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Embark on a journey to the enchanting home of the African safari, fiery savannah sunsets and the colourfully clad Maasai – an epic adventure through Kenya’s iconic wilderness.
Embark on a journey to the enchanting home of the African safari, fiery savannah sunsets and the colourfully clad Maasai – an epic adventure through Kenya’s iconic wilderness.
Karibu! Your Kenyan safari adventure begins in the capital, Nairobi, where you will be met at the airport by a Trafalgar Representative and transferred to your hotel. Spend the evening with your fellow explorers and your Driver Guide enjoying a delicious Welcome Reception at the world-famous Carnivore restaurant.
Trip Summary Accomodation IconHotel - Tamarind Tree
Leave the hustle and bustle of Nairobi behind and embark on a 4 x 4 journey north to Aberdare National Park. En route you'll Connect With Locals during a Be My Guest experience in the highlands of central Kenya. Join Elizabeth, a local farmer, for a delicious treat of freshly baked scones and coffee, made from the beans from her on site coffee plantation. You’ll have an opportunity to visit the plantation and Elizabeth’s extensive farm gardens before settling in for a hearty local lunch. Tonight you’ll stay in The Ark Lodge, one of Trafalgar's Stays With Stories, offering spectacular opportunities to view the resident birdlife and wildlife.
Trip Summary Accomodation IconHotel - The Ark Lodge
Trip Summary Meals IconIncluded Meals - Breakfast, Be My Guest, Dinner
Day 3
On to Samburu National Reserve
We'll leave the lush greenery of the Kenya highlands region behind as we journey to the contrasting arid landscapes of Samburu National Reserve. As you continue your safari adventure here, you'll hopefully have the chance to tick the 'Samburu Special 5' off your list as you track such species as the Grevy's Zebra and the Reticulated Giraffe found only in the northern Kenya region. Your accommodation tonight is a luxury tented camp on the banks of the Ewaso Nyiro River.
Experience the Samburu National Reserve from a different perspective, as you embark on a guided walking safari along a section of its periphery. This excursion is expertly guided by a naturalist, who will share their wealth of knowledge about the flora, fauna and animals you see along the way and for your safety, there will be an armed game ranger accompanying
Adult Price: $50.00*
* The Optionals and pricing listed here are a guideline only and subject to change.
Day 4
Safari in Samburu National Reserve
Made famous in the award-winning book and movie Born Free, Samburu National Reserve was the home of Elsa, the famous lioness raised by conservationists George and Joy Adamson. Rise early with the birds and embark on a morning game drive through acacia forest and expansive grasslands in search of wildlife. Relax at your camp on your return then head out back out into the savannah on a late afternoon game drive.
Toast to a successful day on safari and your time in Samburu National Reserve during this sundowner experience. Your driver will find the perfect spot to watch one of Africa's beautiful sunsets; sit back and watch the sun sink with your choice of alcoholic or non alcoholic drink in hand. The bar stays open for drink top ups for 45 minutes before you return to your lodge for dinner.
Adult Price: $50.00*
* The Optionals and pricing listed here are a guideline only and subject to change.
Optional Experience
Samburu Bush BBQ
For a special and memorable meal (for a minimum of 4 guests), the culinary team at your lodge will prepare a barbecue for you to enjoy in a unique bushveld setting. Where the accompaniment to this private meal will be the gentle sounds of nature.
Adult Price: $45.00*
* The Optionals and pricing listed here are a guideline only and subject to change.
Day 5
Off to Ol Pejeta Conservancy
The plight of Africa’s rhinos takes centre stage today during a poignant visit to Ol Pejeta Conservancy, a MAKE TRAVEL MATTER® Experience. This morning you’ll learn about their efforts to fight poaching in East Africa’s largest black rhino sanctuary and enjoy a quick photo stop at the point where the equator slices through the conservancy. Next up is a visit to Sweetwaters Sanctuary to meet the cheeky resident orphaned or rescued chimpanzees. Then continue to your accommodation tonight, keeping a keen eye out this evening for thirsty wildlife that come to the floodlit on site waterhole to drink after a dry day in the African wilderness.
Ol Pejeta Horseback Ride in the Endangered Species Enclosure
If you are an experienced horseback rider then join Ol Pejeta’s staff and trusted team of horses to head out on a guided trail ride within the 600 acre Endangered Species Enclosure. This predator-free area of the conservancy has been designated for the recovery of the northern white rhinos species, and during your ride you’ll see the last three of them that remain worldwide. Keep a lookout for the many other species you’ll encounter along the way such as herds of the endangered Grevy’s zebra, Jackons’ hartebeest, antelope and gazelle.
Adult Price: $45.00*
* The Optionals and pricing listed here are a guideline only and subject to change.
Optional Experience
Ol Pejeta Guided Bush Walk
Join an experienced game ranger for a two hour fascinating and educational bush walk. Your guide will share their wealth of knowledge about game trails, and how to identify the various animal ‘spoor’ (tracks) you come across along the way. Also learn about the insects, birds and smaller mammals that reside within Ol Pejeta.
Adult Price: $50.00*
* The Optionals and pricing listed here are a guideline only and subject to change.
Day 6
Onwards to Lake Nakuru National Park
Have your camera ready for a photo stop at the spectacular Thomson's Falls. Visit the bird watcher's paradise that is Lake Nakuru National Park, then join your Driver Guide for an afternoon game drive to spot pink flamingos lining the lakeshore and to search for lion and leopard.
Trip Summary Accomodation IconHotel - Lake Nakuru Lodge
A once in a lifetime opportunity to join the Ol Pejeta team as they undertake their regular monitoring of the collared lions residing within the conservancy. Participate in helping the staff gather vital research information that is passed over to the Ol Pejeta Ecological Monitoring Department, or if on the day you are unlucky in sighting the collared lions, you and your ranger will report on other lion sightings. This Optional Experience offers a great insight into the lion species and how whiskers, spots, ear tears and other distinguishing features are used to identify individuals.
Adult Price: $50.00*
* The Optionals and pricing listed here are a guideline only and subject to change.
Day 7
Continue to the Maasai Mara National Reserve
Your journey continues to the world-renowned Maasai Mara National Reserve, your home for the next two nights. During your time here, spend some time at your lodge's watering hole where large pods of hippo can often be seen.
Don your hat and polish those binoculars for a full day of safari in Maasai Mara's wilderness. When you’re not traversing the savannah in search of the Big 5, you’ll Dive Into Culture and join a Maasai community in their local village. Watch the colourfully clad warriors demonstrate their jumping prowess, then tour the village to gain in-depth insights into their daily life. Your visit to the village is a MAKE TRAVEL MATTER® Experience. Later, indulge in a bush picnic – the sounds of the bush the perfect accompaniment while you keep your eyes peeled for the flash of resident Bee-eaters, Rollers and Hoopoes flitting from tree to tree.
Dining beneath the stars against the background of the African bush is a unique and unforgettable experience. A gentle stroll along lamp-lit paths takes you to the bush dining area where tables, chairs, campfire, hurricane lanterns, bush bar and bush kitchen will already be set up. Relax around the campfire whilst your selection of meat and fish is freshly prepared by the chef on the glowing charcoal stoves. Your accompaniments of salads, vegetarian options and your desserts are plentiful. During this special dinner, Maasai dancers will be on hand to demonstrate some traditional dances.
Adult Price: $66.00*
* The Optionals and pricing listed here are a guideline only and subject to change.
Day 9
Admire the Maasai Mara and Return to Nairobi
Your Kenyan safari adventure at its end, you’ll return to Nairobi, where a day room has been reserved at the Four Points by Sheraton Nairobi Airport Hotel for you to use prior to your evening flight home. Find out more about your free airport transfer at trafalgar.com/freetransfers. Please Note: The full duration of this itinerary is operated by a 4 X 4 safari vehicle, including all road travel and safari game drives. The trip will travel over a variety of terrains, resulting in some rough and bumpy journeys.
Trip Summary Meals IconIncluded Meals - Breakfast
All optional experiences for this trip
Book with your travel director when you travel
Available on day 3
Samburu Guided Nature Walk
Experience the Samburu National Reserve from a different perspective, as you embark on a guided walking safari along a section of its periphery. This excursion is expertly guided by a naturalist, who will share their wealth of knowledge about the flora, fauna and animals you see along the way and for your safety, there will be an armed game ranger accompanying
Adult Price: $50.00*
* The Optionals and pricing listed here are a guideline only and subject to change.
Available on day 4
Samburu Sundowner
Toast to a successful day on safari and your time in Samburu National Reserve during this sundowner experience. Your driver will find the perfect spot to watch one of Africa's beautiful sunsets; sit back and watch the sun sink with your choice of alcoholic or non alcoholic drink in hand. The bar stays open for drink top ups for 45 minutes before you return to your lodge for dinner.
Adult Price: $50.00*
* The Optionals and pricing listed here are a guideline only and subject to change.
Available on day 4
Samburu Bush BBQ
For a special and memorable meal (for a minimum of 4 guests), the culinary team at your lodge will prepare a barbecue for you to enjoy in a unique bushveld setting. Where the accompaniment to this private meal will be the gentle sounds of nature.
Adult Price: $45.00*
* The Optionals and pricing listed here are a guideline only and subject to change.
Available on day 5
Ol Pejeta Horseback Ride in the Endangered Species Enclosure
If you are an experienced horseback rider then join Ol Pejeta’s staff and trusted team of horses to head out on a guided trail ride within the 600 acre Endangered Species Enclosure. This predator-free area of the conservancy has been designated for the recovery of the northern white rhinos species, and during your ride you’ll see the last three of them that remain worldwide. Keep a lookout for the many other species you’ll encounter along the way such as herds of the endangered Grevy’s zebra, Jackons’ hartebeest, antelope and gazelle.
Adult Price: $45.00*
* The Optionals and pricing listed here are a guideline only and subject to change.
Available on day 5
Ol Pejeta Guided Bush Walk
Join an experienced game ranger for a two hour fascinating and educational bush walk. Your guide will share their wealth of knowledge about game trails, and how to identify the various animal ‘spoor’ (tracks) you come across along the way. Also learn about the insects, birds and smaller mammals that reside within Ol Pejeta.
Adult Price: $50.00*
* The Optionals and pricing listed here are a guideline only and subject to change.
Available on day 6
Ol Pejeta Lion Tracking
A once in a lifetime opportunity to join the Ol Pejeta team as they undertake their regular monitoring of the collared lions residing within the conservancy. Participate in helping the staff gather vital research information that is passed over to the Ol Pejeta Ecological Monitoring Department, or if on the day you are unlucky in sighting the collared lions, you and your ranger will report on other lion sightings. This Optional Experience offers a great insight into the lion species and how whiskers, spots, ear tears and other distinguishing features are used to identify individuals.
Adult Price: $50.00*
* The Optionals and pricing listed here are a guideline only and subject to change.
Available on day 8
Bush Banquet with Maasai Entertainment
Dining beneath the stars against the background of the African bush is a unique and unforgettable experience. A gentle stroll along lamp-lit paths takes you to the bush dining area where tables, chairs, campfire, hurricane lanterns, bush bar and bush kitchen will already be set up. Relax around the campfire whilst your selection of meat and fish is freshly prepared by the chef on the glowing charcoal stoves. Your accompaniments of salads, vegetarian options and your desserts are plentiful. During this special dinner, Maasai dancers will be on hand to demonstrate some traditional dances.
Adult Price: $66.00*
* The Optionals and pricing listed here are a guideline only and subject to change.
All Optional Experiences
The Optionals and pricing listed here are a guideline only and subject to change.
Notepad Icon You must be fully vaccinated against COVID-19 to travel
About this trip
About this trip
What's included
Trip Summary Accomodation Icon
8 nights
Accommodation
Trip Summary Meals Icon
23 Meals
1 Welcome Reception, 1 Be My Guest, 8 Breakfasts, 6 Lunches, 6 Dinners, 1 Farewell Dinner
Trip Summary Transport Icon
On-trip Transport
All transport shown
The Trafalgar difference
Connect with Locals
Savour the rich aroma of coffee during an exclusive Be My Guest experience with local farmers at a Kenyan coffee plantation.
Stays with Stories
Resembling Noah's Ark, the Ark Lodge in Aberdare National Park has four viewing areas for observing the wildlife which congregate around a floodlit waterhole and salt lick.
Dive into Culture
Visit a Maasai village for an in-depth perspective into the daily life of this colourful tribe.
MAKE TRAVEL MATTER®
Support a local Maasai tribe with a visit to their village to learn about their traditions and ways of life
MAKE TRAVEL MATTER®
Visit Ol Pejeta, a not-for-profit conservancy known for its anti-poaching efforts and learn about its valuable endangered species conservation work.
Sightseeing highlights
Experience Ti Filled Icon
Visit Aberdare National Park, Samburu National Reserve, Ol Pejeta Conservancy, Lake Nakuru National Park and Maasai Mara National Game Reserve
Cherry-picked hotels and safari lodges, all tried and trusted
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All porterage and restaurant gratuities
Experience Tick Thin Icon
All hotel tips, charges and local taxes
Experience Tick Thin Icon
Breakfast daily and up to half of your evening meals
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Must-see sightseeing and surprise extras
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Toyota Landcruiser 4 X 4 safari vehicle
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4 X 4 safari game drive vehicles for full duration of the trip. All transfers shown.
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Optional Experiences and free time
Live, unedited & independent traveller reviews
Wonders of Kenya trip reviews
Our guests are at the heart of everything we do, their feedback fuels our innovation, inspiring us to improve continuously and craft Simply The Best vacations. That's why we ask each of our guests to leave a third-party verified, independent review after every trip. As testament to our commitment we have been given the Trusted Service Award from Feefo, recognising we deliver exceptional experiences as rated by real guests.
Overall rating
3.8
Out of 5
Based on 5 independent reviews
Trip rating
Customer experience
Trip rating is the overall quality of the itinerary and trip
3.2
Out of 5
5
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0
4
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3
3
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1
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1
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1
Customer experience is the standard of service you receive
Complimentary transfers are available on the first day of the trip. An evening departure transfer from your Nairobi airport day use hotel to Jomo Kenyatta Airport is available.
Flights: Onward flights should not be booked to depart Nairobi's Jomo Kenyatta Airport before 5pm.
Shared Rooming: Room Share and Triple Rooms are not available on this trip.
Please Note: The full duration of this itinerary is operated by a 4 X 4 safari vehicle, including all road travel and safari game drives. The trip will travel over a variety of terrains, resulting in some rough and bumpy journeys. Guests must travel with a soft sided bag or medium size suitcases due to limited space in the safari vehicles.
Unless otherwise stated, trip prices are per person, land only, based on double occupancy and reflect applicable discount. Discounts are subject to availability and may be withdrawn at any time without notice.
Trip prices are correct at the time of the products going live, however are subject to confirmation at the time of booking. All trip information is correct at time of trips going live, however are subject to change - please confirm all details at time of booking.
Twin-share option not available for trips to South America, Costa Rica, Mexico, Alaska, Hawaii, South Africa, Kenya & Tanzania, Botswana, Zambia or for any holiday & cruise combination, or in Asia and Eastern Mediterranean except Highlights of Turkey (without cruise) & Best of Turkey. It's also not available on Small Group trips. Guided Vacations included in this restriction are Newfoundland and Labrador (DNLA). Does not apply to trips operated by Inspiring Journeys & our Mini-stays.
For trips that are part of our Guaranteed Room Share, please note that there is a no smoking policy in all shared rooms. Solo travel is not accepted on guided Family Experiences holidays unless travelling as part of a family group.
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Your selected departure date will feature some seasonal itinerary changes to what is displayed. Click 'VIEW ITINERARY' below to see full details.
Active Trip Details
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What is an Active Trip? This is an "Active" lifestyle itinerary, with walks and hikes most days. Hikes will range from easy/moderate to strenuous. No technical climbing skills are required but a reasonable level of fitness is required to make the trip more enjoyable. Understanding that not all people want to hike at the same pace or even on the same trail we will, where possible, host map orientation and then let everyone disperse to enjoy the trails best suited to them.
What to Pack Guests should bring lightweight hiking shoes or boots, broad brimmed sun hats, sunglasses, layered clothing, reusable water bottle(s), a hiking day pack and hiking poles (optional)
Weather & Altitude While the itinerary is laid out below, we are at the mercy of the weather and so reserve the right to adjust the program as necessary. Please keep in mind that the higher elevations and possible variations in weather and temperature can increase the perceived level of difficulty of our activities. Elevation ranges up to 9,000 feet for Utah’s Mighty Five and up to 11,000 feet for California High Country Adventure.
Everyone reacts differently to altitude and so if you do have any health issues you should check with your doctor that this trip is suitable for you.
