Kusini

Day 1: City In The Sun

NAIROBI Upon your arrival at Jomo Kenyatta International Airport, clear Immigration and Customs formalities. On exit from the Arrivals Hall, met and Welcomed by SawaSawa Africa representative and transferred to your hotel. Assisted with check-in at the hotel and provided with a safari briefing. Overnight at MOVENPICK HOTEL NAIROBI (Meals excluded) Nairobi; Situated along the Nairobi River in beautiful Kenya, the capital of Nairobi is East Africa's most cosmopolitan city. It serves as an excellent starting point for African safari trips around Kenya. Nairobi is Africa’s 4th largest city and is a vibrant and exciting place to be. There are some fascinating attractions: its cafe culture, unbridled nightlife, the National Museum, the Karen Blixen Museum and most notably, just 20 minutes from the city center, wild lions and buffalo roam in the world’s only urban game reserve. Make sure you pay a visit to the elephant orphanage operated by the David Sheldrick's Wildlife Trust for a once in a lifetime experience.

Day 2: Views Of Kilimanjaro

NAIROBI - AMBOSELI NATIONAL PARK Collected from the Hotel / Airport and drive due south of Nairobi, along the Nairobi/Mombasa Highway for the first 125 KM (02 hrs. drive) before turning due East towards Mount Kilimanjaro. The drive thence is through typical African savanna country dotted with local homesteads and colorful Masai herdsmen Arrive in time for lunch at the Lodge. At 16:00 hrs. depart for your first game viewing in Amboseli National Park, which is one of the best in Africa to spot large herds of Elephants up close, with the immense grandeur of Mount Kilimanjaro, the highest peak in Africa, as a picturesque background. Dinner and overnight at AMBOSELI SERENA LODGE (Full Board Basis) Amboseli National Park Known as the “Land of Giants”, Amboseli National Park lives up to its name. A 4-hour drive away from the Capital City, Nairobi – easily connected from Masai Mara Game Reserve – this is one of the best safari parks with a dramatic scenery. The snow-capped Mount Kilimanjaro stands majestically in the background, complementing the endless plains of the dry salt pan of Lake Amboseli that occasionally comes to life during the long rainy season. Large elephant herds, buffalos, wildebeest, Maasai giraffes, Common zebras, gazelles and other plains game tread daily to the hippo-guarded marshes and swamps of Ol Tukai – an oasis that derives its name from the Maa word for the predominant Doum Palm trees in this area – that is fed by the underground rivers from the gargantuan mountain. The prolific birdlife, which includes several endemic species and a handful of rare species, is an exhilarating attraction for birders. The midday mirage, the occasional daytime dust devils and the sun rays that pierce through the cloud in the evening form a perfect photography canvas, making Amboseli a popular photography destination.

Day 3: Elephant Paradise

AMBOSELI Morning and late afternoon game viewing drive to truly appreciate the width and breadth of Amboseli National Park. All meals and overnight at AMBOSELI SERENA LODGE (Full Board Basis)

Day 4: Birdwatcher's Paradise

AMBOSELI - LAKE NAIVASHA After breakfast, depart for Lake Elementaita passing through Nairobi. Arrive at Lake Elementaita Serena Camp located on the shores of the Lake in time for lunch. Afternoon game viewing drive in Soysambu Conservancy. Dinner and overnight at LAKE ELEMENTAITA SERENA CAMP. Lake Naivasha At an altitude of 1,890 metres lies the tranquil freshwater Lake Naivasha, a wonderful oasis for a safari holiday. Just beyond its shores are papyrus swamps, acacia forests, jungles and unique geological features that are remnants of the area's volcanic past. The nutrient-rich soil is fertilised by an abundance of water, including the Gilgil and Malewa rivers, creating an ecosystem famous throughout the world for its wide variety of birds and wild land animals. Lake Naivasha is a RAMSAR site, a designation that reflects the ecological importance of the wetlands surrounding the lake. More than 450 different species of birds have been identified, and migratory species join the resident birdlife from October to March. The lake, high cliffs and forests are home to spectacled weavers, red-billed manakins, grey-backed fiscal birds, grey-capped warblers and many other interesting and colourful winged creatures. However, the most important are the cormorants and pelicans, while African fish eagles are the most majestic birds of prey. During the tour of the acacia forests, it is possible to spot falcons, cuckoos, woodpeckers, larks and other birds, and perhaps a lone giraffe will peek out from among the thorny branches out of curiosity. The papyrus swamps are home to jacanas, herons and kingfishers. Lake Naivasha is one of the main watering holes for buffalo, zebras, elands, impalas, waterbucks and other herbivores, as well as the favourite place for hippos to cool off during the day. Take part in a night safari in one of the surrounding private reserves, such as Loldia and Oserian, and you will see these incredible animals slowly emerge from their resting places on the lake to graze along the shores. During the safari, you will also be able to see other animals of the savannah and forest, including the elusive leopard.

Day 5: Land Of The Big Five

LAKE NAIVASHA - MAASAI MARA NATIONAL RESERVE After breakfast, depart for the world famous Maasai Mara National Reserve. Arrive in time for lunch at SAROVA MARA , located in the heart of the Masai Mara National Reserve in the eastern side of the large ecological Mara system. After lunch head out for afternoon game viewing drive in Kenya's most popular Reserve culminating in dinner and overnight at MARA SERENA SAFARI LODGE (Full Board Basis) Maasai Mara National Reserve Offering superb plains scenery, unmatched safari activities and diverse wildlife, Masai Mara National Reserve is considered Kenya’s best park and one of Africa’s highest wildlife density region for predators. The reserve covers 583 square miles (1510 square kilometres) of outstanding wilderness in South West Kenya. The location, wildlife, activities and comfortable moderate climate puts Mara at the top of the list, even for the most discerning traveller to Kenya. When the public reserve was first established, it covered 645 square miles (1672 square kilometres). Strategically, the size of the reserve was later reduced in 1984 to accommodate Maasai cattle grazing on their ancestral lands. Although the decrease in land area may be considered a let-down for wildlife conservation and protection at its infancy, the animals and habitats of the reserve found new allies to ensure their survival for generations to come. Many private conservancies have been introduced to protect the land that surrounds the reserve, thereby providing more area for wildlife. The lands not only protect habitats for resident species, but also preserve a critical part of the route used by wildebeests and zebras during the Great Migration that traverses the Masai Mara via the Serengeti National Park. Recognized as one of the most spectacular wildlife events on the planet, the migration is a continuous route that is followed by an over 1.5 million wildebeests and thousands of zebras, gazelles and elands. In their never-ending pursuit for the finest grazing and watering grounds, the gnu relocate on an almost constant basis. The perseverance of these wildebeests is demonstrated in their ability to mate while on the move, and many cows are pregnant during part of the migration. Additionally, even the youngest wildebeest calves are expected to keep up with the herd. Standing and walking within minutes are critical to its survival

Day 6: Meet The Predators

MAASAI MARA You have 02 options for this day; Day of game viewing drive with picnic lunch boxes out in the vast plains, allowing you to reach further and see more of the Maasai Mara, unbounded by need to return back for lunch (approximately 5/6hrs). OR Two game viewing drives: at Sunrise and sunset, returning to the Lodge for a hot lunch and relaxation during the mid-day heat (which provides you with an opportunity for a swim and enjoyment of your accommodations’ infrastructures between 10:00 hrs. to 15:30 hrs. All meals and overnight MARA SERENA SAFARI LODGE. OPTIONAL ACTIVITIES (At additional cost - payable direct): * 01 Hour HOT AIR BALLOON SAFARI over the Mara Plains, culminating with a Champaign bush breakfast * Visit to a traditional Masai Village Maasai Mara National Reserve The migrators of Masai Mara National Reserve are present from approximately late June – early August until end of October – early November. But the Mara offers year-round game viewing. The reserve and surrounding conservancies offer diverse resident species experiences. Frequently to be seen are impalas, topis, giraffes, elephants, zebras, buffalos, warthogs and other grazing herbivores. With so many prey animals, Masai Mara is a veritable bonanza for large predators, such as lions, cheetahs, leopards, crocodiles and other stealthy, powerful hunters. The abundance of terrestrial animals is enhanced by the presence of more than 450-winged species, including 57 birds of prey. Masai Mara Game Reserve offers varied tour activities to explore the plains landscape and see incredible animal behaviours. The adjoining conservancies offer distinct activities that are not allowed in the reserve. Game drives in the reserve are perfect for those who seek to be immersed in Kenya’s bush country and see larger animals. For guests interested in observing the nocturnal animals, these are available in the form of night game drives in some of adjoining private conservancies. The Serengeti-Mara ecosystem is recognized for an enormous diversity of flora and fauna, and some small details are missed during game drives. Most conservancies offer bush walks for an intimate look at the micro-ecosystems of the area. To complement these walks or a general visit to the Mara, a balloon safari experience, for a bird’s-eye view of the area, is a memorable experience. Lastly, the Maasai community is key to the advancement of wildlife management in the area. It is hence recommended for one to take time learning more about these noble people by visiting one of their villages for a life-changing cultural experience in understanding their modest and simple lives.

Day 7: Kwaheri (Goodbye)

MAASAI MARA - NAIROBI - DEPART After breakfast, return drive to Nairobi. Upon arrival drop off at your respective City Hotel (Room Charges and Meals NOT included) OR Drop off at Jomo Kenyatta International Airport in time for your departure flight. (Please be at the airport 3-4 Hrs. before your scheduled flight departure time)