Tour Gallery
Overview
This 5-day luxury safari offers an exceptional journey through Ol Pejeta Conservancy, Lake Nakuru National Park, and the Masai Mara, highlighted by an unforgettable hot air balloon ride over the Mara plains. It's designed for discerning travelers seeking premier wildlife encounters, including rhinos and chimpanzees, the Big Five, and unique aerial perspectives, all while enjoying stays in high-end lodges and camps with expert local guiding.
Tour Suitability:
- Traveler Profile: Ideal for couples, honeymooners, photographers, and families wanting a special occasion safari with a blend of thrilling ground and air experiences.
- Pace of Travel: Moderate, covering three distinct and iconic Kenyan wildlife areas.
- Interests: Rhino and chimpanzee conservation at Ol Pejeta, night game drives, birdlife and rhinos at Lake Nakuru, Big Five and Great Migration in Masai Mara, and the unique experience of a hot air balloon safari.
- Comfort Level: Luxury, featuring stays at Sweetwaters Serena Camp, Sarova Lion Hill Game Lodge, and Zebra Plains Mara Camp (or similar luxury alternative for balloon package).
- Focus: A premium Kenyan safari combining classic game drives with unique conservation insights and a spectacular hot air balloon adventure over the Masai Mara.
Key Tour Highlights
- Ol Pejeta Conservancy Adventure: Visit the Chimpanzee Sanctuary, see endangered rhinos, and enjoy an exciting night game drive.
- Lake Nakuru's Avian & Rhino Haven: Explore Lake Nakuru, famous for its (seasonal) flamingos and as a key rhino sanctuary.
- Masai Mara Hot Air Balloon Safari: Experience a breathtaking early morning hot air balloon flight over the Mara plains, followed by a champagne breakfast in the bush.
- Intensive Masai Mara Game Drives: Full day of game viewing in the legendary Masai Mara, seeking out the Big Five and witnessing the Great Migration (seasonal).
- Luxury Accommodations: Stay at Sweetwaters Serena Camp, Sarova Lion Hill Game Lodge, and Zebra Plains Mara Camp (or a more aligned luxury camp for balloon package).
Accommodation Style
Indulge in superior comfort and service. Stays include the renowned Sweetwaters Serena Camp in Ol Pejeta, Sarova Lion Hill Game Lodge in Lake Nakuru, and Zebra Plains Mara Camp (or a comparable luxury camp that aligns with a hot air balloon package, e.g., a Governors' Camp or similar, if budget allows for this upgrade). These properties offer excellent amenities, fine dining, and prime locations for wildlife viewing.
Featured Destinations & Attractions
- Ol Pejeta Conservancy (Laikipia Plateau): Leading conservation area for rhinos, home to Sweetwaters Chimpanzee Sanctuary, and offering Big Five viewing.
- Lake Nakuru National Park: Soda lake renowned for flamingos, pelicans, and as a sanctuary for rhinos and Rothschild's giraffes.
- Masai Mara National Reserve: Kenya’s most famous reserve for exceptional wildlife density, the Great Migration, and stunning landscapes ideal for ballooning.
Itinerary
Begin with an early morning departure from Nairobi, embarking on a 3-4 hour drive to Ol Pejeta Conservancy. Arrive in time for lunch at your luxury camp. In the afternoon, enjoy your first game drive in Ol Pejeta, renowned for its conservation of rhinos and home to the Sweetwaters Chimpanzee Sanctuary. In the evening, experience an exciting night game drive. (Meals: Lunch & Dinner, Drinks not included)
Accommodation: Sweetwaters Serena Camp or similar luxury tented camp.
After breakfast, enjoy an en-route game drive in Ol Pejeta as you depart for Lake Nakuru National Park (approx. 4-5 hour drive), with a stop for lunch. Arrive at your luxury lodge in Nakuru. In the afternoon, embark on a game drive through Lake Nakuru, famous for its flamingos, rhino sanctuary, and Rothschild giraffes. (Meals: All meals included, Drinks not included)
Accommodation: Sarova Lion Hill Game Lodge or similar luxury lodge.
After an early breakfast, enjoy an en-route game drive in Lake Nakuru Park as you depart for the Masai Mara National Reserve (approx. 5-6 hour drive). Upon arrival at your camp in the afternoon, check in and have lunch. After some relaxation, set out for your first exhilarating game drive in the Mara. (Meals: All meals included, Drinks not included)
Accommodation: Zebra Plains Mara Camp (or a luxury camp aligning with balloon safari like Governors' Camp, to be confirmed based on final package).
Start your day with an early morning hot air balloon safari over the Masai Mara (typically includes champagne breakfast in the bush upon landing - this is a pre-booked, included highlight). After the balloon safari, embark on a full-day game drive, exploring the reserve's vast landscapes and spotting wildlife, potentially witnessing the wildebeest migration (seasonal). (Meals: All meals included, Drinks not included)
Accommodation: Zebra Plains Mara Camp (or a luxury camp aligning with balloon safari).
After enjoying breakfast at the lodge, check out and begin your drive back to Nairobi (approx. 5-6 hours). Arrive in Nairobi in the afternoon and transfer to your hotel or Jomo Kenyatta International Airport (NBO) for your onward flight. (Meals: Breakfast, Drinks not included)
Accommodation: No accommodation (End of tour).
Inclusions and Exclusions
Inclusions
- Professional guide
- Activities (as written in the itinerary)
- Entry fee
- Taxes
- A bottle of drinking water
- Hotel pickup and drop-off
Exclusions
- Meals and drinks
- Personal expenses
- Tips and gratuities
- Visas