Using the imaginative and well recognized Sarova Lodges, this safari has a consistently comfortable standard of accommodation, including stylish tents in Masai Mara. With lodges located in excellent spots, game-viewing is consistently good, and landscape varied.
Shaba Reserve, located in the ‘northern frontier’ is home to mammals found only north of the equator – the Gerenuk, Grevy’s Zebra, Besia Oryx, reticulated Giraffe and the Somali Ostrich. Lake Nakuru, famous for its prolific birdlife and home to the Rothschild giraffe and rhino is an ideal stop as you cross the country north to south. Finally end your safari in the Masai Mara, home of the big 5 and host to the awesome spectacle known as The Great Migration, generally occurring between July and October.
Added values included at Sarova Shaba, Lionhill and Mara.
Upon arrival into Nairobi, clients will be met and transferred to The Sarova Stanley Hotel. Afternoon at leisure.
Suggested Optional Nairobi Excursions for Early morning arrivals.
Sheldrick Wildlife Trust – Elephant and Rhino Orphanage
Out of Africa Excursion
(Rates for local excursion and other Nairobi local excursions available on request).
The Sarova Stanley Hotel is situated in the city centre, it was where the travelers, including Earnest Hemingway, gathered for a drink at the legendary Thorn Tree Café before or after a long safari. A message board on the acacia xanthophildea tree was used by travelers to make contact with fellow travelers. The 220 room hotel has been refurbished to a high standard and still retains the original Victorian charm. Bedrooms with private bathrooms are very comfortable while the restaurants serve excellent international cuisine. The gym is excellent, pool large and conference facilities extremely modern.
Overnight at The Sarova Stanley Hotel in Stanley (formerly Deluxe) room on a bed and breakfast basis.
Heading north after an early breakfast, you pass near Thika and continue north through some breathtaking scenery dotted with rushing mountain streams and fields of tea and coffee. After Nanyuki town, continue north, eventually reaching a dusty outpost known as Isiolo, the last major stop on the journey into the remote northern frontier district. From here it's a fairly short hop to Shaba, arrival at the lodge in time for lunch and then depart for an afternoon game drive arriving back at the lodge as the sunsets.
Added Value: Sarova Shaba Riverside Breakfast. Enjoy a ‘bubbly’ riverside breakfast, dining against the backdrop of the Ewaso Nyiro River and Shaba game reserve. Delight in this experience, as the wilderness slowly comes alive around you.
Sarova Shaba Game Lodge was made famous by the late Joy Adamson and her lioness Elsa and is often referred to as ‘Born Free Country’. Located on the banks of the Uaso Nyiro River, Sarova Shaba offers a luxury seldom found in a large African bush lodge. There are 80 chalet rooms, or for those looking for a little extra luxury, 4 junior suites and one honeymoon suite. The tranquil flow of sparkling spring water throughout the grounds creates an atmosphere of peace and serenity as it collects and cascades and attracts a great variety of birds. There is also a large pool to enjoy, crocodile feeding, and evening entertainment is provided by local Samburu dancers.
Overnight at Sarova Shaba Game Lodge in a Standard room on a full board basis.
Early morning game drive followed by breakfast. Then for the remainder of the morning, one is able to relax by the pool or terrace, overlooking the river. After lunch there will be another game drive returning to the lodge as the sun sets.
Overnight at Sarova Shaba Game Lodge in a Standard room on a full board basis.
Leaving Shaba behind, travel south through Isiolo, crossing the northernmost foothills of Mount Kenya, until you get to the town of Nanyuki. Head north-west towards Nyahururu, before turning in a southerly direction to your next destination, the spectacular Lake Nakuru. Once in the park, view game en route to the lodge. Following lunch and a siesta, there is an afternoon game drive returning to the lodge as the sun sets. The national park, known for its birdlife, offers a possibility to view flamingoes. It is also home to Black and White rhinos as well as the endangered Rothschild Giraffe.
Added Value: Sarova Lion Hill Game Lodge Bush Lunch
Relish the ultimate safari experience with a perfect outdoor ‘bush’ lunch, al fresco style, as you take in the panoramic views of the lake and the picturesque Lake Nakuru National Park.
Sarova Lion Hill Game Lodge
Overlooking one of the world's greatest ornithological spectacles, Lake Nakuru and its surrounding national park, the lodge is set high on a plateau and offers panoramic views of the shimmering lake in the distance. Here, what feels like millions of flamingos, pelicans and marabou storks always gather and the landscape seems to blossom as natural foliage and a variety of wild flower continually bloom. There are only 65 modern en suite bedrooms here, and meals are excellent and served inside the lodge, by the pool or under a forest of towering acacia trees. The Rift Valley bar is always a great watering spot and is located on the ground floor with great views of the lake.
Overnight at Sarova Lion Hill Game Lodge in a Standard Room on a full board basis.
Following an early morning breakfast leave the flamingo fringed Lake Nakuru behind and head for Njoro town, where you begin your ascent up over the top of the Mau Escarpment; then, heading due south, travel towards Narok, the gateway to the Maasai Mara and district headquarters of this part of Maasailand. Travel across the "breadbasket" of Kenya, covered with acres of wheat and barley, before you reach the Mara in time for lunch. Following lunch and a siesta, there is an afternoon game drive returning to the camp as the sun sets.
Added Value: Sarova Mara Game Camp Dinner under the Skies. Enjoy a unique dining experience under the majesty of a star studded African sky, with a live bar-be-cue demonstration as you sip on your favorite drink and listen to the calls of the wild. Don't be surprised if you are 'joined' by one of the residents of the wild Mara, coming to drink in the water brooks.'
Sarova Mara Game Camp is located inside the eastern section of the Masai Mara and hidden in a wonderful little forested valley away from sight of other Mara visitors. The 75 tents are luxurious with a permanent roof and floor, zip-up fronts, attached bathroom, running hot water supply and electricity. Wooden walkways link the tents and manicured lawns with the main dining / bar areas, and are built over wide lily ponds. Bird life is abundant, with kingfishers’ a specialty. The impressive main building consists of a high thatched lobby, Oloip bar with its cosy log fireplace, a big dining area and outdoor terrace with side-angle views. Food and service are excellent and there is a small private area by the pond for private meals if needed. There is also a sparkling swimming pool surrounded by sun lounges for those who want an alternate activity.
Overnight at Sarova Mara Game Camp in a Deluxe Tent on a full board basis.
Early morning and afternoon game drives. (It is possible to pre-book an optional early morning Balloon Safari at a supplementary cost).
Overnight at Sarova Mara Game Camp in a Deluxe Tent on a full board basis.
Following breakfast depart the Masai Mara and head across acres of rolling wheat and barley farms to Narok, the district headquarters of this part of Maasailand. From here cross the vast plains on the floor of the Rift Valley, before heading up the rift escarpment on a road built by Italian prisoners during World War II. Arrive into Kenya’s bustling capital around mid-day. Once in the city, clients will be dropped off at the airport or at a city centre hotel for ongoing travel arrangements.
End of our services.
Suggested Optional Nairobi Excursions on return to Nairobi ex- Safari.
Lunch or Dinner at Carnivore
Out of Africa Excursion
Shopping trips
(Rates for local excursion and other Nairobi local excursions available on request).
Landside meet and greet services
Transfers as specified
Transport for safari sector in 4x4 vehicles on a Private basis with maximum 7 passengers per vehicle
Guaranteed window seats
Services of experienced bilingual English-speaking driver-guides (languages including Spanish, French, German and Italian are available on request and subject to availability)
Game drives and activities as specified in the itinerary (added values are on shared basis)
All accommodation and meals as specified
All park fees and government taxes (except Zanzibar Infrastructure Tax where applicable)
Filtered water will be provided in safari vehicles provided.
Travellers should bring reusable water bottles
Internal flights (if applicable) as specified in the itinerary inclusive of all airport taxes
International and regional flights (except where specified).
Airport taxes except on tickets we issue.
Passport and visa fees.
Zanzibar Infrastructure Tax (where applicable).
Hot air balloon safaris.
Driver-guide gratuities.
Dining rooms tips and porterage.
Personal travel, baggage, and medical insurance.
Drinks, Laundry, Telephone bills and any items of a personal nature (except where specified).
Hotels Envisaged OR Similar
Nairobi - The Sarova Stanley Hotel in Stanley (formerly Deluxe) room
Shaba Game Reserve - Sarova Shaba Game Lodge in a Standard room
Lake Nakuru - Sarova Lion Hill Game Lodge in a Standard Room
Masai Mara National Reserve - Sarova Mara Game Camp in a Deluxe Tent
Cost of Extra Night in Shaba Game Reserve - Sarova Shaba Game Lodge, Nakuru National Park – Sarova Lion hill Game Lodge and Masai Mara National Reserve – Sarova Mara Game Camp available on request.
*Park and Reserve fees used in these rates are based on current information. Should there be increases in park and/or Reserve fees, these will be passed along for all existing and future bookings.
Extra transfer requests applicable as per below:
Please refer to transfer document for list of hotels within or outside city centre
Clients booking a pre-night in Nairobi at the same base hotel, NO additional arrival transfer will be charged.
On return from safari, drop off at Airport or a city centre hotel is included
Clients requiring a SEPARATE evening or later departure transfer once the safari returns will be charged transfer cost as per transfer document.
Child and Triple Sharing rates available on request.
Extra transfer available on request.
Arrival Information
Earliest check-in at the arrival hotel is 14h00. Travellers arriving on early morning flights are urged to book a pre-night at the arrival hotel (at an additional cost) to avoid delays in accessing the hotel rooms on arrival.
Departure Information
This safari returns to Nairobi at 1330 hrs.
Travellers departing from JKI Airport on a domestic or international flight should book a flight departing later than 1630 hrs.
Travellers with a long layover before their departure flight should consider booking a day room (at an additional cost) to refresh and repack before their international journey.
IMPORTANT Luggage Information
Travellers should only bring soft sided bags on safari. Luggage space in safari vehicles is limited. These bags should measure no more than the following: Height 66 centimetres Length 42 centimetres Width 28 centimetres. Soft sided bags with wheels are permitted.
If travelling on internal flights during your safari, luggage allowances are strictly enforced to 15 kilograms per person including carry-on bags.
If arriving and departing from the same city, bags can be stored in our offices for a one-time fee of AUD 94.00 (per booking, not per bag or per person) to transfer and store the bags and reconnect them with the travellers for departure.
Additional remarks
We may have to re-route the itinerary or accommodate in similar lodges in case of non-availability.
Prices for domestic flights, airport taxes or park fees may be changed without prior notice. This is beyond our control and any increase levied will be passed to you for existing and new bookings.
Flight times mentioned for internal flights are based on published schedules but are subject to change depending on the airline’s load factors and airstrips visited.
Important Note: In this program, the accommodation on Day 1 cannot be changed as program is based on a Circuit. Breaking the circuit will entail supplementary costs.
Christmas, New Year Eve and Easter Supplement will be charged if applied by the hotel.
Easter Supplement valid from 18 April 2025 to 21 April 2025 inclusive in the quoted rates.