Day 1 Samburu ‑ Larsens

Be ready for collection at your hotel between 7.30 a.m. - 8.00 a.m.

Drive north out of Nairobi, past business complexes and in to the open country where you will pass coffee and sisal plantations. Pass Thika (one‑time home of Elspeth Huxley ‑ author of Flame Trees of Thika) and the Agricultural Research Institute and on into rolling country. You turn right just before the agricultural centre of Nyeri, to drive past Mt. Kenya, stopping at the Equator for refreshment and to learn the 'magical propensities' of this line around the centre of the earth. Then drive on, dropping down the side of the mountain, to reach Isiolo, the provincial centre of the Northern Province.

From here to the gates of Samburu National Park is a short way on an earth road. Entering the Park you arrive at the luxury Samburu Intrepids Camp.

Samburu Intrepids is built on the edge of the wide, muddy Ewaso Nyiro river which meanders its way through the Reserve. The banks draw herds of game which visit to drink the waters, elephant play and bathe and buffalo come down to the edges of the river, which is also home to many crocodile. It is a beautiful tented camp, superbly set under shady trees. The en suite tents bring to mind the by‑gone days of luxury hunting safari. The cuisine is superb.

Samburu and Buffalo Springs are the home of the unique northern species of animals, the shy gerenuk, Beisa oryx, Somali blue‑necked ostrich, the reticulated giraffe and Grevy's zebra as well as the large numbers of elephant and buffalo which drink on the edge of the wide flowing Ewaso Nyiro river which runs through the Reserves. There are lion and cheetah and leopard are regularly seen on baits which are floodlit by the main lodges.

After lunch a game drive in the reserve and return to Samburu Intrepids in time for a shower before dinner.

Day 2  Samburu ‑ Larsens

An early morning game drive alongside the river, returning to Larsens in time for a late breakfast followed by time for relaxation. It is a marvellous time to sit and just watch the river flowing by or bird walk in the beautiful grounds. After lunch a short rest, and then an afternoon game drive. The colours of the mountains are beautiful as the sun sets, and you return to the lodge in time for a shower and sun downer before dinner.

Day 3 Treetops
Leaving after breakfast you return past Mt. Kenya to Nyeri and drive to the Aberdare Country Club for lunch. After lunch join the transport which departs for Ark, leaving your large bags in safe storage at the Aberdare Club and taking only your overnight bags.

NB: Warm clothing is advisable as nights tend to be chilly.

The Ark overlooks floodlit water holes visited regularly by buffalo, elephant, wart hog, bush pig, a variety of antelope and occasionally lion and other large animals. The evening is spent on the open air verandah or in the public areas, watching the animals and birds as they come to drink.

Day 4 Lake Naivasha
After breakfast you drive round the Aberdare range of mountains (named after a Past President of the National Geographic Society) and down into the Great Rift Valley, arriving at Lake Nakuru National Park in time for lunch.

Lake Nakuru National Park was created in 1961, originally as an ornithological attraction, due to the millions of flamingo which make the lake their home during certain seasons. The Park is approximately 220 sq km and, during the good years the waters of the lake cover a large area. In drier years the lake does occasionally dry up and huge plumes of dust pervade the nearby township.

The Park contains a great variety of wildlife as well as innumerable birds. Warthog and water buck graze on the lake shore, mingling with impala and other antelope. Nakuru National Park was one of the country's first rhino sanctuaries and rhino can be found browsing on the grassy plains. There are a number of lion, herds of buffalo and leopard are occasionally seen.

After lunch a drive in the Park and then continue on along the floor of the valley to arrive at Lake Naivasha Country Club, set in beautiful grounds on the floor of Lake Naivasha, in time for a shower and dinner.

Day 5 Masai Mara
After an early breakfast you drive along the floor of the Great Rift Valley and turn right to climb up the western escarpment wall. Drive on to the provincial centre of Narok and across the Loita Plains where grazing animals often concentrate, and then continue on to enter the Maasai Mara itself. You arrive Mara Simba Lodge, which is your base for two nights, in time for lunch and in the late afternoon, your first exciting game drive in the Mara.

The Maasai Mara Game Reserve is the home of the largest concentrations of animals in Kenya and is the northern extension of the famous Tanzania Serengeti National Park. It is in this area that the annual migration of wildebeeste, accompanied by the predators, takes place (normally between June and September). Resident wildebeeste always dot the plains.

Huge prides of lion live in the Mara;  cheetah are often found on the plains. There are large herds of elephant and buffalo (but sadly few rhino remain). Impala, zebra, giraffe, the unusual topi, and many other antelope graze across the famous grassy plains. The birdlife in the Mara is fantastic.

Return to Mara Simba in time for a shower and dinner.

Day 6 Maasai Mara
The morning and afternoon are spent game driving in the Mara. NOTE  :  The early morning calm of the  Mara  has made  possible the operation of BALLOON  flights, available  as an optional extra if  not  included in  your programme, from the leading  properties of the Reserve.  Please enquire and book early to avoid disappointment.

Lunch is taken at the Lodge and there is time to relax and enjoy the swimming pool or explore the walkway. In the evening you may be surprised with some local entertainment while you enjoy your dinner.

Day 7 Nairobi
Leaving after breakfast you drive back to Nairobi, arriving before lunch at the end of your safari.

We recommend adding an optional flight back to Nairobi from the Mara. Please enquire from your Driver Guide.