7 Days Kenya Highlights Best of Kenya - Nairobi, Samburu, Lake Nakuru & Maasai Mara

DAY 1: Nairobi

Upon arrival into Nairobi, clients will be met and transferred to The Sarova Stanley Hotel. Afternoon at leisure. Overnight at The Sarova Stanley Hotel in a deluxe room on a bed and breakfast basis. Afternoon at leisure (Check in time 14 : 00). Depending on time of arrival clients may choose to add an optional excursion. The Sarova Stanley Hotel Situated in the city centre, it was where the travellers, including Earnest Hemingway, gathered for a drink at the legendary Thorn Tree Café before or after a long safari . A message board on the acacia xanthophildea tree is used by travellers to make contact with fellow travellers . The 220 room hotel has been refurbished to a high standard and still retains the original Victorian charm . Bedrooms with private bathrooms are very comfortable while the restaurants serve excellent international cuisine . The gym is excellent, pool large and conference facilities extremely modern .

DAY 2: Nairobi - Samburu

Heading north after an early breakfast, you pass near Thika and continue north through some breathtaking scenery dotted with rushing mountain streams and fields of tea and coffee. After Nanyuki town, continue north, eventually reaching a dusty outpost known as Isiolo, the last major stop on the journey into the remote northern frontier district. From here it's a fairly short hop to Shaba, arrival at the lodge in time for lunch and then depart for an afternoon game drive arriving back at the lodge as the sunsets . Overnight at lodge or the camp, drive time approx : 5.5 hours

DAY 3: Samburu National Reserve

Early morning game drive followed by breakfast. Then for the remainder of the morning, one is able to relax by the pool or terrace, overlooking the river. After lunch there will be another game drive returning to the lodge as the sun sets. Overnight at lodge or the camp

DAY 4: Samburu - Lake Nakuru

Leaving Shaba behind, travel south through Isiolo, crossing the northernmost foothills of Mount Kenya, until you get to the town of Nanyuki. Head north - west towards Nyahururu, before turning in a southerly direction to your next destination, the spectacular Lake Nakuru. Once in the park, view game en route to the lodge. Following lunch and a siesta, there is an afternoon game drive returning to the lodge as the sun sets. The national park, known for its birdlife, offers a possibility to view flamingoes. It is also home to Black and White rhinos as well as the endangered Rothschild Giraffe. Overnight at Sarova Lion Hill Game Lodge on a full board basis. Drive time approx : 6 hours Added Value : Sarova Lion Hill Game Lodge Bush Lunch Relish the ultimate safari experience with a perfect outdoor ‘bush’ lunch, al fresco style, as you take in the panoramic views of the lake and the picturesque Lake Nakuru National Park. Sarova Lion Hill Game Lodge Overlooking one of the worlds greatest ornithological spectacles, Lake Nakuru and its surrounding national park, the lodge is set high on a plateau and offers panoramic views of the shimmering lake in the distance . Here, what feels like millions of flamingos, pelicans and marabou storks always gather and the landscape seems to blossom as natural foliage and a variety of wild flower continually bloom . There are only 65 modern en suite bedrooms here, and meals are excellent and served inside the lodge, by the pool or under a forest of towering acacia trees. The Rift Valley bar is always a great watering spot and is located on the ground floor with great views of the lake.

DAY 5: Nakuru - Maasai Mara

Following an early morning breakfast leave the flamingo - fringed Lake Nakuru behind and head for Njoro town, where you begin your ascent up over the top of the Mau Escarpment; then, heading due south, travel towards Narok, the gateway to the Maasai. Mara and district headquarters of this part of Maasai land. Travel across the breadbasket of Kenya, covered with acres of wheat and barley, before you reach the Mara in time for lunch. Following lunch and a siesta, there is an afternoon game drive returning to the camp as the sun sets. Overnight at Sarova Mara Game Camp on a full board basis. Drive time approx : 5 hours Sarova Mara Game Camp is located inside the eastern section of the Masai Mara and hidden in a wonderful little forested valley away from sight of other Mara visitors. The 75 tents are luxurious with a permanent roof and floor zip - up fronts, attached bathroom, running hot water supply and electricity. Wooden walkways link the tents and manicured lawns with the main dining / bar areas, and are built over wide lily ponds. Bird life is abundant, with kingfishers a speciality. The impressive main building consists of a high thatched lobby, Oloip bar with its cosy log fireplace, a big dining area and outdoor terrace with side - angle views. Food and service are excellent and there is a small private area by the pond for private meals if needed. There is also a sparkling swimming pool surrounded by sun lounges for those who want an alternate activity.

DAY 6: Maasai Mara

Early morning and afternoon game drives . Overnight at Sarova Mara Game Camp on a full board basis.

DAY 7: Maasai Mara - Nairobi

Following breakfast depart the Masai Mara and head across acres of rolling wheat and barley farms to Narok, the district headquarters of this part of Maasailand . From here cross the vast plains on the floor of the Rift Valley, whilst keeping an eye out for herds of giraffe and gazelle, before heading up the rift escarpment on a road built by Italian prisoners during World War II. Arrive into Kenya’s bustling capital around mid day. Once in the city, clients will be dropped off at the drop off point in the city centre or at the airport for ongoing travel arrangements. Drive time approx : 5 hours