Big 5 African Safaris, accommodated, camping and fully escorted

1: Nairobi

Today is an arrival day, so you may arrive at any time. A pre-departure meeting takes place at 6pm at the hotel. You may choose to eat at the hotel restaurant this evening or venture out to one of the many fine restaurants that Nairobi has to offer (own expense).

2: Mt Kenya - Nanyuki

(Driving time: approx 4 hours) Our journey to the town of Nanyuki, located in the foothills of Mount Kenya, takes us through the green hills and fertile tea plantations of the lush Central Highlands. On a clear day, Nanyuki affords us one of the most commanding views of the spectacular Mt Kenya, soaring into the clouds at a height of 5199m. Our campsite near Nanyuki is a veritable oasis of nature. It has a dam, a river, incredible mountain views and spacious grass camping areas shaded by ancient trees that are frequented by cheeky, white colobus monkeys.
Meals Included: BLD

3: Samburu National Reserve

(Driving time: approx 8 hours plus; game drive times variable) Departing Nanyuki we travel further north into the semi-arid ochre plains of Samburu National Reserve in time for lunch. We set up camp along the banks of the Ewaso Ng'iro river where it is not uncommon to see families of elephants crossing or drinking from the shores. A little later in the afternoon we set out on our first game drive. We follow the winding trajectory of the river in search of lion, buffalo and the famous 'red elephants of Samburu' - named for the red dust that that coats their hides. The trees along the riverbanks also conceal a sizeable leopard population. We return to our campsite in time for dinner.
Meals Included: BLD

4: Samburu National Reserve - Thompson's Falls

(Driving time: approx 8 hours plus; game drive times variable) The picturesque reserve of Samburu is also renowned for supporting several species that are found nowhere else in Africa. These include the beautiful but quite shy Grevy’s zebra, the reticulated giraffe and the odd-looking gerenuk - a browsing antelope with an improbably long neck! The park also hosts a sizeable population of the elegant beisa oryx (similar to the gemsbok). We spend our morning game-driving through the park in search of some of the park's most famous inhabitants. In the afternoon we reach Thompson's Falls, located in the southwestern corner of Laikipia, in the foothills of the Abedare Ranges. Here the Ewaso Narok River drops a sheer 243 feet over a ledge of volcanic rock, to create a magnificent waterfall. We set up camp near the base of the falls. There is a nature trail nearby, taking you through a gorge, where you are likely to spot endangered colobus monkeys, baboons and colourful birdlife. You may also like to take a refreshing swim at the falls themselves.
Meals Included: BLD

5: Thompson's Falls - Lake Nakuru National Park

(Driving time: approx 6 hours; game drive times variable) An early start sees us depart Thompson's Falls enroute to Lake Nakuru National Park which we reach in time for a late lunch. Lake Nakuru is one of several soda lakes in the Rift Valley. Rich in algae, it attracts large quantities of flamingos and at times the surface of the lake resembles a moving carpet of pink feathers. The lake varies in size, depending on season, changing from 5 to up to 30sq km in area. We depart on an afternoon game drive in the hope of meeting some of the huge herds of waterbuck, zebra and buffalo as well as the endangered Rothschild giraffe. We stay at a lovely campsite at the edge of the park, where cheeky vervet monkeys may descend from their lookouts high in the tree branches, to come and say hello.
Meals Included: BLD

6: Lake Nakuru National Park - Masai Mara National Reserve

(Driving time: approx 8 hours plus; game drive times variable) This morning we enter the adjacent Lake Nakuru National Park for an extended game drive. Lake Nakuru is particularly noted for its populations of white and black rhino, Cape buffalo and the elusive leopard. Many other animals abound here including the Masai giraffe, which is often sighted quite close to the many roads in the park. Leaving the park we drive through the Great Rift Valley to plains of the Masai Mara. We stay two nights in a tented camp right on the boundary of the reserve. As dusk falls we may see a variety of animals in the vicinity and listen to the sounds of the African night from our camp.
Meals Included: BLD

7 - 8: Masai Mara National Reserve - Nairobi

(Driving time: approx 7 hours; game drive times variable) We explore the expansive grasslands of the Masai Mara on morning and afternoon game drives and witness the wonderful procession of wildlife that inhabit this area. Wildebeest, zebra and gazelle are plentiful and, with luck, we may spot lion or cheetah keeping a casual eye on their movements. Elephant, giraffe and eland are also commonly sighted, along with plenty of bird life. Whilst in the region, we also have the time to experience some of the Masai culture and you may choose to take an optional visit to a local village, where you may experience the dancing and singing for which the Masai are renowned. After breakfast on Day 8 we are driven back to Nairobi, where our tour ends upon arrival at our Nairobi hotel in the mid-afternoon. Flights out of Nairobi tonight should not be booked before 9.00pm. Transfers from the hotel to Nairobi Airport are at an additional cost.
Meals Included: 2B 2L 1D

Trip Start	Trip Finish	Twin Share Price	Local Pymt Currency	Single Supp	Trip Notes
03 Apr 2010	10 Apr 2010	$1095	$USD250	$0	View Notes
22 May 2010	29 May 2010	$1095	$USD250	$0	View Notes
26 Jun 2010	03 Jul 2010	$1095	$USD250	$0	View Notes
21 Aug 2010	28 Aug 2010	$1095	$USD250	$0	View Notes
25 Sep 2010	02 Oct 2010	$1095	$USD250	$0	View Notes
30 Oct 2010	06 Nov 2010	$1095	$USD250	$0	View Notes
11 Dec 2010	18 Dec 2010	$1095	$USD250	$0	View Notes