8 Day Essence of East Africa (Accommodated)

Day 1: Nairobi, Kenya

Upon your arrival in Nairobi, you will be transferred to your accommodation. Please ensure you have all the necessary visas for your trip. There will be a welcome tonight where you will get the opportunity to meet your group and tour guides. If you arrive early, you are free to explore the city as you please, returning to the accommodation in time for the welcome meeting. This trip is action packed with long travelling times to 2 different wildlife parks over the 8 days. Please be prepared for the authentic, ‘off the beaten track’ journey on some bumpy Kenyan roads. You will have the pleasure of travelling in a small group allowing everyone a window seat and the opportunity to engage with your trained safari guides.

Accommodation: Sarova Panafric Hotel or similar (1 Night)
Included Highlights: Arrival Transfer Welcome Meeting on Arrival Day

Day 2: Nairobi – Lake Nakuru National Park, Kenya

We depart early for Lake Nakuru, home to hundreds of pink flamingos and a variety of other birds. Take a late afternoon wildlife drive in Lake Nakuru National Park after arriving at our safari lodge in time for lunch.

Accommodation: Sarova Lion Hill Game Lodge or similar (1 Night)
Meals: Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner
Included Highlight: Lake Nakuru Wildlife Safari Drive
Travel Time: ± 3 – 4 hours
Distance: ± 165 km

Day 3: Lake Nakuru National Park, Kenya

Drive along the salty beaches of Lake Nakuru to see an incredible array of birds, then embark on morning and afternoon safaris through the scenic park in search of buffalo, impalas, lions, and more.

Accommodation: Sarova Lion Hill Game Lodge or similar (1 Night)
Meals: Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner
Included Highlight: Lake Nakuru Wildlife Safari Drive

Day 4: Lake Nakuru National Park – Lake Naivasha, Kenya

This morning, gain valuable insights into wildlife conservation efforts with a talk by a Kenya Wildlife Service (KWS) representative. Learn about the challenges and triumphs of protecting Kenya’s precious animals. Later, embark on a scenic journey south through the Great Rift Valley, leading you to the captivating Lake Naivasha. This vast freshwater lake, fringed by lush grasslands and olive trees, is a haven for diverse wildlife.

Hop on a boat cruise for prime hippo and buffalo sightings. Don’t forget your binoculars! Scan the skies for vibrant lovebirds, graceful ibis, and the majestic African fish eagle. Disembark at Crescent Island, a tranquil wildlife sanctuary nestled in the heart of the lake. Embark on a guided walk, searching for wildebeest, zebra, and giraffe roaming freely in this protected paradise.

Lake Naivasha’s name, derived from the Maasai word “Nai’posha” meaning “rough water,” might be slightly misleading. While the lake can experience occasional choppiness, it’s generally calm, offering a perfect environment for spotting an abundance of wildlife. Keep your eyes peeled for wallowing buffaloes in the swamps, and listen for the calls of colobus monkeys echoing through the treetops.

Accommodation: Lake Naivasha Crescent Camp or similar (1 Night)
Meals: Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner
Included Highlights: Kenya Wildlife Service Conservation Talk, Lake Naivasha & Crescent Island
Travel Time: ± 2 – 2 ½ hours
Distance: ± 80 km

Day 5: Lake Naivasha – Masai Mara, Kenya

Visit the legendary Masai Mara National Reserve and settle into our comfortable tented camp. Drive through acacia-dotted plains in the afternoon, passing wildebeest, zebra, and giraffes as you keep an eye out for lions, elephants, and the “big five.” Relax at the camp and take in the scenery. We depart for the Masai Mara National Reserve after breakfast. This is a must-see on any Kenya trip. In the afternoon, we will arrive at our safari camp, our base for the trip. We’ll then drive into the reserve for an afternoon wildlife safari, with excellent chances of seeing the “big five”: buffalo, elephant, leopard, lion, and rhino.

Accommodation: Fig Tree Camp or similar (1 Night)
Meals: Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner
Included Highlight: Masai Mara Wildlife Safari Drive
Travel Time: ± 5 – 6 hours
Distance: ± 230 km

Day 6: Masai Mara, Kenya

Explore the savanna early in the morning in search of animals that traversed it during the night. Experience one of the most active times of the day for ungulates like Thomson’s and Grant’s gazelles, topi and eland antelopes. Explore Masai Mara’s timeless landscapes on an afternoon safari.

Accommodation: Fig Tree Camp or similar (1 Night)
Meals: Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner
Included Highlights: Masai Mara Wildlife Safari Drive

Day 7: Masai Mara – Nairobi, Kenya

Take in the breathtaking sunrise over the savanna on your final safari in Masai Mara. Visit Café Ubuntu, an organization that trains and employs local women. It’s an oasis with delicious organic food, friendly staff, and a relaxing atmosphere in Maai Mahiu. Visit the craft center and meet some of the women who create the wares sold there, then sit down for a delicious farm-to-table lunch.

During a final morning safari drive, enjoy the African sun rising over the savannah of the Mara plains. After returning to Nairobi late afternoon, join the guide for a farewell dinner.

Accommodation: Sarova Panafric Hotel or similar (1 Night)
Meals: Breakfast, Lunch
Included Highlight: Café Ubuntu and Ubuntu Made, Masai Mara Wildlife Safari Drive
Travel Time: ± 5 ½ – 6 ½ hours
Distance: ± 245 km

Day 8: Nairobi, Kenya

Our tour comes to an end after breakfast today. Feel free to depart at any time. If you are not ready to leave and would like to explore some more, feel free to ask your tour guide for help with ideas to extend the adventure.

Meals: Breakfast

Onward Travel Plans

Due to circumstances beyond our control while on tour (such as border crossings, traffic, breakdowns and delays, etc), the end time on the last day cannot be guaranteed. Therefore we strongly recommend you stay the night and fly out the next day. Please consult with your booking consultant.