Exceptional eco-safaris

Trip Description

Accomodation

Stay program

• day 1

  Nairobi - Samburu (5h30 by road, excluding stops)

  

  Welcome by your driver-guide at Nairobi airport. Immediate departure for the incredible Samburu reserve, known for its rare species such as the Grevy's zebra, Somali ostrich, reticulated giraffe, Gerenuk, and Beisa Oryx (also called Samburu Special). The reserve is also renowned for its elephant population: more than 900 individuals are recorded in the reserve! The great predators such as lion, leopard, and cheetah are present in Samburu. The famous Kamunyak, the miracle lioness who adopted the baby Oryx, lived in the reserve. Wild dogs can also be observed there and the birdlife is abundant, with more than 450 species recorded, including the lesser kestrel and the Taita falcon, both protected species. The Samburu reserve is very little visited and is particularly appreciated by travelers seeking off-the-beaten-path safaris. Not far from the reserve, at the foot of Mount Ololokwe, is Sabache Camp, an eco-lodge managed by the Samburu community and nestled in a green valley where wildlife is omnipresent. With a bit of luck, you will hear a leopard growling and snarling at night. This regular visitor comes to hunt its prey near the camp, but never approaches humans whom it fears. This eco-lodge, which uses all green energies, was created with the aim of generating funds for the Lion Conservation Centre, a conservation center located in the Samburu district, which works for the protection of lions, but also elephants and rhinos. Many activities are offered at Sabache Camp: trekking on Mount Ololokwe, hikes from several hours to a full day, camping at the top of the mountain, guided birdwatching and medicinal walks, camelback safaris, climbing, as well as lion and rhino tracking accompanied by Samburu warriors and guides, and visiting a sanctuary for rescued orphaned baby elephants, destined to return to the wild. Samburu is a true Noah's Ark and awaits you to experience unique and off-the-beaten-path safaris in the heart of its extraordinary landscapes! Enough to live exceptional and unforgettable experiences! Lunch upon arrival at the camp and afternoon safari. Return to the camp. Dinner and overnight at Sabache Camp. Transport: Private minibus Accommodation: Sabache Camp (http://sabachecamp.com/). Package: Full board

• day 2

  Samburu

  

  Breakfast and departure for a morning safari in the Samburu reserve. Return to the camp for lunch, then departure for a birdwatching walk. This walk will give you the opportunity to discover the many species of birds that inhabit the reserve: vulturine guineafowl, Oustalet's bustard, African pygmy falcon, Donaldson's mahali, Fischer's starling, red-billed oxpecker, Lichtenstein's sandgrouse, among others. Then, return for an afternoon safari to continue discovering the fascinating wildlife of the reserve. Dinner and overnight at the camp. Transport: private minibus Accommodation: Sabache Camp (http://sabachecamp.com/). Package: full board

• day 3

  Samburu - Subukia (4h30 by road, excluding stops)

  

  After breakfast, departure for Muringa Farm, a 10-hectare property 5 minutes from the small village of Subukia. Everything is there: farm animals, pets, wild animals, an incredible number of plants and flowers, all in a historic setting, as it is the former farm of Mama Daktari. Eric and Astrid, the owners, have preserved its character and the house is a true museum. The bandas, built in local style, are simple but charming, with electricity (solar panels) and hot water. Upon your arrival, you will have lunch at the restaurant located by a small lake. The food, based on simple and local ingredients, is good and varied. Then, you will set off on foot to discover medicinal plants on the property. Depending on your wishes and the time you have, you can go hiking to discover different viewpoints over the valley, visit the kindergarten, the village of Subukia, or go on a birdwatching hike. The discovery of Subukia and its inhabitants is fabulous. Dinner and overnight at Muringa Farm. Transport: Private minibus Accommodation: Muringa Farm (http://www.wild-routes-of-kenya.com/francais/accueil.html) Package: Full board

• day 4

  Subukia - Masai Mara (5h30 drive excluding stops)

  

  After your breakfast, you leave for the legendary Masai Mara reserve! Discover the endless plains of the Masai Mara and its unique wildlife scenes! Observe the most spectacular wildlife in the world and get your camera ready, as you will surely encounter the Big Five (lion, leopard, buffalo, elephant, rhinoceros)! Lunch upon arrival at the lodge and afternoon safari. Dinners and nights at Hammerkop Migration Camp on a full board basis. Hammerkop is a luxurious camp that enjoys one of the best locations in the Masai Mara to meet the wildlife. Nestled in a bend of the Mara River, you will encounter wildlife as soon as you leave the camp. A truly enchanting place! Transport: Private minibus Accommodation: Hammerkop Migration Camp (http://www.hammerkopcamp.com/) Package: Full board

• day 5

  Masai Mara

  

  This day is dedicated to wildlife observation on safaris. After breakfast, departure for a morning safari. Return to camp for lunch, then departure for an afternoon safari. Dinner and overnight at Hammerkop Migration Camp. Transport: Private minibus Accommodation: Hammerkop Migration Camp (http://www.hammerkopcamp.com/) Meal plan: Full board

• day 6

  Masai Mara - Lake Naivasha (5 h drive excluding stops)

  

  After breakfast, you leave the Masai Mara and head to Lake Naivasha, a freshwater lake bordered by thick papyrus and surrounded by forests. Many species of birds (including cormorants, fish eagles, kingfishers, pelicans, etc.) coexist with families of hippos. Lunch at the lodge. In the afternoon, you go for a boat ride on the lake to discover the birdlife that lives there and to observe the hippos rising out of the water. You will also be surprised to discover how the locals fish on this lake… You then go for a walk on Crescent Island, among zebras, giraffes, waterbucks (Fassa's waterbuck), and other gazelles. Return to your lodge. Dinner and overnight at Lake Naivasha Crescent Camp, located on the shores of Lake Naivasha, in the heart of the Rift Valley in Kenya. Transport: private minibus Accommodation: Lake Naivasha Crescent Camp http://crescentcamp.co.ke/ Meal plan: full board

• day 7

  Lake Naivasha - Amboseli (5h30 by road, excluding stops)

  

  After breakfast, departure for the fabulous Amboseli National Park. Like an oasis in the savannah, Amboseli National Park appears beneath the imposing Kilimanjaro. Although the landscape may seem quite dry and dusty, Amboseli National Park is the best place in Africa to see elephants! Other wild animals gather there to graze and drink in the park's swamps and lakes. A true postcard with the majestic Mount Kilimanjaro as a backdrop! Lunch at the camp and afternoon safari. Enjoy all the activities at the camp before and after your safari: walking safari, visit to a primary school and meeting with the children, walk with Maasai warriors to a viewpoint for a panoramic view and to admire a magnificent African sunset, stargazing with a camp telescope, playing football with Maasai children, building toys with local materials, etc. Dinner and overnight at Maasai Simba Camp. Transport: Private minibus Accommodation: Maasai Simba Camp (http://www.maasaicamp.com/) Package: Full board

• day 8

  Amboseli - Tsavo West (4h30 by road, excluding stops)

  

  After breakfast, you leave for the majestic Tsavo West Park! This park is characterized by hilly and wooded landscapes, dotted with volcanic cones and black lava flows. Tsavo West is a true Garden of Eden where you can observe many animals. If you are passionate about ornithology, you will be impressed by the number of birds you will see there. You may also have the chance to see the black rhinoceros in the secure rhino sanctuary. Discover Tsavo, a paradise on Earth! Lunch at the lodge, Lions Bluff Lodge, a small, isolated and exclusive lodge, perched above the savannah and offering superb panoramic views. After lunch, depart for a walking safari accompanied by a Maasai guide in search of animal tracks. Thanks to your guide and his ancestral and traditional knowledge, learn to recognize the tracks and footprints of animals that passed by some time before you. Return to the lodge and dinner. Transport: private minibus Accommodation: Lions Bluff Lodge (https://www.lionsblufflodge.com/) Package: full board

• day 9

  Tsavo West - Nairobi (5h30 by road excluding stops)

  

  After breakfast, departure for Nairobi. Lunch en route. Upon your arrival in Nairobi, you will visit the Karen Blixen Museum, located in the chic and wooded suburb of the city. This museum is one of Nairobi's must-sees and allows you to immerse yourself in the life and history of the Danish author Karen Blixen, known worldwide thanks to her novel "Out of Africa". Your guide will then accompany you to Nairobi airport. International return flight, with your mind and camera filled with wonderful memories. End of our services.