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Kenya Travel Guide
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Itinerary for this Tour

Day 1: Nairobi – Kenya to Arusha – Tanzania 

On day one of this Kenya & Tanzania Camping Safari we depart from Nairobi and drive south to Arusha in Tanzania. The diverse town of Arusha, located close to several of Tanzania’s top game parks in the northern highlands, serves as a tourism hub boasting a lively nightlife.

In the afternoon you are free to explore thriving Arusha town on foot and discover a bit of local Tanzanian culture.

Meals: Lunch & Dinner

Tonight we camp at a comfortable campsite near Arusha National Park in the scenic foothills of Mount Meru. The camp is fully equipped including hot showers, a bar and a restaurant.

Day 2: Karatu – Tanzania

Today we head to the picturesque Tanzanian town of Karatu. The cool climate, lush hills, and pretty views here, attracted settlers and farmers to this area.

Expansive rolling fields cover the slopes of the now extinct volcano and surrounding lands. Karatu is is conveniently located not far from the world famous Serengeti Park and Ngorongoro Conservation Area of Tanzania.

Meals:  Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner

Day 3 - 5: Serengeti National Park & Ngorongoro Crater – Tanzania

Next we travel to the vast plains of the famous Serengeti National Park, renowned for the annual Great Migration.

We spend the next few days exploring as much of this 14763 km² wildlife area as possible, discovering exactly why Serengeti is a world heritage site.

The Serengeti is one of Africa’s top safari destinations and most legendary wilderness areas offering superb game viewing. The world’s largest wildlife migration, the annual Wildebeest migration in the Serengeti is one of the most phenomenal wildlife spectacles on earth. Witness thousands upon thousands of wildebeest, zebra and Thomson’s gazelle stampeding across the open plains, attracting numerous predators.

Game viewing in the Serengeti is however excellent year-round, offering an unforgettable wildlife experience even when the migration is not taking place. The Serengeti is home to Africa’s Big 5 - elephant, lion, leopard, buffalo and rhino – and an incredible abundance and variety of plains game.

We spend three nights camping under the African stars at the Crater and Serengeti National Park, choosing the best camps for the season that we are in the game park. We see Masaai villages where the culturally distinct Masaai people, an indigenous rural tribe, live side-by-side with the wild animals of the Serengeti in Tanzania.

Meals: Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner

Day 6: Ngorongoro to Arusha – Tanzania

Today we exit the Ngorongoro Crater, also known as Africa’s Eden. The unflooded Ngorongoro Crater is home to the highest concentration of wildlife in Tanzania. This caldera measuring more than 20 km’s across and 600m deep is the main attraction in the Ngorongoro Conservation Area.

This impressive volcanic formation, formed about 25 million years ago, consists of various habitats that are home to over 25 000 wild animals. The crater is home to the highest concentration of predators in Africa including lions, cheetahs and leopards.

We return to Arusha village on day six and have the opportunity to visit the local Masai Mara Museum and Snake Park in the afternoon. 

Optional Activities: Camel ride to local Masaai village.

Meals: Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner

Day 7: Arusha – Tanzania to Nairobi – Kenya

After crossing back into Kenya we travel north to bustling Nairobi. Founded by the British in 1899 as a rail depot, the town quickly developed into the capital of British East Africa and later the capital of Kenya. 

Groups usually enjoy an optional meal together at one of Nairobi’s excellent restaurants on day 7 of this Kenya and Tanzania Camping Safari.

Optional Activities: Dinner out.
Meals: Breakfast, Lunch

Day 8: Nairobi to Lake Naivasha – Kenya

Departing from Kenya’s capital Nairobi this Tanzania & Kenya Camping Safari heads northwest to Lake Naivasha National Park.

We spend the day relaxing on the shores of freshwater Lake Naivasha in the Great Rift Valley. Over 400 bird species are found at the papyrus-fringed lake, which is also home to a healthy population of hippos.

At Lake Naivasha we enjoy excellent bird watching and keep an eye open for game in this compact game park. You have the option of going on a short hike near Naivasha or heading into the bush on a bicycle for some game viewing.

Alternatively we can visit nearby Elsamere, formerly the home of Joy Adams, author of Born Free her famous autobiographical novel about her work with a lioness. At Elsamere you have the option of enjoying high tea in the afternoon. Tonight we camp just south of Lake Naivasha in the Rift Valley, at a well-maintained establishment with a big swimming pool, sauna, gym, basket ball and volley ball courts, a pub and restaurant.

Optional Activities: Bicycle Hire, Boat Cruise, High Tea at Elsamere

Meals: Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner

Day 9: Masai Mara Game Reserve – Kenya

In the morning we embark on an included game drive through Hells Gate National Park, home to a variety of wildlife.

Named after a narrow break in the tall cliffs in this area, the tiny park established in 1984 covers a mere 68 km² of mostly savannah terrain. Wildlife commonly sighted includes lion, leopard and even cheetah. The game park is also home to zebra, buffalo, baboons and numerous antelope species as well as over 100 bird species.

Then we drive south to the world-renowned Masai Mara Game Reserve, home to the highest concentration of wildlife in Kenya.

Located along the Kenya-Tanzania border the Masai Mara Reserve is best known for the great annual migration that takes place between its vast plains and the Serengeti Park in Tanzania. In the afternoon our game viewing adventure in Masai Mara begins as we enter this game-rich park known for its spectacular scenery. The rolling grasslands inhabited by an abundance of game make for excellent photographic opportunities and game sightings.

Our game drives take us in search of the Big Five, the big cats and the abundance of other interesting wild animals found in this beautiful 1500km² game reserve. We are almost guaranteed to see the Big Five of Africa – lion, leopard, rhino, elephant and buffalo - in Masai Mara, as well as cheetah, hyena, giraffe and zebra. Masai Mara is also home to hippo, jackal, the bat-eared fox, wildebeest, baboon, warthog and numerous antelope species, such as impala and topi. 

The Great Migration as the annual wildebeest migration is called is an awe-inspiring wildlife spectacle where thousands of wildebeest, zebra and Thompson’s gazelle stampede across the open plains dashing through the Mara River dodging the Nile crocodiles lying in waiting.

Our overnight Safari Camp is located in the Masai Mara Reserve at the foot of Naunare Hills along the scenic banks of the Sekenani River. The safari bush camp features a dining area, bar, shared ablutions and a basic shop.

Meals: Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner

Day 10: Lake Nakuru – Kenya

We set off north from Masai Mara, one of the best game parks in Africa, making our way to Lake Nakuru.

This Great Rift Valley soda lake is famous for its immense flamingo flocks. In the afternoon we head out into the savannah on a game drive in Lake Nakuru National Park.

This recently expanded 180km² game park is home to more than 25 black rhinos, one of the highest concentrations in Kenya, as well as about 70 white rhinos. Wild animals commonly sighted include impala, gazelle, warthog, waterbuck, resident hippos and large tree pythons. Lion, cheetah, buffalo, Rothschild giraffe, eland and leopard also inhabit Lake Nakuru Park. Originally established as a bird sanctuary this national park is home to a wide array of birds, with over 400 resident species as well as various migratory birds.

We spend the night camping inside Lake Nakuru National Park at one of the park’s campsites. Be warned to keep your tents zipped up or the monkeys and baboons may raid your supplies.

Day 11: Nairobi – Kenya

In the morning we depart from Lake Nakuru, returning to the hustle and bustle of Nairobi in the afternoon.

This memorable Kenya & Tanzania Highlights Safari ends when we arrive in Nairobi, but most people again choose to share a meal together at one of Nairobi's excellent restaurants and sample some of the lively nightlife of this vibrant city on the last night.

Optional Activities: Dinner out in Nairobi

Meals: Breakfast, Lunch



Kenya: Kenyan Lodges and Tented Camps
Shompole, Lake Natron   www.theartofventures.com

Shompole Lodge is located on the shores of Lake Natron in the Rift Valley.  The luxury eco lodge lodge has a a stunning and unique design, artfully combining the textures and materials harvested from the local group ranch, with the relaxing properties of flowing water and cool pools in each room.

There are six rooms which are all individually designed with smooth white walls and use water as a prime feature to create a fresh and relaxing atmosphere.  Although Shompole is a haven of peace and relaxation, there are still plenty of opportunities for the more active visitor including day and night game drives to spot the plentiful game, mountain biking through the conservancy, bush walks on the escarpment and sundowner visits to Lake Natron amidst the flamingoes.  Our stay at Shompole was made so special with the lodge springing surprises on us such as a candlelit bush dinner on the salt pan with Shompole mountain as a back drop and arranging an intoxicating and dramatic Maasai warrior (Moran) dance in their full regalia. 

Governors Tented Camp http://www.flickr.com/photos/13052531...

Governors Camp is set on a small wooded outcrop on the banks of the Mara River with accomodation in luxury safari tents which offer views of the river or the rolling plains.  Meals are taken outside on the lawns which overlook the river and are of high quality, maybe in the evening you might be joined by a hippo that has left the river to graze on the camp's unfenced lawns.

Mara Serena Lodge

Mara Serena Lodge is built into the side of an escarpment with accommodation designed to resemble traditional African tribal huts. The views from the rooms are absolutely stunning looking down across a migration crossing point on the Mara River and then across the endless plains of the World famous Masai Mara. The service and food are exceptional and they cater for every taste. A wide range of activities are offered from hot air balloon flights to nature talks and a bush breakfast on the banks of the Mara River.

Satao Tented Camp 

Satao camp is a luxury tented camp in Tsavo East which has its own waterhole where you can spend countless hours watching the animals come to drink. The accommodation is in well equipped tents which even include a mini bar and have views of the waterhole. Lunch is taken outside under the shade of a large tree with other meals taken in the main dining room. The camp is not fenced which allows animals to wander freely through the grounds. A great place to relax and enjoy the slow pace of the African Bush.

Kilaguni Serena Lodge (Tsavo West) 

Kilaguni Serena Lodge is built overlooking two waterholes and has fantastic views stretching all the way from Mount Kilimanjaro to the Chyulu Hills. Rooms are tastefully decorated and very comfortable each with a balcony with views of the waterhole. The views from the bar and restaurant are just breathtaking. Food and service are both of a very high standard. The lodge can arrange for you to take a guided walk in the nearby Seven Sister Hills.

Voyager Tented Camp 

Voyager Tentedi Camp is located in Tsavo West with the Accommodation in Luxury Safari Tents all en suite. The tents overlook the Sante River or have views of the dam where you can watch the resident hippo and crocodiles. Meals are taken in the central dining room or on the lawn in front of the lake weather permitting. The food is of good quality with service to match. The camp provides a range of activities including bush walks with a Masai Naturalist. A lovely place away from the normal tourist track and great to relax and also for some peace and quiet.

Saltlick Taita Hills

Saltlick is located within the Taita Hills Game Reserve near Tsavo National Park. Accommodation is in strange mushroom shaped houses built on stilts and overlooking a waterhole. The rooms are all en suite with views of the waterhole through very large windows which form one wall of the room . The food and service are very good with meals taken in a central restaurant. The waterhole is floodlit during the night to allow viewing of the animals as they come to drink. The surrounding area is excellent for game drives and being a private reserve you are able to take a night game drive when the reserve really comes to life

Treetops 

Saltlick is located within the Taita Hills Game Reserve near Tsavo National Park. Accommodation is in strange mushroom shaped houses built on stilts and overlooking a waterhole. The rooms are all en suite with views of the waterhole through very large windows which form one wall of the room . The food and service are very good with meals taken in a central restaurant. The waterhole is floodlit during the night to allow viewing of the animals as they come to drink. The surrounding area is excellent for game drives and being a private reserve you are able to take a night game drive when the reserve really comes to life

Treetops

Treetops tree lodge is located in the Aberdare mountain range and is famous the world over for being the place where Princess Elizabeth spent the night and left the next day as Queen of England. Rooms are very small and facilities are shared but they do have great views of the animals coming to the waterhole and saltlick which is floodlit during the night. The lodge has a viewing area on the roof which allows you to look down onto the animals which have come to drink below. A fantastic place to just sit quietly and watch the animals come to you.

Ngulia Lodge Tsavo West 

Ngulia Lodge is located in the Ngulia hills in Tsavo West. Accommodation is in comfortable rooms but a bit dated. The lodge offers some stunning views across the park overlooking the Ngulia Rhino Sanctuary and a waterhole in the other direction. Meals are taken in a central dining room which looks out onto the lodge's waterhole and the tree where Leopard bait is put out daily. Food and service are fine.

Voi Safari Lodge

Voi Safari lodge is built on the edge of an escarpment with endless views of the Tsavo Plains below. The rooms are comfortable and have views overlooking the plains and the waterhole below. The food is served in a main restaurant which overlooks the plains; the food and service are very good. The lodge does tend to get very busy especially at lunch times where it is used as a rest stop for tourists travelling to and from Mombasa.

Lake Nakuru Lodge 

Lake Nakuru Lodge is located in the National Park which is home to the endangered rhino which you will have a very good chance of seeing and also millions of flamingo at certain times of the year. The lodge is some distance from the lake with accommodation in cottages which are a little dated apart from the new wing which has some very confortable and modern rooms. Meals are taken in a central dining area and the food is not amongst the best I have tasted but the friendliness of the staff more than makes up for this.

Serena Mountain Lodge 

Mountain Lodge is the only tree lodge on the slopes of Mount Kenya. The lodge is set in the forest region of Mount Kenya and overlooks a waterhole and saltlick which is regularly visited by elephant and buffalo, it also has a viewing chamber next to the waterhole where you can get up close to the animals while they are drinking. Accommodation is in very confortable rooms overlooking the waterhole. Food is served in a central restaurant again with views of the waterhole and is excellent with something on the menu to suit all tastes. The lodge offers many activities from a short stroll in the surrounding forest with the resident naturalist to climbing to the top of the Mountain.
The highlight of a stay in the lodge is to be able to sit in peace and quiet with only the sounds of the forest whilst watching the game coming to drink at the waterhole and first thing in the morning you get the most amazing views of the snow covered mountain.

Sweetwaters Tented Camp

Sweetwaters Tented Camp is located in a private sanctuary which is only a short three hour drive from Nairobi. You are accommodated in Luxury tents which are all en suite and have views overlooking the waterhole.The camp offers a wide range of activates including guided bush walks, night game drives, camel and horse rides. Sweetwaters has two major attractions that you must visit the first is the Chimpanzee sanctuary which is home to orphaned and abandoned chimps. The second must do is a visit to Morani a tame rhino who has been hand reared after his mother was killed. This is a great place to visit if you are after getting away from main safari circuit and are after some quiet time to just take things easy while watching the game coming to drink at the waterhole from the luxury of your tent.

Ol Tukai Lodge Amboseli

Ol Tukai is located in the heart of Amboseli national park with accommodation in brick and wooden cottages with views overlooking the swamps and Mount Kilimanjaro. During the day the swamp is visited by vast herds of elephant sometimes numbering several hundred who come to drink and bathe.
The lodge has a large restaurant which serves a varied menu with plenty of choice and very good food. It also has a split level bar which has some great views of the swamps and elephants.
It is worth taking a walk up observation hill which offers spectacular views of the park. The only down side is the park gets very busy with visitors from both the coast and Nairobi and you can get up to 20 vehicles surrounding a lion all jostling to try and get the best photos.