CLASSIC KENYA
Nairobi - Nakuru - Masai Mara - 7 Days / 6 Nights
Introduction
| Accommodation | Destination | Basis | Room Type | Duration | |||
| The Residences at Karen | Nairobi | B&B | 1 x Double Room | 1 Night | |||
| Lake Nakuru Sopa Lodge | Nakuru | FB | 1 x Double Room | 2 Nights | |||
| Fig Tree Camp | Masai Mara | FB | 1 x Double Room | 3 Nights |
Key
B&B: Bed and Breakfast
FB: Full Board – Dinner, Bed, Breakfast and Lunch
Day 1: The Residences at Karen, Nairobi
Day Itinerary
On arrival at the Jomo Kenyatta International Airport in Nairobi, you will be met by a representative and given a short safari briefing before being transferred to Karen residence, ideally located in the leafy suburbs of Karen, Nairobi. Dinner will be served in the Club restaurant (at an additional cost) and you will have plenty of time to go through the material in your welcome pack and look forward to the journey ahead.
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 centre, 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 Wildlife Trust for a once in a lifetime experience.
Overnight: The Residences at Karen
Basis
Bed and Breakfast
Day 2: Lake Nakuru Sopa Lodge, Nakuru
Day Itinerary
You will check out and meet your driver guide who will transfer you to Nairobi National park with picnic breakfast for game drive
Thereafter drive a short distance to Daphne Sheldricks’ Elephant Orphanage – where you have an opportunity to visit the many baby elephants that have been rescued from threatening situations in Kenya’s various national parks and even get a chance to see the calves being fed and playing with the staff.
You will then visit the Karen Blixen Museum: a chance to go back in time and discover the famous Karen Blixen’s house exactly as it was when she lived in Kenya. Located in an area which was once part of Karen Blixen’s vast coffee estate, ‘bogani’, the museum was Karen’s home from 1917 until 1931.The house and grounds were made famous by the film ‘Out of Africa ’and have been restored by the Danish community of Kenya. Visitors have a glimpse of typical colonial life in Kenya at the turn of the twentieth century.
After lunch at the lovely Matteos Restaurant, you will depart on the next part of your adventure that takes you from the hustle and bustle of Nairobi city to Nakuru
Nakuru is a fascinating city on the shores of western Kenya’s Lake Nakuru. The capital of Nakuru County located in the Great Rift Valley, about ten kilometres from the massive Menengai Crater. A hiking trail leads up to the rim of this ancient caldera, offering bird’s eye views over the lake and surrounds, and then plunges 400 metres down to the floor below, where visitors can walk among ancient forests. Lake Nakuru National Park, surrounding Nakuru, is home to exceptional birdlife, as well as over 50 varieties of mammals including lion, leopard, buffalo, zebra, giraffe, rhino, antelope and various primates. History and culture enthusiasts should make sure to visit the incredible Hyrax Hill prehistoric site.
Day Itinerary
Overnight: Lake Nakuru Sopa Lodge View iBrochure
Lake Nakuru Sopa lodge is located on a range of hills that form the western limits of Africa’s great Rift valley, the Lodge offers spectacular views over the vastness of lake Nakuru and its surrounding National Park.
The park supports a wide ecological diversity with Flamingos and other water birds being the major attraction of the area. The ecosystem provides for about 56 different species of mammals including the white and black rhino, buffaloes and others.
The Lodge is 20km from the park main gate and 15 minutes’ drive from Naishi airstrip. Lodge accommodation consist of 60 rooms which include 2 inter-connecting rooms, 2 rooms accessible on wheel chair. Rooms are grouped into single, twin or triple rooms. All rooms have a clear view of the lake and you are able to view the sun rise from the balcony. All rooms have safe box, tea and coffee making facilities, mini bar is stocked on request and telephone extension are also provided in all rooms.
Basis
Full Board – Dinner, Bed, Breakfast and Lunch
Day 3: Lake Nakuru Sopa Lodge, Nakuru
Day Itinerary
Full day in Nakuru with two game drives
Nakuru is a fascinating city on the shores of western Kenya’s Lake Nakuru. The capital of Nakuru County located in the Great Rift Valley, about ten kilometres from the massive Menengai Crater. A hiking trail leads up to the rim of this ancient caldera, offering bird’s eye views over the lake and surrounds, and then plunges 400 metres down to the floor below, where visitors can walk among ancient forests. Lake Nakuru National Park, surrounding Nakuru, is home to exceptional birdlife, as well as over 50 varieties of mammals including lion, leopard, buffalo, zebra, giraffe, rhino, antelope and various primates. History and culture enthusiasts should make sure to visit the incredible Hyrax Hill prehistoric site.
Basis
Full Board – Dinner, Bed, Breakfast and Lunch
Day 4: Fig Tree Camp, Masai Mara
Day Itinerary
Today you are off to the Masai Mara National Reserve. You will check out of your hotel after breakfast and arrive for lunch at your camp in the Mara. On arrival and check in, you will have lunch and spend the rest of the afternoon relaxing in your tent waiting for the late evening when the temperature cools to head out on your first Mara game drive. Masai Mara is one of Africa’s greatest wildlife reserves. Acacia dotted plains, tree-lined rivers and woodlands are abundant with wildlife and an array of birdlife. Game viewing is spectacular year round; you may see a pride of lions stalking their prey, observe a herd of elephant and their fascinating social structure, or see pods of hippo wallowing in the rivers. The great wildebeest migration is one of nature’s wonders; an estimated two million animals migrate in a year-round pattern through Tanzania and Kenya, following the rain. Back at the camp, dinner is served and this gives you the perfect opportunity to look back at your day and relive all those highlights.
Nakuru is a fascinating city on the shores of western Kenya’s Lake Nakuru. The capital of Nakuru County located in the Great Rift Valley, about ten kilometres from the massive Menengai Crater. A hiking trail leads up to the rim of this ancient caldera, offering bird’s eye views over the lake and surrounds, and then plunges 400 metres down to the floor below, where visitors can walk among ancient forests. Lake Nakuru National Park, surrounding Nakuru, is home to exceptional birdlife, as well as over 50 varieties of mammals including lion, leopard, buffalo, zebra, giraffe, rhino, antelope and various primates. History and culture enthusiasts should make sure to visit the incredible Hyrax Hill prehistoric site.
Day Itinerary
Overnight: Fig Tree Camp
Fig Tree Camp enjoys an idyllic location on the banks of the Talek River in the Maasai Mara Game Reserve. Designed to be a haven of luxury amidst nature, the property is home to 48 Ngamboli tents and 32 garden lodge rooms that all offer a comfortable stay and are powered by a generator. When it comes to dining, the property offers a full board meal plan which includes a hearty breakfast, lunch and dinner each day, as well as refreshments before game drives. Leisure facilities include a gift shop, massage spa and swimming pool. During their stay, guests can enjoy activities such as game drives, nature walks and balloon safaris.
Basis
Full Board – Dinner, Bed, Breakfast and Lunch
Day 5: Fig Tree Camp, Masai Mara
Day Itinerary
After breakfast drive across the Mara plains in search of the big five and other plains game or engage in the optional activities on offer at the Maasai Mara. The early mornings are one of the best times to view the animals as this is when they are their most active before the heat of the day sets in. After a mid-morning of relaxation and lunch, head out into the reserve for a chance to tick off some more animals on your “must see” list. Keep your eyes peeled as you hunt for the last members on your list. Visit the Mara River and ask your guide to show you the regular river crossing routes.
Basis
Full Board – Dinner, Bed, Breakfast and Lunch
Day 6: Fig Tree Camp, Masai Mara
Day Itinerary
Morning and afternoon game drives.
Basis
Full Board – Dinner, Bed, Breakfast and Lunch
Day 7: End of Itinerary
Day Itinerary
After breakfast check out with picnic lunch boxes and you will be driven back to Nairobi where you will be dropped at Jomo Kenyatta International Airport (JKIA) for your outbound travel.
Basis
Full Board – Dinner, Bed, Breakfast and Lunch
- EASTER & XMAS AND NEW YEAR RATES INCLUDE ALL SUPPLEMENTS
- CAN BE COMBINED WITH TANZANIAN GROUP DEPARTURE. SEE KT1 2024
- PLEASE NOTE ALL DEPARTURES REQUIRE A MINIMUM OF 2 PEOPLE TO OPERATE
DEPARTURE DATES FOR 2024:
| 07-Jan-24 | 27 Mar 2024 (Easter) | 14-Jul-24 | 08-Sep-24 | |
| 21-Jan-24 | 07-Apr-24 | 21-Jul-24 | 22-Sep-24 | |
| 04-Feb-24 | 12-May-24 | 04-Aug-24 | 06-Oct-24 | |
| 11-Feb-24 | 02-Jun-24 | 18-Aug-23 | 21 Dec 2024 (Xmas) | |
| 03-Mar-24 | 07-Jul-24 | 25-Aug-24 | 27 Dec 2024 (NY) | |
Included
- Full board accommodation while on safari
- Bed and breakfast accommodation in Nairobi
- Transfers to and from the airport
- A safari briefing at the start
- All game drives and site seeing as per the itinerary in shared 4X4 custom made Land Cruiser driven by a professional English speaking guide
- Visit Nairobi National park
- Excursions and scheduled activities as per the itinerary
- Park Entrance fees throughout
- Flying doctors medical evacuation cover
- 1 litre of water per person per day while in a safari vehicle
- Current Government taxes and levies
Excluded
- International Airfares
- International and domestic departure tax
- Laundry services
- Meals and excursions not described in the itinerary above
- Entry Visas to the country
- Travel and health insurance
- Balloon flight in the Masai Mara (additional charge USD 480 per person)
- Any optional tours or excursions not mentioned in the itinerary above
- Gratuities (tips) to your guide, hotel staff and porters
- Any other items of a personal nature, such as drinks, laundry, telephone and postage.
Transfers
| Pick Up | Drop Off | Vehicle |
| Jomo Kenyatta International Airport [NBO] | The Residences at Karen | Transfer |
| The Residences at Karen | Lake Nakuru Sopa Lodge | Transfer |
| Lake Nakuru Sopa Lodge | Fig Tree Camp | Transfer |
| Fig Tree Camp | Jomo Kenyatta International Airport [NBO] | Transfer |
Travel Information
Day Itinerary
Full day in Nakuru with two game drives
Resting in the magnificent Great Rift Valley and presided over by the majestic Mount Kilimanjaro, Kenya is characterised by hauntingly beautiful natural landscapes of forested hills, patchwork farms, wooded savanna and vast forests brimming with an extraordinary abundance of wildlife. The nation’s diverse range of traditional African cultures is influenced by over 70 unique ethnic groups from the Maasai, Samburu, Kikuyu, and Turkana tribes to the Arabs and Indians that settled on the coast. Add to this: an exquisite tropical coastline fringed with breath-taking golden sand beaches; gorgeous coral gardens providing excellent snorkelling and diving opportunities; and a slew of lively beach resorts, and it is easy to see why so many visitors flock here from around the world to experience a truly unique African adventure in one of the world’s most pristine safari destinations.
Banking and Currency
Banking hours: Monday -Friday 09h00-15h00, and Saturdays 09h00-12h00. Banks in Mombasa and the coastal areas open and close half an hour earlier. Banks in airports tend to open earlier and close later; typical hours are 07h00-19h00.
ATMs are common especially in major tourist destinations.
Mastercard and Visa Credit Cards are widely accepted; American Express and Diners Club less so. Major hotels accept payment by credit card, as do major safari companies, travel agencies and restaurants.
Very few banks or foreign exchange bureaus accept travellers cheques; when they do, they charge high commissions.
Lake Nakuru Sopa lodge is located on a range of hills that form the western limits of Africa’s great Rift valley, the Lodge offers spectacular views over the vastness of lake Nakuru and its surrounding National Park.
The park supports a wide ecological diversity with Flamingos and other water birds being the major attraction of the area. The ecosystem provides for about 56 different species of mammals including the white and black rhino, buffaloes and others.
The Lodge is 20km from the park main gate and 15 minutes’ drive from Naishi airstrip. Lodge accommodation consist of 60 rooms which include 2 inter-connecting rooms, 2 rooms accessible on wheel chair. Rooms are grouped into single, twin or triple rooms. All rooms have a clear view of the lake and you are able to view the sun rise from the balcony. All rooms have safe box, tea and coffee making facilities, mini bar is stocked on request and telephone extension are also provided in all rooms.
Travel, Transport and Getting Around
Nairobi has two airports for domestic and regional flights: Jomo Kenyatta International Airport and Wilson Airport. Kenya has over 150 domestic airports and airstrips and there are daily flights to the most popular destinations. In addition to the scheduled airlines, several private charter companies operate out of Wilson Airport.
Kenya Airways, Air Kenya, Fly 540, Mombasa Air Safari, and Safarilink serve the most popular safari destinations, plus many others such as Lake Victoria.
All other types of transport are good and efficient. Quality on trains can differ depending on which ‘class’ you buy.
Drive on the left side of the road.
Road conditions vary, and are improving.
Food, Drink and Cuisine Advice
Meat in Kenya is generally outstandingly good, and ‘nyama choma’ (barbecued meat) is ubiquitous at any major feasts or popular dining spots. Beef and chicken are readily available, but goat is the most-widely eaten among locals and certainly a must try for carnivorous visitors. Middle Eastern and Indian cuisine is also popular, as are fresh-water fish inland, and sea fish along the coast.
Drinking the tap water is not recommended as the supply is not reliable, but bottled water is available in most places. When buying bottled water, check the seal of the bottle is intact. Alternatively, bring your own reusable water bottle with a filter or use water purification tablets. Avoid ice and washed salads and fruit except in top hotels and restaurants. Milk is pasteurised and dairy products are safe for consumption. Food prepared by unlicensed vendors should be avoided at all times.
Tipping is optional. Most hotels and restaurants include a 10% service charge in the bill. If they don’t, a small tip is customary for good service.
Climate and Weather
Kenya has three types of climate: temperate subtropical climate in the west and southwest highlands (where Nairobi is located), hot and humid along the coast, and hot and dry in the north and east.
Clothing and Dress Recommendations
For Nairobi and the coast: lightweight cotton and linens are advised. Warmer clothing is needed in June and July, while rainwear is advisable between March and June, and October and December.
For safari: loose-fitting and light neutral tones are recommended. If you are visiting a luxury lodge, pack a nice set of clothes for dinner is recommended.
Internet Availability
Wi-Fi is readily available in major cities and hotels, as well as in luxury game lodges.
Electricity and Plug Standards
Electrical sockets in Kenya are of the ‘Type G (BS-1363)’. If your appliance’s plug doesn’t match the shape of these sockets, you will need a travel plug adapter in order to plug in. Travel plug adapters simply change the shape of your appliance’s plug to match whatever type of socket you need to plug into. If it’s crucial to be able to plug in no matter what, bring an adapter for all types.
Electrical sockets in Kenya usually supply electricity at 220-240 volts AC. If you’re plugging in an appliance that was built for 220-240 volt electrical input, or an appliance that is compatible with multiple voltages, then an adapter is all you need. If your appliance isn’t compatible with 220-240 volts, a voltage converter will be necessary.
