Day By Day Itinerary
Day 1 Nairobi - Masai Mara National Reserve
Leaving Nairobi after breakfast, you'll travel towards Kenya's fertile highlands and head down the Rift Escarpment on a road built by Italian prisoners of war during World War II. Look for the charming chapel they built at the foot of the escarpment. You'll pass the impressive Longonot earth satellite station as you head across the Valley to Narok, and then travel across acres of wheat and barley, before you reach the Masai Mara and your lodge in time for lunch. There will be an afternoon game drive.
Overnight at your choice of Masai Mara Lodge on a full board basis. Accommodation choices are as follows -
Mara Simba Lodge
Mara Simba was conceived, not just as an overnight stop, but as a safari resort and lodge on the edge of the Masai Mara. The emphasis is on exclusivity, comfort and the ambience is Masai, with the decor incorporating both decorative and design elements from the culture of this tribe. The grounds of the lodge extend almost a kilometre along the Talek River, and built in blocks with 4 comfortable rooms in each. The river bank is left in its virgin state, while further back lush landscaped gardens of indigenous plants and trees attract colourful birds and butterflies. Wide, well-lit pathways link guest rooms and the public areas where beautiful wooden floors are shaded by soaring makuti roofs (palm thatch). The dining room and bar have stone fireplaces where roaring fires are lit on chilly evenings.
Or
Keekorok Lodge
Keekorok Lodge was opened in 1965 and lies at the southern end of Masai Mara National Reserve, approximately 280 kilometres from Nairobi. It is sited in the direct path of the annual migration and was the first lodge to be built in the Mara. At the height of the migration, Keekorok is surrounded by a swarming mass of animals and there is hardly need to go on a game drive. Keekorok's charm lies in the liberal use of local building materials. Sand stone, cedar wood and other indigenous materials are used in all rooms and public areas. In front of the lodge there is a 300m elevated walkway that meanders through a small riverine forest to a small bar at one end. This overlooks a dam where resident hippo and other game are regularly seen. There are no fences around Keekorok and it is not uncommon to see elephant and buffalo on the perimeter of the grounds or even strolling in. Though there are watchmen on the constant look out!
Or
Mara Sopa Lodge
The lodge is set in the Oloolaimutia Valley and built into the surrounding hillside landscape. The accent around the lodge is on the indigenous Masai people and the fabulous wealth of wildlife, birdlife and natural flora seen in every direction. The lodge is luxuriously appointed with all the mod cons one would expect from a Sopa style of lodge in the bush. The bedrooms are spacious, the large pool has wonderful views and there’s evening wildlife films and CNN to enjoy during the down-time. All this ensures that your stay will be blissfully comfortable.
Day 2 Masai Mara National Reserve
Early morning and afternoon game drives.
Overnight at your choice of Masai Mara Lodge on a full board basis.
Day 3 Masai Mara – Lake Nakuru
Leaving the Masai Mara after breakfast, you'll travel across the ‘breadbasket’ of Kenya, where acres of wheat and barley litter the landscape as you head north to Narok, the district headquarters of this part of Maasailand. Now travel across the vast plains on the floor of the Rift Valley, keeping an eye out for herds of giraffe and gazelle as you head up the Mau Escarpment, before arriving at Lake Nakuru. The waters here are often coloured shimmering flamingo pink, from thousands of the beautiful birds lining its shores. After lunch at Lake Nakuru Lodge, depart for an afternoon game drive in Nakuru National Park returning back to the lodge for dinner and overnight.
Overnight at Lake Nakuru Lodge on a full board basis.
Lake Nakuru Lodge
Lake Nakuru Lodge is situated in the heart of one of Kenya's most densely populated wetland National Parks, (Ramsar site) only two leisurely hours' drive from Nairobi, through beautiful forested uplands and passing a series of lakes. On the outskirts of the bustling market town of Nakuru lies a truly remarkable national park which has achieved international fame. Both black and white rhino are being given a new lease of life in this 188 sq km, fully-fenced park - and they are carefully protected. The present rhino population is over 50 and continuing to multiply. The Rothschilds giraffe is another rarity and the park has its fair share of buffalo, leopard, zebra, eland, waterbuck and lion. Lake Nakuru Lodge is in the south-east ecological niche of the park, with commanding views of the lake and the flamingos for which it is justly famous. Lush gardens surround the lodge and cottages. There is a good programme of activities and evening entertainment.
Day 4 Lake Nakuru - Nairobi
Departing the Lodge after breakfast, you head south to arrive into Nairobi’s bustling city centre in the late morning. Once in the city, you will be dropped off at a city centre hotel or JKI Airport for your onward arrangements.
2009 Dates and Rates for Rift Valley Safari with accommodation choices in the Masai Mara. All options use Lake Nakuru Lodge in Lake Nakuru National Park.
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Travel Dates
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Option 1
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Oprion 2
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Option 3
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Mara Simba Lodge
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Keekorok Lodge
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Mara Sopa Lodge
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01 Mar 09 to 31 Mar 09
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$1,045
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$1,025
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$965
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1 April 09 to 25 May 09*
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$915
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$1,150
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$895
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26 May 09 to 25 Jun 09
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$995
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$1,055
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$975
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26 Jun 09 to 31 Oct 09
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$1,095
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$1,055
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$975
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01 Nov 09 to 15 Dec 09
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$995
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$1,025
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$975
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Rates are based on two sharing. Please contact us for single supplement amounts
*A $50 per person per night surcharge applies between 10 April and 13 April inclusive.
