Upgraded - Highlights of Kenya
Upgraded - Highlights of Kenya
Upgraded - Highlights of Kenya
8 Days Starting in Nairobi and ending in Jomo Kenyatta International Airport (NBO), before continuing to Tamarind Tree Hotel arriving by 2pm
Visiting: Nairobi, Aberdare Mountains, Nakuru National Park, Maasai Mara
Tour operator:
Tour code:
DKQ
Guide Type:
Fully Guided
Group size:
2 - 12
Age range:
16-80
Special diets catered:
Please advise requests
Tour operated in:
EnglishTrip Styles:
Tour Overview
Kenya has been a hugely popular destination for generations of travellers seeking a classic African safari. Our tried and tested itinerary encompasses the world-famous Maasai Mara, Lake Nakuru National Park renowned for its herds of rhino and flocks of pink flamingos and the Aberdare Mountains. Combining the Mara's vast grasslands with wildlife as far as the eye can see, with the impressive backdrop of the Great Rift Valley and the rainforest of the Aberdares, Kenya is the perfect choice for a safari adventure.
Maasai Mara - spend three days in one of Africa's greatest wildlife reserves, home to one of nature's most spectacular events, the Great Migration.
Aberdare Mountains - spend a night at The Ark, featuring floodlit waterholes with four viewing decks to provide superb game viewing from the comfort of the lodge.
Travel in comfort - purpose built six seater 4x4 Land Cruiser safari vehicles, offering optimal game viewing and guaranteed window seats.
Upgraded Range - Immerse yourself amongst Kenya's spectacular wildlife and scenery, staying in our hand-picked selection of Premium lodges and hotels.
Highlights
Itinerary
Day 1: Join Trip In Nairobi
Location: Nairobi
Accommodation Name: Tamarind Tree Hotel
Arrive in Kenya's fast growing capital city, Nairobi, gateway to the country's famous national parks. A transfer from Jomo Kenyatta International Airport (NBO) to the Tamarind Tree Hotel is included on all trips in our Upgraded range regardless of your arrival day, provided we receive your flight details no later than 10 days prior to departure. The journey from the airport to our hotel is around 30 minutes. For those arriving on time our Leader plans to meet you in the hotel reception at 6pm for the welcome meeting and after there will be the opportunity to have dinner. Should you miss the welcome meeting, your Leader will inform you of any essential information at their earliest opportunity. There are no other activities planned today, so you are free to arrive in Nairobi at any time. Our hotel is located just five kilometres from the city centre and a short thirty-minute drive from the airport. It is the perfect location to relax and unwind after your flight, featuring a large outdoor swimming pool set in landscaped gardens and a welcoming open plan reception area with bright murals covering the walls. The hotel has a coffee shop, a lively bar and a restaurant. Alternatively you can get a taxi to one of the city's malls for a wider choice of eating options.
Day 2: Drive Into The Aberdare Mountains With Commanding Views Of Mount Kenya. Overnight Stay At The Ark Lodge
Location: Aberdare Mountains
Accommodation Name: The Ark Lodge
Meals Included: Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner
Heading north out of Nairobi and climbing steadily out of the Great Rift Valley, we head into the Aberdare Mountain range passing through farming communities. With an altitude of over 2,500 metres, the air is noticeably cooler compared to Nairobi and the rolling hills are covered in dense forests and open moorland. After around two and a half hours we reach the Aberdare Country Club where we break for lunch. Originally a colonial family home, the country club retains much of its former grandeur and has breathtaking views of the plains below, the Aberdare Mountains to the west and Mount Kenya to the east. After lunch it's a short transfer to one of Kenya's more unusual safari properties, The Ark. Modelled after Noah's Ark, The Ark features four viewing decks with balconies and vast viewing windows to provide superb game watching, all from the comfort of the lodge. Keep an eye out for your first glimpse of elephant on your way in. After settling into our rooms there is ample time to head to one of the viewing areas or down to the bunker to quietly watch the floodlit waterhole which attracts a host of wildlife including elephant, buffalo, monkey, warthog, baboon and on occasions hyena. There is also a wonderful range of forest birds to be spotted including hornbill, wagtail and giant kingfisher. Before dinner at the lodge, there will be an informal talk on the local flora and fauna and the wildlife that inhabit the Aberdare National Park. Going to bed early does not mean missing the action either. During the night the resident ranger stays on watch and will buzz your room if an interesting animal comes to the waterhole with one ring for elephant, two for rhino, three for leopard and four for other unusual sightings. You're free to turn the buzzer off if you would rather have a full night's sleep.
Day 3: Travel To Nakuru National Park Via Thompson Falls.
Location: Nakuru National Park
Accommodation Name: Sarova Lion Hill Lodge
Meals Included: Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner
Today is a longer travelling day driving to Nakuru, a journey of around four hours. En route we stop at the striking Thompson Falls on the Ewaso Ngiro river. The waters originate on the western slopes of Mount Kenya and descend over a seventy-meter waterfall just outside the town of Nyahururu. We continue to Nakuru National Park and the Sarova Lion Hill Lodge, our base for the next two nights. We'll have lunch at the lodge and then have our first game drive along the shores of Lake Nakuru on the lookout for both white rhino and the endangered black rhino as well as other mammals and birds. Our lodge for the next two nights is situated just above the lake, rooms are in cottages set in the landscaped gardens, there is a big swimming pool and terrace, a restaurant offering an extensive selection of dishes and a bar with an outdoor fire pit to which to retire to after dinner.
Day 4: Full Day On Safari At Nakuru National Park Famous For Its Population Of Black Rhino
Location: Nakuru National Park
Accommodation Name: Sarova Lion Hill Lodge
Meals Included: Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner
We maximise our time today to ensure we make the most of game drive opportunities in Nakuru National Park. Rising early before breakfast, we head out in 4x4 Land Cruiser safari vehicles, accompanied by our expert safari driver guides, on the lookout for both white rhino and the endangered black rhino. Sightings, whilst never guaranteed, are very likely at Nakuru National Park. It is not unheard of to see a dozen rhino in a day. The park hosts herds of buffalo, zebra and giraffe, as well as flocks of striking pink flamingo on the lake, although the latter do move between lakes in the Great Rift Valley, so may not be seen at Nakuru and numbers have been in decline following flooding in 2012. Other birdlife is prolific on the shores of the lake with pink-backed and white pelicans found wading in the shallow soda lake shore as well as spoonbills, marabou storks and sacred ibis. We'll stop on the shores of the lake for photographs of the spectacular setting. Returning to our lodge for a late breakfast as the day starts to heat up, the hottest part of the day is spent at leisure at our camp, offering the chance of a siesta, a dip in the pool, relaxation time reading a book or birdwatching. Our afternoon activity departs after tea, usually around 4pm, to return in the early evening. Game drives will vary depending on sightings and animal activity.
Day 5: Travel To The World Famous Maasai Mara Game Reserve, Afternoon Game Drives
Location: Maasai Mara
Accommodation Name: Sarova Mara Game Camp
Meals Included: Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner
Bidding Nakuru farewell, it's a five-hour drive to the world-famous Maasai Mara game reserve. Our journey takes us across the floor of the Rift Valley and then up and over the Mau Escarpment, travelling through open bushland interspersed with rural villages and farming communities. The major settlement on our journey is the bustling and colourful market town of Narok, a major trading post full of market stalls selling fresh vegetables and fruit as well as livestock. We arrive in the Mara (as it is known by locals) early in the afternoon in time for a late lunch. Our lodge for the next three nights is located in the heart of the Mara close to the Talek River, at the confluence of the Maasai Mara's four wildlife viewing areas, on the northern boundary of the Maasai Mara Game Reserve. Afternoon game drives depart around 4pm and return at as the sun goes down, after which there is time to freshen up and meet for a drink at the bar before dinner. Dinner is usually a buffet menu with seasonal fresh produce sourced from around Kenya, served in the well-appointed restaurant. After dinner we can retire to sit around a roaring fire to relive highlights of the day and admire the amazing stars of the African night sky.
Day 6: Morning And Afternoon Game Drives In The Maasai Mara In Search Of The Big Five
Location: Maasai Mara
Accommodation Name: Sarova Mara Game Camp
Meals Included: Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner
Covering an area of 1,500 square kilometres, the Maasai Mara hosts one of the largest concentrations of animals anywhere in the world. The wildlife is prolific at any time of year, but during the months between the end of July and the beginning of October, huge herds of wildebeest and zebra migrate into the Mara from the adjacent Serengeti National Park, in search of fresh grasses that flourish after the rains, often pursued by predators such as hyena, lion and cheetah. We will embark on two game drives today, one in the early morning and one mid-afternoon, with time in between at our comfortable lodge for taking a dip in the swimming pool or reading a book.
Day 7: Third Day Of Wildlife Viewing In The Maasai Mara
Location: Maasai Mara
Accommodation Name: Sarova Mara Game Camp
Meals Included: Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner
Remaining in the Maasai Mara for a third day, we drive further into the national reserve. Depending on sightings, our expert safari driver guides will generally spend the maximum time on game drives, trying to cover as large an area as possible including the river tributaries of the reserve. The result of this is that you'll get the best chances of seeing a variety of wildlife. The Mara hosts an abundance of mammals including lion, elephant and wildebeest as well as numerous antelope species from eland, hartebeest, bushbuck, gazelle to impala and waterbuck to name but a few. For keen birdwatchers there is an astonishing variety of birds to spot. Be sure to keep an eye on soaring vultures and eagles on the lookout for a recent kill. Tonight we will enjoy a traditional Maasai boma dinner on the plains of the Mara. Please note this dinner requires a minimum six participants, should the group size be less than six, we will eat at the hotel and instead offer sundowner drinks on the shores of Lake Nakuru on day four.
Day 8: Travel Back To Nairobi Where The Trip Ends
Location: Nairobi
Meals Included: Breakfast
After an early breakfast we drive back to Nairobi, a journey of around five hours, making a brief stop at a view point across the Rift Valley outside Naivasha. The trip ends at the Tamarind Tree Hotel. The earliest your flight can depart is 4pm. A transfer to Jomo Kenyatta International Airport (NBO) from the Tamarind Tree Hotel is included on all trips in our Upgraded range regardless of your departure day, provided we receive your flight details no later than 10 days prior to your tour departing. For those departing Kenya today on late evening flights you may wish to book a day use room, please contact us for details, alternatively you are free to relax by the pool or explore Nairobi for some last minute souvenir shopping.
What's Included
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Accommodation
Accommodation at Tamarind Tree Hotel, The Ark Lodge, Sarova Lion Hill Lodge, and Sarova Mara Game Camp.
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Meals
Breakfasts: 7, Lunches: 6, Dinners: 6.
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Safari Drives
Morning and afternoon game drives in Nakuru National Park and Maasai Mara Game Reserve.
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Airport Transfer
Complimentary airport transfer from Jomo Kenyatta International Airport (NBO) to the hotel.
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Local Guides
Safari guides for game drives.
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Welcome Meeting
Welcome meeting with the tour leader at the hotel reception.
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Nyama Choma Lunch
Traditional Nyama Choma lunch in Nakuru.
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Informal Talk
Informal talk on local flora and fauna at The Ark Lodge.
What's Not Included
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International Flights
International flights to and from Kenya are not included.
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Travel Insurance
Travel insurance is not included and must be purchased separately.
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Personal Expenses
Personal expenses such as souvenirs, additional meals, and drinks are not included.
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Optional Activities
Optional activities such as sundowner drinks in the park are not included.
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Visas
Visa fees for entry into Kenya are not included.
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Tips and Gratuities
Tips and gratuities for guides, drivers, and hotel staff are not included.
Meals
Breakfasts: 7
Lunches: 6
Dinners: 6
Check out our Q&As
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What is the best time to see the wildebeest migration in the Maasai Mara?
The best time to see the wildebeest migration in the Maasai Mara is between the end of July and October, when huge herds of wildebeest and zebra migrate into the Mara from the adjacent Serengeti National Park.
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What kind of wildlife can I expect to see in the Maasai Mara?
In the Maasai Mara, you can expect to see a variety of wildlife including lions, elephants, wildebeest, and numerous antelope species such as eland, hartebeest, bushbuck, gazelle, impala, and waterbuck. There is also an astonishing variety of birds, including vultures and eagles.
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What unique features does The Ark Lodge offer for wildlife viewing?
The Ark Lodge offers four viewing decks with balconies and vast viewing windows for superb game watching. There is also a floodlit waterhole that attracts a host of wildlife including elephants, buffalo, monkeys, warthogs, baboons, and occasionally hyenas. Additionally, a resident ranger stays on watch during the night and will buzz your room if an interesting animal comes to the waterhole.
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What is a Nyama Choma lunch and where will I experience it?
A Nyama Choma lunch is a traditional Kenyan barbeque typically comprising goat meat, beef, or lamb, complemented with several vegetarian dishes. You will experience this traditional meal at a local restaurant in Nakuru.
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What activities are planned for the first day in Nairobi?
On the first day in Nairobi, there are no planned activities except for a welcome meeting at 6pm in the hotel reception. After the meeting, there will be an opportunity to have dinner. You are free to arrive in Nairobi at any time and can relax at the hotel, which features a large outdoor swimming pool, a coffee shop, a lively bar, and a restaurant.
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What can I expect during the game drives in Nakuru National Park?
During the game drives in Nakuru National Park, you can expect to see both white and endangered black rhinos, as well as lions, leopards, buffalo, zebra, giraffe, and possibly flocks of pink flamingos on the lake. The game drives will be conducted in 4x4 Land Cruiser safari vehicles accompanied by safari guides.
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What is the accommodation like at Sarova Mara Game Camp?
Sarova Mara Game Camp is located along the Talek River at the confluence of the Maasai Mara's four wildlife viewing areas. The camp offers comfortable lodging with amenities such as a swimming pool and a well-appointed restaurant serving seasonal fresh produce. After dinner, you can sit around a roaring fire and admire the stars of the African night sky.
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What is the itinerary for the last day of the tour?
On the last day of the tour, after an early breakfast, you will drive back to Nairobi, a journey of around five hours. There will be a stop at Jomo Kenyatta International Airport (NBO) before continuing to Tamarind Tree Hotel, where the trip ends. The earliest your flight can depart is 4pm.
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I'm going on a walking/cycling trip-do I need to train?
It will depend on the grade and how fit you already are. Check the trip page for details of the walking or cycling grade and how far you’ll be walking/cycling each day. For moderate or challenging trips in particular we’d recommend doing some walks or cycles before you leave to build up your fitness and prepare you for the distances being covered.
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Who will be my travelling companions on the tour?
We have a wide range of ages nationalities on our small group trips and they come from all walks of life.
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Should I get travel insurance?
Yes–it is a condition of booking that you are fully insured when travelling with us
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How long has the tour company been trading?
At Explore, we're the experts in adventure travel. Our small group adventure holidays have been running since 1981. Today, Explore is one of the most trusted travel companies in the UK with over 500 trips to more than 120 countries.
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Can I join the tour once it has departed?
Yes, but there are no concessions for doing so, and we must have a record in your booking advising as such before the trip departs.
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Am I contributing to any charity by booking the tour?
Being a responsible company is a large statement, something that has to be entwined within the very fibre of a company. Discover the charities and partnerships we support as part of this at https://www.explore.co.uk/about/sustainability/charities-and-partners
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What happens if I need to change my holiday date once I’ve booked?
We want to be as clear as and as honest as possible about what happens if you decide to that you no longer wish to travel on your trip. Our booking conditions have details of the costs you’ll incur when you cancel-these charges depend on how long it is before your planned departure.
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What is the accommodation like?
We choose comfortable accommodation in the best locations possible. We opt for small, local and family-run accommodation where we can, as opposed to large chain hotels. We typically use hotels that are the equivalent of European 3-star, and you’ll usually have an en suite room. Occasionally, where we want to get off the beaten trail we may stay in more basic accommodation.
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What Ethical Travel credentials does the tour company have?
Sustainability is embedded within the fibre of Explore, it emanates from the inside out. But as we enter a new decade it is clearer than ever that our world needs help, and Explore has created a sustainability strategy based on the 2015 UN’s Sustainable Development Goals.
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What policies are in place for Covid-19?
Our flexible booking and safety policies mean you're protected before and during your travels with us. Receive a full refund if your trip is cancelled, transfer your trip free of charge up to 10 days before departure minus any irrocoverable costs.
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Do I need to be very fit to book with you?
All our trips require some level of active participation. This could be on a cultural trip, trek, safari, expedition or voyage. It is in the interests of all members of the group that everyone should be capable of fully participating in the activities of their chosen trip.
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What documents will I receive before I travel?
Final documents will include a comprehensive trip itinerary, climate and country information, budgeting and packing advice visa and passport information and details on optional activities available.
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Do you operate a “single share” option and how does it work?
Yes on most of our trips. Most trips are based on customers sharing twin-bedded rooms. If you book a group trip as an individual, you will share a room with someone of the same sex. However, on many trips we offer the opportunity to pay a supplement to pre-book a single room, known as our single room option. On some trips a single room will be provided every night, on others it will be provided o
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Do we have to be vaccinated against Covid-19 to travel
It’s now a condition of booking a trip with us that customers should have one of the following before they travel - — Be vaccinated against COVID, having received the full recommended course, and allowing enough time for immunity to take effect. Full vaccination includes any booster required to keep the vaccine valid. — Have taken a negative test (rapid antigen or PCR) within 72hrs of departure.
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Will the accommodation included meet local health and safety regulations?
Explore will only offer hotels that have specific COVID-19 protocols in place and comply with local government guidelines. We will ensure these measures include; enhanced room cleaning, ventilation, social distancing, regular cleaning and disinfection of high frequency touch points in public areas, food safety, staff re-training and minimising contact within the properties.
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Free Date Changes
Explore! allows you to make 1 free date changes, as long as the change is made at least 70 days before the start of the tour.
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Low Deposit
Explore! requires a minimum deposit of 10% or the full booking value, whichever is less, with the final balance not due until 70 days before departure.
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Cancellation Policy
We don't charge a cancellation fee, here is a summary of explore! charges.
Up to 70 days before tour starts: Forfeit 100% of deposit.
At 69 days before tour starts: Forfeit 30% of booking price.
At 41 days before tour starts: Forfeit 60% of booking price.
At 27 days before tour starts: Forfeit 90% of booking price.
At 13 days before tour starts: Forfeit 100% of booking price.