Plains of Africa - Itinerary
Travel to Kenya for a once-in-a-lifetime safari adventure filled with an abundance of game animals and the pure scenic beauty of Africa’s plains. Visit the farmhouse of Karen Blixen, author of “Out of Africa,” and feed the Rothschild giraffes from a raised platform. Hunt the “Big 5”: lion, elephant, rhino, buffalo, and leopard at Amboseli National Park. In the Aberdares, a beautiful mountain range in the central highlands of Kenya, stay at the world-famous Ark Lodge, a tree lodge from which you may watch the animals come to drink at a watering hole below.
Journey to the equator and the town of Nanyuki for lunch at the world-famous Mt. Kenya Safari Club in the shadow of Mt. Kenya. At the Sweetwaters Private Sanctuary, visit orphaned, abandoned, abused chimps that are being rehabilitated and taught to fend for themselves. Take an entertaining tour of a delightful tea estate, enjoying farm fresh tea and Turkana dances performed by tea-pickers. At magnificent Masai Mara, see lions, giraffes, zebras, elephants, and other wildlife in their natural habitat. Perhaps take an early morning hot air balloon ride, and be treated to a traditional bush dinner featuring a Masai dance performance.
The sequence of touring and days may be altered to adjust to religious holidays, special closings of sites, air schedule changes, etc. Hotels listed subject to availability. Meal inclusions may vary by departure.
Day 1: Overnight Flight
Pure scenic beauty and an abundance of game animals make Kenya one of the most popular African countries to visit. Welcome as you join Collette on this once-in-a-lifetime safari adventure.
Day 2: Arrive London, England - Nairobi, Kenya - Tour Begins
Arrive in London this morning and continue your flight to Nairobi, Kenya. Relax for the evening at the luxurious Norfolk Hotel. Brimming with British colonial charm, you will revel in this hotel's rich history.
Day 3:
Nairobi
Travel this morning to ‘Karen’, on the outskirts of Nairobi, where you will visit the farmhouse of Karen Blixen, author of the book “Out of Africa”. Next, experience the local wildlife firsthand as you have an opportunity to feed the endangered Rothschild giraffes from a raised platform at the Rothschild Giraffe Sanctuary. An unforgettable experience is in store for you this afternoon as you visit the students at Tenderfeet Education Center. Supported by the Collette Foundation, Tenderfeet schools orphans and high risk children in Kibera. Dine this evening at the famous Carnivore Restaurant. (B,D)
Day 4:
Nairobi - Amboseli National Park
This morning depart Nairobi for Amboseli National Park. Amboseli is famous for its open plains that are home to big game such as lions and elephants, and the breathtaking snow-capped Mt. Kilimanjaro which dominates the landscape. Enjoy a game drive en route to your lodge. (B,L,D)
Day 5:
Amboseli National Park
Further explore Amboseli today on your morning game drive; with any luck, you will see the “Big 5”: lion, elephant, buffalo, leopard and rhino. An afternoon game drive provides another opportunity for sightings. (B,L,D)
Day 6:
Amboseli - Aberdare National Forest
Travel today through lush tea and coffee plantations to the Aberdares, a beautiful mountain range in the central highlands of Kenya, home to many buffalo, rhino, and elephant! Here you will enjoy a stay at the world-famous tree lodge, the Ark. Built on stilts deep in the heart of the forest, this lodge provides once-in–a-lifetime game viewing! Watch in awe from the deck or the underground bunker as the animals come to drink at a watering hole and salt lick located below the lodge. (B,L,D)
Day 7:
Aberdare National Forest - Shaba Reserve
The northern game parks of Kenya, known as Samburu and Shaba, are home to some of the most exotic game viewing in the country. As well as the Big 5, you may find such species as the Reticulated Giraffe and Grevy’s Zebra in this area. Enjoy a game drive en route to our stunning riverside lodge where you can spend the evening relaxing and watching the local crocodiles. (B,L,D)
Day 8:
Shaba Reserve - Samburu Reserve - Shaba Reserve
Your search for the elusive Big 5 continues today as we journey to Samburu Reserve. The striking contrast of sky, sand and bush will leave you breathless as you travel the region. Keep your eye out for some of the spectacular local bird life…you may spot a Somali Ostrich, a Martial Eagle, or one of the other 365 species of birds known to Samburu. Tonight enjoy a special lecture by a local tribal warrior. (B,L,D)
Day 9:
Shaba Reserve - Nanyuki
Journey to the Equator and the town of Nanyuki. You will arrive at the world-famous Mt. Kenya Safari Club. Sprawling in the shadow of Mt. Kenya, this icon boasts a delightful history and beautiful grounds. The resort was once the private hunting lodge and retreat of movie star William Holden. Relax in the luxurious surroundings, lounge by the pool, enjoy afternoon tea in the Zebra Bar, or wander about the grounds. Your visit to the Equator would not be complete without experiencing the phenomenon known as the Corealis effect. Watch and discover why water spins different ways on different hemispheres. (B,L,D)
Day 10:
Nanyuki - Sweetwaters - Nanyuki
Today enjoy a full day excursion in the Sweetwater Private Sanctuary. Visit the Sweetwater Chimp Sanctuary, set up so that chimps can be taught to fend for themselves in an area similar to their natural living conditions. Priority in the sanctuary is given to orphaned and abused chimps. Your afternoon includes a game drive in the sanctuary before returning to Mt. Kenya. (B,L,D)
Day 11:
Nanyuki - Lake Nakuru
After a leisurely breakfast you drive to Subukia, located on the edge of the Great Rift Valley, and take an entertaining tour of a delightful tea estate run by an engaging local entrepreneur. During your visit enjoy farm fresh tea and coffee. Next, drive to Lake Nakuru National Park and enjoy an evening game drive through this park, renowned for black & white rhino, leopard, and spectacular birdlife including thousands of flamingos. (B,L,D)
Day 12: Lake Nakuru - Masai Mara
This morning travel to the Masai Mara Game Reserve. The Masai Mara is an extension of the great Serengeti Plain and is generally thought to be the most magnificent game viewing spot in all of Kenya. Here you may see lions, giraffes, zebras, elephants, and other wildlife as they exist in their natural habitat. An afternoon game drive is included. Your bush experience is truly complete as you relax this evening in your luxurious tented camp. Your tent will provide all the deluxe amenities of a lodge, complete with the adventure of the wild!! (B,L,D)
Day 13:
Masai Mara
Experience the magic of the Masai Mara with a full day of activities. An optional hot air balloon ride over the plains is available this morning. Today both a morning and afternoon game drive are included. Enjoy a nature walk guided by a local Masai warrior and a visit to a local Masai Village. This evening you will be treated to a traditional bush dinner featuring a Masai traditional dance performance. (B,L,D)
Day 14:
Masai Mara - Nairobi - Tour Ends
This morning you journey back to Nairobi. A day room has been reserved for you to freshen up and enjoy some leisure time. Your tour ends this evening in Nairobi. (B)
