Inside visits and special features are shown in UPPERCASE in the tour description.

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DAY 1: ARRIVE IN NAIROBI, KENYA.

Welcome to Africa! Hotel rooms are available for mid-afternoon check-in.

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DAY 2: NAIROBI.

Start your PRIVATE SIGHTSEEING with a visit to the SHELDRICK ELEPHANT ORPHANAGE, founded and managed by Daphne Sheldrick. Here, you will learn about elephant conservation and meet elephant calves, orphaned by poachers, before they are re-introduced to the wild. Next, visit the KAREN BLIXEN MUSEUM, dedicated to the author of Out of Africa. Lastly, stop at the GIRAFFE CENTER, a non-profit organization focused on saving the Rothschild’s giraffe, where you will learn about this sub-species and have the opportunity to feed them. (B,L)

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DAY 3: NAIROBI–MOUNT KENYA–SAMBURU NATIONAL RESERVE.

Today, depart Nairobi to begin your search for the “Big 5”—lion, leopard, elephant, rhino, and Cape buffalo. First, stop at the famed Mount Kenya Safari Club for lunch and stunning views of Mount Kenya. After lunch, continue to SAMBURU NATIONAL RESERVE, known for its arid landscape and unique wildlife. Due to the dry climate, grasses are sparse, making animals easier to spot. Meanwhile, the Ewaso Ng’iro River, which borders the reserve, provides a year-round water supply. These two factors make for a great game-viewing experience. During your AFTERNOON GAME DRIVE, you have the chance to see rare animals you will not see in other parts of the country. Commonly referred to as the Samburu “Special 5,” this includes Grevy’s zebra, reticulated giraffe, Somali ostrich, beisa oryx, and the gerenuk, a long-necked antelope that feeds while standing on its hind feet. (B,L,D)

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DAY 4: SAMBURU.

Today, enjoy MORNING & AFTERNOON GAME DRIVES. In addition to the Samburu “Special 5,” the reserve is home to an abundance of other species. Large numbers of elephant and Nile crocodile can be seen, as well as waterbuck, Kirk’s dik-dik, and Grant’s gazelle. Where there is prey, predators can be found, so lion and leopard are often spotted. The reserve is also a great place for bird watching, with over 300 species. Between game drives, there’s time to relax at your lodge. (B,L,D)

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DAY 5: SAMBURU–OL PEJETA CONSERVANCY.

After breakfast, travel to OL PEJETA CONSERVANCY, the largest black rhino sanctuary in all of East Africa. After lunch, enjoy a GAME DRIVE in the conservancy, including a stop at the [LF] CHIMP SANCTUARY. In partnership with the Kenya Wildlife Service and the Jane Goodall Institute, the sanctuary was established to provide a long-term home for orphaned and abused chimpanzees. Here, see the chimps and learn more about their plight. (B,L,D)

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DAY 6: OL PEJETA–NYAHURURU FALLS–LAKE NAKURU NATIONAL PARK.

A final GAME DRIVE in the conservancy before driving to LAKE NAKURU NATIONAL PARK. The journey takes you through the beautiful Kenyan highlands, one of the most fertile agricultural areas in all of Africa, where farmers grow crops such as corn, wheat, coffee, and tea. Stop for lunch at Aberdare Country Club en route. (B,L,D)

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DAY 7: LAKE NAKURU.

Today, embark on MORNING & AFTERNOON GAME DRIVES. The park is home to a variety of animals including giraffe, impala, Cape buffalo, flamingo, and striped hyena. This is also your best chance to see white rhino, which are commonly spotted here. Relax at your lodge between game drives. (B,L,D)

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DAY 8: LAKE NAKURU–MAASAI MARA NATIONAL RESERVE.

This morning, depart for MAASAI MARA NATIONAL RESERVE, Kenya’s most famous game area. The “Mara,” as it is called by locals, is part of the Serengeti ecosystem and boasts a strong permanent population of game. When the Great Migration of wildebeest and zebra arrives, generally from August to early November, the population enlarges by almost 2 million. This provides a great food source for predators such as lion, cheetah, leopard, and hyena. After lunch at your lodge, set out on an AFTERNOON GAME DRIVE. As the sun sets, savor SUNDOWNER DRINKS and watch a [LF] TRADITIONAL MAASAI DANCE PERFORMANCE. (B,L,D)

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NOTE:
The Great Migration is a natural event, and the arrival/departure of the migrating herds varies slightly year to year.

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DAY 9: MAASAI MARA.

Rise early for a MORNING GAME DRIVE. Be sure to watch for elephant, rhino, giraffe, topi, hyena, and much more. Afterward, a special [LF] BUSH BREAKFAST has been arranged for you. Sip on a mimosa as you savor every moment of the memorable experience! Return to your camp and relax prior to your AFTERNOON GAME DRIVE. (B,L,D)

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DAY 10: MAASAI MARA–NAIROBI–DEPARTURE.

Today, fly back to Nairobi, where your tour ends. We have reserved a day room at the Ole Sereni Hotel for you to use prior to your homebound flight. Book homebound flights after 5 pm. (B)