Making Tracks with Sarova

Using the imaginative and well recognized Sarova Lodges, this safari has a consistently comfortable standard of accommodation, including stylish tents in Masai Mara. With lodges located in excellent spots, game-viewing is consistently good. En route, guests will enjoy some fine outdoor meals and sundowners.

Trip Highlights

• Shaba Game Reserve
• Lake Nakuru
• Masai Mara Game Reserve

Safari Includes

• Meet and greet services with assistance at the airport or hotel
• All transport and game drives in a modern safari cruiser with an English speaking driver-guide on shared basis
• Meals and accommodation as specified
• All park fees and government taxes
• ½ litre bottle mineral water per person per day on game drives

Safari Excludes 

• Visas and international flights
• Driver-guide gratuities
• Drinks, dining rooms tips, porterage
• Personal travel, baggage and medical insurance
• Telephone bill, laundry and any items of a personal nature

Day By Day Itinerary

Day 1 Nairobi
Upon arrival into Nairobi, you will be met and transferred to the Stanley Hotel. Afternoon at leisure.
Overnight at the Stanley Hotel on a bed and breakfast basis.

The Stanley Hotel
Situated in the city centre, it was where the travellers, including Earnet Hemingway, gathered for a drink at the legendary Thorn Tree Café before or after a long safari. A message board on the acacia xanthophildea tree is used by travellers to make contact with fellow travellers. The 220 room hotel has been refurbished to a high standard and still retains the original Victorian charm. Bedrooms with private bathrooms are very comfortable while the restaurants serve excellent international cuisine. The gym is excellent, pool large and conference facilities extremely modern.

Day 2 Nairobi - Shaba Game Reserve
Heading north after breakfast, you'll pass near Thika and continue north through some breathtaking scenery dotted with rushing mountain streams and fields of tea and coffee. After Nanyuki town, you'll continue north, eventually reaching a dusty outpost known as Isiolo, the last major stop on the journey into the remote northern frontier district. From here it's a fairly short hop to Shaba, arrival at then lodge in time for lunch and then depart for an afternoon game drive arriving back at the lodge as the sunsets.
Overnight at Sarova Shaba Lodge on a full board basis.

Sarova Shaba Lodge
Shaba Game Reserve was made famous by the late Joy Adamson and her lioness Elsa and is often referred to as ‘Born Free Country’. Located on the banks of the Uaso Nyiro River, Sarova Shaba offers a luxury seldom found in a large African bush lodge. There are 80 chalet rooms, or for those looking for a little extra luxury, 4 junior suites and one honeymoon suite. The tranquil flow of sparkling spring water throughout the grounds, creates an atmosphere of peace and serenity as it collects and cascades and attracts a great variety of  birds. There is also a large pool to enjoy, crocodile feeding and evening entertainment is provided by local Samburu dancers.

Day 3 Shaba Game Reserve
Early morning game drive followed by breakfast. Then for the remainder of the morning, one is able to relax by the pool or terrace, overlooking the river. After lunch there will be another game drive returning to the lodge as the sun sets.
Overnight at Sarova Shaba Lodge on a full board basis.

Day 4 Shaba Game Reserve – Lake Nakuru
Leaving Shaba behind, you'll travel south through Isiolo, crossing the northernmost foothills of Mount Kenya, until you get to the town of Nanyuki. Here you'll head west to Nyahururu, still known to many as Thomson's Falls for its 237 foot cascade. Now travel in a southerly direction to Lake Nakuru. The lake is often coloured by a shimmering flamingo pink from thousands of the beautiful birds lining its shores.  Once in the park, there will be a game drive en route to the lodge. Following lunch and a siesta, there is an afternoon game drive returning to the lodge as the sun sets.
Overnight at Sarova Lion Hill Lodge on a full board basis.

Sarova Lion Hill Lodge
Overlooking one of the world's greatest ornithological spectacles, Lake Nakuru and its surrounding national park, the lodge is set high on a plateau and offers panoramic views of the shimmering lake in the distance. Here, what feels like millions of flamingos, pelicans and marabou storks always gather and the landscape seems to blossom as natural foliage and a variety of wild flower continually bloom. There are only 65 modern en suite bedrooms here, and meals are excellent and served inside the lodge, by the pool or under a forest of towering acacia trees. The Rift Valley bar is always a great watering spot and is located on the ground floor with great views of the lake.

Day 5 Lake Nakuru - Masai Mara Game Reserve
After an early morning breakfast leave the flamingo fringed Lake Nakuru behind and head for Njoro town, where you begin your ascent up over the top of the Mau Escarpment. Then, heading due south, travel towards Narok, the gateway to the Maasai Mara and district headquarters of this part of Maasailand. You'll travel across the "breadbasket" of Kenya, covered with acres of wheat and barley, before you reach the Mara in time for lunch. Following lunch and a siesta, there is an afternoon game drive returning to the lodge as the sun sets.
Overnight at Sarova Mara Game Camp on a full board basis.

Sarova Mara Game Camp
Sarova Mara Game Camp is located inside the eastern section of the Masai Mara and hidden in a wonderful little forested valley away from sight of other Mara visitors. The 75 tents are luxurious with a permanent roof and floor, zip-up fronts, attached bathroom, running hot water supply and electricity. Wooden walkways link the tents and manicured lawns with the main dining / bar areas, and are built over wide lily ponds. Bird life is abundant, with kingfishers a speciality. The impressive main building consists of a high thatched lobby, Oloip bar with its cosy log fireplace, a big dining area and outdoor terrace with side-angle views. Food and service are excellent and there is a small private area by the pond for private meals if needed. There is also a sparkling swimming pool surrounded by sun lounges for those who want an alternate activity?

Day 6 Masai Mara Game Reserve
Early morning and afternoon game drives.
Overnight at Sarova Mara Game Camp on a full board basis.

Day 7 Masai Mara Game Reserve - Nairobi
After breakfast you’ll depart the Masai Mara and head across acres of rolling wheat and barley farms to Narok, the district headquarters of this part of Maasailand. From here cross the vast plains on the floor of the Rift Valley whilst keeping an eye out for herds of giraffe and gazelle before heading up the rift escarpment on a road built by Italian prisoners during World War II. You’ll arrive into Kenya’s bustling capital around mid day and be dropped off at the airport of a city centre hotel.

Rates 2008 - Making Tracks with Sarova

Departs every Monday and Thursday from Nairobi 

* A supplement of $50 per person per night applies between 10 April and 13 April. 

All rates are land only and are based on two people sharing.  Please contact us for single supplement amounts.  

Child Rates -  One Child under 2 free sharing with 2 adults.  One child aged 2-11 years sharing with 2 adults pays 50% of safari cost.