Heading up to northern Kenya to visit some of Kenya’s lesser-known destinations gives the feeling of getting off the beaten track and experiencing a unique side of this varied country.

 HIGHLIGHTS:

• Spectacular wildlife in Samburu and Lake Nakuru
• Amazing array of birdlife in Lake Baringo
• Lake Naivasha – plenty of unique activities to experience

Depart Nairobi for Ol Pejeta Conservancy; cross the equator en route and test for yourself the theory that water spins down the drain in different directions according to the hemisphere.  Ol Pejeta is only a few hours’ drive from Nairobi and is home to Kenya's only chimpanzee sanctuary and three of the remaining six Northern White Rhinos in the world.
Meals: Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner
Approximate driving time: 4 hours

From Ol Pejeta, continue north to Samburu National Reserve.  The Samburu ecosystem comprises three national reserves: Shaba, Buffalo Springs and Samburu.  These parks are not as famous as others in Kenya, but within this ecosystem are species found nowhere else in the country, including the Grevy’s zebra, Somali ostrich, beisa oryx, reticulated giraffe and the gerenuk.
Meals: Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner
Approximate driving time: 2 1/2 hours

You have a full day to enjoy Samburu National Reserve.  The landscape offers amazing variety from open savannah to scrub desert to lush river foliage, offering fantastic opportunities for excellent wildlife encounters.
Meals: Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner

Drive to the town of Nyahururu, Kenya’s highest town, on the north-western corner of the Highlands.  The 72-metre high Thomson’s Falls are beautiful and easily reached via a walking track.  There are more fantastic walks downstream in the valley of the Ewaso Narok River or upstream to one of Kenya’s largest hippo pools.
Meals: Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner
Approximate driving time: 4 hours

You have the morning to explore the beautiful natural walking trails around Thomson’s Falls before heading to Lake Baringo.  The drive to Lake Baringo travels through the main honey-producing region of Kenya.
Included meals: Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner
Approximate driving time: 2 1/2 hours

With 450 species of birds, Lake Baringo is a birdwatcher’s paradise.  Begin the morning boating on the lake to get the best bird-viewing opportunities.  The lake is serene at this time of day and the peace takes all your cares away.  Later in the day there is the opportunity to go on a nature walk or a bird-watching walk with a local guide.
Included meals: Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner

Head south to Nakuru.  Even though it is Kenya’s fourth largest city, Nakuru has a country town feel, despite its busy market and downtown area.
Included meals: Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner
Approximate driving time: 2 hours

Spend a full day game driving around Lake Nakuru National Park, home to two special animals: the black rhino and Rothschild’s giraffe.  This is one of Kenya’s premium national parks where it is possible to spot four of the Big 5 – lion, leopard, rhino and buffalo – as well as thousands of pink flamingos and pelicans.
Included meals: Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner

After breakfast, drive to Lake Naivasha. In the afternoon, take high tea at Elsamere, where Joy and George Adamson once lived.  Joy and George spent much of their lives working with lions and studying their behaviour.  Elsa was the most famous lion, about whom the movie "Born Free" was about.  Elsamere looks out over Lake Naivasha, providing a beautiful setting to enjoy afternoon tea.
Included meals: Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner
Approximate driving time: 2 hours

Start the day with a walking safari in Green Crater Lake Reserve. This is one of the few parks without predators, so it is safe to walk. You will have a rare opportunity to stand close to giraffes, zebra, antelope, flamingos and warthogs.  After brunch there is opportunity to go cycling in Hells Gate National Park, take a boat trip to Crescent Island, sail on Lake Oloiden, or take a walk in the village.
Meals: Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner

Return to Nairobi in time for your departing flight.
Meals: Breakfast, Lunch
Approximate driving time: 2 1/2 hours

OR

From Naivasha, drive to the town of Narok and on to the world famous Maasai Mara Game Reserve. Maasai Mara, Kenya’s greatest wildlife reserve, is without a doubt Africa’s most famous safari destination. The Maasai Mara ecosystem is where over two million wildebeest and zebra migrate annually. It also holds one of the highest lion densities in the world, which is why it the home of the BBC wildlife channel’s Big Cat Diary. Other game includes: leopard, cheetah, buffalo, rhino, elephant, giraffe, zebra, lion, plains game, crocodile and small mammals including mongoose, hyrax, dik dik and the nocturnal porcupine. Enjoy a late afternoon game drive followed by dinner.
Meals: Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner
Approximate driving time: 5 hours

Spend a full day game driving in the Maasai Mara. The abundance and variety of game in this reserve is nothing short of amazing. Nearly every mammal can be seen in the Maasai Mara, including various antelopes, scavengers like hyena and vultures, and all the cats (lion, cheetah and leopard). Sighting a leopard needs luck more than just being there, but lions are abundant and there are excellent chances for spotting cheetah. The hippo pool is a popular spot to watch out for hippos; with luck, you may catch crocodile basking on the rocks. Elephants, buffalo, the Maasai giraffe, wildebeest and the common zebra abound. Return to the camp for dinner and overnight
Meals: Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner

Start the day with an optional early morning hot air balloon flight, including a full champagne breakfast in the savannah, or proceed on another game drive. After lunch visit a nearby Maasai village to see their nomadic lifestyle and where you will stay for the night.
Meals: Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner
Approximate driving time: 2 1/2 hours

After breakfast we farewell our Maasai hosts and drive back to Nairobi, stopping for lunch en route.
Meals: Breakfast, Lunch
Approximate driving time: 4 1/2 hours