A comprehensive and popular road safari, including a two-day visit to Amboseli National Park. You'll also spend time in the Maasai Mara and the Serengeti.
Your Itinerary:
Day 1 Arrive Nairobi, Kenya
Upon arrival into Nairobi, you will be met and transferred to your hotel. Welcome to Africa!
Safari Park Hotel or similar
An oasis of tranquility set in the heart of Nairobi. The Safari Park Hotel blends stylishly elegant architecture, supremely luxurious accommodation, sparkling water gardens, an inland beach, 64 acres of beautifully landscaped gardens and a wide choice of international restaurants. 204 spacious rooms each with individual balconies, 24-hour room service, tropical swimming pool, a casino and curio shops. There is a free hourly shuttle bus service to and from the city center (15min ride). The evenings offer a wide selection of nightclub activities, from The Safari Cats dance troupe, live bands, piano bar, casino, lounge and the Safari Experience.
Day 2 Nairobi - Maasai Mara National Reserve
Following breakfast you depart for the Maasai Mara, arriving at your lodge in time for lunch. Following lunch and a siesta, there is an afternoon game drive returning to the lodge as the sun sets.
Mara Sopa Lodge (BLD)
Set in the Oloolaimutia valley the lodge blends in perfectly with its surrounding hillside landscape. The accent here is on the Maasai people and the fabulous wealth of wildlife, bird life, and natural flora to be found in the fabled Maasai Mara Game Reserve. The lodge has 200 beds by way of 77 rooms, 12 suites and 1 Presidential suite, all of which are 'rondavel' style and have en-suite bathroom facilities, which provide shaving sockets and hairdryers. Every room and suite has a private, elevated verandah with splendid views across the valley and on which guests can relax, sunbathe and watch resident birds and wildlife. Mini-bars are also available in each room. The lodge has a freeform, fresh-water pool, which offers spectacular views over the valley.
Day 3 Maasai Mara National Reserve
The Maasai Mara is world famous for big game. Together with the adjoining Serengeti it is one of the only places in the world where it is still possible to see vast herds of grazing animals. And attracted by those huge herds are the predators - Lion, Leopard, Cheetah and more. However, a visit to the Mara is not only about seeing the "Big 5," it's also home to a wide variety of birds. In the River Mara there are hundreds of Hippos and some Crocodiles sunning themselves on the banks. Mara Sopa Lodge (BLD)
Day 4 Maasai Mara - Great Rift Valley
After breakfast, you’ll travel across the “breadbasket” of Kenya, where acres of wheat and barley litter the landscape, and head north to Narok, the district headquarters of this part of Maasailand. 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 Lodge for lunch. The waters here are often colored shimmering flamingo pink, from thousands of the beautiful birds lining its shores. After lunch, enjoy an afternoon game drive in Nakuru National Park before continuing to your hotel Lake Nakuru Lodge (BLD)
Day 5 Great Rift Valley - Amboseli National Park
After breakfast, you drive back toward Nairobi and then head southeast toward the town of Emali on to your lodge, arriving in time for a late lunch. An afternoon game drive returns you to the lodge as the sun sets. Amboseli Sopa Lodge (BLD)
At the foothills of Mt. Kilimanjaro, is the Amboseli Sopa Lodge, set on 200 acres of precious land, not far from where Ernest Hemingway lived while writing his famous novel, "The Snows of Kilimanjaro." Amboseli National Park is home to the Maasai, over 400 species of breeding birds, and teems with rare and wonderful wildlife. The rustic luxury of Amboseli Sopa lodge makes it the perfect rendezvous for the adventurer wishing to conquer the snowcapped peaks of Mt. Kilimanjaro, or for the seasoned traveler indulging in the luxury safari experience. Accommodation consists of 18 deluxe rooms, 20 double rooms and 9 single rooms. Each room has its own private veranda and full bathroom. Other room amenities include complimentary bottled water, bathroom amenities, hairdryer, and evening turndown service. The main restaurant serves a multi-ethnic combination of European, African and Asian dishes, all made with fresh produce. Breakfast and lunch is served buffet style. Picnic lunch boxes available for guests traveling or on safari during the day. The swimming pool snack bar offers small meals and snacks. The bars carry a wide selection of soft drinks, beer, wine, spirit, cocktails and hot beverages. Other facilities include a swimming pool, TV/video room, boutique and curio shop, and bureau de change.
Day 6 Amboseli National Park
Early morning and afternoon game drives in Amboseli, offering you the best opportunity of seeing endangered black rhino, as well as a spectacular range of wildlife. Amboseli Sopa Lodge (BLD)
Day 7 Amboseli National Park - Lake Manyara
After breakfast, you continue the journey to the Tanzania border post and then on to Arusha for lunch. After lunch, drive across the Maasai Steppe to the Great Rift Valley. Here, your hotel is perched high on the rim overlooking the park below. Lake Manyara Serena Lodge (BLD)
It is difficult to imagine a more spectacular setting for Lake Manyara Serena Lodge - on the edge of the Mto Wa Mbu escarpment, overlooking the Great Rift Valley and the stunning Manyara soda lake. Tree-climbing lions are but one lure. The extraordinary birdlife has made this place world-renowned among ornithologists, who come to observe the masses of pink flamingos and great birds of prey. The abundant birdlife inspired the design of Lake Manyara Serena Safari Lodge - swooping curves are complemented by soft, geometric patterns; stylish murals depict bird migration patterns. The circular shape of the buildings is a tribute to indigenous architectural traditions. Beyond the superb standards of hospitality offered, there is a spirit of tranquility that prevails.
Day 8 Lake Manyara - Serengeti
After breakfast there is a game drive in Lake Manyara National Park, back to the lodge for lunch and then drive out to Olduvai Gorge, the famous archaeological site where the Leakeys uncovered 1.75 million year old humanoid fossils of Australopithecus, Homo Habilis and Homo Erectus. The Gorge is about 50km long and in some places 90m deep. Continue to the Serengeti with afternoon game viewing en route.
Serengeti Sopa Lodge (BLD)
Looking out over the seemingly endless Serengeti plains, this hillside lodge is a tranquil oasis set in over 14,000 sq kms (5,000 sq miles) of National Park. The Serengeti plains are host to a dramatic annual migration of hundreds of thousands of wildebeest and numerous other species of animals indigenous to the area. Opened in 1992, the lodge can accommodate 170 guests in 79 suites, each enjoying wall-to-wall carpeting, a private lounge with a mini bar, a bedroom with two queen size beds and ample room for a third, an en-suite bathroom with shaver sockets and a hair dryer, and a private verandah which offers stunning views over the plains. The double size pool offers a refreshing interlude between game drives as well as wonderful views over the rolling plains of the Serengeti.
Day 9 Serengeti National Park
The Maasai translation of Serengeti is endless plains. This expansive park, covering over 23,000 square miles, is home to thousands of animals and the spectacular migration. On early morning and afternoon game drives, go in search of the herds and their predators. There is an option of a balloon safari today – see below for more information. Serengeti Sopa Lodge (BLD)
Day 10 Ngorongoro Crater
Depart after breakfast for Ngorongoro crater with picnic lunch enroute. You will descend into the Crater in a 4x4 vehicle for half day of game viewing. Late afternoon you leave the Crater and drive back to the lodge for a spectacular sunset high on the rim of Ngorongoro Crater. Ngorongoro Sopa Lodge (BLD)
Spread out along the uppermost, eastern rim of the Ngorongoro World Heritage Site, the lodge offers breathtaking views of the crater floor far below. A day's safari through this unique conservation area provides you with spectacular and memorable game viewing experiences. Opened in 1992, the lodge can accommodate 190 guests in 92 suites, each enjoying wall-to-wall carpeting, central heating, a private lounge with a mini bar, a bedroom with two queen size beds and ample room for a third, an en-suite bathroom with shaver sockets and a hair dryer, and a private solarium which offers stunning views either down into the crater floor below or of the setting sun over the western horizon. A swimming pool is situated on the very edge of the crater itself and the water is bracing, even invigorating to say the least, at any time of year. However, for those who would prefer the warmth of a shower or bath in their suite, the pool is a perfect area to unwind and relax while enjoying the views of the crater floor below or of the sunsets in the evenings.
Day 11 Tarangire National Park
After breakfast the journey continues to Tarangire National Park with lunch at the lodge and an afternoon game drive where we keep our eyes peeled for the elusive leopard. Tarangire Sopa Lodge (BLD)
Tarangire is recognized as one of the best parks on the northern circuit for elephant viewing during the dry season, and Tarangire Sopa Lodge is ideally placed to experience this. The lodge welcomes guests to its vast marble-floored reception area with cold flannels and iced juice. In the pretty gardens, a large circular pool with a central island, a pool bar and elegant wooden loungers demonstrate the lodge’s commitment to comfort. Delicious barbecue lunches are often served here. A broad veranda wraps itself around the lodge and gives prime viewing for the waterhole below, which is filled during the dry season and becomes a magnet for wildlife. The rooms at the lodge are simple, comfortable and spacious, and are arranged in groups of four in African-style buildings. Large sliding doors open to a private balcony.
Day 12 Tarangire National Park
Morning and afternoon game drives inside Tarangire National Park. Tarangire Sopa Lodge (BLD)
Day 13 Arusha - Nairobi - Depart
Depart after breakfast and drive back to Arusha arriving in time for lunch. After lunch you continue the journey by road back to Nairobi for dinner and transfer to your onward arrangements. Note: If you are flying via Northwest/KLM an option to return from Kilimanjaro airport (instead of Nairobi) this evening may also be available. There is also an option to extend your trip to Zanzibar. If you should choose this, we will fly you from Arusha directly to Zanzibar. (BLD)
Notes:
Airfare is not included in the tour price.
2008: Departs every Monday, Thursday, and Saturday.
Price Includes:
- Accommodation with private facilities;
- Transport in modern safari cruiser with 7 window seats;
- Professional English speaking Driver/Guide;
- Game drives and activities as noted;
- Park entrance and conservation fees
- Meals as noted (B-bkfst, L-lunch, D-dinner);
- ½ liter bottle of water per person in vehicle during game drives;
- Temporary membership in Flying Doctors Society.
Price does not include:
- Flights to/from Africa;
- Travel insurance;
- Tips, porterage, beverages, items of personal nature such as laundry, phone, fax etc.
- Fees for passport, visas, health vaccinations;
- Airport departure taxes;
- Any other item not mentioned in the itinerary.
Also see tour packages in:
Africa
Kenya
Tanzania
Nature & Wildlife
Wildlife Viewing
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