9 Days: Nairobi, Samburu National Reserve, Nyahururu Falls, Lake Nakuru National Park, Lake Naivasha, Masai Mara National Reserve

Tour overview:

As you awake to the trumpeting elephants and the graceful pink flamingoes, you will find the essence of Africa in this exciting 9-day adventure. This itinerary captures the spirit of safari with stops in Kenya’s majestic game reserves including Samburu and the world famous Masai Mara. A visit to Nyahururu Falls along with the Rift Valley lakes of Nakuru and Naivasha nicely round off your Kenya safari experience. Scenic indeed!

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Day 1 - Arrive Nairobi

Upon arrival into Nairobi, clients will be met and transferred to the hotel.

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Day 2 - Nairobi / Samburu National Reserve

Heading north after an early breakfast, you pass near Thika and continue north through some breathtaking scenery dotted with rushing mountain streams and fields of tea and coffee. After Nanyuki town, continue north, eventually reaching a dusty outpost known as Isiolo, the last major stop on the journey into the remote northern frontier district. From here it's a fairly short hop to Samburu, arrival at the lodge in time for lunch and then depart for an afternoon game drive arriving back at the lodge as the sunsets. (BLD)

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Day 3 - Samburu National Reserve

Enjoy an early morning game drive. For the remainder of the morning, one can relax by the pool or terrace, overlooking the river. After lunch another game drive returning to the lodge as the sun sets. (BLD)

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Day 4 - Samburu National Reserve / Nyahururu Falls

Leaving Samburu behind, travel south through Isiolo, crossing the northernmost foothills of Mount Kenya, until you get to the town of Nanyuki. Head north-west towards Nyahururu, located close to the equator and home to Nyahururu Falls, a 74-meter-high falls on the Ewaso Nyiro River. Visit the equator for a photo stop, before continuing to your hotel located near the Falls. Following lunch, depart on an escorted walk of the hotel grounds, before continuing your walk to the falls and a visit to the Hippo Pools. Return to your lodge in the late afternoon. (BLD)

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Day 5 - Nyahururu Falls / Lake Nakuru National Park / Lake Naivasha

Early morning we head in a southerly direction to our next destination, the spectacular Lake Nakuru. Once in the national park, embark on a game drive followed by lunch at a lodge. The national park, known for its birdlife, offers a possibility to view flamingoes (in season). It is also home to Black and White rhinos as well as the endangered Rothschild Giraffe. After lunch, view game en route to the park gate and continue to your next stop for the night Lake Naivasha, arriving late afternoon. Enjoy a 1 hour boat ride on Lake Naivasha. (BLD)

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Day 6 - Lake Naivasha / Masai Mara National Reserve

Early morning breakfast, leave Lake Naivasha behind, and begin our drive to Masai Mara ascending first up over the top of the Mau Escarpment; then, heading due south, towards Narok, the gateway to the Maasai Mara and district headquarters of this part of Maasailand. Travel across the "breadbasket" of Kenya, covered with acres of wheat and barley, before you reach the Mara in time for lunch. Following lunch and a siesta, an afternoon game drive returning to the camp as the sun sets. (BLD)

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Day 7 - Masai Mara National Reserve

Early morning and afternoon game drives. (BLD)

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Day 8 - Masai Mara National Reserve

Early morning and afternoon game drives. (BLD)

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Day 9 - Masai Mara National Reserve / Nairobi

Morning depart the Masai Mara and head across acres of rolling wheat and barley farms to Narok, the district headquarters of this part of Maasailand. From here cross the vast plains on the floor of the Rift Valley, before heading up the rift escarpment on a road built by Italian prisoners during World War II. Arrive in Kenya’s bustling capital around mid-day and transfer to the airport for your departure flight. (B)

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