WNB 36: KENYA PLAINS TOUR

NAIROBI KAREN BLIXEN - AMBOSELI - SHABA NATIONAL RESERVE - NANYUKI - SWEETWATERS - LAKE NAKURU - MASAI MARA

Day 1: Nairobi

Arrive Nairobi, Kenya 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. Arrive this evening in the city of Nairobi and transfer to the luxurious Norfolk Hotel. Brimming with British colonial charm, you will revel in this hotel's rich history.

Day 2: 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

Dine this evening at the famous Carnivore Restaurant. (B D)

Day 3: Nairobi - Amboseli National Park

This morning depart Nairobi for Amboseli National Park.Beautifully situated beneath the foot of Africa's highest mountain Mt. Kilimanjaro (5895m), the park is well renowned for its huge herds of elephants and various types of other Savannah wildlife such as Giraffes, Bushbuck's, Kudu, Warthog's, Zebra's and over 425 species of birds recorded here. The snowcapped peak of Kilimanjaro rising above white clouds dominates every aspect of Amboseli, a backdrop to an impressive display of wildlife attracted to this location by swamps and springs fed by underground rivers from Kilimanjaro's melting snow. 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 4: Amboseli National Park

Enjoy a morning game drive followed by an elegant champagne breakfast at your hotel. 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 5: 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 6: 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.

Day 7: 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 8: 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 9: Nanyuki - Sweetwaters - Nanyuki

Today enjoy a full day excursion in the Sweetwaters Private Sanctuary. Visit the Sweetwater Chimp Sanctuary, which was set up so that chimps could be taught to fend for themselves in an area similar to their natural living conditions. Priority 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 10: 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 Turkana dances performed by tea-pickers. 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)

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 12: 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 13: Masai Mara - Nairobi

Tour Ends -Journey back to Nairobi this morning. A fascinating experience is planned for you as you are invited into the home of a local art collector - here you will be hosted for an early dinner this evening. After dinner, transfer to the airport where your tour ends. (B D)

Day 14: Depart Home: After an overnight flight, you arrive home.