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ITINERARY
 Kenya
Day 1:
Nairobi
Arrival at the airport, reception by Ontdek Kenya Ltd. Transfer to the La
Mada Hotel in Nairobi.
Day 2:
Crater Lake. O/N Crater Lake Camp
After breakfast there is the briefing by the guide about the program. By
8.30 a.m. we leave Nairobi via Nakuru road to the Rift valley. The Nairobi -
Nakuru road is on a contour along the rim of the Rift valley and on
viewpoints we will be able to see our whole route for the next days. Our
destination is Crater Lake: a lesser lake in the Rift Valley but a place
where nature is at its best.
We do a circular trek on the top of the crater from where we see the lake
from various angles. Our first count of African game should start here as
this sanctuary is home to Giraffes, Black and White Colobus Monkeys,
Zorillas, Aardvarks, Leopards and a range of Gazelles.
We will also get a close view of the many birds that are found here. Today's
program should be taken as light as possible so that clients can be able to
wear off the jet lag.
Accommodation is in the luxury-tented camp of
Crater Lake. Here each tent is furnished with a giant four-poster bed,
dressing room and an ensuite bathroom with hot shower.
Alternative accommodation is at the Kiangazi house.
Day 3:
Hell's Gate National Park. O/N Crater Lake Camp
We wake up for breakfast with the sun giving a wonderful effect over the
Lake. An early morning here should not be missed by anyone with an eye for
birds since the lake boasts a wide variety of water and woodland birds.
After breakfast we do a short transfer to the gate of the park. This is a
unique park where walking is done in the middle of wildlife. Giraffes,
zebras, warthogs and many types of gazelles are found here. The first part
of this walk is done in typical flat African savannah in a volcanic area
with huge rock boundaries. There are camphor and acacia trees all over and
this is where to look for the giraffe as they mainly feed on them. A picnic
lunch provided by the hotel will be at the Rangers post.
The last part of the walk is done in the Hell's Gate Gorge by descending
into a steep canyon with running water from geysers and wild vegetation. The
climax of the day is in walking in the Side Gorge where the rocks have split
to leave only a walking path. We climb back to the rangers post for transfer
back to Crater Lake Camp through the geo-thermal plant of Ol Karia.
Day 4: Longonot
Crater or Crescent Island. O/N Crater Lake Camp
An early rising will ensure that one gets another magical display of the
various birds. After breakfast we do a transfer by bus to
Longonot
National Park. This is an extinct crater in the rift Valley. The first part
of today's trekking is a steep climb of 550m from 2220m to 2770m. We are
encouraged along the climb by the herds of zebras, giraffes and gazelles.
The chance should not be lost to observe the birds that are also found here
in a wide variety.
This takes us to the rim of the crater, the highest point in the Rift Valley
and it rewards with a wide view of the crater, which is full of monkeys and
soaring eagles.
The second part of today's trek is around the rim of the crater. This is a 3
hrs walk with the picnic on a scenic spot, the highest point on the rim. On
completing the circuit we descend to the park gate.
A gentle alternative to the Longonot Crater:
Crescent
Island.
This Island on the Eastern shore of Lake Naivasha is privately owned and it
has a lot of easy to see game e.g. giraffes, water bucks, elands, zebras and
impalas. It is also a heaven for birds with +200 species recorded. The walk
is gentle, not as challenging as Longonot, but equally satisfying.
Day 5:
Visit Lake Nakuru National Park. O/N Lake Elementaita Lodge
The nearby Nakuru National
Park is the eldest park of Kenya. It's not only known for its thousands of
flamingos but also for the vast herds of buffaloes, tens of rhinos and cats
like leopard and lion. Of the big five only the elephant is missing. We
make a game drive around the lake and have lunch at the Lake Nakuru Lodge.
Afternoon transfer to the Lake Elementaita Lodge where we'll stay for 2
nights.
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Day 6: Lake
Elementaita. O/N Lake Elementaita Lodge |
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This lake may not have the
big name of Lake Nakuru but its
scenic beauty is unmatched. We walk up to the shores of the alkaline lake.
From there we proceed up to the hot springs and into the Kikopey Hills
surrounding the lake.
We walk mainly in open savannah land and occasionally we will stop for a
chat with a Masai herdsman. The gentle sloping hills give a good panorama.
The walk should be for 4 hrs after which we go back to the Lodge in time for
lunch. Afternoon is spent in the lodge.
Day 7: To Masai
Mara. O/N Fig Tree Tented Camp or equivalent
We now take a break from walking to put all our attention to watching
wildlife. To see the best of Kenyan wildlife Masai Mara is the place to be.
Elephants, rhinos, giraffes, buffaloes, gazelles and all the big cats are
found here. So, after breakfast we start our journey passing through
Narok
Town;
a colorful Masai town.
Our game viewing does not actually start at the park gate. We will be able
to see many animals along the way grazing side by side with the Masai
livestock. We reach the tented camp, our home for the next three days, in
time for lunch.
Day 8+9: Masai
Mara. O/N Fig Tree Tented Camp or equivalent
These are our cultural and activity days in Masai Mara. We do a morning game
drive through the park and hike to a Masai manyatta (=homestead). Here we
will see how the typical Masais live. An afternoon game drive makes the day
complete. On day 9 we do a morning and an afternoon game drive. We break
from the driving with an optional walk through the dry bush along the Talek
River, always on the look out for birds and small game.
Day 10: Transfer
to Nairobi
Return to Nairobi in time for lunch. Evening transfer to the airport where
we say goodbye.
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INCLUDES
- Nine nights at
small luxury
lodges and tented camps
- Transport and airport transfers
- All meals from breakfast of day 2 through lunch of the last day
- park entrance fees
- all activities as per itinerary
- Mineral water during the walks
- Flying Doctor's evacuation cover
- Services of an experienced local guide
Not included
- International flight
- beverages
- tips and
gratuities
- Travel cancellation
insurance
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