10 days
Overview
This nine day itinerary offers a unique focus on the spectacular Great Rift Valley and its string of diverse lakes, creating a paradise for bird watchers and scenery lovers before culminating in massive big game viewing. You will start far north at Lake Baringo and Lake Bogoria to witness geysers and massive flamingo flocks. You then move south to Lake Nakuru for intense rhino tracking, followed by Lake Naivasha for boat rides and walking safaris. The grand finale is an extended stay in the Maasai Mara National Reserve to witness the apex predators of the savanna.
Day-by-Day Itinerary
Day 1
Nairobi to Lake Baringo
You will depart Nairobi and drive deep into the Great Rift Valley, heading north past the equator to Lake Baringo. This freshwater lake is a world class birding destination. In the late afternoon, you will take a boat ride to see hippos, crocodiles, and the magnificent African fish eagle hunting on the water.
Scenic Drive to Northern Rift Valley, Boat Ride
Day 2
Lake Bogoria and Transfer to Lake Nakuru
After breakfast, you will drive to the nearby Lake Bogoria, a soda lake famous for its spectacular hot springs and geysers erupting along the bank. It is also a major feeding ground for lesser flamingos. After exploring the geysers, you will drive south to Lake Nakuru National Park, arriving for a late afternoon game drive.
Lake Bogoria Geysers, Transfer to Nakuru
Day 3
Lake Nakuru Rhino Tracking
You will spend the day navigating the shores of Lake Nakuru. This park is an enclosed sanctuary, making it highly reliable for tracking and photographing both black and white rhinoceros. You will spend the day navigating the lake shores to frame flamingos and exploring the euphorbia forest for tree climbing lions.
Full Day Game Drive, Rhino Tracking
Day 4
Lake Nakuru to Lake Naivasha
You will drive the short distance to Lake Naivasha. Upon arrival, you will check into your lodge. In the afternoon, you will take a boat ride on the freshwater lake to observe hippos, followed by a guided walking safari on Crescent Island, getting incredibly close to harmless herbivores.
Transfer to Naivasha, Boat Ride, Walking Safari
Day 5
Lake Naivasha to Maasai Mara National Reserve
After breakfast, you will drive through the Rift Valley towards the Maasai Mara. You will arrive in time for a late lunch. In the late afternoon, you will embark on your first exciting game drive in the Mara, seeking out lions, cheetahs, and elephants until sunset.
Travel to Maasai Mara, Evening Game Drive
Day 6
Full Day Safari Exploring the Maasai Mara
This entire day is dedicated to exploring the vast expanses of the Maasai Mara. You will carry a picnic lunch so you can maximize your time in the reserve. You will visit the Mara River to view hippos and crocodiles, and spend hours observing the complex interactions between predators and prey.
Full Day Game Drive, Mara River Visit
Day 7
Second Full Day in the Maasai Mara
A second full day allows you to venture deeper into the reserve. You may choose to take an optional hot air balloon safari at dawn. The day will be spent tracking prides of lions, searching for elusive leopards in the riverine forests, and enjoying the spectacular savanna scenery.
Morning Game Drive, Optional Balloon Safari, Afternoon Safari
Day 8
Third Full Day in the Maasai Mara
An unprecedented third full day in the Mara guarantees you have the time to witness extraordinary wildlife behaviors. You can spend hours following a specific cheetah or waiting by a river crossing point without rushing. You will capture the stunning African sunset over the savanna to close the day.
In Depth Wildlife Observation, Photography
Day 9
Morning Safari and Return to Nairobi
You will enjoy a final sunrise game drive to capture the dawn light. After returning to your lodge for breakfast and packing up, you will begin the scenic drive back up the escarpment to Nairobi, concluding your ultimate nine day Rift Valley expedition.
Sunrise Game Drive, Transfer to Nairobi
What's Included
Included
- All Park Entry Fees
- Lake Baringo Boat Ride
- Lake Naivasha Boat Ride
- Professional Guide
- Full Board Meals
Not Included
- International Flights
- Personal Expenses
- Gratuities
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