Highlights of Kenya: Small Group

Upon arrival into Nairobi, you will be met and transferred to the iconic Sarova Stanley Hotel

Enjoy your afternoon at leisure.

Overnight at The Sarova Stanley Hotel including breakfast

About the hotel
Located in the heart of the city, this was the place where adventurers, including Earnest Hemingway, would convene for a drink at the iconic Thorn Tree Café before or after an extensive safari.

A message board on the acacia xanthophildea tree was employed by travelers to connect with their fellow journeyers. The 220-room hotel has undergone a top-notch refurbishment, preserving its original Victorian charm. The bedrooms, equipped with private bathrooms, offer the utmost comfort, and the restaurants feature superb international cuisine.

Depart Nairobi after an early breakfast heading north. You will pass near Thika, proceeding through breathtaking landscapes dotted with rushing mountain streams and fields of tea and coffee.

After passing Nanyuki town, the route continues northward, eventually reaching Isiolo, a dusty outpost marking the final significant stop before venturing into the secluded northern frontier district.

A short distance from Isiolo, Shaba awaits, where you'll arrive at the lodge in time for lunch, followed by an afternoon game drive concluding as the sun sets.

Overnight at Sarova Shaba Game Lodge on a full board basis.

About the lodge
Shaba Game Reserve, renowned for Joy Adamson and her lioness Elsa, often called 'Born Free Country,' sits along the Uaso Nyiro River. This creates an ambiance of peace, attracting a diverse array of birds. The expansive grounds also feature a sizable pool, crocodile feeding experiences, and evening entertainment by local Samburu dancers.

Enjoy your included scheduled game activities - start the day with an early morning game drive with some time to rest and reflect before your afternoon game drive.

The reserve brims with a vibrant array of wildlife, it hosts the regal lions, the elusive leopard, and substantial herds of elephants. What makes the northern region truly distinctive are the unique species that call it home, including the Grevy's zebra, gerenuk (deer), beisa (oryx), and the charming reticulated giraffe.

Overnight at Sarova Shaba Game Lodge on a full board basis.

Today depart and head south, traversing Isiolo and crossing the northernmost foothills of Mount Kenya until you reach the charming town of Nanyuki. From there, head northwest towards Nyahururu, and then veer in a southerly direction toward your next destination—the breathtaking Lake Nakuru.

Upon entering the park, indulge in a game-viewing experience on your way to the lodge. After a leisurely lunch and a rejuvenating siesta, embark on an afternoon game drive that concludes with your return to the lodge as the sun gracefully sets.

This national park, renowned for its vibrant birdlife, provides a splendid opportunity to witness the beauty of flamingoes. It also serves as a sanctuary for Black and White rhinos, along with the endangered Rothschild Giraffe.

Overnight at Sarova Lion Hill Game Lodge on a full board basis

About the lodge
Perched atop a plateau, the lodge provides an unparalleled vantage point overlooking one of the world's most captivating ornithological displays—the picturesque Lake Nakuru and its surrounding national park.

From this elevated position, panoramic views unfold, capturing the essence of the shimmering lake in the distance. The scene below is nothing short of spectacular, as millions of flamingos, pelicans, and marabou storks regularly converge, creating a vibrant tapestry against the backdrop of blooming natural foliage and a variety of wildflowers. With a modest count of only 65 contemporary en suite bedrooms, the lodge ensures an intimate and comfortable stay. Culinary delights await, with excellent meals served within the lodge, by the poolside, or beneath a canopy of towering acacia trees. For a refreshing pause, the Rift Valley bar on the ground floor beckons, offering great views of the lake.

Embark on your journey after an early morning breakfast, bidding farewell to the flamingo-fringed beauty of Lake Nakuru. Your path leads to Njoro town, where the ascent begins over the summit of the Mau Escarpment. Heading directly southward, make your way towards Narok, the gateway to the Maasai Mara and the district headquarters of this Maasailand region.

Traverse the Kenyan "breadbasket," adorned with vast expanses of wheat and barley, before reaching the Mara just in time for a well-deserved lunch. After lunch and perhaps a siesta, enjoy an afternoon game drive, returning to the camp as the sun sets.

Overnight at Sarova Mara Game Camp in a Deluxe Tent on a full board basis

About the Camp
Situated in the eastern expanse of the Masai Mara, Sarova Mara Game Camp is nestled within a charming wooded valley, offering seclusion from the sight of other Mara visitors.

The camp boasts 75 luxurious tents, each featuring a permanent roof and floor, zip-up fronts, an attached bathroom, a continuous supply of hot water, and electricity. Wooden walkways connect the tents to manicured lawns, seamlessly leading to the main dining/bar areas, constructed over expansive lily ponds. The surroundings teem with abundant bird life, with kingfishers being a noteworthy highlight. The grand main building showcases a high-thatched lobby, the inviting Oloip bar adorned with a cozy log fireplace, a spacious dining area, and an outdoor terrace offering side-angle views. Exceptional food and service are the norm, complemented by a cozy, intimate setting.

Today enjoy morning and afternoon game drives.

For a once-in-a-lifetime experience, there is the possibility to book an optional Hot Air Balloon Safari today - enquire for the supplement.

The Maasai Mara, an iconic wildlife reserve in southwestern Kenya, is a natural wonder that captivates visitors with its breathtaking landscapes and diverse animal population. Renowned for the annual Great Migration, where millions of wildebeest and other herbivores traverse the Mara River, the reserve offers an unparalleled safari experience.

The sweeping savannahs are dotted with acacia trees, providing a picturesque backdrop for thrilling encounters with Africa's Big Five—lion, leopard, elephant, buffalo, and rhinoceros. The Maasai Mara is not only a haven for wildlife enthusiasts but also a cultural gem, home to the Maasai people, who coexist with the rich biodiversity, adding a unique dimension to this extraordinary destination.

Overnight at Sarova Mara Game Camp in a Deluxe Tent on a full board basis

After breakfast, depart the Masai Mara, crossing vast wheat and barley farms to Narok, the district headquarters of Maasailand.

Traverse the Rift Valley plains before ascending the rift escarpment on a road built by World War II Italian prisoners. Arrive in Nairobi around midday, where you will be dropped off at the airport or selected hotels for your onward travel arrangements.