DAY 1- WASHINGTON D.C.
We depart our
international flight from Washington D.C. aboard Ethiopian Airline new Boeing
777 non-stop to Addis Ababa. Dinner and breakfast are served.
DAY 2- NAIROBI, KENYA
Early morning
arrival into Addis Ababa, with a convenient connection for your short flight
to Nairobi. Meet and Greet service with transfer to the InterContinental
Hotel. Enjoy the afternoon and evening at leisure at the centrally located
hotel.
DAY 3- TO ABERDARE
After breakfast you
depart Nairobi and drive north, passing near Thika which boasts the world's
third largest pineapple plantation and drive through the township of Karatina.
Soon you will be at Nyeri, one of Kenya's major towns and then on to check-in
at the Aberdare Country Club. This haven in the hills property was the
homestead of an English couple that settled in Kenya. Here you'll enjoy a
bounteous buffet lunch amidst the beautiful gardens. This afternoon enjoy a
game drive to the Solio Ranch, which plays a major part in preserving and
breeding black rhinos. In this sanctuary there are over 120 black and white
rhinos.
(B, L, D)
DAY 4- TO LAKE NAKURU
The morning
start takes you to Nyahururu, still known to many as Thomson's Falls for its
237 foot cascade. Then travel in a southerly direction to your next
destination, the spectacular Lake Nakuru. Arrive at the Lake Nakuru Lodge, in
time for lunch. This afternoon enjoy a game drive at Lake Nakuru National
Park, the most densely populated wetlands of Kenya. With a large population
of pink flamingoes the Park is considered a bird watchers paradise. Also, be
on the lookout for the Rothschild giraffe, as well as a fair share of
buffalo, leopard, zebra and lion.
(B, L, D)
DAY 5- TO MASAI MARA GAME RESERVE
After
an early breakfast, you'll travel across the bottom of the rift escarpment and
head southeast, passing the dormant Longonot volcano. Then you'll turn off the
main road across the Rift Valley and travel across the "breadbasket" of Kenya,
covered with acres of wheat and barley, before you reach the Mara Leisure
Tented Camp. This unique tented camp accommodation will be your home for the
next three nights in the heart of the greatest concentrations of game in
Africa. After lunch, enjoy an afternoon game drive in the Masai Mara Game
Reserve, returning to the camp as dusk rolls in, while you watch the sunset
over the plains. Before dinner perhaps get cozy by the outdoor fireplace while
enjoying a sundowner. At night, listen to the unique sounds of the African
wilderness while you tip your head back and become mesmerized by the
star-studded, velvet skies.
(B, L, D)
DAY 6 and 7- MASAI MARA
For the next
two days enjoy morning and afternoon game drives in the vast plains of Masai
Mara. This Reserve is an extension of the Serengeti ecosystem to the south.
Game abounds here! The Mara is noted for its abundance of lions -
particularly the superb black manned males. You will view elephants often in
large herds, as well as, leopard, cheetah and rhino. All of the Big Five are
residents. You're sure to see the African buffalo. The huge expanse of
grassland covers 320 sq km and is dotted with distinctive flat-topped acacia
trees which are watered by two rivers; Mara River and Talek River. It is also
home to the nomadic Masai people, who can be seen grazing their cattle,
brightly dressed in red chequered capes. During your three nights in the Masai
Mara you may want to consider an optional spectacular early morning Balloon
Ride.
(B, L, D)
DAY 8- TO NAIROBI/USA
After breakfast
you'll depart the Masai Mara and head across the Rift Valley whilst keeping an
eye out for herds of giraffe and gazelle. Arrive into Nairobi for lunch and
then transfer to the airport for your flight to Washington D.C. via Addis
Ababa.
(B, L)
DAY 9- ARRIVE WASHINGTON D.C.
Arrive
early this morning into Washington D.C. (Dulles Airport)