5 Days Masai Mara & Lake Nakuru Safari tour

Kenya lodge safari trip & holiday: Masai Mara & Lake Nakuru

CSS 503: Masai Mara & Lake Nakuru Safari Package
Departs daily at 09:00am.

Day 1. Nairobi - Lake Nakuru safari
Pick up from your hotel in Nairobi at 8am. Drive 160 km, 2 hours to Lake Nakuru National Park with an en route game drive. Arrive at Sarova Lion Hill Lodge or Lake Nakuru Lodge in time for lunch and afternoon leisure. The lake attracts thousands of lesser and greater flamingos among other tens of species of birds. There are a variety of bird species to watch in this lake. Not only does this lake boast of being a bird's paradise, it is also a rhino sanctuary for the highly endangered black and white rhinos. Other animals found here include cheetahs, leopards, lions, waterbucks, zebras, gazelles, Rothschild Giraffe amongst others. En route to the park, unrivalled panorama of scenic views of the Great Rift Valley unfolds giving you an unmatched photographic opportunity. In the afternoon, enjoy game viewing from 4pm until 6.30pm, being the best time to see the animals while they are still active. Return to the lodge for dinner and overnight, Sarova Lion Hill Lodge or Lake Nakuru Lodge, B,L,D

Day 2. Lake Nakuru - Maasai Mara
Distance: 275 kms (5 hrs). After breakfast, depart from Lake Nakuru at 7am into the Masai Mara with its amazing migration, concentration of wildlife and outstanding scenery. Lunch at your chosen lodge with time for sightseeing, relaxing by the pool or just resting. At 4pm, take an afternoon introductory game drive running until 6.30pm. Return for dinner and overnight at Mara Sopa Lodge, B,L,D.

Masai Mara:
Masai Mara National Reserve is a pristine wilderness of haunting beauty, it promises its visitors a profusion of wildlife, prolific bird life and the unprecedented opportunity of catching up with all the members of the 'Big Five' in one morning. The 1,800 sq kilometres of this veteran reserve offers the classic mix of African imagery; miles of lion-gold grasslands, shoals of lilac-misted hills, a meandering river, acres of thorn-bush and mile upon mile of undulating wilderness. An impressive feature is the annual migration of the Wildebeest, Zebra and gazelle from the plains of the Serengeti that cross the Tanzania border and rivers to reach the Mara lush grassland from late June, hunted by the predators Lion, Hyena and circled by vultures as the journey unfolds. Their dramatic river crossings are a reality for tourists visiting in July-August. Apart from seasonal migration, game viewing is excellent year round. Game includes Elephant, Black Rhino, Buffalo, the big cats and virtually every animal found in Kenya. The rivers are a home to hippo and Crocodiles. 452 bird species are recorded including 53 Raptors, Buzzards, Vultures and Eagles.

Day 3 & 4. Masai Mara safari
Two full days in Masai Mara with daily morning and afternoon game drives in the finest game sanctuary in Kenya, noted for its wildebeest migration, lions and other wildlife. Overnight at Mara Sopa Lodge, B, L,D.

Optional activities:
-Visit to a local Maasai village for a Maasai cultural tour: US$ 25 per person
-Hot air balloon ride: US$ 425 per person

Day 5. Lake Nakuru - Nairobi
After breakfast, drive back to Nairobi with an en route stop for panoramic views of the Great Rift Valley at the view point to arrive Nairobi at approximately 1pm. (Optional lunch at the Carnivore Restaurant: US$ 45 per person), B

Trip price: US$ 1375 per person sharing. Single room supplement: US$ 585

Tour safari price includes:
-Guarantee price; Guarantee departure
-Guarantee window seat!
-Ground transport in a safari van with pop up roof for game viewing, photography and touring
-Full board accommodation whilst on safari
-Meal plan as described, B=Breakfast, L=Lunch and D=Dinner
-Accommodation in double/twin/triple room sharing
-Park entrance fees to include government taxes
-Service of an English speaking professional driver/guide
-Game drives as detailed in the itinerary
-Start and end in Nairobi

Trip price excludes:
-Tips
-Laundry
-Drinks
-International flights
-Visas
-Items of a personal nature
-Optional activities and any other extras not detailed in the above itinerary
Lake Nakuru Lodge, Lake Nakuru National Park:
Lake Nakuru Lodge is situated in a wonderland which lies in the heart of one of Kenya's most densely animal populated wetland national parks (Ramsar Site), only two hours leisurely drive on first class roads from Nairobi, through some of the most exciting scenery to be seen anywhere in Africa. The 156 km Nairobi-Nakuru roads gives the visitor an unrivalled view of the majestic Great Rift Valley, winding through a series of lakes and forested uplands all the way to the bustling market town of Nakuru. The views are equally impressive for the visitor who uses a charter aircraft for 25-minute flight to Lake Nakuru National Park airstrip situated at the southern side of the park at the Rhino Sanctuary Headquarters - Naishi

Accommodation at Lake Nakuru Lodge
Situated in the South East Ecological niche of the park is Lake Nakuru Lodge, an oasis of comfort and excellent service, with commanding views of the lesser flamingo dotted with the Greater Flamingo for which Lake Nakuru is justly famous.

It is another world for the visitor, where one easily forgets the hustle and bustle of the city. The lodge blends well with its surrounding and the animals often browse peacefully close to the lodge and environs, much to the fascination of the visitors.

There are accommodations for 120 people, either in family rooms, cottages, or suites. The service is unmatched anywhere in Kenya, a country renowned for hospitality.

Meals and Relaxation
There is excellent cuisine, which includes outside catering, Bush Barbecue, African night and Sundowners. After a days watching, the spacious logged Mama Nikki bar, the cool upstairs Rhino Paddock Cocktail Bar overlooking the lake and the enticing blue swimming pool can be particularly inviting. Evening entertainment and slide shows for guests is interesting and varied. The Baboon Cliff lookout sits next to Honeymoon Hill.

Lake Nakuru Lodge's Commitment to Environment Friends of Lake Nakuru / Elementaita "Ramsar Site"
-Threat to wetland of international importance.
-Concern to the ecological character (maintenance of the natural integrity to flora and fauna).
-Education and public awareness.
-Community conservation - soil erosion and tree planting.
-Pollution and Eco-tourism - nature friendly.

Sarova Lion Hill Lodge, Lake Nakuru:
Set on a plateau in the Rift Valley, overlooking one of the world's greatest ornithological spectacles, Lake Nakuru, stands Sarova Lion Hill Lodge. The panoramic view from the Lodge reveals a shimmering pink glow across the Lake, created by millions of flamingos, pelicans and marabou storks; the landscape blossoms natural foliage and a startling variety of flower gardens.

Sarova Lion Hill Lodge is only one hour away from Nairobi.

Climate: Hot and dry during the day, cold at night.

Accommodation
There are 65 rooms to select from to suit your needs, all which come with an attached bathroom and have running water and electricity:

-38 Twin rooms
-5 Double rooms
-21 Triple rooms
-1 Honeymoon suite

All bedrooms have verandas with panoramic views of the flamingo pink-rimmed lake.

Meals and Relaxation
-Flamingo Restaurant serves meals on the ground floor; a patio is available at the pool. A buffet is served for lunch. Dinner table d'hote with a seating capacity of 200 people.
-Rift Valley Bar on the ground floor overlooks the lake, and is open from 7.00 am. to 11.00 pm.
-Swimming pool and sauna are open from 6:00 am. To 6:00 pm.
-Traditional dancers display their talent everyday at 9.00 pm.

Other Services available:
-For conferences, Baraza Room on the ground floor is perfect; it is large airy room designed in earth colors and adjacent to a separate lounge. Audio-visual equipment and secretarial assistance is available. The capacity is 80 theatre, 150 cocktail and 40 seminar style.
-Laundry service
-Curio and gift shop
-Baby sitting facilities
-Medical clinic

Mara Sopa Lodge, Maasai Mara
Set in the Oloolaimutia valley the lodge blends in perfectly with its surrounding hillside landscape. The accent here is on the Masai people and the fabulous wealth of wildlife, birdlife, and natural flora to be found in the fabled Masai Mara Game Reserve.

Location: The lodge is located 206 km south of the Equator on the eastern boundary of the Masai Mara Game Reserve in south-western Kenya, 2km from the Oloolaimutia Gate. Access to the lodge is via a tarmac road from Nairobi to Narok and an all weather road thereafter and it takes about five hours. The alternative is a one hour scheduled or chartered flight from Nairobi to Keekorok airstrip from where transfers to the lodge can be arranged with prior notice.

Accommodation & amenities: The lodge has 200 beds by way of 77 rooms, 12 suites and 1 presidential suite, all of which are 'rondavel' style and have en-suite bathroom facilities which provide shaving sockets and hairdryers. Every room and suite has a private, elevated verandah with splendid views across the valley and on which guests can relax, sunbathe and watch resident birds and wildlife. Mini-bars are also available in each room. Altitude & Climate: The lodge has an altitude of 2,104 meters (6,400 feet) above sea level and, because of the cool breezes through the valley it is sited in, enjoys warm days and cool evenings. The April / June, October / November rainy seasons ensure that the reserve is verdant almost throughout the year.

Clothing: Only the lightest of clothes are recommended although a light sweater might be needed for early mornings and evenings. More formal attire might be advisable for cocktails and theme evenings while swimwear is a must by the pool.

Communication: The lodge has direct-dial telephone facilities as well as satellite television and video options.

Guest Facilities: The lodge has a 160 sq meter (1,500 sq feet) conference room as well as other designated areas for conferences, presentations, cocktail parties and private functions which can host upwards of 120 guests. Over and above this they can provide and cater for any size of birthday or anniversary party, bush breakfasts, lunches or barbecues, sundowner cocktail parties, gala dinners or theme evenings. The Guest Shop stocks a wide selection of curios, gift items, clothing, film and toiletries. The lodge has a freeform, fresh-water pool which offers spectacular views over the valley.

Children: Children of all ages are welcome and special meals at convenient times and baby sitters on request can be provided.

Activities: Balloon safaris, visits to Masai manyattas and walking safaris can be arranged at the reception area.

Electricity: Lodge generators provide 240volts, 50 cycles 24 hours a day.

Water: Our water supply comes from nearby springs but guests are advised not to drink from the taps. Instead, filtered water is provided in flasks in every room and bottled water is available for sale.

Water: Our water supply comes from nearby springs but guests are advised not to drink from the taps. Instead, filtered water is provided in flasks in every room and bottled water is available for sale.

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