Itinerary Summary
Day 1: Nairobi – Aberdare National Park (Tree Lodge)
Day 2: Tree Lodge – Samburu Game Reserve
Day 3: Samburu Game Reserve
Day 4: Samburu – Nairobi
Aberdares National Park (Tree Lodge) – Samburu Game Reserve
The Aberdare National Park has Mountain ranges and peaks soar to around 14,000 ft. giving way to deep V-shaped valleys with streams and rivers cascading over spectacular waterfalls – this area is a must for landscape lovers. From its vital catchment area the Aberdare Rainforest feeds the entire local and Nairobi water supply. Above the forest is a belt of bamboo, a favorite haunt of the Bongo, a rare and elusive forest antelope. At 10,000 ft. the bamboo gives way to moorland, home to the eland, spotted and melanistic serval cats. Other features are the giant varieties of lobelia, groundsel and heather. Ideal for walking, picnics, camping and trout fishing in the rivers, the moorlands are reminiscent of the European Highlands.
Animals abound in the forest: Elephant, Buffalo, Giant forest hog and Kenya's indigenous endangered Black Rhino. The entire forest is being fenced to protect settlement farmers from animal raids and to create a rhino and forest sanctuary. Set in the heart of the Aberdare National Park, The Ark is a unique tree lodge with a veranda that overlooks a floodlit waterhole and salt lick allowing undisturbed views of wildlife visiting the waterhole. Elephant, rhino, leopard, bushbuck and occasionally an elusive bongo and giant forest hog have been sighted.
Samburu National Reserve is not very noted, but definitely worth a visit. It is situated on the banks of the Ewaso Nyiro River in Kenya. This means plenty of water, trees and shade to attract wildlife like elephant, lion, giraffe and zebra from the surrounding savannah plains. Leopards are also regularly spotted. The Reserve is not particularly well–known and is therefore not too crowded - a huge plus in Kenya where so many reserves are often overflowing with tourists. It is often grouped together with the Buffalo Springs and Shaba National Reserves as they lie so close together
Detailed Itinerary
Day 1 :Nairobi – Aberdare/Mt. Kenya National Park (Forest Lodge)
Depart Nairobi after breakfast .Our destination today is the Aberdare National Park. We travel overland through plantations of coffee and tea to The Aberdare Country Club, nestled on the slopes of Mweiga Hill. After lunch, set off for the Ark tree lodge, located in the forest on mountain slopes of the Aberdare Mountains at 7,000 feet. This outstanding lodge offers high altitude game viewing, including animals that are rarely encountered elsewhere: Giant forest hog, Bush pig, Tree Hyrax, large Spotted Genet, and the elusive Bongo Antelope.
Wildlife can be observed from different levels – and from outside where you can see, hear and smell everything and inside where you can sit with a cup of tea and stay warm and cozy. You can put in a request to be awakened during the night if your favorite animals show up. A herd of Elephants might be just feet away and if you are lucky, a Leopard or large male Lion might put in an appearance.
Overnight at the Ark or Treetops Hotel or the Serena Mountain Lodge
Day 2 :Tree Lodge – Samburu Game Reserve
This morning we travel by road to Kenya’s northern frontier. Wild and rugged, Samburu is fiercely beautiful with its arid savannahs watered by the lovely Uaso Nyiro River. It is also one of Kenya’s most protected areas and home to species only found north of the equator, from the reticulated giraffe to Grevy’s zebras and Beisa oryxes. We also enjoy Larsens Tented Camp or Samburu Intrepids Camp, our luxurious hostelry set beneath a canopy of acacia trees along the banks of the river.
Overnight at Larsens Tented Camp or Samburu Intrepids Camp or Samburu Serena Lodge
Day 3 :Samburu Game Reserve
Early morning game drive before the dew is off the grass, in pursuit of the Elephants, Lions, Leopards, and Cheetahs that thrive in the reserve’s grasslands and acacia woodlands. Rest of the day is spent in alternating pursuits of exploration in the bush and relaxation in our cozy camp or lodge.
Overnight at Larsens Tented Camp or Samburu Intrepids Camp or Samburu Serena Lodge
Day 4 :Samburu – Nairobi
Depart our lodge after breakfast and drive back to Nairobi. Connect with one of our other exciting safari packages. Your choice of – the exotic Amboseli National Park, the world famous Masai Mara Game Reserve (also known as the eighth wonder of the world), perhaps a climb up Mt. Kilimanjaro, or relax on the clean white sandy beaches of Mombasa Island along the warm Indian Ocean, are some of the wonderful options available. You can also choose to visit a children’s orphanage, explore the shops or simply relax before your departure tonight.
Price per person sharing
2 people US $ 1020
4 people US $ 920
6 people US $ 850
Included on this Safari
* Multi-lingual Professional Safari Guide/Driver.
* Full board accommodations in Aberdare or Mt. Kenya National Parks and Samburu Game Reserve
* Transport from Nairobi to Tree lodge and Samburu Game Reserve in a 4 x 4 Landcruiser
* Guaranteed departures for two or more passengers booking this safari
* Membership in Flying Doctors Society – Emergency air rescue
* Safari vehicles carry mineral water
* Guaranteed window seating with open top
* All applicable Game Park entrance fees
* All meals included while on safari
* High Altitude Game viewing
* 2 extensive Game drives
Excluded on this Safari:
* Personal expenses such traveling insurance, excess baggage fee, communication charges that include, laundry, emails, faxes and phone calls beverages including luxury champagne, luxury spirits, beer, wines during meals or meals not indicated in the itinerary
* Gratuity for Porterage / waiters at hotels, camps and airports
* Sundowner bush cocktails and bush dinner
* Gratuity for your professional driver guide
* Cost of obtaining passport and visas
* Accommodations in Nairobi
* A visit to a Samburu Village
* International Airfare
