Cheetah Safari - One of our favourite itineraries in Kenya

Kenya is such a magical place and the wildlife is simply breathe taking. Our Cheetah Safari is a traditional seven-night safari visiting Samburu, home to unique wildlife, followed by the Rift Valley Lakes where thousands of pink flamingoes often tint the horizon. The final destination is the Masai Mara where vast numbers of plains game and spectacular big cats abide.

Everyone in the office has been on safari in Kenya and the experience is simply amazing. On Darren's last trip he even had a Cheetah jump on the top of his safari vehicle, using it as a look out post to find it's cubs some breakfast.

The Cheetah Safari is a comprehensive safari, covering amazing areas including the breathe taking Masai Mara which is home to some of the worlds best wildlife, Cheetah, Lions, Elephants, Zebra and so much more. 

DAY 1 SUNDAY HEATHROW - NAIROBI
Fly from Heathrow overnight to Nairobi.

DAY 2 MONDAY ABERDARES
On arrival transfer to the Safari Lounge, where you can freshen up and store any additional luggage before departing for the Aberdares (180 km - approximately 4 hours). Arrive in time for lunch and spend the afternoon relaxing, or on a nature walk with the resident naturalist (weather permitting). Overnight: Aberdare Country Club (breakfast, lunch and dinner included).

DAY 3 TUESDAY SAMBURUDrive north across the equator to the Samburu National Reserve (190 km - approximately 4 hours). Lunch before a late afternoon game drive. Overnight: Ashnil Samburu Camp (breakfast, lunch and dinner included).

DAY 4 WEDNESDAY SAMBURUMorning and late afternoon game drives in this open savannah which is traversed by the Ewaso Nyiro River. The river is populated by hippos and crocodiles, whilst the park is home to a host of animals including several species which are rarely seen in numbers elsewhere, including Grevy's zebra, reticulated giraffes and long-necked gerenuks. Overnight: Ashnil Samburu Camp (breakfast, lunch and dinner included).

DAY 5 THURSDAY ABERDARESDrive to your lodge in time for lunch (240 km - approximately 4 hours). Spend the afternoon viewing game from the lodge, or join a nature walk led by a local guide (payable locally and weather permitting). Overnight: Serena Mountain Lodge (breakfast, lunch and dinner included).

DAY 6 FRIDAY LAKE NAKURU/NAIVASHA

After breakfast, descend into the Great Rift Valley and continue to Lake Nakuru Lodge (240 km - approximately 4 hours). Lunch. Afternoon game drive in the national park. Drive to Lake Naivasha (80 km - approximately 1 hour). Overnight at Lake Naivasha Sopa Lodge (breakfast, lunch and dinner included).

DAY 7 SATURDAY MASAI MARADrive to the Masai Mara National Reserve (320 km - approximately 5.5 hours). Arrive in time for lunch followed by an afternoon game drive. Overnight: Ashnil Mara Camp (breakfast, lunch and dinner included).

  

DAY 8 SUNDAY MASAI MARAEnjoy an early morning game drive followed by breakfast at the lodge. Alternatively, take an early morning balloon flight over the Mara followed by a 'bubbly' bush breakfast (optional extra). After lunch, relax before a late afternoon game drive. Overnight: Ashnil Mara Camp (breakfast, lunch and dinner included).

DAY 9 MONDAY EXTENSION OR HEATHROWAfter breakfast, return to Nairobi by road (300 km - 5 hours), or fly from the Mara to Nairobi: morning flight (from £170); lunch in the Mara and afternoon flight (from £240). Proceed with your chosen beach extension or return to Heathrow. (b) Alternatively, fly directly from the Mara to Mombasa, including lunch in the Mara (from £370). Light aircraft baggage allowance - 15 kg.

NotesThis itinerary operates with a maximum of 6 passengers, all guaranteed a window seat.
On occasion the itinerary may operate in a different order, or different lodges used according to availability and road conditions.
Travel times vary on road conditions and game sightings.
Pack a mixture of warm and light clothing in soft bags, plus sunglasses, camera and insect repellent.
Minimum age 8 years

Darren Escape Worldwide - Home of Long Haul Holidays http://www.escapeworldwide.co.uk