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8 Day Kenya Family Discovery
Highlights: Nairobi, Samburu, Laikipia, Nakuru, Masai Mara
Trip start: Nairobi
Trip end: Nairobi
Flash Video Video(s): Sweetwaters Tented Camp, KT Nairobi
Sample Prices (USD per person, double occupancy. "Request a Quote" for an exact price.)
$SepOctNovDecJanFebMarAprMayJunJulAug
4ppl2,5202,2962,0832,3062,4372,5662,4371,9541,9542,0052,6432,643
2ppl2,9172,6942,4812,7042,8582,9862,8582,3762,3762,4263,0643,064
* USD per person, double occupancy. Custom designed personal tour. Prices subject to change.

National Geographic Adventure Best Adventure Travel Companies on Earth '98.33 Client Satisfaction Rating'

Winner National Geographic 'Best Adventure Travel Companies on Earth'
2008 & 2009

Trip Summary
Map of Itinerary
Expand [+]

Experience the ultimate family adventure on this active safari highlighting the 4 wildest game parks in Kenya. See lions, elephants, zebra and more as you as enjoy daily game drives accompanied by your family’s private safari guide and driver. Photographers of any age will be in their element during this scenic journey through four very diverse landscapes. Discover the desert animals of Samburu National Park, the unique wildlife of Laikipia, the rhinoceros sanctuary at Lake Nakuru and the legendary savannah of the Masai Mara. Learn about Kenya’s vibrant culture while in colourful Nairobi or customize your family’s adventure with a visit to a traditional Masai village.

Featuring four very different game experiences, thousands of animals and incredible family adventure, this cost effective private guided safari should be carefully considered by those who want the classic 'out of Africa' experience.

Request a quote or call Kensington to speak to an African Destination Expert to learn more about various extensions and all the different ways of customizing your tour. For example take a hot air balloon ride over the Great Migration of the Mara (July - September) or extend it with a couple days on the exotic beaches of Zanzibar or Mombasa. Fully customizable, all of our tours are available at 3, 4 and 5 star level s according to your preference.

Day Activities Hotel
Day 1
Nairobi
  • Nairobi: Flying Doctors - Emergency Evacuation service - Plane
  • Kensington Cares -
  • Transfer - Airport - Kenya Safaris
Country Lodge
(Alt: Holiday Inn Mayfair)
(Alt: Serena) (B)
Day 2
Samburu
  • Transfer - Nairobi - Samburu [5 to 6 Hour Drive] - Game Van
  • Lunch (included)
  • Samburu: Afternoon Game Drive
  • Park Fees - Samburu
  • Dinner (included)
Samburu Simba Lodge
(Alt: Samburu Wilderness Lodge)
(Alt: Shaba Sarova
Day 3
Samburu
  • Morning Game Drive - Grevy Zebra - Game Van
  • Lunch (included)
  • Afternoon Game Drive - Gerenuk -
  • Park Fees - Samburu
  • Dinner (included)
Samburu Simba Lodge
(Alt: Samburu Wilderness Lodge)
(Alt: Shaba Sarova
Day 4
Laikipia
  • Transfer - Samburu - Laikipia [1 Hour Drive] - Game Van
  • Lunch (included)
  • Laikipia: Optional activities
  • Park Fees - Laikipia
  • Dinner (included)
Sweetwaters Serena
(Alt: Ol` Pejeta Serena)
(Alt: Lewa Safari Camp) (B,L,D)
Day 5
Nakuru
  • Transfer - Laikipia - Nakuru [3 Hour Drive] - Game Van
  • Lunch (included)
  • Nakuru: Afternoon Game Drive -
  • Dinner (included)
Lion Hill Sarova (B,L,D)
Day 6
Masai Mara
  • Transfer - Naivasha - Masai Mara [5 to 6 Hour Drive] - Game Van
  • Lunch (included)
  • Masai Mara: Afternoon Game Drive
  • Park Fees - Masai Mara
  • Dinner (included)
Kensington Mara West
(Alt: Serena)
(Alt: Kichwa Tembo) (B,L,D)
Day 7
Masai Mara
  • Morning Game Drive 2 - Game Van
  • Park Fees - Masai Mara
  • Lunch (included)
  • Afternoon Game Drive 2
  • Dinner (included)
Kensington Mara West
(Alt: Serena)
(Alt: Kichwa Tembo) (B,L,D)
Day 8
Nairobi
  • Transfer - Masai Mara - Nairobi [6 Hour Drive] - Game Van
  • Nairobi: Private - Souvenir shopping
  • Kensington Office
  • Transfer - Airport - Kenya Safaris
Depart (B)
B = Breakfast, L = Lunch, D = Dinner, 1/2d = Half Day, Al = All Inclusive

Trip Options
All of our itineraries may be customized as you wish, add extra days, change a hotel, see different sights. Contact one of our expert consultants for your free, no-obligation vacation plan.

Itinerary

Day 1 Nairobi

In the event of serious illness, Flying Doctors will cover the cost of emergency air evacuation service needed to fly back to Nairobi for treatment. Kensington Tours donates a portion of proceeds to our charitable initiative www.kensingtoncares.com which supports education-based initiatives in disadvantaged communities. You will receive a private airport transfer to/from your hotel.

Owned and operated by Fairview Hotel, Country Lodge offers modern accommodations at reasonable prices. Located in quite Upperhill, relax in the gardens or take advantage of gym facilities and local restaurants. Rest in comfort and security at this lovely location.

Nairobi is the least expensive arrival city for flights with a full range of hotels and local attractions. Dubbed the “Safari Capital of the World” cool, clear and cosmopolitan Nairobi is the natural departure point for most safari itineraries. A city of contrasts, it is simultaneously the largest, the youngest, the most modern, the highest (1700m) and the fastest growing city in East Africa. High-altitude Nairobi enjoys a pleasant tropical climate all year round. There are ATMs and banks to stock up on cash, great restaurants, and malls where you can purchase any forgotten items.


Nairobi
Nairobi
Country Lodge
Country Lodge
Day 2 Samburu

You will meet up with your guide and head off to Samburu National park. The drive from the urban center of Nairobi, through the fertile highlands, the semi-arid frontier of Kenya is a breath-taking, and great way to see the countryside. The drive will be about an 5 to 6 hours. Enjoy lunch (included in tour price). Your skilled guide will take you on an afternoon game viewing drive through the sandy Samburu desert region. Enjoy dinner (included in tour price).

Samburu Simba Lodge is a relatively new lodge, situated in the Buffalo Springs National Reserve, part of the larger Samburu system. Removed form the beaten path of topical tourist circuit, the lodge is ideally located on the banks of the Uaso Nyiro River, the lifeblood of this arid area. All rooms and central areas have views of the river and the nearby waterhole, where large herds of elephants and other wildlife come to drink. The lodge has two luxury swimming pools, a restaurant and bar, curio shop and expansive conference facilities. Enjoy unobstructed views of game along the river banks and the waterhole from either your room terraces, at the lodge, or from restaurant.

The Samburu National Reserve is located on the banks of the Ewaso Ng'iro river in Kenya; on the other side of the river is the Buffalo Springs National Reserve in Northern Kenya. It is 165 km² in size and 350 kilometers from Nairobi. Samburu is distinctive for its arid plains and herds of animals drawn to the river and water holes. Photographers love this park for its stark lighting and contrasts. In the arid North of Kenya, water means life. The river draws wildlife in great numbers to its banks, providing high quality game viewing.


Samburu
Samburu
Leopard
Leopard
Simba Samburu
Simba Samburu
Day 3 Samburu

Early this morning you'll meet up with your guide for your game drive. One of the amazing things about Samburu is that you'll most likely see species that are unique to this region. The Grévy's Zebra (Equus grevyi), also known as the Imperial Zebra, is the largest species of zebra. It is found in the Samburu area as well as parts of Ethiopia. Compared to other zebras, it is taller, has larger ears, and its stripes are narrower. Grévy's Zebra is considered endangered, partly due to hunting for its skin, which fetches a high price on the world market. It also suffers habitat destruction, human disturbances at water holes and competition with domestic grazing animals. There are estimated to be 17 000 Grévy's Zebra still living in the wild. With luck, you'll see some today!

Enjoy lunch (included in tour price). Another species unique to the Samburu region is the Gerenuk. With luck, you'll see some while on your game drive. It's amazing to watch them stand on their hind legs to eat! The Gerenuk also known as the Waller's Gazelle, is a long-necked species of antelope found in dry bushy shrub and steppe in East Africa. The word Gerenuk comes from the Somali language, meaning “giraffe-necked”, and leads to another common name, the Giraffe-necked Antelope. Enjoy dinner (included in tour price). Overnight at Samburu Simba Lodge.


Grevy's Zebra
Grevy's Zebra
Gerenuk
Gerenuk
Day 4 Laikipia

Your guide will drive you from the sandy Samburu desert, through the rural areas of Kenya, until you reach Laikipia. The drive takes about 1 hour. Enjoy lunch (included in tour price). Sign up for optional activities at your resort (not included in tour price); bush BBQ lunch ($70pp), guided nature walk or bird watching ($38pp), camel rides ($32pp), lion tracking ($82pp) Enjoy dinner (included in tour price).

A sheltered oasis, clustered around a water hole and set in the pristine calm of the private Ol Pejeta Conservancy, Sweetwaters Tented Camp offers a charming blend of under-canvas ambiance and safari luxury. Located on the plains of Mount Kenya, the camp features39 luxury tents, each with its own private veranda overlooking the water hole. The central Rhino Restaurant is housed in the former manager's house of this once colonial farm, and offers both regional and international cuisine. Also within the house is the Kashoggi Bar and lounge, which centres on a blazing log fire. The Waterhole Bar, built in the style of a game-viewing hide, overlooks the waterhole and offers unrivalled wildlife-watching.

Laikipia District is located on the Equator in the central region of the country. The district has two major urban centres: Nanyuki to the southeast, and Nyahururu to the southwest. Its capital is the town of Nanyuki. Centred around the original Laikipia National Reserve, this area has become a sanctuary for Elephant, Lion, Leopard, Buffalo, and a wealth of plains game, including many endemic Northern species. Laikipia has become a focus for many conservation efforts.


Sweetwaters Tented Camp
Sweetwaters Tented Camp
Day 5 Nakuru

Your guide will pick you up Laikipia and drive you Nakuru. This excursion will past through the beautiful rift valley. The commute will take approximately 3 hours. Enjoy lunch (included in tour price). Lake Nakuru is one of the Rift Valley soda lakes. The lake's abundance of algae attracts the vast quantity of flamingos that famously lines the shore. Other birds also flourish in the area, as do warthogs, baboons and other large mammals. Black and White rhinos have also been introduced.
Enjoy dinner (included in tour price).

The Sarova Lion Hill Lodge overlooks Lake Nakuru, and sits within the Lake Nakuru National Park, where flamingos and rich animal life wander and spend their day. The 67 chalets all enjoy a wonderful view of the wealth of game. The lodge is one of the only accommodations in the area, and it does its best to please guests with friendly staff and care, continuously upholding the reputation for hospitality at Sarova Hotels. Dining takes place at the restaurant or bar, or one may request a bush breakfast or lunch. Cuisine ranges from local to continental. Activities include a dip in the swimming pool, a visit to the beauty and massage treatment specialists, or taking some time out to observe the surrounding animal habitats.

Nakuru is the provincial capital of Kenya's Rift Valley province, and is the fourth largest urban centre in the country. Lake Nakuru is one of the Rift Valley soda lakes and provides the visitors with one of Kenya’s best known images, thousands of flamingos joined into a massive flock. A pulsing pink swathe of life that carpets the water, the flamingos are a breathtaking sight. The lake forms part of the Lake Nakuru National Park which has good game viewing for a day safari.


Nakuru
Nakuru
Flamingos
Flamingos
Bedroom
Bedroom
Day 6 Masai Mara

Your guide will drive you from Naivasha to Masai Mara. This drive will take about 5 to 6 hours, this commute includes a stop-over for refreshments and souvenir shopping. You may experience a longer drive during the rainy season. Enjoy lunch (included in tour price). This afternoon's game viewing will be exciting as you are searching for game with your private guide and driver. The leopard is difficult to see as it moves fast and is very shy. If you're lucky there is a good chance to spot them around waterholes or up in a tree after a hot long day. Enjoy dinner (included in tour price).

Kensington Mara West Camp has been revamped and relocated to what is surely one of the best views in East Africa. Perched elegantly on the Ololoolo escarpment, forming the western boundary of the Masai Mara Reserve itself. This is the authentic Out of Africa experience where much of the original film itself was filmed & produced. The camp borders the remote and beautiful western edge of Masai Mara National Reserve. Kensington Mara West provides nature lovers with deluxe accommodations while experiencing the sights and sounds of an unforgettable African safari. Chalets are perched in secluded spots on an escarpment edge overlooking the vast plains of the Masai Mara Game Reserve, giving tremendous views and a sense of private exclusion.

Masai Mara is the northernmost portion of the larger Serengeti ecosystem and features the best game viewing in the region. The small size funnels animals into a tight space, and park rules allow for off-road driving which means that guests can venture into plains covered with hundreds or even thousands of animals. Take an optional hot air balloon ride over the plains, with the opportunity for amazing pictures of the animal herds below.


Masai Mara
Masai Mara
Leopard
Leopard
Dine Outside
Dine Outside
Day 7 Masai Mara

Masai Mara is named after the traditional inhabitants (Maasai) and the Mara River. At some point during your stay in the Mara, you'll drive by the river which is a great place to spot wildlife. This area is a photographer's delight where with any luck you'll be able to take amazing pictures of the hippos and elephants in the water. Enjoy lunch (included in tour price). On today‘s afternoon game drive the choice is up to you, search for the big 5 or expand your horizons to discover something different. Masai Mara not only has a rich mix of animal population, it also has an incredible array of bird life with almost 450 different species. Enjoy dinner (included in tour price). Overnight at Kensington Mara West.


Hippo
Hippo
Bateleur or Short Tailed Eagle
Bateleur or Short Tailed Eagle
Day 8 Nairobi

Your guide will drive you from Masai Mara to Nairobi, with short stop-overs for refreshments and souvenirs. Be aware that during this commute you will drive across some unfinished patches of road. This drive will take approximately 6 hours. Includes opportunity to visit local handicraft markets to shop for souvenirs. Before leaving that night, stop by the Kensington office for free use of internet, lounge, showers and drinks. (We can arrange dinner at Carnivore game meat restaurant, though there is limited wild meat on the menu these days - please let us know in advance and if you are veg.) You will receive a private airport transfer to/from your hotel.

Depart from Nairobi international airport - end of itinerary.


Masai Market, Nairobi
Masai Market, Nairobi
Nairobi Office Lounge
Nairobi Office Lounge

Trip Includes
Guaranteed departure – Accommodation, Activities, Transfers, Meals, Fees where indicated as per the itinerary - Local and international traveler assistance during your tour - Specialised and personalised services

Trip Excludes
Tips - Laundry - Soft drinks and alcoholic beverages unless explicitly noted - Optional activities/extras – Visas (unless noted) - Vacation insurance

Trip Terms & Conditions

  • Your deposit is due immediately on booking (30% of program price, minimum $250). The balance is due 90 days prior to departure. We accept payment via credit card, certified check, wire transfer or money order.
  • Tour quotes do not include airfare to/from the trip start point unless noted on the itinerary
  • Cost increases in currency exchange, government fees, taxes, surcharges or hotel/lodge tariff increases between quote date and start date are payable by the client.
  • Availability cannot be guaranteed until booked. We will exercise best efforts to book hotels per the itinerary, however, in busy seasons and with client bookings made within 90 days of tour date we may be forced to offer substitutes.
  • Cancellations 90 days or more prior to departure will receive full refund less any non-refundable paid fees (e.g. non-refundable airfare, cruise, or hotel deposits). 60-89 days will be subject to loss of deposit. 30-59 days will be subject to loss of 50% of program price. 29 days or less will be subject to 100% of program price.
  • Payment of the program price constitutes your acceptance of the terms and conditions set out at www.kensingtontours.com/terms-and-conditions