Kenya Lodge Safari
| country: | Kenya |
| location: | Masai Mara |
| trip type: | A small group adventure |
| departures: | Departures most Sundays and Tuesdays throughout the year except April and May |
| price: | From £1145 (8 days) excluding flights, based on 2 people sharing. Single supplement available for an additional £160. We can arrange flights from the UK |
the amazing things you'll be doing
Kenya is one of the world's top safari destinations. Known for its game parks and tribal groups it offers arid scrubland, forested mountains, shimmering lakes and unforgettable game viewing - along with a wonderful cultural experience.
From Nairobi we drive north, past the shoulder of Mt. Kenya, towards the ochre plains of Samburuland, a dry, dusty region which boasts a fine game park. Entering the reserve you are immediately struck by the rugged splendour of the landscape, with the Ewaso Nyiro River providing a permanent ribbon of green through an otherwise harsh, scrubby environment.
In this dramatic setting we enjoy morning and afternoon game drives, observing several northern species including the elegant reticulated giraffe, Grevy's zebra and the Somali ostrich. Retracing our steps we return to Mt. Kenya to stay at a rustic lodge at the foot of the mountain. Surrounded by lush green forest and with the thunder from the twin waterfalls in our ears, we may spot elephants feeding as the day draws to a close. At Lake Nakuru we witness a wonderful throng of waterbirds, including a sizeable flamingo population, and observe a variety of wildlife - including black and white rhino - in the adjacent national park. Travelling to the game-rich grasslands of the Masai Mara we search the plains for lion, cheetah and the elusive leopard during our morning and afternoon game drives. Hot air ballooning, game walks and a visit to the local Masai village or tree plantation are among various optional activities available. You have the option of returning to Nairobi by air allowing you additional time for optional activities. You may also extend your stay in the Mara at the time of booking.
From Nairobi we drive north, past the shoulder of Mt. Kenya, towards the ochre plains of Samburuland, a dry, dusty region which boasts a fine game park. Entering the reserve you are immediately struck by the rugged splendour of the landscape, with the Ewaso Nyiro River providing a permanent ribbon of green through an otherwise harsh, scrubby environment.
In this dramatic setting we enjoy morning and afternoon game drives, observing several northern species including the elegant reticulated giraffe, Grevy's zebra and the Somali ostrich. Retracing our steps we return to Mt. Kenya to stay at a rustic lodge at the foot of the mountain. Surrounded by lush green forest and with the thunder from the twin waterfalls in our ears, we may spot elephants feeding as the day draws to a close. At Lake Nakuru we witness a wonderful throng of waterbirds, including a sizeable flamingo population, and observe a variety of wildlife - including black and white rhino - in the adjacent national park. Travelling to the game-rich grasslands of the Masai Mara we search the plains for lion, cheetah and the elusive leopard during our morning and afternoon game drives. Hot air ballooning, game walks and a visit to the local Masai village or tree plantation are among various optional activities available. You have the option of returning to Nairobi by air allowing you additional time for optional activities. You may also extend your stay in the Mara at the time of booking.
day-by-day itinerary
| Day 1: | Arrive Nairobi and transfer to hotel. |
| Day 2-3: | Drive to Samburu National Reserve. Morning and afternoon game drives. |
| Day 4-5: | Drive to Nakuru. Afternoon nature walk in Menengai Crater. Full-day game drive in Lake Nakuru National Park. |
| Day 6-7: | Drive to tented camp in the Masai Mara. Day and night game drives. |
| Day 8: | Game walk in private reserve adjoining Masai Mara. Drive to Nairobi where trip ends on arrival. |
small group adventure holiday
Typically you will be sharing your experiences with between 4-20 like minded travellers (depending on the trip, operator and how many others are booked on the trip) and you'll have a group leader with you. Whether you are travelling alone or with friends its good value, and a great way to meet new people! While itineraries are pre-planned there is some flexibility and you'll have plenty of privacy. This trip will appeal to travellers of all ages who enjoy meeting new people as well as seeing new places.highly commended
This tourism business was Highly Commended in our 2007 Virgin Holidays Responsible Tourism Awards - the largest awards of their kind in the world, and organised by responsibletravel.com in association with The Times, World Travel Market and Geographical Magazine, of the Royal Geographical Society.Since 2004, the Awards has recognised individuals, companies and organisations in travel making a big commitment to the culture and economies of local communities and helping to conserve biodiversity.
how this holiday makes a difference
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See Kenya through the eyes of a local, as your Kenyan tour leader gives you a first-hand insight into the rich and colourful array of wildlife that are found in this veritable Garden of Eden, as well as introduce you to the rich cultural tapestry of the country. This amazing experience ensures that travellers become acutely aware of the importance of conservation and also become ambassadors for the continual protection of wildlife and wilderness the world over, so that future generations can continue to appreciate them.
This operator proudly supports a tented camp in Lake Nakuru, where all profits are used to support the Ujima Foundation. This is a training institute that prepares poor young adults for employment in Nakuru. The foundation strictly targets orphaned youngsters between the ages of 17 and 23 years and take care of their siblings. Most of the trainees are women who have no meaningful education or job experience. The program takes one year and gives these youngsters a chance to become self-reliant. The trainees actually hone their skills in the permanent tented camp that you stay in. Ujima is an old Kiswahili word, which means 'achieved with the help of others'. You also visit a local Masai village and learn about the unique lifestyle of the people, as well as understand the need to preserve their customs and traditions in the face of a rapidly homogenised world. In their continuous support of tourism in Kenya this operator is training tour leaders on a variety of issues, from environmental awareness to First Aid. This not only assists in the conduct of a tour but also provides leaders with important life skills. By only employing tour leaders born and bred in the regions they visit, they are supporting local economies. Through offering employment and steady revenue, tourism can ultimately make a real positive difference to local communities. |
Tourism can be good and bad for destinations & local people. We carefully screen every holiday against our criteria for responsible travel. 'Look behind the brochure' to find how each holiday makes a difference (see left). We don't claim to be perfect - there is no global accreditation - but we've led the way since 2001 and screened 1000's of holidays. We invite every traveller to write a review about their experiences and responsible tourism. This valuable feedback is sent to the people who run the holidays. We keep a very close eye on it and take off holidays that don't live up to our standards. |