Encounter Lions on Safari
Try a Hot Air Balloon Safari
Enjoy the local Maasai
Discover vast herds of Zebra
- Summary
- Itinerary
- Pricing
- Options & Add-ons
Best of Kenya
Trip Highlights
Nairobi | Shaba | Lake Nakuru | Maasai Mara
Discover
Wildlife galore on Africa’s vast plains
Rare and unique animal species in the Shaba Game Reserve
Explore
Maasai Mara's expansive plains
Lake Nakuru with its Black and White Rhinos
The dry and arid Shaba Game Reserve
Taste
African cuisine
Delicious buffets to tempt every palate
Choice
At additional cost:
Discover unique customs at a Maasai village
Enjoy incredible views hot air ballooning over the Mara
PCR Testing – we can’t take the test for you, but we’ve got the where and how covered!
Most countries and airlines require proof of a negative Covid PCR test. As your safari experts, we know their requirements and will take care of scheduling tests during your travels in Kenya, so that it’s conveniently planned into your itinerary and taking into consideration that results take between 24-72 hours. Tests cost between $100 and $330 per person, per test including transport to the testing facility. Your Africa Specialist will give you more information as it relates to your itinerary.
Day 1 - Nairobi (Thursday)
On arrival in Nairobi, Kenya's vibrant capital, you will be warmly welcomed! You will be met at Nairobi’s Jomo Kenyatta International Airport by a local Lion World Travel representative and transferred to the deluxe Stanley Hotel. The 5-star Sarova Stanley Hotel is a member of the Preferred Hotel Group and offers luxurious amenities in the heart of Nairobi.
The Stanley Hotel in Nairobi
Apart from sophisticated facilities it provides exceptional standards of service. You will be able to enjoy all the luxurious facilities that the hotel has to offer.
Accommodation: The Stanley Hotel - Standard Room
Day 2 - Nairobi/Aberdare National Park (Friday)
After breakfast drive from Nairobi to Aberdare National Park, where the iconic and quirky Ark Hotel is set, with a stop enroute for lunch at the Aberdares Country Club. The Ark overlooks a floodlit waterhole and salt lick, which attracts a host of awesome wildlife. Modelled after Noah's Ark, The Ark has four viewing decks with balconies and lounges to provide superb game viewing from the comfort of the lodge. The animals come to you!
So as not to miss any animal sightings, the resident guide will buzz your room when special animals come to the waterhole. Simply throw on your provided robe and slippers, grab your camera and view nightlife at the waterhole! Elephants dominantly rule the waterholes and salt licks. There are other animals that come to drink water such as hyenas, which have to contend with elephants chasing them off at great speed. Some animals such as leopards are shy. However, the leopards are often seen in the morning and evening during safari drives.
Elephants at The Ark
While on game drives or walks through the forest, you may chance upon various monkeys, such as the Colobus and Vervet monkeys, for whom the Aberdare National Park is an ideal habitat. Many birds are also found here.
Accommodation: The Ark - Standard Room (B , L, D)
Day 3 - Shaba Game Reserve (Saturday)
After breakfast you will be taken back to The Aberdare Country Club to reconnect with your driver guide. Drive north to the rugged Shaba National Reserve.
Arrive in time for lunch at the luxurious Sarova Shaba Lodge, with chalet style rooms overlooking the Uaso Nyiro River. Natural spring water has been harnessed to ribbon its way around the property creating a beautiful landscape. Coupled with the large free-form swimming pool that flows around the lush gardens and tall trees, this refreshing water lends an almost magical feel to this natural oasis.
Spotting elephants on a Game Drive at Sarova Shaba
Sarova Shaba Lodge is in Samburu/Shaba National Reserve, Eastern Kenya. Sarova Shaba Lodge décor is thatched roof, stone and timber, tastefully combining local materials and architectural style. Each room has en-suite facilities, mosquito netting and fans. The open-air restaurant overlooks the pool, river and lodge grounds.
Spend the afternoon discovering the unique species found in this area including the reticulated giraffe, rare Beisa Oryx, gerenuk and Grevy’s zebra.
The endangered Reticulated Giraffe, found in northern Kenya
Accommodation: Sarova Shaba Lodge - Standard Room (B, L, D)
Day 4 - Shaba National Reserve (Sunday)
On morning and afternoon game drives photographic opportunities abound as you seek out elephant, lion, leopard, cheetah, plains game and more. The river forest attracts a wide variety of birds too.
A Leopard in a tree, seen while at Sarova Shaba Lodge
At Tulia mini spa you can relax and unwind as you enjoy a great massage while listening to the trickling natural streams and the wild sounds of the African jungle. Or get adventurous and have the massage in the wild.
Bush dining in Africa
Accommodation: Sarova Shaba Lodge - Standard Room (B, L, D)
Day 5 - Lake Nakuru National Park (Monday)
Drive south to Lake Nakuru, arriving in time for lunch at the Sarova Lion Hill Lodge, set in beautiful grounds with panoramic views of the lake and park. The lodge is a natural haven for bird life and attracts over 50 species of birds amongst the 400 species that inhabit the Park.
Later venture out on safari. The park is one of the best game viewing parks in terms of wildlife variety. Animal species you might spot include prides of lion, Cape buffalo, waterbucks, wart hogs, the endangered Rothschild giraffes, the black & white Rhino, the Burchell’s zebra, impalas, and the elusive leopard among many others. Lake Nakuru National Park is one of the best places to see the endangered black and white Rhino.
Abundant wildlife, like zebra, call the Lake Nakuru area home
Accommodation: Sarova Lion Hill Lodge - Standard Room (B, L, D)
Day 6 - Maasai Mara National Reserve (Tuesday)
After breakfast enjoy a scenic drive to Sarova Mara Game Camp, a perfect base from which to explore the wonders of the Maasai Mara.
Spacious interior of your Safari Tent
Tents are large and comfortable, tastefully furnished with double and twin beds, wardrobes, writing desk and safari chairs. En-suite bathrooms and fully stocked mini-bars blend tasteful comfort with the beautiful nature that makes the Mara.
On a game drive at Sarova Mara
After lunch get the cameras ready and enjoy a thrilling afternoon game-viewing drive in this photographer’s paradise. The Mara is noted for its superb black-maned male lions. You may see lots of elephants and if you're lucky leopard, cheetah and rhino as well as hippo, buffalo, zebra, giraffe and many others.
Enjoying sunset drinks at Sarova Mara, known as Sundowners in Africa
Accommodation: Sarova Mara Game Camp - Standard Tent (B, L, D)
Day 7 - Maasai Mara National Reserve (Wednesday)
Morning and afternoon safaris in Africa's richest wildlife viewing arena will take you in search of spectacular wildlife. In between game drives, relax at the camp or indulge in a spa treatment. You may opt to visit the local Maasai Village or rise early for an exhilarating hot-air balloon ride gliding silently over the Maasai plains.
The Wildebeest Migration in the Mara
While the Maasai Mara is home to amazing wildlife, you will also have time to learn and understand the local culture, while dining on healthy, locally grown organic food at Sarova Mara. You'll be amazed by what you can see, and what you can eat, out on the wide-open plains of Kenya.
Learn about the Maasai people, photo by Alison Budd
Accommodation: Sarova Mara Game Camp - Standard Tent (B, L, D)
Day 8 - Maasai Mara National Reserve/Depart (Thursday)
After breakfast bid farewell to the Maasai Mara as you set on your journey back to Nairobi.
Enjoy locally grown, organic food during your stay at Sarova Mara Camp
Transfer to Nairobi’s Jomo Kenyatta International Airport in time for your departure flight. (B)
Add-Ons
Gorilla Trekking
Silverback Gorilla in Rwanda, photo from Bisate Lodge
We suggest you enhance this once in a lifetime trip with a moving and poignant visit with endangered Mountain Gorillas. A 4-night extension to Rwanda to participate in gorilla trekking is highly recommended. See our Gorillas of Rwanda itinerary for more details.
Azure Zanzibar
Zanzibar is the perfect post-safari beach destination, with its white sandy beaches, azure waters and alluring culture. Check out our Azure Zanzibar itinerary or speak to one of our Africa Specialists for more information.
Matemwe Beach, Zanzibar. Enjoy an Island addon and Relax after your East Africa Safari
OPTIONAL EXCURSIONS
Maasai Village
A visit to a local Maasai village is always an interesting cultural experience as you meet this pastoral tribe and learn about their day-to-day lives.
Hot Air Balloon
Hot Air Balloon Safari in East Africa, photo by Newmark Hotels
Enhance your safari with a peaceful and scenic view over the Serengeti in a hot air balloon.
Contact one of our Lion World Travel Africa specialist will advise you on additional costs for these extra activities.
Prices are per person in US Dollars, for land arrangements only, based on double occupancy accommodations. Based on a minimum of 2 passengers to operate. Single supplement pricing available on request.
Note: This trip only departs on Thursdays.
| Jan 3- Mar | Apr 1-9 | Apr 10-13 | Apr 14-30 | May-Jun 15 | Jun 16-30 | Jul 1-15 | Jul 16- Sep 15 | Sep 16-30 | Oct | Nov - Dec 15 | |
| Selling Price | $2799 | $2499 | $2799 | $2499 | $2499 | $2699 | $2799 | $3299 | $2799 | $2799 | $2699 |
| Jan 3 - Mar | Apr 1-9 | Apr 10-13 | Apr 14 - Jun 15 | Jun 16-30 | Jul 1-15 | Jul 16 - Sep 15 | Sep 16 - Oct | Nov - Dec 15 | |
| Selling Price | $2799 | $2499 | $2799 | $2499 | $2699 | $2799 | $3299 | $2799 | $2699 |
Inclusions:
- Accommodation and meals as stipulated in the itinerary
- Transportation in a shared chaffeur-driven safari vehicle with pop-up roof for easy game viewing & photography
- Services of an English-speaking driver-guide, game viewing drives and park entrance fees as indicated in the itinerary
- All Government taxes and levies
- All meet and greet services
- Guaranteed window seat in each vehicle
Exclusions:
- International flights and associated fuel surcharges and taxes
- All items of a personal nature such as drinks, laundry, telephone calls, etc., and any other items not specified in our itinerary
- Tips and gratuities to hotel, lodges, campe staff and driver-guide(s).
- Alcoholic and non-alcoholic drinks
- Any local or international flight(s) and departures/other taxes
- Concession fees (in case of any new fees introduced bt parks without our knowledge)
- Costs of obtaining passports and/or visas
- Flying doctors coverage (optional at US$20 per person)
- Any item not specified above
- Trip Cancellation, Interruption and/or Medical Insurance – please note that insurance for this trip is a mandatory requirement from suppliers in Africa – proof of insurance must be provided before bookings are confirmed. It is your personal responsibility to ensure you have enough travel insurance coverage from the provider of your choice. Please let your Africa Specialist know if you would like information on this.
Baggage
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