The land has a history and a character that goes beyond its topography. From the alkaline waters of Lake Nakuru to the desert plains of Samburu, every inhalation taken on the hike leaves you breathless but not winded. Breathless, because of the view. Each breath you take will soon become a part of the landscape�this African plain�the Masai. Each step you make is imprinted, however gingerly but it�s there. Footsteps count. They mean something in this land where hooves and horns roam. Just like air means something. The combination of the air and your footsteps equal an amazing safari in the Masai Mara of Kenya. The Great Rift Valley is here. The 3,000-mile fault that extends from northern Syria to central Mozambique, is the longest valley rift in the world. When the night moves into the day, there is a chance to start each new lightly treaded path. Game walking and driving and visits to local villages will all see your treads. Secure campsites will be your home for the next ten nights to rest your feet and take in the night�s cool air. A ground crew of drivers and trained naturalists will accompany you on the excursions. Meet the living and breathing history of the area.
Please note: because trip highlights can be subject to change, please contact one of our trip specialists to discuss the specifics as they will pertain to your trip.
DAY 1 | Kikuyu Highlands of the Aberdare Mountains
You�ll be collected from the Nairobi International Airport and driven upto the Kikuyu Highlands of the Aberdare Mountains. Lunch will be served in the comfort of the Aberdare Country Club, set in the 1,200 acres of it�s private game sanctuary. After lunch you�� take the special transport into the rich forest of the Aberdare National Park, searching for Colobus monkeys, leopard, elephant and buffalo on your way to the Ark lodge. Your home for the night, the Ark offers numerous viewing platforms, verandas and glass-walled lounges where you have the opportunity to spot the numerous forest animals that are attracted by the salts in the waterhole by which the lodge is built. Keep an eye out for the rare and elusive Bongo antelope! Dinner and overnight at the Ark.
DAY 2 | Samburu National Reserve
After breakfast, you�ll return to the Aberdare Country to collect your belongings and head off to the dry, arid landscapes of the Samburu National Reserve. Arriving in time for lunch at the Serena Lodge you�ll spend the afternoon exploring this desert-like area in search of oryx, gerenuk, leopard, lion and giraffe. Follow the river, the only permanent water supply in the area as you track down the abundant wildlife. Dinner and overnight at the lodge. [B,L,D]
DAY 3 | Samburu and Buffalo Springs Reserves
A full day exploring the Samburu and buffalo Springs Reserves. The harsh landscape, with it�s deep blue, endless expanse of sky, yellow grasses, unexpected rocky outcrops is surprisingly rich with wildlife and offers an excellent introduction into survival in a water parched area of the world. Dinner and overnight at the lodge.
DAY 4 | Chimpanzee Sanctuary of Sweetwaters
After breakfast, head down over the foothills of Mount Kenya, towards the town of Nanyuki and the Chimpanzee Sanctuary of Sweetwaters. After checking into your tents and enjoying lunch, you�ll head off to the Chimpanzees, in the company of the researchers who will provide you with a fascinating insight into the life of these primates. Dinner and overnight at the Camp. [B,L,D]
DAY 5 | Chimpanzee Sanctuary of Sweetwaters
Spend a full day with the Chimpanzees and their researchers as you learn about the habits, needs and requirements of the chimpanzee. All meals and overnight at the Camp. [B,L,D]
DAY 6 | Great Rift Valley
After breakfast, head off to the Great Rift Valley, through Nyahururu and Thompsons Falls, arriving at the blue waters of the Lake Nakuru National Park in time for lunch at the Lake Nakuru Lodge. Spend the afternoon game driving around the lake in search of the rare black rhino, leopard, lion and flamingos for which this park is famous. Dinner and overnight at the camp. [B,L,D]
DAY 7 | Masai Mara
Driving up over the Mau escarpment, today you head towards the famous Masai Mara. This area of rolling savanna is rightly famous for it�s large populations of big cats, the Wildebeest Migration and of course, for the tribe after which it is called, the Masai. After checking into your camp and enjoying lunch, you�ll head out to the plains in search of the wildlife. Spend the afternoon game driving in search of lion, elephant, buffalo, giraffe, eland, topi and the wildebeest of course, some of whom are always in the area. Dinner and overnight at the camp.
DAY 8 | Masi Village
Today you�ll spend the morning in a Masi village, learning about the culture and traditions of the nomadic warrior tribe. Explore the village �manyatta�, with its� thorn bush fence, cow dung huts and meet the women and children who maintain it. The afternoon is spent on foot, with your Masai warrior guide who will walk you through the savanna explaining the Masai relationship with the land and the wildlife. Keep your eyes peeled for game, it�s all around you! Dinner and overnight at the camp.
DAY 9 | More Masai
Today your choice of activities is up to you. Spend the day game driving in search of animals, or game walking with the Masai as you please. Wander through the gently undulating plains of this incredibly rich eco-system with your meals and overnight at the Camp. [B,L,D]
DAY 10 | Nairobi
After breakfast today it is time to head back through the Rift Valley to the capital city of Nairobi. We�ll check you into a day room in the city before a tour of the National History Museum and the Kenya Wildlife Service Boardwalk in the Nairobi National Park. An early dinner is provided before your transfer back to the International Airport for your return flight home. [B,D]
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