Masai Mara Safari Deluxe
See two of Kenya’s gems in style and comfort and get a taste for the country's extraordinary beauty - from the flamingo lakes in the Rift Valley to one of Africa’s showpiece parks, the Masai Mara.
Along the way you will be enjoying world-class accommodation at two of Kenya’s premier eco-lodges, complete with fine dining and professional guides. And what better way to experience the African plains than from the basket of a hot air balloon at dawn followed by a champagne breakfast? Book the Masai Mara Safari Deluxe tour and let us show you Kenya at its best.
Itinerary
| Day 1 - Nairobi to Lake Elementaita | Meals: L D |
On the first morning we will leave the hustle and bustle of Nairobi behind us and head to the small but beautiful soda lake, Lake Elementaita. Home to numerous flamingos and over 400 species of bird, Elementaita is perfect for relaxing next to or – for those who like to be more active – go horse riding, on a bird spotting walk or simply soak in the natural thermal spa waters that flow into the lake. The newly built eco-lodge, Sunbird Lodge, will accommodate you in luxury in this stunning setting beside the ethereal beauty of the lake. For your evening meal, the lodge’s top chefs will prepare you a sumptuous meal in the intimate and romantic restaurant as you sit next to the open fire and watch the sun setting over the lake.
Accommodation: Sunbird Lodge
| Day 2 - Lake Elementaita - Lake Nakuru | Meals: B L D |
Today you will set out on a full day’s game drive to Lake Nakuru National Park. The lake is usually full of algae, on which the numerous resident flamingos feed, contributing to their colouring and making this one of the greatest avian spectacles anywhere in the world. Both species can be found here: the Lesser flamingo, distinguished by its red carmine bill and pink plumage, and its Greater cousin, which is slightly larger and has a black tip on its bill. The area around Lake Nakuru National Park has recently been widened to include a rhino sanctuary - making it one of the largest concentrations of these animals in the country. Other species that are commonly found in this intimate park include Rothschild’s giraffe, waterbuck and giant python, with lions and leopards also making an occasional appearance. Lunch will be served in the park at a superb dining spot overlooking the lake, and is followed by a continuation of the game drive before returning to Sunbird Lodge for another exceptional dinner and a good night’s sleep before our journey continues.
Accommodation: Sunbird Lodge
| Day 3 - Lake Elementaita to Masai Mara | Meals: B L D |
After breakfast you will be driven across the floor of the Great Rift Valley - the longest rift in the crust of the earth - just in time for lunch at the exceptional Karen Blixen Camp in the Masai Mara. This is one of the premier safari camps in Kenya, set in a beautiful location in the Mara North Conservancy.. Named after the Danish writer of ‘Out of Africa’, the Karen Blixen Camp is set on the banks of the Mara River making it possible to view the spectacle of wildlife directly from your safari chair in the camp’s lush gardens. Here, you will sleep in luxury canvas tents on wooden bases, each with its own veranda and tastefully furnished with large comfortable beds, Persian rugs and sofas and with unrestricted open views to the bush. Over the next three days you will experience some of the finest game viewing Africa has to offer all from a base of luxurious accommodation. Meals are prepared by the internationally experienced chefs, with help from students at the lodge's very own cooking school, using herbs and vegetables from the organic garden, and featuring a range of choices that will suit every palate.
| Day 4 - Masai Mara | Meals: B L D |
Depending on whether the migration is underway, today will involve a drive down to the river or across the plains in search of the scores of wildebeest who gather here, or admiring the year-round resident game which can be found. Whatever the time of year, today is an amazing wildlife safari extravaganza with an experienced and knowledgeable guide in one of the camp’s open sided 4x4 land cruisers. You can choose to either spend the whole day out in the bush in search of game, or you can return to the camp in time for lunch and an afternoon siesta before your early evening game drive. Each evening at the Karen Blixen Camp is rounded off with sunset cocktails followed by a delicious meal beside an open fire.
| Day 5 - Masai Mara | Meals: B L D |
This morning you can experience one of the most magical activities in the Mara. Included in your stay at the Karen Blixen camp is the chance to experience the Mara plains from a different perspective - in a hot air balloon. You will wake in the early morning and enjoy lift off in the crisp morning air, spending the next hour drifting peacefully and quietly above the plains and rivers and observing the wildlife below as the sun spreads slowly over the plains. When your adventure is over you will enjoy a champagne breakfast in the bush near where you touched down. More wildlife viewing opportunities will be possible later that morning as you take a scenic game drive back to camp. This will be an amazing and unforgettable day which will end in style with a bush dinner prepared by the camp. Please note - the balloon safari is operated by a third party and attracts an extra fee. See pricing information for more details.
| Day 6 - Masai Mara to Nairobi | Meals: B |
This morning is your last in the Masai Mara. We suggest you request an early morning wakeup call and enjoy one last game experience before returning to the camp for breakfast. You will then be taken to the airstrip in time for your scheduled flight to Nairobi’s Wilson Airport. Upon arrival in Nairobi there will be time for a pleasant lunch before you are driven to the international airport or your hotel. You will have had a superb week in Kenya, and if you fancy lingering a little longer you can just contact one of our travel consultants and they will be happy to advise of extension possibilities - from relaxing breaks on Kenya's tropical beaches, hotel accommodation in Nairobi or further wildlife viewing opportunities in east Africa.
Included
- Full board accommodation at Sunbird Lodge for 2 nights and Karen Blixen Camp for 3 night
- Park entrance fees
- Game drives and sightseeing in a custom built safari minibus at Elementaita and in an open-sided 4 x 4 in the Masai Mara
- Professional English speaking driver guide
- Government taxes and levies
- All drinks at Karen Blixen Camp (Excluding champagne and luxury spirits)
- All transportation as per itinerary
Excluded
- International air fares
- International and domestic departure tax
- Visas
- Travel and health insurance
- Drinks at Sunbird Lodge
- Gratuities to your guide, hotel staff and porters
- Balloon flight available for a surcharge of USD450
- Any personal purchases and anything not mentioned under 'Included in the Price'
Arrival & Departure Information - Kenya`s International airport is called Jomo Kenyatta International Airport. Upon arrival you will be met by a representative from Albatros Kenya and introduced to your driver guide who will accompany you on the beginning part of your safari. You will also be transferred to the airport at the end of your safari for your onward arrangements. Depending on your flight timings it may be necessary to have an overnight in Nairobi at the beginning or end of your safari (at an additional cost). Please let us know if you would like to be picked up at a hotel or the airport. If you have already booked your flight, let us know your flight details.
Time difference - GMT +3 hours
Capital City - Nairobi (Kenya) Dodoma (Tanzania)
Major Languages - Swahili & English
Plug Size - British 13 amp three pin plug
Voltage - 230V
International Dialling Code - +254 (Kenya) +255 (Tanzania)
Rates quoted are inclusive of current statutory taxes but are subject to change in case of any taxation or levy increases
Type of vehicles used:
Safari Mini Bus
What to wear:
Weather - Given Kenya’s equatorial location, the climate is warm year round, however it can get chilly in the early morning and evenings. The weather in Tanzania varies from tropical near the coast (hot & humid) to temperate in the north east highlands. Tanzania`s interesting and varied geography causes differing climatic conditions, and it can be cool at night.
Remember to pack - A fleece jacket for early morning and late evenings, long sleeved tops and light trousers for the evenings, sensible walking shoes, a sun-hat and a swimming costume.
Health and vaccinations:
Health Requirements - Yellow fever certificate required if arriving from an endemic area. Please visit your doctor for further medical precautionary advise.
Visa requirements:
Visas - Certain nationalities (including Europeans and citizens of United States of America) require a visa to enter Kenya & Tanzania. The current cost of a single-entry visa is USD50 per person. Visas can be purchased on arrival, for most national, in all major currencies.
Get a quote