13 Days I Dreamt of Africa

One day longer on trek, climbing a natural, rather than manmade path, the Machame Route is a more demanding but much quieter and scenic route up the mountain. Overnights are spent camping in tents which are carried and pitched by the accompanying porters. Highlights of this route are the Shira Plateau, Barranco wall and the Karanga Valley reaching the summit via Stella Point. Because this route is more taxing it is recommended that trekkers should be physically fit and with the additional day on trek to assist with acclimatisation there is a good chance of reaching the summit.

Day 1: Nairobi - Samburu Game Reserve

Accommodation: Elephant Bedroom Camp/ Joy’s Camp

On arrival in Nairobi you will be met by your professional safari guide, briefing then start your journey by road in our specially customized safari vehicle taking you through wonderful ever changing terrains. Lunch is en-route at Trout Tree a delightful restaurant just outside Nanyuki, before the short drive to Samburu or Shaba, home for elephants, lions and an abundance of rare and endemic game such as reticulated giraffes, Gerenuk, grevy’s zebras... Overnight at Elephant Bedroom Camp or Joy’s Camp


Day 2: Shaba/ Samburu Game Reserve

Accommodation: Elephant Bedroom Camp/ Joy’s Camp
    

After an early wake up call, spend the day exploring Samburu & Buffalo Springs National & Shaba Reserves. After lunch and an afternoon at leisure, take an evening game drive before returning to the camp for dinner and overnight. The river here is the arterial lifeline for many endemic species e.g. Reticulated Giraffe, Grevy’s Zebra, Gerenuk, Oryx, Somali ostriches.


Day 3: Samburu/ Shaba - Sabuk Laikipia

Accommodation: Sabuk lodge or Loisaba
    

After an early morning game drive, transfer to the airstrip for 20 minutes flight over the dramatic semi-desert countryside, arriving at Sabuk in time for check-in and lunch settle on the banks of the Ewaso Nyiro River. Relax, maybe swim in the river or just enjoy the uninterrupted view across the Laikipia plains. Enjoy an early evening bush sundowner or a short walk from camp, watching the sun set behind the hills. The elusive Greater Kudu and large Elephant herds can be seen on the walks. Overnight at Sabuk lodge or Loisaba.


DAY 4: Sabuk/ Laikipia.

Accommodation: Sabuk lodge/ Loisaba
    

Set off in the cool early morning for a walk or game drive followed by bush breakfast., or take a walk across the hills with glimpses of the Ewaso Nyiro river. Brunch is under the acacia trees. Take an afternoon swim in a natural rock pool. Return to Sabuk Lodge for campfire sundowners and dinner. Overnight at Sabuk lodge or Loisaba.


DAY 5: Sabuk - Olari Nyiro.

Accommodation: Makena Hills Tented Camp/ Mukutan Retreat
    

After breakfast, depart for morning game drive then drop off at the airstrip. Fly to Ol Ari Nyiro conservation area. Met by your host then depart for game drive. Check-in and lunch at Makena’s Hills Tented Camp well located on the Rift Valley escarpment within a 100 000 acres of conservation area. Spend the rest of the day exploring and discover the beauty and rich natural inhabitants. Overnight at Makena Hills Tented Camp or Mukutan Retreat.


DAY 6: Olari Nyiro

Accommodation: Makena Hills Tented Camp/ Mukutan Retreat
    

After an early wake up call, spend the day exploring Ol’Ari Nyiro and Mukutan Retreat. After lunch and an afternoon at leisure, take an evening game drive before returning to the camp for dinner and overnight at Makena Hills Tented Camp or Mukutan Retreat.


DAY 7: Olari Nyiro - Lake Nakuru National Park

Accommodation: Flamingo Camp or Mbweha Cam
    

After breakfast, drive down the escarpments and across to the Rift Valley, the Equator arriving at Flamingo Camp or Mbweha Camp in time for lunch. Lake Nakuru is world famous for its millions of shimmering pink flamingoes; Lake Nakuru is an ornithologists’ mecca. Flotillas of Pelicans swimming by, hundreds of storks, herons and egrets add to this natural menagerie of color. The park is also one of the few reserves left where one can see both Black & White Rhinos in the wild. Together with lurking Lions, Giraffes and Leopards, Lake Nakuru provides excellent game viewing amongst the yellow thorn acacia forests.


DAY 8 - 9: Lake Nakuru - Lake Naivasha

Accommodation: Chui lodge or Kiangazi house
    

After an early morning game drive in Lake Nakuru, drive slowly up the other side of the Rift Valley through the verdant flower growing zones of Oserian. Arrive in time for lunch at Chui lodge. In the afternoon discover the beauty of Oserian Wildlife Sanctuary, possibility to do day and night game drives, boat ride, sundowners, bush breakfast, nature walk or just relax etc. Overnight at Chui lodge or Kiangazi house.


DAY 10:Lake Naivasha - Maasai Mara

Accommodation: Elephant Pepper or Saruni
    

Depart for early morning game drive and nature walk near Oleidian Salt Lake followed by bush breakfast. Lunch at Chui lodge or Kingazi then transfer to the airstrip for flight to Masai Mara, Upon arrival met and depart with game drive toward your camp, a specially chosen site, away from the busy tourist circuit which will offer you the traditional safari experience in one of Kenya’s most famous wildlife havens. Dinner and overnight at Elephant Pepper or Saruni.


DAY 11 - 12: Maasai Mara

Accommodation: Elephant Pepper or Saruni
    

Enjoy the spectacular game viewing experience with full days exploring this vast reserve. Your hosts in camp serve delicious home cooked delicacies based on local produce recipes. Game drives, bush breakfast, sundowners and bush walks makes this an unforgettable safari. The Mara is famous for its prolific big game, predatory cats and vast antelope herds with the most spectacular wildebeest migration between July to October which has been chosen as eight wonder of the world.


DAY 13: Depart

Accommodation: N/A
    

Early morning game drive, breakfast then transfer to the airstrip for your scheduled flight back to Nairobi. On arrival at midday, our representative will meet you and transfer you to The Carnivore restaurant for your farewell lunch. Depending with your outbound departure flight transfer to a hotel in Nairobi or to the international airport for your departure back home.