9-Day Big Kenya Safari - Mid-Range

An early morning drive to Maasai Mara National Reserve, it holds on as one of the few places left on earth where wildlife still lives comparatively undisturbed, in the numbers that once roamed the plains and forests of Africa. As the northern tip of the vast Serengeti ecosystem, the Mara hosts the spectacular seasonal migration of many thousands of Wildebeest, Zebras and attendant predators. Arrive in time for lunch then have an afternoon game drive.

After breakfast we have a full day dame drive, with packed lunch provided. The reserve is well known for its black- manned lion, as well as its abundant resident wildlife and its one of the few places where it's possible to see the big five during a morning's game drive. Many of the cheetahs are so tame they seek shelter from the hot sun under one's vehicle and several even climb onto the roof to get better view of prospective prey. For the bird enthusiast, almost 500 species have been recorded: among these 16 species of eagle, plus many hawks and falcons, 6 species of vultures, 8 species of storks 4 of bustard (including the Kori bustard, the world's heaviest flying bird), and 9 species of sun birds.

An early morning pick up then drive to Lake Nakuru National Park, across the equator, southwards of Bogoria, lies the Rift Valley most famous Lake Nakuru. Known all over the world for its flamingoes, it's alkaline and is recognized as being one of the natural wonders of the world. Lake Nakuru is now a rhino sanctuary, harboring a population of over 40 black and over 60 white rhinos, but the flamingoes, of course, have always been the main attraction. At times there may be almost 2million flamingoes in the residence, forming a stunningly beautiful deep pink band around the edge of the lake shore. Arrive in time for lunch then have an afternoon game drive.

An early morning drive to Lake Naivasha, it is the highest and the most beautiful of the Rif Valley lakes. At 1910m (6200f), the water is fresh and the lake is fringed with dense clumps of papyrus (ancient Egyptian once used this to make paper). Kingfishers use the papyrus as a perch, herons hide in it while searching for food. Naivasha is yet another area popular for bird watching (over 400species have been recorded). It is also a favorite weekend retreat for Nairobi residents, who come here to sail, water ski and fish. There are no crocodiles in the lake as the water is too cold for them, due to altitude but there are a number of hippos. Along the lake shore, vineyards produce grapes for the country's fledging wine industry.

Early Morning start and drive to Amboseli National Park, check in at your accomodation, day spent at leisure. Amboseli National Park is situated due south of Nairobi, Most of the park consist of a dry, ancient lake bed and fragile grassland with patches of acacia woodland, while in the southern area there is a number of small, rocky, volcanic hills. Around the swamps Ol Okenya, Ol Tukai and Enkongo Narok, the vegetation is lush with yellow barked acacias and phoenix palms.

Rising early for good views of Mount Kilimanjaro before clouds build up over the summit with packed lunch provided, an Optional visit to a Masai village can be planned after breakfast. A visit reveals the singing and dancing that are part of their daily lives and sacred rituals. A glimpse into their homes and social structure is a poignant experience. Despite its changing habitat, Amboseli National Park is possibly the best wildlife area In the whole of Africa to experience elephants at close range. Left unharassed by poachers, elephants feeding and bathing in the swamps must form the highlights of any Safari.

We depart by road for Tsavo West National Park. Arrive in time for lunch then an optional afernoon or evening game drive. Tsavo West is the most visited section in Tsavo National Park, ofering many attractions apart from its wildlife. The foremost is the famous Mzima Springs where up to 227.3 million liters of cool crystal clear water flows out of the ground through porous volcanic rocks. The water is believed to originate from Chuyulu Hills, via an underground river.

After breakfast, we have a full day game drive, packed lunch provided. Other interesting places to visit are the Roaring Rocks, which get their name from the wind that hurtles through them. From here there are wonderful views over Tsavo from the top of a 98m rock face; similar views can be experienced from the poachers lookout. The volcanic Chaimu Crater, less Than 200years old and composed of black coke, is worth visiting and can be climbed if one is intersted. The area is a good place to look out for klipspringer, a small antelope that's as agile as its swahili name mbuzi mawe(mountain goat). In the south west corner of Tsavo West is Lake Jipe, which has the Kenyan-Tanzanian border running through it.

Depart for a morning game drive after breakfast. Depart to Nairobi late in the morning. Lunch en route.