Sarova Kenya Horizons
7 days from £689
Highlights
- Nairobi (1 nt)
- Shaba (2 nts)
- Lake Nakuru (1 nt)
- Masai Mara (2 nts)
- Varied game viewing and chance of seeing the ‘Big Five’
Day 1
Transfer to Stanley hotel for your overnight stay.
The Stanley Hotel
Situated in the city centre, it was where the travellers, including Earnest Hemingway, gathered for a drink at the legendary Thorn Tree Café before or after a long safari. A message board on the acacia xanthophildea tree is used by travellers to make contact with fellow travellers. The 220 room hotel has been refurbished to a high standard and still retains the original Victorian charm. Bedrooms with private bathrooms are very comfortable while the restaurants serve excellent international cuisine. The gym is excellent, pool large and conference facilities extremely modern.
Day 2
Heading north after an early breakfast, you'll pass near Thika and continue north through some breathtaking scenery dotted with rushing mountain streams and fields of tea and coffee. After Nanyuki town, you'll continue north, eventually reaching a dusty outpost known as Isiolo, the last major stop on the journey into the remote northern frontier district. From here it's a fairly short hop to Shaba, arrival at the lodge in time for lunch and then depart for an afternoon game drive arriving back at the lodge as the sun sets. Overnight at the Sarova Shaba Game Lodge (B,L,D).
Sarova Shaba Lodge
Shaba Game Reserve was made famous by the late Joy Adamson and her lioness Elsa and is often referred to as ‘Born Free Country’. Located on the banks of the Uaso Nyiro River, Sarova Shaba offers a luxury seldom found in a large African bush lodge. There are 80 chalet rooms, or for those looking for a little extra luxury, 4 junior suites and one honeymoon suite. The tranquil flow of sparkling spring water throughout the grounds, creates an atmosphere of peace and serenity as it collects and cascades and attracts a great variety of birds. There is also a large pool to enjoy, crocodile feeding and evening entertainment is provided by local Samburu dancers.
Day 3
Early morning game drive followed by breakfast. There is time today to relax at the lodge before an afternoon game drive. Overnight at Sarova Shaba Game Lodge (B,L,D).
Day 4
Leaving Shaba behind, you'll travel south through Isiolo, crossing the northernmost foothills of Mount Kenya, until you get to the town of Nanyuki. Here you'll head west to Nyahururu, still known to many as Thomson's Falls for its 237 foot cascade. Now travel in a southerly direction to Lake Nakuru. The lake is often coloured by a shimmering flamingo pink from thousands of the beautiful birds lining its shores. Once in the park, there will be a game drive en route to the lodge. Following lunch and a siesta, there is an afternoon game drive returning to the lodge as the sun sets. Overnight at the Sarova Lion Hill Game Lodge (B,L,D).
Sarova Lion Hill Lodge
Overlooking one of the world's greatest ornithological spectacles, Lake Nakuru and its surrounding national park, the lodge is set high on a plateau and offers panoramic views of the shimmering lake in the distance. Here, what feels like millions of flamingos, pelicans and marabou storks always gather and the landscape seems to blossom as natural foliage and a variety of wild flower continually bloom. There are only 65 modern en suite bedrooms here, and meals are excellent and served inside the lodge, by the pool or under a forest of towering acacia trees. The Rift Valley bar is always a great watering spot and is located on the ground floor with great views of the lake.
Day 5
After an early morning breakfast leave the flamingo fringed Lake Nakuru behind and head for Njoro town, where you begin your ascent up over the top of the Mau Escarpment. Then, heading due south, travel towards Narok, the gateway to the Maasai Mara and district headquarters of this part of Maasailand. You'll travel across the "breadbasket" of Kenya, covered with acres of wheat and barley, before you reach the Mara in time for lunch. Following lunch and a siesta, there is an afternoon game drive returning to the lodge as the sun sets. Overnight at the Sarova Mara Game Camp (B,L,D).
Sarova Mara Game Camp
Sarova Mara Game Camp is located inside the eastern section of the Masai Mara and hidden in a wonderful little forested valley away from sight of other Mara visitors. The 75 tents are luxurious with a permanent roof and floor, zip-up fronts, attached bathroom, running hot water supply and electricity. Wooden walkways link the tents and manicured lawns with the main dining / bar areas, and are built over wide lily ponds. Bird life is abundant, with kingfishers a speciality. The impressive main building consists of a high thatched lobby, Oloip bar with its cosy log fireplace, a big dining area and outdoor terrace with side-angle views. Food and service are excellent and there is a small private area by the pond for private meals if needed.
Day 6
Early morning and afternoon game drives in the Masai Mara. Overnight at the Sarova Mara Game Camp (B,L,D).
Day 7
Depart for Nairobi (B).
Departures:
From Nairobi every Monday and Thursday.
What’s Included:
- Accommodation as detailed
- Services of an English-speaking local driver/guide
- Park entrance fees and government taxes
- Non air-conditioned transportation in a safari cruiser with a guaranteed window seat
- as detailed Breakfast (B), Lunch (L) and Dinner (D)
