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DAY 1, Thursday - Depart for Kenya
Depart for Kenya
DAY 2, Friday - Arrive in Nairobi
Arrive in Nairobi, gateway to your thrilling safari in Kenya; transfer to the hotel. The rest of the day is yours to rest and acclimate to your new time zone
Overnight: Nairobi
DAY 3, Saturday - Elephant Orphanage and Giraffe Centre
After an orientation meeting with your Tour Manager, depart for a visit to the Daphne Sheldrick Elephant Orphanage* to learn about how orphan elephants are raised here and later released into the wild. Then, drive towards the Ngong Hills for a tour of the Karen Blixen Museum, once the farmhouse of the prominent author of Out of Africa. In the afternoon, continue to Kazuri Beads Workshop, which started as a tiny workshop making ceramic beads by hand. Today this center produces fine examples of genuine African jewelry out of clay gathered from nearby Mt. Kenya. End the day at the Giraffe Centre where you hand-feed the Rothschild's Giraffe and learn more about their extensive conservation efforts. Dinner tonight is at a local restaurant
*Sheldrick Elephant Orphanage may be substituted with Nairobi Animal Orphanage
Overnight: Nairobi
Meals: Breakfast, Dinner
DAY 4, Sunday - Evening Game Drive in Samburu National Park
Travel north this morning towards Samburu National Park, known for its unique wildlife rarely found in other Kenyan parks. Here, view different species of giraffe, zebra, beisa oryx and the long-necked gerenuk, along with lion, cheetah, and leopard. En route, stop for lunch at the Trout Tree Restaurant. Arrive in Samburu, with its arid hills leading to the lush forested ravine of the Ewaso Nyiro River. This evening, set out on your first game drive returning to camp in time for dinner
Overnight: Samburu National Park
Meals: Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner
DAY 5, Monday - Morning & Afternoon Game Drives in Samburu National Park
During the morning game drive today, perhaps you'll see a lion, ostrich, or even a family of elephants wandering the hills. After lunch at the lodge, an afternoon drive takes you to a different area of the park. Return to the lodge for leisure time. Tonight after dinner, an interesting lecture and discussion with a Samburu naturalist. You'll learn more about the principles and tribal traditions of the villagers living in the northern foothills of Mount Kenya
Overnight: Samburu National Park
Meals: Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner
DAY 6, Tuesday - Game Viewing in Aberdare National Park
Today, travel southwest to the heart of Aberdare National Park. Arrive at The Ark, one of Kenya's iconic tree lodges. The Ark is designed with layers of decks overlooking a floodlit watering hole and salt lick that attracts a huge amount of wildlife all day and night. The many different balconies and lounges provide superb vantage points for game viewing. A ground level bunker provides excellent photographic opportunities and takes you up-close to the animals
Overnight: Aberdare National Park
Meals: Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner
DAY 7, Wednesday - Game Drive in Lake Nakuru National Park
Today, explore Lake Nakuru National Park. Drive to the edge of the lake to view thousands of birds feeding in the alkaline water, see the sweeping view from the top of Baboon Rocks, then look for warthogs and waterbucks. Nakuru is also one of the best places in Kenya to see black and white rhino, and for making daytime leopard sightings. Afterward, continue to your lodge where you will spend the remainder of the evening at leisure
Overnight: Lake Naivasha
Meals: Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner
DAY 8, Thursday - Lake Naivasha Boat Tour, Cooking Class
This morning, embark on a boat ride on the tranquil waters of Lake Naivasha, a bird lover's paradise. You will encounter hippos wallowing in the water and an abundant number of birds. Afterward, return to your lodge and attend a cooking class, led by a chef. Learn how to cook local dishes and later taste your own creations. Spend the remainder of the day at leisure
Overnight: Lake Naivasha
Meals: Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner
DAY 9, Friday - Morning & Afternoon Game Drives in the Masai Mara National Reserve
Early drive to the magical Masai Mara National Reserve in the southwest corner of Kenya, renowned for its spectacular game viewing. The breathtaking savannahs of the park are a stunning backdrop to a diverse and abundant wildlife population throughout the entire year. Lunch at the camp, before going out on the afternoon game drive
Overnight: Masai Mara National Reserve
Meals: Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner
DAY 10, Saturday - Morning & Afternoon Game Drives in the Masai Mara National Reserve
A fabulous sunrise experience! Arise before dawn to participate in today's optional Hot Air Balloon Safari. Take off in a hot air balloon as you watch the sunrise over the Masai Mara. Drift above the beautiful landscape, watching wild game roam the vast plains below. The finale is a champagne breakfast before returning back to camp. Today's game drives through the Masai Mara reserve focus on the "Big Five" (lion, elephant, buffalo, leopard and rhino), as well as antelopes, gazelles, hippos and a variety of birdlife. A dinner tonight celebrates your final night in the Mara
Optional: Sunrise Balloon Safari & Breakfast (AM)
Overnight: Masai Mara National Reserve
Meals: Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner
DAY 11, Sunday - Travel to Nairobi
Depart the Mara this morning and return to bustling Nairobi. Upon arrival in the early afternoon, bid farewell to your Kenyan guide. Spend the rest of the day at leisure in this energetic city
Overnight: Nairobi
Meals: Breakfast
DAY 12, Monday - Stone Town, Sunset Dhow Cruise
After breakfast, transfer to the airport for your flight to Zanzibar. Upon arrival, transfer to the hotel in Stone Town, where you will be introduced to the historic capital of the Zanzibar Archipelago. The afternoon is at leisure to explore the town, named a UNESCO World Heritage Site. This evening, board a traditional dhow in time to watch the fiery golden sun setting beyond the horizon. Enjoy the peacefulness of the ocean as the dhow silently glides through the water, while savoring a glass of chilled wine*
*The dhow ride may be impacted by local weather conditions
Overnight: Stone Town
Meals: Breakfast, Dinner
DAY 13, Tuesday - Tour of Stone Town, Jozani-Chwaka Bay National Park
This morning, take a guided walking tour of Stone Town,* famous for its Swahili architecture, a maze of narrow alleyways, ornate wooden doors, and many historical buildings. After lunch head to Jozani-Chwaka Bay National Park, home to a number of endemic species including the Zanzibar red colobus monkey. Embark on a guided tour along the nature trails of Jozani Forest, keeping an eye out for some of the forest's other residents, such as the Sykes' monkey, chameleons, and a variety of birdlife. After your visit, return to your hotel in Stone Town
*Please note that during the walking tour of Stone Town, you will go through part of the city with a large number of merchants who may try to aggressively sell their merchandise.
Overnight: Stone Town
Meals: Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner
DAY 14, Wednesday - Mtoni Palace Ruins, Spice Farm, Kidichi Persian Baths
Journey to the western coast of Zanzibar to visit the ruins of Mtoni Palace, birthplace of Princess Salme, the youngest daughter of Sultan Said. Tour the grounds of the palace and enjoy a traditional coffee ceremony. A short drive takes you to one of the old Omani houses. Later, explore a lush spice farm, where your guide will introduce you to the various culinary and medicinal uses of the spices grown on the island. After lunch at a local house, visit the impressive Persian baths in Kidichi. Continue to your beachfront hotel for dinner and overnight
Overnight: Nungwi
Meals: Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner
DAY 15, Thursday - Day at Leisure
Today is at leisure to discover on your own. Relax, rejuvenate, enjoy your beautiful surroundings and treasure your last day in this paradise. This evening, savor dinner at the resort
Overnight: Nungwi
Meals: Breakfast, Dinner
DAY 16, Friday - Depart Tanzania
Transfer to the airport for your flight to Dar es Salaam, where you will connect to your departure flight. Please select flights that depart no earlier than 3 PM
Meals: Breakfast
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