Cheetah Safari

Arrival in Nairobi

Welcome to Kenya. Upon arrival in Nairobi, a local representative will be waiting at the airport to transfer you to your comfortable hotel. The rest of the day is free to meet your group and relax ahead of your safari adventure. Overnight at Sarova Stanley (or similar).

Things to do:

✓  Included

Seek out Africa's headlining wildlife on an escorted group safari

Optional

Visit the Karen Blixen Museum

Optional

Visit endangered Rothschild’s giraffes

Optional

Meet orphaned elephants at the Sheldrick Wildlife Trust

Nairobi & Samburu

After breakfast, begin the 7-hour drive to Samburu. Stop for lunch en route at the Trout Tree Restaurant, a unique dining venue set inside and around a giant fig tree. Enjoy an afternoon game drive around Buffalo Springs National Reserve en route to your accommodation for tonight. Overnight at Samburu Intrepids Camp (or similar).

Samburu

Today is the real start of your African wildlife experience, with two group game drives into the Samburu reserve. These will take place in the morning and afternoon, leaving the hot middle of the day free for relaxation. Lesser visited than its more southerly neighbours, this relatively small reserve’s arid landscape is home to ‘dry country’ animals rarely found outside the park. Samburu is famous for its own rare species known as the 'special five’, namely the Gerenuk, Reticulated Giraffe, Grevy’s Zebra, Somali Ostrich, and Beisa Oryx. Spotting one of these highly unusual creatures is a truly memorable experience. Overnight at Samburu Intrepids Camp (or similar).

Things to do:

✓  Included

Tour Samburu and meet the Special Five

Samburu & Laikipia

Leaving Samburu this morning, head for Ol Pejeta Conservancy, where you will arrive in time for lunch at your camp for the night, Sweetwaters Serena Camp. Set off on an afternoon game drive, searching for the Big Five. You will also visit the Rhino Sanctuary, which protects over one hundred of this endangered species, as well as the Sweetwaters Chimpanzee Sanctuary, the only place in Kenya where you can enjoy the antics of these intelligent and playful animals. Then it’s back to camp for dinner. Night game drives can also be organised at an extra cost upon request and will be subject to availability. Overnight at Sweetwaters Serena Camp (or similar).

Things to do:

✓  Included

Sweetwaters Serena Camp: where conservation meets compelling safari

✓  Included

Explore Laikipia, a conservation success story

Laikipia & Lake Nakuru

After breakfast, depart for Lake Nakuru, one of the vast Great Rift Valley lakes. After lunch at Sarova Lion Hill Lodge, head out on an afternoon game drive into the Lake Nakuru National Park, a haven for bird lovers with over 400 species. The park's habitat also offers a fantastic opportunity of spotting lion, leopard, Rothschild giraffe, and herds of rare white rhino. Overnight at Sarova Lion Hill Game Lodge (or similar).

Things to do:

✓  Included

Enjoy a birdwatching bonanza at Lake Nakuru

Lake Nakuru & Maasai Mara

Depart early today for a 6-hour drive to the Maasai Mara, a spectacular region of rolling plains and open savannah that boasts quintessential African scenery and wildlife viewing. After enjoying lunch at your lodge, head out on an afternoon game drive in search of the Big Five, big cats, and a whole host of other wildlife. You’ll return to camp in time for an excellent dinner, then spend the evening relaxing around the roaring camp fire with your fellow group members. With splendid views across the Mara plains, Sarova Mara Game Camp offers the classic safari experience with the comfort of a hotel-style residence. Overnight at Sarova Mara Game Camp (or similar).

Things to do:

✓  Included

Sarova Mara Game Camp: Maasai family fun

✓  Included

Explore the Maasai Mara - an African icon

Maasai Mara

Today there’s the opportunity to take a thrilling optional hot-air balloon safari to gain a whole new perspective of the Maasai Mara. Wake early and watch as the balloon is prepared, then take flight and drift upwards as the sun rises. The bright pink-orange haze is visible for miles across the vast savannah, as wildlife roam below you. The memorable flight is followed by an impressive Champagne breakfast that will be set up as your balloon comes in to land. Perhaps unsurprisingly, this is our most highly recommended optional experience in Kenya. The rest of the day is spent on morning and afternoon game drives into the heart of this wildlife-rich reserve – a fitting end to an exciting safari. Overnight at Sarova Mara Game Camp (or similar).

Things to do:

Optional

The Maasai Mara balloon safari

Optional

Experience the Great Migration

Maasai Mara & Departure

Leave the Mara after breakfast and drive for 6-hours to Nairobi, arriving in time for lunch. Alternatively, if you’re travelling on to Kenya’s coast, you can fly directly from the Mara to Mombasa in the afternoon.