Rift Valley and Masai Mara safari
A perfect mini break that won’t ‘break’ the bank. Two of Kenya’s finest destinations. A ‘Great Lake’ and a ‘wildlife marvel’ you couldn’t ask for more on a three night adventure through Kenya.
A perfect mini break that won’t ‘break’ the bank. Two of Kenya’s finest destinations. A ‘Great Lake’ and a ‘wildlife marvel’ you couldn’t ask for more on a three night adventure through Kenya.
Sopa Lodges create the perfect base from which to view the lake and its birds and explore the plains and its animals.
Itinerary
| Day 1 - Lake Naivasha | Meals: L D |
Arriving in Kenya is exciting, the start of your safari even more so. You will be met by a smiling Albatros face and introduced to your driver guide. Then your off! The Great Rift Valley is calling. The view from the top is stunning as you slowly make you way down and towards the first of its great lakes. Lake Naivasha is a fresh water lake, home to hundreds of hippos and a small island called Crescent Island. You will arrive in time for lunch on the green lawns and have the afternoon free to choose what you wish to do. Boat rides to explore the lake shore, or a walk on Crescent Island to stretch your legs. Back at the lodge dinner is served when you’re ready, you might even get a surprise visitor in the shape of a hippo while you’re eating.
Accommodation: Naivasha Sopa
| Day 2 - Masai Mara National Reserve | Meals: B L D |
The highlight on this mini trip is your visit to the Masai Mara National Reserve. After breakfast you will make your way there. As soon as you’re through the gates you can easily see why the Masai Mara is so magical. Home to countless wildlife documentaries and some of the best game viewing in Africa, the Mara is a once in a life time experience. The Mara Sopa lodge is also a great place from which to base yourself for the next couple of days. With a swimming pool, well stocked reading selection and great service you will be very well looked after. After a late lunch the park awaits so head out in search of the game you have been waiting for. As the sun sets find a quiet spot and enjoy one of the best sunset you will ever experience. Back at the lodge a beautiful dinner is served and can be enjoyed inside or out.
Accommodation: Mara Sopa
| Day 3 - Masai Mara National Reserve | Meals: B L D |
Sunrise in the Mara is a hive of activity as the animals begin their day before the heat forces them to take to the shade. This is the best and prime time to enjoy a game drive. You can choose to either have breakfast out in the bush (at an additional cost) or back at the lodge under the trees. As you wait for your next game drive you may want to visit the local Masai community (at an additional cost) and experience what life is like in the wild. Learning about their traditions and ways of life is fascinating. After a late lunch you can go out on your final game drive before returning to the lodge in time to toast your safaris as the sun goes down. A final dinner and drinks by the camp fire is the perfect way to end a magical three days.
Accommodation: Mara Sopa
| Day 4 - Masai Mara National Reserve - Nairobi | Meals: B |
Time to leave…but if you don’t think you have had your fill of Kenya then we offer a fantastic array of post safari beach extensions for you to enjoy…so as you climb back up the escarpment, have a think…are you really ready to leave Kenya? If you decide that you would like to extend for a few days at the beach or another safari location, please get in touch with Albatros who will be delighted to organise this for you.
Included
- Full board accommodation at both Sopa Lodges
- All game drives
- Transfers with an english speaking driver guide
- All goverment taxes and levies
Excluded
- All drinks whilst on Safari
- Visa's
- International flights
- Items of a personal nature
- Tips
Tour starts/ends:
Starts: Jomo Kenyatta International Airport (Nairobi) upon your arrival
Ends: Jomo Kenyatta International Airport (Nairobi) in time for your departure flight home
Note: we can also pick you up or drop you off at the hotel of your choice in the greater Nairobi area if you notify us in advance.
Expected group size:
On regular group tours the expected total group size is between 2 and 10 travellers.
Type of vehicles used:
For transfers to and from the airport and long distance trips reliable and modern minibuses are used. Please note that we cannot guarantee air conditioning.
On safari drives open-topped jeeps are used.
Food and drink:
The food prepared at the lodges and/or hotels on this tour will be of an international nature and suited to a broad range of visitors. If you have any specific dietary requirements please let us know in advance so that we can inform the lodges and hotels along the route. Alcoholic drinks, unless specifically mentioned in the itinerary, are not included in the price.
Baggage and what to bring:
Important note: If your itinerary includes a leg of the journey on a light aircraft then please be advised that the maximum TOTAL weight allowance including hand luggage is 15kg (approx 33lbs) and all luggage must be in a soft bag i.e. NOT a suitcase.
We recommend that you do not forget to pack the following:
- Insect repellant cream/spray
- Camera and binoculars
- A torch (flashlight)
- A waterproof/dustproof bag
What to wear:
Although Kenya lies in the tropics it can get chilly in the evenings and early mornings. On this trip we recommend that you include the following in your baggage:
- A pair of sturdy lightweight shoes or boots
- Light coloured clothing with long sleeves and legs for the evenings and early mornings
- A hat to keep the strong sun off your head
Level of ability required:
Although there will be no special strength and fitness requirements, please note that safari lodges situated in remote areas are by their very nature lacking in many of the modern conveniences found in cities. For this reason please be prepared for uneven floors and sometimes challenging access.
You must be able-bodied and have the ability to move independently without help on this tour.
Health and vaccinations:
You should speak to your health provider about what vaccinations you will need for your trip to Kenya. In addition, most doctors recommend using anti malarial pills for your visit and taking measures to avoid being bitten by mosquitos, such as covering up exposed arms and legs. Lodges will provide mosquito nets over the beds.
If you take any medication, be sure to bring it with you, as well as details of your prescription.
We advise all travellers to take out comprehensive travel insurance before their trip.
While you are away:
If you are away on holiday with Albatros Travel in Kenya and someone needs to get in touch with you urgently, they can call our emergency number, which is +254 722 521686
Bringing Electronic Equipment:
If you are bringing electronic equipment to Kenya, such as a digital camera, laptop computer, smartphone etc. and need to plug it into a wall socket then you should consider buying a voltage surge protector. Voltage in Kenya is set to 220v. Most (modern) electronic equipment can switch automatically to this voltage, but it is best to check the label on the power supply. Most lodges provide electrical power by way of a generator, so to protect your equipment against voltage surges it is advisable to but a voltage surge protector. Plugs in Kenya are of the British 3 pin variety, so if you are coming from outside of the UK you will need to buy some adapters, which are readily available at airport stores.
Phones and Connectivity:
If you are planning on bringing your mobile phone and/or wifi enabled laptop to Kenya you should bear the following in mind. Kenya's phone system supports 3G, and this is how most telecommunications are managed. Furthermore, many safari lodges and hotels offer wifi to their guests, and there are numerous other hotspots around the country. If you want to stay in touch during your stay in Kenya the best course of action is to buy a credit-loaded sim card for your phone/mobile device in Nairobi, and then connect to the internet and make phone calls via this.
Getting to and from Kenya:
Many carriers fly directly to Nairobi's Jomo Kenyatta International Airport and, to a lesser extent, Moi International Airport in Mombasa. If you arrive a day or two before the start of your tour, we can help you to arrange hotel accommodation and book excursions for you. Please note that the price of this tour does not include international airfares.
Tipping and Other Costs:
Tips are expected in Kenya by anyone who provides you with a service. This could range from porters and waiters to drivers and local people whose photo you would like to take. As a general rule, it is polite to provide driver/guides with about $10 per day if they give a good service. Tips should be in Kenyan Shillings, as staff will find it difficult to use foreign currency. Other than money for tips we advise you to bring extra money on your trip to buy drinks and handicrafts.
Insurance:
Please note that travel insurance is not included in the price of this tour. We suggest that you take out a comprehensive policy from a reputable provider. If you want the peace of mind of knowing that you have an air ambulance available during your trip you could consider taking out temporary membership of the Flying Doctors.
Visa requirements:
Depending on your nationality you will probably need a tourist visa to enter Kenya for this tour. The current cost of a single-entry tourist visa is USD 50 per person and these can be purchased on arrival, for most nationals, in all major currencies.
For more comprehensive information visit the Project Visa website.
Cancellations:
If you need to cancel your trip for whatever reason, please get in touch with as soon as possible.
For more information about cancellations and refunds please refer to our general Terms & Conditions.
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