8-Day Into the Wild

Two full days of game drive, with packed lunch provided. The reserve is well known for its black-manned lion, as well as its abundant resident wildlife, and it's one of the few places where it's possible to see the big five during a morning's game drive. Many of the cheetahs are so tame they seek shelter from the hot sun under one's vehicle and several even climb onto the roof to get a better view of prospective prey. For the bird enthusiast, almost 500 species have been recorded: among these 16 species of eagle, plus many hawks and falcons, 6 species of vultures, 8 species of storks 4 of bustard (including the Kori bustard, the world's heaviest flying bird), and 9 species of sunbirds.

You'll have an early morning pick up, then drive to Lake Nakuru National Park. Known all over the world for its flamingoes, it's alkaline and is recognized as being one of the Natural Wonders of the World. Lake Nakuru is now a Rhino Sanctuary, harboring a population of over 40 black and over 60 white rhinos. But the flamingoes, of course, have always been the main attraction. At times there may be almost 2 million flamingoes in the residence, forming a stunningly beautiful deep pink band around the edge of the lakeshore. You'll arrive in time for lunch then have an afternoon game drive.Dinner and your overnight stay will be at the campsite or lodge.

An early morning drive to Lake Naivasha, is the highest and the most beautiful of the Rif Valley lakes. At 1910m (6200f), the water is fresh and the lake is fringed with dense clumps of papyrus (ancient Egyptians once used this to make paper). Kingfishers use the papyrus as a perch, herons hide in it while searching for food. Naivasha is yet another area popular for bird watching (over 400 species have been recorded). It is also a favorite weekend retreat for Nairobi residents, who come here to sail, water ski, and fish. There are no crocodiles in the lake as the water is too cold for them, due to altitude but there are a number of hippos. Along the lakeshore, vineyards produce grapes for the country's fledgling wine industry.​

​An early morning start and drive to Amboseli National Park. Check-in at accommodation and lunch. Afternoon game drive.​Amboseli National Park is situated south of Nairobi, Most of the park consists of a dry, ancient lake bed and fragile grassland with patches of acacia woodland, while in the southern area, there are a number of small, rocky, volcanic hills. Around the swamps of Ol Kenya, Ol Tukai, and Enkongo Narok, the vegetation is lush with yellow barked acacias and phoenix palms.

Rising early for good views of Mount Kilimanjaro before clouds build up over the summit with a packed lunch provided, an optional visit to a Masai village can be planned after breakfast. A visit reveals the singing and dancing that are part of their daily lives and sacred rituals. A glimpse into their homes and social structure is a poignant experience. Despite its changing habitat, Amboseli National Park is possibly the best wildlife area in the whole of Africa to experience elephants at close range. Left unharassed by poachers, elephants feeding and bathing in the swamps must form the highlights of any safari. ​

Morning game drive in Amboseli and afternoon transfer to Nairobi arriving at about 5pm. Lunch en route.​