Itinerary

1. Day 1: Nairobi/Masai Mara

   • Arrive at Jomo Kenyatta International Airport; you will be met by our representative.
   • Briefing on the tour.
   • Depart for a journey south along the floor of the Great Rift Valley, then past Narok, climb the western wall, entering Hemingway's country ''Serengeti plans''.
   • Arrive in time for lunch. Afternoon visits Masai Village.
     • A visit to a Maasai village in the Maasai Mara offers a unique opportunity to connect with this ancient and fascinating culture and witness their traditional way of life, which has endured for centuries.
     • This visit offers a memorable experience, one that provides insight into the lives of the Maasai people and their unwavering connection to their heritage.
     • On arrival, you will be warmly greeted by Maasai men and women adorned in their distinct and vibrant attire, consisting of brightly coloured fabrics, intricate beadwork, and distinctive hairstyles.
     • The Maasai people are pastoralists, and their way of life centres around their cattle.
     • Cattle are a symbol of wealth and status in Maasai culture, and they provide the community with not only food but also materials for shelter and clothing.
     • During the visit, you will have an opportunity to witness a traditional Maasai dance, where the rhythmic chanting and jumping reflect the deep respect and admiration the Maasai have for their cattle.
   • You will be taken on a tour of their village, which is constructed using traditional materials such as sticks, mud, and cow dung.
     • The huts, known as "manyattas," are simple yet functional, designed to protect the community from the elements and wildlife.
     • Inside, you observe the basic but efficient way of life led by the Maasai.
     • The village elder, a wise and knowledgeable figure, explains their customs, traditions, and the roles of different community members.
     • It is striking to see the harmony in the division of labor and the shared responsibilities that sustained the village.
   • One of the most remarkable aspects of the Maasai culture is their intricate beadwork.
     • The Maasai women are renowned for their craftsmanship, creating beautiful jewellery and decorative items using colourful beads.
     • You will have the opportunity to watch them create these exquisite pieces and even purchase some as souvenirs.
   • A key moment during the visit is the chance to sit down with the Maasai people and engage in meaningful conversations.
     • You will learn about their education system, their views on modernization, and the challenges they face in preserving their traditions while adapting to the changing world.
     • Their resilience in maintaining their way of life while facing the pressures of the modern world is truly inspiring.
   • The visit concludes with a traditional Maasai meal, which includes goat stew, maize porridge, and other local dishes.
     • The meal is simple but flavorful, and it is a fitting way to end the immersive experience in the Maasai village.
   • The Maasai people's commitment to their traditions, their strong sense of community, and their harmonious coexistence with the natural world were inspiring.
     • It is a reminder that, even in the midst of a world of rapid change, there are cultures like the Maasai who continue to treasure and uphold their rich heritage, inviting travellers to appreciate and learn from their way of life.

   Dinner and overnight at Masai Heritage Guest House.

2. Day 2: Masai Mara

   • Early morning balloon safari is available as an option at USD 450 per person.
     • The Balloon launches at 0600hrs and takes one hour.
     • On landing, you will be welcomed with a champagne bush breakfast.
   • Full-day game viewing whereby you leave the lodge after breakfast with a picnic lunch.
   • The Mara is the land of African legend:
     • Lions are abundant throughout the park, as are elephants, giraffes, a variety of gazelle species, and zebras.
     • Cheetahs and leopards are also regularly seen and, less commonly, rhinos.
     • The annual wildebeest migration, one of nature’s few remaining wildlife spectacles, occurs in the Mara from July to September, where the big animals and their predators are to be present in abundance during the time frame of this trip.
     • Several species of Bee-Eater, the flying rainbow that heads the list of the Mara’s birds, occur in the reserve.
     • As well as wildlife, the Maasai Mara is also home to many members of the colourful Maasai tribe who may be seen around the borders of the park – Morans (warriors) loping across the plains, young boys herding goats, or elders grouped under a tree discussing matters of the day.

   Dinner and overnight at the Guest House.

3. Day 3: Mara – Naivasha

   • Breakfast at the Guest House. Depart for Lake Naivasha.
     • A stopover is provided at Narok Town to browse in the bustling, vibrant Masai markets to buy curios and handicrafts.
   • Lunch at the hotel.
   • Afternoon proceed for a boat ride in this freshwater lake to view the hippos.
     • This is a beautiful freshwater lake, fringed by thick papyrus, and is almost 13 km across, but its waters are shallow, with an average depth of five meters.
     • The waters of the lake draw a great range of game to these shores.
   • Visit Crescent Island or Hell’s Gate National Park at an extra cost.

   Dinner and overnight at Sweetlake Resort.

4. Day 4: Naivasha – Lake Nakuru

   • Early breakfast at the lodge. Depart for Lake Nakuru National Park.
   • Morning game drive.
   • Lunch at the lodge inside the park. Enjoy an afternoon game drive.
     • This shallow Soda Lake has been famous for its flamingos but has also retained its reputation as an ornithologist’s delight, with more than 400 species of bird found here.
     • You may leave the vehicle at the lake shore to look closely at the birds.
     • The nearby cliffs offer great views of the park and allow visitors to see baboons, birds of prey, and scurrying hyraxes.
   • The 180 sq km national park is home to warthogs, waterbucks, buffaloes, reedbucks, the occasional leopard, and white and black rhinos introduced to the park some years ago.

   Dinner and overnight at Empolos Hotel.

5. Day 5: Nakuru - Nairobi

   • Breakfast at the lodge. Depart for Nairobi.
   • On arrival, proceed to the Giraffe Center.
     • The Giraffe Center in Nairobi offers a captivating and immersive experience, serving as a haven for the endangered Rothschild's giraffes.
     • Situated on the peaceful outskirts of Kenya's bustling capital, this conservation centre provides visitors with an opportunity to observe, interact with, and even feed these majestic creatures from a raised platform.
     • The highlight of the visit is the chance to get up close and personal with these gentle giants, feeling the thrill of being eye-to-eye with these towering animals.
     • The center is not only a sanctuary but also an educational hub, educating guests about conservation efforts to preserve giraffe populations and their habitats.
     • Moreover, it serves as a vital breeding ground, contributing significantly to the species' survival.
     • The Giraffe Center, with its serene surroundings and impact conservation initiatives, offers an enriching experience, fostering a deep appreciation for these iconic creatures and the importance of wildlife preservation.

   Lunch at the famous Carnivore restaurant.

   Drop off at the airport for onward flight.