7 days: Nairobi, Shaba National Reserve, Lake Nakuru National Park, Masai Mara National Reserve

Tour overview:

This itinerary captures the spirit of safari with diverse scenery and experiences, from the unique wildlife in the north to the world famous Masai Mara in the south. Travel in comfortable 4WD vehicles and stay in a mixture of well established hotels, lodges and a tented camp.

Day 1 - Arrival Nairobi

Upon arrival into Nairobi, clients will be met and transferred to The Sarova Stanley Hotel. Afternoon at leisure..

Day 2 - Nairobi / Shaba National Reserve

Heading north after an early breakfast, you pass near Thika and continue north through some breath taking 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 Shaba, 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)

Day 3 - Shaba National Reserve

Early morning game drive followed by breakfast. Then for the remainder of the morning, one is able to relax by the pool or terrace, overlooking the river. After lunch there will be another game drive returning to the lodge as the sun sets. (BLD)

Day 4 - Shaba National Reserve / Lake Nakuru National Park

Leaving Shaba 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, before turning in a southerly direction to your next destination, the spectacular Lake Nakuru. Once in the park, view game en route to the lodge. Following lunch and a siesta, there is an afternoon game drive returning to the lodge as the sun sets. The national park, known for its birdlife, offers a possibility to view flamingoes. It is also home to Black and White rhinos as well as the endangered Rothschild giraffe. (BLD)

Day 5 - Lake Nakuru / Masai Mara National Reserve

Following an early morning breakfast leave the flamingo fringed Lake Nakuru behind and head for Njoro town, where you begin your ascent up over the top of the Mau Escarpment; then, heading due south, travel 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, there is an afternoon game drive returning to the camp as the sun sets. (BLD)

Day 6 - Masai Mara National Reserve

Early morning and afternoon game drives. (BLD)

Day 7 - Masai Mara National Reserve / Nairobi

Following breakfast depart the Masai Mara and head across acres of rolling wheat and barley farms to Narok, the district headquarters of this part of Masai land. From here cross the vast plains on the floor of the Rift Valley, whilst keeping an eye out for herds of giraffe and gazelle, before heading up the rift escarpment on a road built by Italian prisoners during World War II. Arrive into Kenya’s bustling capital Nairobi, where a Day-Use Room is provided before you transfer to the airport for departure flight. (B)