Kenya Explorer From African Travel Inc.
9 Days from $4,995 per person
NAIROBI, ABERDARE NATIONAL PARK, MOUNT KENYA, MASAI MARA
For the “Out Of Africa” experience immortalized by author Karen Blixen, this traditional safari captures the romance and adventure of Kenya. Game drives and bush walks in the magnificent Masai Mara Reserve and the misty forests of the Aberdare, face-to-face encounters with giraffes and chimpanzees in protected sanctuaries, and dining with a local family are but a few of the kaleidoscope of experiences sure to create photos – and memories to last forever.
Highlights
EXPLORE the Masai Mara Reserve on game drives in search of the Big Five, huge herds of plains game and a wealth of birding.
DISCOVER the pleasures of bushwalking and getting close to the wildlife in the Aberdare Forest.
EXPERIENCE face-time with the giraffes at Nairobi’s Giraffe Centre.
ENJOY Kenya’s warm hospitality as dinner guests of a local family.
Accommodations
FAIRMONT THE NORFOLK, Nairobi
THE ARK, Aberdare National Park
FAIRMONT MOUNT KENYA SAFARI CLUB, Mount Kenya
FAIRMONT MARA SAFARI CLUB, Masai Mara
Breakfasts, Lunches and Dinners as indicated
Itinerary
Day 1, Nairobi, Kenya
Upon your flight’s arrival, you’ll be welcomed and driven to your historic hotel.
FAIRMONT THE NORFOLK
Day 2, Nairobi
After a morning to explore on your own, follow in the footsteps of “Out of Africa’s” Karen Blixen when you visit her former home, now a museum. Continue on to visit the Giraffe Centre for a chance to hand-feed Rothchild Giraffes as well as walk through the adjacent sanctuary, a haven for birdwatching as well as for spotting bushbucks and dik-diks. Tonight, bask in Kenya’s warm hospitality when you dine with a pioneering family in their historic colonial home.
FAIRMONT THE NORFOLK
Day 3, Aberdare National Park
Pass through the Kikuyu farmlands as you travel on to the misty moorlands and forests of Aberdare National Park. Stop in for an elegant lunch at the Aberdare Country Club and join an afternoon bushwalk to quietly observe zebras, giraffes and even warthogs. Later, settle into your ark-style lodging to watch over its eventful waterhole and salt lick. Your photographer’s patience will pay off as you capture great shots of the steady stream of wildlife coming down to drink – elephant, buffalo and even the big cats. From the lodge’s numerous viewing decks and lounges, look out as the nocturnal animals emerge. Tonight, don’t be alarmed if your room is buzzed to alert you of a particularly interesting visitor sipping at the waterhole.
THE ARK
Day 4, Mount Kenya
Travel towards the snow-capped Mount Kenya and the renowned Mount Kenya Safari Club, once an exclusive retreat for William Holden and other famous adventurers. After lunch, stroll the manicured grounds and visit the animal orphanage or try such optional activities as horseback riding, golfing or fishing (at an added cost.) Enjoy afternoon tea served in the finest British tradition as you take in the lush views of the forest and Africa’s second highest mountain.
FAIRMONT MOUNT KENYA SAFARI CLUB
Day 5, Mount Kenya
Begin your day with a visit to the local weavers’ and spinners’ workshops in Nanyuki, where women are being trained to become self-reliant as they create handmade textiles for sale. Then, take in an afternoon safari at the private and less-traveled Sweetwaters Game Reserve. Here, the grazing giraffe, zebra and waterbuck graze blissfully, unperturbed by your presence, and almost seem to be posing for your wildlife shots. Explore the reserve’s chimpanzee sanctuary, where orphaned and injured chimps are tended and nursed back to health in a vast natural enclosure. Return to the club for a sumptuous dinner; then, gather around the lodge’s original fireplace to share your day’s adventures just as past member Winston Churchill may have.
FAIRMONT MOUNT KENYA SAFARI CLUB
Day 6, Masai Mara
Fly off to the world-renowned Masai Mara National Reserve, Kenya’s top game viewing destination, and your luxurious tented camp overlooking the Mara River. After a leisurely lunch and time to unwind, depart on your first game drive for an introduction to the Mara’s diverse multitudes of wildlife. Gather your camera gear and prepare to be awed as your expert ranger sets out for the most likely viewing areas to see the black-maned lion, leopard, cheetah, giraffe, rhino, wildebeest, gazelle, elephant – and endless herds of plains game.
FAIRMONT MARA SAFARI CLUB
Day 7, Masai Mara
Rise early, as the wildlife begins to stir, for a morning game drive with your expert ranger. Delight in the sweeping views as the morning bathes the savannah plains in soft light. Perhaps catch up with the lioness and her pride sharing the night’s hunt or the hippos lumbering down to their favorite river feeding grounds. Before your afternoon wildlife viewing, cool off in the pool and retreat to your veranda to watch the hippos and crocodiles laze in the river below. Tonight, enjoy gracious Maasai hospitality as you are served a delicious dinner of the freshest fare.
FAIRMONT MARA SAFARI CLUB
Day 8, Masai Mara
Spend the day at your own pace – join early morning and late afternoon game drives. Bring your binoculars to watch the antics of the marabou storks, secretary birds, crowned-cranes and eagles and check off an assortment of the estimated 450 types of birds flying overhead. For those collecting unforgettable life-time experiences, splurge and pre-reserve an early morning balloon safari capped with a champagne breakfast on the savannah (at an added cost.) After dinner tonight, lose yourself in the infinite stars illuminating the endless African skies.
FAIRMONT MARA SAFARI CLUB
Day 9, Nairobi / Depart
Relish your last game drive before flying back to Nairobi. Shop, stroll or simply relax – a dayroom is arranged for you until your transfer to the airport for your onward arrangements.
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