Kenya Highlights, Private Tour
Kenya Highlights, Private Tour
Kenya Highlights, Private Tour
7 Days Starting and ending in Nairobi
Visiting: Nairobi, Samburu, Nakuru, Serena
Tour operator:
Tour code:
35966
Group Type:
Private
Guide Type:
Fully Guided
Group size:
2 - 99
Tour operated in:
EnglishTrip Styles:
Interests:
Activities:
Tour Overview
Explore three of the most breath-taking big game parks in Kenya with this seven-day safari adventure using the prestigious Sarova luxury hotel chain for accommodation. Starting off in the Nairobi hotel where Ernest Hemingway dreamed up his African novels and continuing the adventure in the ‘Born Free’ location, Lake Nakuru and the Maasai Mara, this Kenyan highlights programme combines good game viewing with stylish accommodation. TOUR HIGHLIGHTS Shaba National Reserve: one of the Northern Kenya’s desert gems, known as the ‘celebrity’ wildlife park that played a lead role in Hollywood classics Born Free and Out of Africa. The main attractions are reticulated giraffe, Grevy's zebra, Beisa oryx, the Somali ostrich and the gerenuk. Maasai Mara National Reserve: situated in south-west Kenya and is one of Africa’s Greatest Wildlife Reserves, and where the world’s largest multi-species migration takes place. Across the vast plains of the Mara, visitors are able to witness lions, cheetahs, leopards, elephants, and an infinite variety of other species in their natural habitats. Lake Nakuru National Park: on the floor of the Great Rift Valley, lies the beautiful Lake Nakuru National Park. Visitors can enjoy the wide ecological diversity and varied habitats that range from Lake Nakuru itself to the surrounding escarpment and picturesque ridges. It is ideal for bird watching and game drives.Â
Highlights
Itinerary
Day 1 : Arrival Nairobi
Location: Nairobi
Accommodation Name: Sarova Stanley Hotel
After landing at Nairobi Airport, you will be met by a tour representative and transferred to the Sarova Stanley Hotel or similar. This legendary establishment traces its origins all the way back to 1902 when its late Victorian splendour made it Kenya’s first luxury hotel. The Stanley soon became a byword for opulence and sophistication, attracting big game enthusiasts and colonial administrators. Its immortal status was cemented by the experiences here of Nobel Prize-winning novelist Ernest Hemingway, whose short story, ‘The Snows of Kilimanjaro’, did so much to popularise safaris. Hemingway would gather with fellow adventurers at the Thorn Tree Café – named after the tree on which travellers would pin messages – to plan safaris or regale them with tales of ones just completed. The Stanley has long since been modernised but the spirit of the past is still palpable in every corner.
Overnight in Nairobi.
Day 2 : Nairobi – Shaba National Reserve (415 Kms – 7 Hrs)
Location: Samburu
Accommodation Name: Sarova Shaba Game Lodge
Leave Nairobi early after breakfast and travel northwards to Samburu, passing near Thika. Continue through breathtaking scenery dotted with rushing mountain streams and plantations of tea and coffee in the shadows of Mount Kenya, the country’s highest mountain and second in Africa. Circumventing Mount Kenya, pass through the town of Nanyuki before reaching the dusty outpost of Isiolo, the last major stop on the journey to the remote northern frontier district. From here, it’s a fairly short hop to Shaba National Reserve. It earned worldwide fame in the 1960s as the setting of the popular movie, "Born Free". Arrive at Sarova Shaba Lodge in time for lunch and then head off for an afternoon game drive returning to the lodge as the sun sets. Surrounded by trees and located on a rocky bend of the River Ewaso Ngiro, the Sarova Shaba offers a luxury seldom found in a large African bush lodge. There are 80 chalet rooms and four luxurious junior suites as well as one honeymoon suite. The tranquil flow of sparkling spring waters throughout the grounds creates an atmosphere of peace and serenity as they collect and cascade, attracting a great variety of birds. Crocodile feeding demonstrations and evening entertainment are provided by local Samburu villagers. Breakfast, lunch and dinner included.
Overnight in Shaba.
Day 3 : Shaba National Reserve (5 6 Hrs On Game Drives)
Location: Samburu
Accommodation Name: Sarova Shaba Game Lodge
Breakfast follows an early morning game drive in the lush and verdant Shaba National Reserve, which was also the setting for the multiple Oscar-winning classics, "Out of Africa". There is a large pride of lions as well as elephants, leopards, gerenuks, and elands while rare species such as the reticulated giraffe also make this habitat their stomping ground. For the remainder of the morning, you can relax by the pool, which features an island reached by a bridge from the bar, or the terrace, which overlooks the river. After lunch, there will be another game drive, returning to the lodge for sunset.Â
Overnight in Shaba.
Day 4 : Shaba – Lake Nakuru National Park (325 Kms – 4.5 Hrs)
Location: Nakuru
Accommodation Name: Sarova Lion Hill Game Lodge
Bid farewell to Shaba National Reserve after breakfast and travel south through Isiolo, crossing the northernmost foothills of Mount Kenya, passing through Nanyuki, and continuing to Nyahururu, still known by many as Thomson’s Falls because of its 75-metre waterfall, which can be spotted in the distance. Your next stop is the spectacular Lake Nakuru; enjoy a game drive en route to Sarova Lion Hill Game Lodge. The waters of the lake are often shimmering pink, from the thousands of flamingos that line the shores. After lunch, depart for an afternoon game drive in Lake Nakuru National Park. Like all the beautiful flamingos, both black and white rhinos are being carefully protected and given a new lease of life in this fully fenced 188-square-kilometre park. The rhino population numbers more than 50 and continues to multiply. The Rothschild’s giraffe is another rarity that can be seen here, and the park has its fair share of buffaloes, leopards, zebras, elands, waterbucks and lions. Sarova Lion Hill Game Lodge is situated in the heart of what is Kenya's most densely populated wetland national park, which is one of six internationally protected marsh areas, known as Ramsar sites, in the country. The lodge boasts commanding views of the lake and what seems like millions of flamingos, pelicans and marabou storks. Lush gardens surround the lodge and cottage, and there is an exciting programme of activities and evening entertainment. Here the ornithological landscape appears to bloom as if it were natural foliage. The lodge has 65 modern en-suite bedrooms, and meals are served inside the lodge, by the pool or under a forest of towering acacia trees. The Rift Valley bar on the ground floor has great views of the lake. Breakfast, lunch and dinner included.
Overnight in Lake Nakuru area.
Day 5 : Lake Nakuru – Maasai Mara National Reserve (345 Kms – 6.5 Hrs)
Location: Serena
Accommodation Name: Sarova Mara Game Camp
Wake up to breakfast before leaving the flamingo-fringed Lake Nakuru to continue the adventure at the Maasai Mara National Reserve. Drive to the town of Njoro, where you begin your ascent over the top of the Mau Escarpment. Then, heading south, travel across the ‘breadbasket’ of Kenya, covered with acres of wheat and barley, towards Narok, the gateway to the Maasai Mara. Check-in at Sarova Mara Game Camp and enjoy lunch before departing for an afternoon game drive. Return to the lodge as the sun sets. The camp is located inside the eastern section of the Maasai Mara and hidden in a wonderful little-forested valley. During the annual Great Migration, the camp is teeming with wildebeests, gazelles and zebras as it situated right in the centre of their migration path. The 75 tents have a permanent roof and floor, zip-up fronts, attached bathroom, running hot water supply and electricity. Wooden walkways, built over wide lily ponds, link the tents and manicured lawns with the main dining and bar areas. Birdlife is abundant, with kingfishers particularly common. There is also a sparkling swimming pool surrounded by sun loungers. Breakfast, lunch and dinner included.
Overnight in Massai Mara Reserve.
Day 6 : Maasai Mara National Reserve (5 6 Hrs On Game Drives)
Location: Serena
Accommodation Name: Sarova Mara Game Camp
Enjoy an early breakfast before departing on a morning game drive. The Maasai Mara National Reserve is home to millions of wild animals, including the fabled Big Five of lions, leopards, elephants, buffaloes and black rhinos. There are also antelopes, gazelles, wildebeests, and many others. Return to the lodge for lunch and perhaps a siesta before setting off for an afternoon game drive and a visit to a Maasai village. Return to the camp as the sun sets. Breakfast, lunch and dinner included.
Overnight in Maasai Mara Reserve.
Day 7 : Maasai Mara – Departure Nairobi (310 Kms – 6 Hrs)
Location: Nairobi
Say goodbye to Maasai Mara before passing through acres of rolling wheat and barley farms, heading to Narok. From here, cross the vast plains on the floor of the Great Rift Valley while keeping an eye out for herds of giraffe and gazelle. Head up the rift escarpment and arrive in Kenya’s bustling capital at around midday. Once in the city, you’ll be dropped off in the city centre or at the airport for you to continue with your ongoing travel arrangements.
What's Included
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English-speaking local driver-guide
Operated with English-speaking local driver-guide throughout the tour (the assigned local driver-guide may change during the itinerary).
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Multilingual driver-guide
French, German, Italian, or Spanish driver-guide subject to availability (airport transfers will be operated with English-speaking drivers).
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Accommodation
6 night's accommodation.
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Meals
6 breakfasts, 5 lunches, and 5 dinners.
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Transportation
4x4 vehicle with a pop-up roof and guaranteed window seat during game drives and all transportation throughout the tour (maximum 7 persons per vehicle) on a private basis.
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Airport transfers
Arrival and departure private transfer in an air-conditioning car from/to Jomo Kenyatta International Airport.
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Entrance fees and activities
All entrance fees and activities mentioned in the itinerary: 1 game drive at Shaba Natural Reserve (Day 2); 2 game drives at Shaba Natural Reserve (Day 3); 1 game drive at Lake Nakuru National Park (Day 4); 1 game drive at Maasai Mara Natural Reserve.
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Meet & Greet
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Park fees and taxes
All park fees and government taxes.
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Mineral water
1 bottle of mineral water (500ml) per person per day on game drives.
What's Not Included
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Domestic flights
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Visas
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International flights
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Drinks during meals
Drinks during meals (unless specified otherwise) are not included.
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Unmentioned visits
Any visit not mentioned in the program is not included.
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Porterage and gratuities
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Personal expenditures
Expenditures of a personal nature, drinks and meals or items not stated explicitly in the program are not included.
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Alcoholic and non-alcoholic drinks
Any alcoholic and non-alcoholic drinks, mineral water, camera/video camera fee (if any) are not included.
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Travel insurance
Travel Insurance or any loss or extra cost arising due to unforeseen circumstances such as flight delays, accidents, etc.
are not included. -
Drinks during meals (unless specified otherwise)
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Any visit not mentioned in the program
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Expenditures of a personal nature drinks and meals or items not stated explicitly in the program
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Any alcoholic and non-alcoholic drinks mineral water camera/video camera fee (if any)
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Travel Insurance or any loss or extra cost arising due to unforeseen circumstances such as flight delays accidents etc.
Mode of Transport
Travel in comfort with private transfers from Jomo Kenyatta International Airport, a 4x4 vehicle with a pop-up roof for game drives, and an air-conditioned car for arrival and departure transfers.
Accommodation
Enjoy luxurious stays at the Sarova Stanley Hotel in Nairobi, Sarova Shaba Game Lodge in Shaba National Reserve, Sarova Lion Hill Game Lodge in Lake Nakuru, and Sarova Mara Game Camp in Maasai Mara, each offering unique amenities and stunning views.
Check out our Q&As
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What type of vehicle is used for game drives during the tour?
The tour uses a 4x4 vehicle with a pop-up roof and guaranteed window seat for game drives.
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Are there any special amenities at the accommodations?
Yes, the accommodations offer unique amenities and stunning views. For example, the Sarova Shaba Game Lodge features a pool with an island reached by a bridge from the bar, and the Sarova Mara Game Camp has wooden walkways built over wide lily ponds.
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What meals are included in the tour package?
The tour package includes 6 breakfasts, 5 lunches, and 5 dinners.
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Is there a multilingual guide available during the tour?
Yes, a multilingual driver-guide (French, German, Italian, or Spanish) is available subject to availability. However, airport transfers will be operated with English-speaking drivers.
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What wildlife can I expect to see during the game drives?
You can expect to see a variety of wildlife including lions, elephants, leopards, reticulated giraffes, flamingos, black and white rhinos, buffaloes, zebras, elands, waterbucks, and many bird species.
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Are there any cultural experiences included in the tour?
Yes, the tour includes a visit to a Maasai village during the stay at the Maasai Mara National Reserve.
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What is the policy on drinks during meals?
Drinks during meals are not included unless specified otherwise.
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Is travel insurance included in the tour package?
No, travel insurance is not included in the tour package.
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What is the maximum number of people per vehicle during game drives?
The maximum number of people per vehicle during game drives is 7.
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What is the meet and greet service included in the tour?
The meet and greet service includes being met by a tour representative upon arrival at Nairobi Airport and transferred to the hotel.
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How does Today Voyages work?
We are an Online Travel Agency, specialized in Group Vacations and Private Vacations. We have been in business for over 30 years through our sister company Go West Tours and, throughout the years, have developed an extensive network of trusted professionals around the world and a structured methodology to screen our suppliers. Today Voyages offers a selection of tours that are designed, managed and operated by our network of trusted Tour Operators and DMCs. Our database is connected with our partners so that when you make a booking with us this will immediately be received and processed by the Tour Operator.
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Where should I buy the flights to reach my destination?
Today Voyages does not sell flights directly. None of our tours come with flights included. Why? Because we prefer to give full flexibility to our valued customers to select the airlines and the booking platform they prefer. As soon as your flight is booked and confirmed, we invite you to update your flight plan within your Today Voyages booking confirmation page by entering your flight number, departure and arrival times, as well as your Passport information (if needed). None of these fields are mandatory but we highly encourage you to provide as much information as possible. This will allow us to provide you with the excellent service you are looking for.
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What is an additional excursion or tour optional?
Certain tours might show a selection of additional excursions/optional activities that you may want to add to our standard itinerary. These services are priced separately and can be added to the cart before completing the booking. We believe these optional services to contribute to making your vacation unforgettable; however, you are in no way obliged to purchase them. All our tours are awesome with our without optional services!
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What is the difference between Group Vacations and Private Vacations?
If you purchase one of our Group vacation packages, you will be escorted by a professional tour guide and will be traveling with other like-minded travelers you may not know. The group size depends on the tour you select. If you purchase one of our Private vacation packages, you will be traveling only within your group of friends. You may or may not be escorted by a professional tour guide; this depends on the type of private tour you are interested in.
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When and how will I receive the travel documents (vouchers)?
If you book one of our Group or Private tours, you will receive your travel documents via email approximately 20 days prior to travel date. If you reserve one of our Vacation Rentals, you will hear back from the property manager via email a few days prior to checking-in. We recommend checking your emails on a regular basis as this is our most reliable method of communication. If you have questions or need additional support, you can always chat with us or email us directly.
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What happens if a Group tour does not get confirmed?
It is very simple... you will be offered an alternative departure date or be refunded the full amount you pre-paid. No questions asked!
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What happens after I book?
The majority of our tours are confirmed at the time of booking. This means that, after submitting the payment online, you will receive an order confirmation email; make sure to save this email and to note down your confirmation number for any future communication with us. Some tours may be sold on a 'on request' basis. This means that for these tours we reserve the right to check the availability of your spot(s) with the Tour Operator before confirming the tour to you. As soon as you submit the payment online for a 'on request' tour you will receive an email notification that confirms your order request. Within 72 hours, you will receive either a confirmation email or a denial email. Do not worry... we will do everything we can to confirm your tour!
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Free Date Changes
Today Voyages allows you to make 1 free date changes, as long as the change is made at least 65 days before the start of the tour.
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Low Deposit
Today Voyages requires a minimum deposit of 30% or the full booking value, whichever is less, with the final balance not due until 30 days before departure.
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Cancellation Policy
We don't charge a cancellation fee, here is a summary of today voyages charges.
Up to 60 days before tour starts: Forfeit 100% of deposit.
At 30 days before tour starts: Forfeit 50% of booking price.
At 15 days before tour starts: Forfeit 100% of booking price.