1 week in the heart of Kenya's national parks

Trip Description

Accomodation

Stay program

• day 1

  Discovery of Tsavo West National Park

  

  You will be taken care of directly by your driver and guide upon your arrival in Kenya. This first day will begin with the discovery of Tsavo West National Park, the largest national park located in the east of the country. Throughout the journey, you will have the chance to admire the magnificent landscapes and cross farmland as you approach the remote corners of Kenya. Tsavo West National Park is notable for being home to the youngest volcanic chain in the world. You will start the visit with the Chyulu Hills, discovering its incredible wildlife. Although this park is considered a Big Five destination (the five largest mammals in the country), it is especially known for its thriving hippopotamus population, particularly at Mzima Springs. The day will end with a welcome cocktail at your hotel and a dinner freshly prepared by the chefs.

• day 2

  Visit to Amboseli National Park

  

  After a good breakfast accompanied by fruit, pastries, and coffee, you will head towards Amboseli National Park, not far from the famous mountain, Kilimanjaro. You will once again pass through the Chyulu Hills and the thick mountain forests. During your safari, you will have the opportunity to admire the vast plains stretching out beneath the snow-capped summit of Africa's highest mountain, with many herds of elephants roaming on the horizon. You will also be able to observe different must-see species on a safari, such as lions, leopards, and gazelles. After lunch, you will cross the plains and the streams fed by glaciers as you head towards the central lake of the park. You can also enter a hide overlooking the waterhole, and thus take the opportunity to recharge and create a feeling of exclusivity and independence. Before returning to your accommodation, you will pass by Observation Hill, where you can enjoy a cocktail and admire the magnificent landscape.

• day 3

  Discovery of Mount Kenya

  After two days of safaris, today we will take you to the largest mountain in Kenya, located in the north of the country. Your driver will make sure to show you the most spectacular landscapes of this region. In the afternoon, you will start a hike to stretch your legs and observe the rich birdlife present on this mountain. You can also take the opportunity to rest and relax on one of the main decks of the accommodations. You will return to your hotel to enjoy a delicious dinner.

• day 4

  Exploration of the shores of Lake Nakuru National Park.

  

  Start your morning by enjoying the phenomenal spectacle of the sunrise over the summit of Mount Kenya. After a good local breakfast, your driver will take you to the shores of Lake Nakuru National Park, located in the Great Rift Valley, crossing the plateaus down to the valley floor. This valley is characterized by a series of alkaline lakes, including Lake Nakuru, which is among the most famous and beautiful. Upon entering the park, you will be immediately surprised by a wall of flamingos feasting on algae growing in the inhospitable waters of the lake. Aboard your truck, you can observe pelicans flying over the lake alongside a host of other migratory birds. Although the lake represents a third of the park's area, the lake shores and surrounding woodlands are home to fascinating and endangered species. Lake Nakuru National Park was actually one of the first conservation areas for black and white rhinos, and today it has one of the largest populations on the continent. This park has become a huge success and a beacon of hope. A tour around the perimeter of the lake will inevitably bring you within a few feet of one of these gentle giants, who are often found relaxing in the shade of an acacia. Hyenas, baboons, and buffaloes are also frequently spotted in this peaceful environment. You can spend the afternoon quietly exploring the valley floor before heading up to a rocky outcrop in the woods for another magnificent sunset not to be missed.

• day 5

  Safari and discovery of the famous plains of the Masai Mara.

  

  Today, you will leave Lake Nakuru for the highlight of your Kenyan adventure: safaris through the Masai Mara National Reserve. This reserve is without a doubt the country's most precious wildlife sanctuary and is certainly among the most famous national parks on the continent. On the way to the vast plains and grassy hills of the Mara, you will pass through the Maasai village, one of the best known to the Western public. After lunch, you will set out in search of the Big Five, including the buffalo, lion, leopard, elephant, and rhinoceros, during an extraordinary safari. Although they are always just as impressive, these species live alongside a plethora of other unique species, all just as wonderful to see. You will also have the opportunity to meet the lesser-known local populations of the Mara.

• day 6

  Discovery of the land of the Maasai warriors

  

  You will head south of Kenya, not far from the shared border with the Serengeti National Reserve in Tanzania. You will follow the dusty trails crossing the park in search of quiet spots, home to incredible wildlife including the Big Five. Once you arrive at the heart of the great migration, you will witness a strong presence of herds of wildebeest, zebras, and impalas. Surrounded by two million migrating ungulates, this annual phenomenon is considered one of the greatest natural spectacles in the world. It is the largest mammal migration on the planet, and its scale is almost indescribable. At noon, you will probably find yourself on the banks of the Mara River, made famous by images of wild wildebeest leaping into crocodile-infested waters. A few lucky ones may witness this precarious undertaking firsthand, while others will simply spend time watching hippos and crocodiles float in the water. You can then head to a picnic area to have lunch while observing the monkeys coming to meet you. The rest of the day will be devoted to exploring these incredible plains. If you are interested, it is also possible to spend part of this last afternoon exploring a local Maasai community, learning about their culture and history. The local villages scattered throughout the park often have many markets, making it an excellent place to buy souvenirs to take with you on your return. You may also attend a cultural show given by the locals to show you their gratitude and welcome.

• day 7

  Return flight

  This morning, after a last breakfast overlooking the Masai Mara, you will arrive in Nairobi at the end of the morning. You can enjoy your last moments in Kenya by having lunch at the Carnivore, one of the most famous restaurants in Africa, where you will have the chance to taste all types of bush meat available, including warthog and crocodile. You can also do your last souvenir shopping before your driver takes you to Jomo Kenyatta International Airport for the return flight.