they try to cross it.  Whether you’re in the Maasai Mara during migration time, your wildlife viewing will be spectacular, as the resident population of zebra and wildebeest will be there, along with the predators.

Mara Plains Camp is a small, high quality camp located within the private Olare Orok Conservancy, just a few hundred meters to the north of the Maasai Mara National Reserve boundary. You can go on game drives in both the Masai Mara and the Conservancy; away from the crowds. Enjoy privacy and freedom and benefit from a truly superb wildlife experience as well as night drives and walking safaris - activities not possible in the Masai Mara. The Conservancy is made up of land leased from Maasai landowners who benefit directly in terms of earning a guaranteed monthly income for converting their land back to wildlife, and moving livestock and homesteads outside the core conservation area.

The camp is situated along the Ntiakatek River with uninterrupted views of the surrounding plains, and riverine forest. The environmentally friendly camp has an open-air canvas central living area with a dining tent and two comfortable lounge tents. These are raised off the ground on wooden decks offering spectacular views over the plains and into the riverine forest. Along the river there is a grassy outdoor area to watch birds or enjoy a leisurely lunch under the trees. Each of the six rooms has en suite bathroom facilities including hot and cold water, a flush toilet and a shower.

Getting closer to nature on foot is a highlight. Your armed guide will introduce you to the abundant birdlife and can help you identify trees and local plant species, or sharpen your wildlife tracking skills. Game drives are arranged for late afternoon so you can savor the African sunset over sundowner drinks and snacks before continuing your drive to witness the nocturnal animals as they become more active. Share stories of the day as you sit at the campfire with other guests and staff, listening to the sounds of the African bush come alive. You can also take advantage of the unique opportunity to visit a Maasai village and experience the traditional ways of the community.

Overnights at Mara plains camp http://www.extraordinaryjourneys.net/english/luxury-safari-camps/mara-plains.html

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