Great Rift Valley Lakes and Maasai Mara
Description: This is a safari to the world famous Bird Sanctuaries of the Great Rift Valley Lakes: Naivasha, Baringo, Bogoria and Nakuru, then South over the Mau Escarpment to Kenya’s greatest concentration of game - Maasai Mara. Kenya’s rift valley escarpments offer some of the most breath taking views. The Rift Valley is one of the wonders of the world stretching from the Middle East, down through Africa reaching as far as Mozambique. The staggering view as you approach from Nairobi is quite unbelievable. The ground suddenly disappears from under you to show the huge expanse of the great rift, stretching for thousands of miles in either direction. Whilst this stunning introduction to the Rift valley is amazing in itself, exploring the Lakes area of the Rift in Kenya is a rewarding experience.
Day 1: Nairobi - Lake Baringo
Depart Nairobi in the morning stopping enroute to view the spectacular Great Rift Valley arriving at Baringo in time for lunch. Lake Baringo is a world famous bird sanctuary. Spend the afternoon at own leisure with optional activities such as a boat ride in search of Hippo, Crocodile, African Fish Eagle, Nature walk, Njemps cultural visits among others at minimal extra costs.
Lake Baringo is the most Northerly of Kenya’s small Rift Valley lakes; creased with papyrus and well developed acacia forest. Hippos, Crocodiles and Monitor Lizards are effortlessly seen from the shore. The magnificent display of water birds leaves you amazed at God’s phenomenal creation. This is Kenya's bird watching sanctuary with over 1200 recorded species native to the country and more than 450 sighted here. Dinner and overnight stay at Tumbili Cliff Lodge
These Lodges are situated along the shores of Lake Baringo facing the Seven Islands and Laikipia Escarpment, the most spectacular scenery
Day 2: Lake Baringo - Lake Bogoria - Lake Nakuru
After breakfast, we exit L. Baringo towards Marigat and on to Bogoria. A 30km drive south to the spectacular Lake Bogoria with hot springs and geysers being the main attraction. This lake has been called ‘the new home of the flamingo’ with a nomad population of up to two million birds. We enjoy picnic lunch and then proceed for an afternoon game drive at the Lake Nakuru National Park which covers 180 sq km. The park is home to Lion, Warthog, Waterbuck, Buffalo, Reedbuck and the occasional Leopard. White and black rhinos were introduced to the park some years ago and you may find white rhino at the southern end. The park has also retained its reputation as an ornithologists’ delight with more than 400 species of bird found here. Dinner and overnight stay at Lake Nakuru Sopa Lodge
Day 3: Nakuru - Maasai Mara
A pre-breakfast game drive at the park will give us an opportunity to spot more game and bird species. Exit Nakuru National Park after breakfast and with packed lunch on the way as we proceed to Narok and Maasai Mara Game Reserve. Dinner and overnight stay at Mara Sopa Lodge
Day 4: Masai Mara
After an early breakfast, we spend a full day in search of the Cats of Mara. This Reserve forms part of the Great Masai Mara-Serengeti Eco-system. Picnic lunch will be served at the Mara River Hippo Point where Hippos and Crocodiles can be viewed basking along the river bed. On clear days, the Mara offers fantastic orange tinted sunsets and you will definitely want to capture this moment while sipping on a sun downer back at our lodge. The ultimate action here is without doubt the annual wildebeest exodus in July and August when millions of these grass eaters move north from the Serengeti in search of pasture before turning south again in October. Balloon trips are an entirely outstanding way of seeing the savannah plains and the wildlife after which you come back down for a beautiful champagne breakfast. Hot air Balloon flight in Maasai Mara costs US$ 480 per person. Dinner and overnight stay at Mara Sopa Lodge
Day 5: Maasai Mara – Naivasha
After breakfast, check out and proceed to Naivasha with lunch enroute. Spend the afternoon at own leisure. Dinner and overnight stay at Naivasha Sopa Resort or equivalent
Day 6: Naivasha – Nairobi
Enjoy half day exploring the beauty of Lake Naivasha which is famous with ornithologists. Take an optional activity involving boating across the Lake and to nearby Crescent Island. After lunch, we depart to arrive in Nairobi just before dusk. Drop off at your Nairobi Hotel or at the airport to catch your onward flight
