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  4. Kenya Safari Under Canvas

Keep an eye out for Africa's Big 5 on a spectacular overland journey.

Visit Africa and forge into the heart of Kenya’s finest game parks on this eight-day overland journey. Visit Kenya's amazing natural sights by day and in the evenings, kick back in the comfort of a well-appointed lodge or private tented camp and fall asleep to the sounds of nocturnal animals. Watch Kenya's abundant flamingos make Lake Nakuru blush pink; pass herds of animals on the vast plains of the Masai Mara; and sip sundowners on evening game drives.

Start
Nairobi, Kenya
Finish
Nairobi, Kenya
Destination
Kenya
Style
Comfort
Theme
Overland, Wildlife
Code
YGKE
Physical rating
Ages
Min 15
Group size
Min 1, Max 15

Why you'll love this trip

  • Stay in a selection of rustic permanent tented camps and lodges across Kenya's unspoilt wilderness without sacrificing the creature comforts of home.

  • Experience the thrill of sleeping 'Under Canvas' and drift off to sleep to the sounds of the African night.

  • Spot endangered black and white rhino stopping for a drink in Lake Nakuru NP.

  • Watch lions prowling the famous Masai Mara on a 4x4 game drive.

  • Witness thousands of pink flamingos descending on Lake Naivasha, completely covering the sparkling blue waters.

Is this trip right for you?

  • We use our purpose-built overland vehicles for the duration of this trip. It is important to note that while our vehicles are not air-conditioned, all windows do open to allow for fresh air. But please be aware that road travel in Africa comes with its fair share of dust, so while curtains are fitted to minimize the sun shine, it can get hot and windy.

  • This itinerary features some long travel days which can be exacerbated by bumpy African roads. It is recommended that you pay close attention to our given approximations of distance and driving hours.

  • Our overland safaris do not necessitate exceptional fitness levels, but a general level of physical movement is required. For example, you need to judge yourself physically fit enough to handle.

  • As the early bird catches the worm, the early camper sights the animals. There will be many early starts either to make use of the better safari time or to beat the morning traffic on long travel days.

Map of Kenya Safari Under Canvas including Kenya
Spot an elephant on a game trail in the Masai Mara National Park, Kenya
An intrepid group stops for lunch in Kenya
A majestic lion soaking up the sun in Masai Mara national Park, Kenya
Visit the giraffe sanctuary (optional extra) in Nairobi, Kenya
Herds of wildebeest stampede across the savannah in Kenya
The bungalows at Crescent Camp in Lake Naivasha, Kenya

Itinerary
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This itinerary is valid for departures from 01 Jan 2018 to 31 Dec 2018.
 View the 2019 itinerary

On arrival in Nairobi, you’ll be met and transferred to your hotel by our Intrepid representative. You may wish to speak to our representative regarding any additional tours or activities that you might wish to do while you’re in Nairobi. There will be a trip briefing at the hotel at approximately 6.00pm this evening. The rest of the day is spent at your leisure.

Please note this is an arrival day – you can arrive at any time. Nairobi, the capital of Kenya, was established at the turn of the 20th century by Europeans as a stores depot during the construction of the East African Railway. Without plan or design, it established itself as the capital of the British protectorate, and today has a population of around three million.
Accommodation
  • Hotel (1 night)
Included Activities
  • Complimentary Airport Arrival Transfer
Optional Activities
  • Nairobi - National Museum - USD10
  • Nairobi - Karen Blixen museum - USD14
  • Nairobi - Bomas of Kenya - USD12
  • Nairobi - Langata Giraffe Sanctuary - KES1200
  • Nairobi - Carnivore Restaurant - KES3600
  • Nairobi - National Park safari walk - USD30
Meals Included
There are no meals included on this day.
Special Information
An airport arrival transfer is included. This transfer is only valid if arriving on day 1 or if you have booked pre-trip accommodation through Intrepid. Please provide your flight details at the time of booking, or at a minimum 15 days prior to travel (note - we may not be able confirm request made within 15 days of travel). Once you have provided your details a transfer representative will be booked to meet you at the airport and transfer you to your hotel.

Depart Nairobi and head north-west towards Lake Nakuru National Park (approximately 4 hours), arriving in time for lunch. Afterwards climb into our truck for an afternoon game drive and hopefully see some pink flamingos converge on Lake Nakuru, all under the watchful eye of nearby rhinos and zebras. Lake Nakuru is a soda lake which is home to thousands of birds and in the past was a haven for pink flamingos. There is quite a good chance of seeing white rhinos, whilst black rhinos may prove to be more elusive.

After spending the day in the park, we return to our permanent tented camp. If there is time perhaps cool off in the pool with a cold drink. Each permanent tent has its own unique view of the area. They are all equipped with comfortable beds, verandah or private terrace and private bathroom.
Accommodation
  • Permanent tented camp (1 night)
Included Activities
  • Lake Nakuru - Game Drive
Meals Included
  • Breakfast
  • Lunch
  • Dinner

Enjoy a scenic drive across Kenya, travelling south along a road sandwiched between two impressive natural reserves, to Lake Naivasha (approximately 3 hrs). One of the few freshwater lakes in the Great Rift Valley, Lake Naivasha is bordered with flat-topped acacias and has floating islands of papyrus reeds. It's also home to a healthy population of hippos and a tremendous variety of birds. There is an option to venture out on a boat ride through the crater lake. Alternatively relax by the pool under the shade of an acacia tree. The permanent tents here are generous in size with polished wooden floors and private facilities.
Accommodation
  • Permanent tented camp (1 night)
Optional Activities
  • Lake Naivasha - Boat trip - KES4000
Meals Included
  • Breakfast
  • Lunch
  • Dinner

Today is free to explore at your leisure. See all that this vast lake has to offer on a waterside bike ride or opt for time on the water instead and head out on a boat trip. If hiking is more to your tastes then there are two spectacular walks to consider – the first through the leafy hills and mountains of the Crater Lake Game Sanctuary, and the second to Hell's Gate National Park. Hell's Gate is a dry trail compared to the Crater Lake path, winding its way along scenic paths through narrow cliff breaks, and is home to rare bearded vultures. The walk can be quite challenging. Return to the permanent tented camp at Lake Naivasha.
Accommodation
  • Permanent tented camp (1 night)
Optional Activities
  • Lake Naivasha - Hell's Gate National Park - USD40
  • Lake Naivasha - Boat trip - KES4000
  • Lake Elementaita - Elsamere Conservation Centre - KES1250
Meals Included
  • Breakfast
  • Lunch
  • Dinner
Special Information
The Hell's Gate NP optional activities will also incur a USD50 transport fee per vehicle, while the Elsamere Conservation Centre has a transport fee of USD20 per vehicle.

We head south-west to our next destination, the Masai Mara - arguably one of the finest game reserves in Africa (300kms, approx 8-9hrs). The area is known for its rolling green plains and riverine woodlands, and amongst the many species of game, we may be lucky to observe black-maned lion, leopard and cheetah. These predators find an abundant food supply in the massive herds of wildebeest, zebra, Thomson's and Grant's gazelle that roam the grasslands.

On the way pass by the remote region of Loita Hills, home of the traditional Maasai people. Here you will make a stop to visit the Maasai, known for their vibrant red dress and elaborate jewellery, and gain an insight into the culture and ancient ways of this proud East African Community. Meet your Maasai hosts and enjoy a fascinating talk, full of insights into this remarkable and ancient culture, from a local elder. Enjoy being shown around a traditional Maasai home and their cattle enclosures.

Afterwards we make way to our permanent tented camp. The permanent tents here are more basic than your previous night however still have private facilities, built-in fly screens, a front verandah and are powered by a generator during the day.
Accommodation
  • Permanent tented camp (1 night)
Included Activities
  • Loita Hills - Cultural talk and village visit
Meals Included
  • Breakfast
  • Lunch
  • Dinner
Special Information
The camp is powered by generator and you will have the opportunity to recharge your camera's here.

Today we wake before dawn to start our morning game drive when the sun comes up, one of the times of the day when most animals tend to be more active. After what is hopefully an exciting morning's drive we return to camp for lunch and to relax during the heat of the day. We set off again in the afternoon and expect to return to camp around sunset. However, depending on wildlife movements, we may on occasion do a full day's game drive and in this instance we'll stop en-route for a picnic lunch.

Accommodation
  • Permanent tented camp (1 night)
Included Activities
  • Masai Mara National Reserve - Afternoon 4x4 Game Drive
  • Masai Mara National Reserve - Morning 4x4 Game Drive
Meals Included
  • Breakfast
  • Lunch
  • Dinner

If you missed out on seeing one of the Big 5 (lions, elephants, buffalos, leopards, and rhinoceros) yesterday, never fear! This morning is free to head out on an optional 4x4 game drive, a safari balloon ride or to just relax before the included afternoon game drive. Each day on the reserve is a shifting narrative, with new encounters and stories to be found as you cruise across the plains.

An optional balloon ride over the Masai Mara at sunrise is an unforgettable experience. If you have pre-booked this activity (please see 'Important Notes') you will be picked up and driven to the launch site, receive a safety briefing from your pilot and help inflate the balloon. You then glide through the dawn, sometimes at tree height, providing amazing wildlife photography opportunities; sometimes ascending to get an overview of the enormity of the Masai Mara plains and the early morning movements of the teeming herds. Upon landing you'll be treated to a bush breakfast before being returned to your vehicle. Please note if you are taking a balloon ride over the Mara you will be taken to the launch place from our camp before dawn and returned to the group when you have finished your ride.

Please note that we offer this activity as a pre-booked service which will guarantee you a spot in a balloon. If you choose to wait and book this activity locally on the ground you may get a better price. However this is a popular activity and places are limited. It is at your own discretion if you wish to pre-book this service with us or try and book it locally while you are on your trip.
Accommodation
  • Permanent tented camp (1 night)
Included Activities
  • Masai Mara National Reserve - Afternoon 4x4 Game Drive
Optional Activities
  • Masai Mara National Reserve - Balloon ride (from price) - USD500
  • Masai Mara National Reserve - Guided Walking Safari - USD30
  • Masai Mara National Reserve - Full Day 4x4 Game Drive - USD200
  • Masai Mara National Reserve - Half Day 4x4 Game Drives - USD150
Meals Included
  • Breakfast
  • Lunch
  • Dinner

After breakfast, we return to Nairobi, arriving in the late afternoon, where our safari ends (240 km, approx 5-6 hrs).

If you are departing from Nairobi this evening, please do not book a flight to depart prior to 8pm. To reduce your travelling time back to Nairobi, you may wish to consider a flight from Masai Mara to Nairobi (additional cost). This gives you the chance to catch a late afternoon international flight out of Nairobi. Please note that the flight from Masai Mara arrives at Wilson Airport (Nairobi). International flights leave from Nairobi's Jomo Kenyatta International Airport (JKIA). If staying on in Nairobi, you may require a transfer from Wilson Airport back to our Nairobi hotel. We are able to book the flight and also the transfer to our Nairobi hotel (additional costs involved).
Meals Included
  • Breakfast
  • Lunch

Meals

7 breakfasts, 7 lunches, 6 dinners

Transport

Overland vehicle, 4x4 Safari Vehicle

Accommodation

Hotel (1 night), Permanent tented camp (6 nights)

Included activities

  • Complimentary Airport Arrival Transfer
  • Lake Nakuru - Game Drive
  • Loita Hills - Cultural talk and village visit
  • Masai Mara National Reserve - Afternoon 4x4 Game Drive
  • Masai Mara National Reserve - Morning 4x4 Game Drive

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Important notes

1. A single supplement is available on this trip. Please speak to your booking agent for further information.
2. An airport arrival transfer is included. Please provide your flight details at the time of booking, or at a minimum 15 days prior to travel.
3. This trip finishes upon arrival in Nairobi on Day 8. Please do not book any flights until after 8pm this afternoon.
4. An optional sunrise balloon ride over the Masai Mara is possible on this itinerary. Please see the itinerary above for full details of this activity. As the balloon only holds 16 people, places are limited and we recommend you book in advance. Please inquire when booking your trip to book this optional activity.

Essential trip information

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