RCGS: Classic Kenya 4WD Safari with Patricia Sims

Day 1 Start Nairobi; to Lake Naivasha; optional afternoon nature walk

The adventure begins at our partner hotel in Nairobi (see the Joining Instructions for more information). With the group gathered together, we drive north to the edge of the escarpment over the Rift Valley before descending into the valley and to Lake Naivasha, where we enjoy a morning boat ride. We continue for a further 1hr 30min to Lake Elementaita, where we check into our lodge and enjoy lunch. In the afternoon, there is an optional (additional cost) guided nature walk available. Accommodation: Sentrim Elementaita Lodge (or similar)

Day 2 Morning and afternoon game drives in Lake Nakuru National Park

It’s an early start today for a 30-minute drive to Lake Nakuru National Park. We enjoy a full day of game drives, with a packed lunch from our lodge to maximise game-viewing time. We hope to see many animals including gazelles, impalas and giraffes. We are also on the lookout for predators as well as unique bird life. This national park is world-renowned for its (dwindling) flamingo population, made famous by Denys Finch Hatton’s flight over it in the film Out of Africa (1985). Nakuru is also the best place in East Africa for white rhino, and it is not unusual to see at least a dozen in a day. Coupled with this, there is a healthy buffalo population, many other plain animals and frequent leopard sightings. Accommodation: Sentrim Elementaita Lodge (or similar)

Day 3 - 5 Masai Mara

We have a beautiful, bumpy drive (approximately five hours including comfort stops) to the Mara.  We arrive in the early afternoon in time for lunch (not included) and check in afterwards. Departing at 4pm, we enjoy the first of several game drives in this remarkable area. Returning to the lodge for dinner, we enjoy a relaxed evening in beautiful surroundings. During time off, you can rest in your private tents, the lounge tent or watch the animals from the deck of your tent. If you fancy a lie-in one day or an optional nature walk, this can easily be arranged. The Masai Mara is one of the most famous ecosystems in the world. This vast grassland is teeming with life: wildebeest, gazelles, topis, zebras and buffalo abound in the rolling savannah, and never far away are the predators: cheetahs, lions and hyenas. Between mid-August and late October, one of the greatest spectacles on Earth takes place in the Masai Mara – the annual migration of thousands of wildebeest, gazelles and zebras trampling across the long grass. Nothing is guaranteed on safari, but with the help of our brilliant guides you should see and learn a huge amount about the Masai Mara wildlife during our game drives. As a climax, there is also the option of taking a sunrise balloon ride over the African plains (subject to weather conditions and availability). Accommodation: Mara Kimana Camp (or similar)

Day 6 Early morning game drive or optional walk; transfer to Nairobi

After a final early morning game drive, we leave after breakfast and return to Nairobi. A picnic lunch is taken en route. We spend our last night in Nairobi. Accommodation: Sarova Panafric Nairobi (or similar)

Day 7 End Nairobi

The trip ends today in Nairobi and we begin our return journeys home. If you’d like more time to explore the capital of Kenya, speak to your sales representative about extending your stay.