Ultimate Safari of Kenya with Rwanda Gorillas Extension

Nairobi is the largest city between Cairo and Johannesburg. Just south of the equator, Nairobi enjoys a spring-like climate. It is a modern city with its main avenues ablaze with colour from tropical bushes and vines.

Less than 100 years ago, there was a river in an empty wilderness where Nairobi now stands Nairobui has long attracted world attention as the centre of big-game safaris for the rich and famous. Perhaps the most famous historical safari was that of Teddy Roosevelt, who had 500 porters.

On arrival you will be transferred to the hotel where you will meet your Big Journey Company representative.

We have an early departure from Nairobi as we head north to Samburu by safari vehicle. We make a stop in Nyeri, a town in the Central Highlands, where we have lunch in a local restaurant.

Samburu National Reserve (225 sq. km) offers what is arguably Kenya’s greatest - and least changed - encounter with wild Africa. This harsh, savagely beautiful wilderness depends on the steady flow of the Uaso Nyiro River for its existence; the river waters a wide variety of animal species not found south of the Equator, including the majestic Beisa oryx, the reticulated giraffe, the thin-striped Grevy’s zebra, and the ‘giraffe-necked’ gerenuk antelope, which stands on its hind legs to feed. Elephant, buffalo, lion and leopard can all be seen along the river, and the 400-plus species of birds are positively spectacular. Together with neighbouring Buffalo Springs and Shaba National Reserves, this area comprises 844 sq. km of protected semi-desert land.

This area is also the home of the Samburu tribe, cousins of the Masai, who share the same nomadic, cattle-herding existence, and an even stricter adherence to their age-old rites and customs.

In the late afternoon, depart from camp to undertake a game drive in the reserve.

Morning and afternoon game drives.

After an early breakfast we say goodbye to Samburu and drive to Sweetwaters (approx. 31/2 hours by safari vehicle).

Situated between the foothills of the Aberdares and the picturesque Mount Kenya in Laikipia, Ol Pejeta is a private wildlife conservancy located on 90,000 acre ranch in Central Kenya. Here there is a strong commitment to endangered species and it is the largest black rhino sanctuary in East Africa. Ol Pejeta is home to all of the ‘Big 5’, including the endangered white rhino. Other highlights include the Jackson hartebeest and the spotted hyena.

We have lunch at Sweetwaters Serena Camp before we head out again on a game drive in Ol Pejeta Conservancy.

Dinner will be served back at the Camp.

Today the road leads us to the eastern arm of the Great Rift Valley, arriving for lunch at our lodge. We will explore the area of Lake Naivasha, the highest and most beautiful of the lakes which form the Great Rift Valley. It is surrounded by a series of volcanoes and calderas, most notably Mount Longonot, an extinct volcano.

Lake Naivasha’s name comes from the masai word En-aiposha meaning “heaving” or “to and fro” in reference to how turbulent the waters can get in the afternoons. This area is home to resident giraffe, waterbuck and both Vervet and Colobus monkeys and is also a night stop for hippos.

Lake Naivasha is an ornithologist’s paradise, as well as having excellent fishing with tilapia and black bass first introduced by the early settlers. This is the perfect place to relax, walk with a guide or just sit under a canopy of mature shady Yellow Fever trees and listen to the sound of the animals and view the rich bird life.

We enjoy an early breakfast this morning before heading out to Kenya’s richest game reserve: the Masai Mara.

The jewel in Africa’s crown, Masai Mara is host to the most spectacular array of wildlife. Here, 1,510 square kilometres of open savannah, woodlands and tree-lined rivers create an eco-system which supports huge numbers of bird and mammal species. The western border of the park is the spectacular Siria Escarpment, and together with the acacia dotted plains, creates scenery of stunning beauty across the whole region. Lion are found in abundance throughout the park as are elephant, giraffe, a variety of gazelle species and zebra. Cheetah and leopard are also regularly seen and, if lucky, you may also find rhino.

Game viewing is never dull in the Mara, and patience is often rewarded with unique sightings: a pride of lion stalking their prey; a solitary leopard retrieving its kill from the high branches of an acacia tree; male wildebeest sparring to attract females into their harem; even a herd of elephant protecting their young from opportunistic predators. The annual wildebeest migration traditionally is present in the Mara from July-September and at this time nature’s dramas unfold before your very eyes at every turn.

As well as wildlife, the Masai Mara is also home to many members of the colourful Masai tribe who may be seen around the borders of the park - morans (warriors) loping across the plains, young boys herding goats, or elders grouped under a tree discussing matters of the day.

Check-in and lunch upon arrival at the camp (approx. 5 ½ hours by Safari Vehicle).
In the afternoon, depart from camp to undertake a game drive in the reserve before returning to camp early evening for dinner.

The Ashnil Mara Camp is located along the confluence of the Mara and the Olkeju River. The camp is host to an amazing concentration of wildlife which is easily viewed from the camp and it comprises of 40 luxury tents overlooking the plains of the Masai Mara. The tents include luxury en suite bathrooms, walk-in closets and a sun deck for relaxation whilst watching game and listening to the "laughing" hippo sounds.

Each room has thatched roof, private veranda and en suite bathroom (with hot and cold running water and flushed WC) At night, the winding paths between the widely-spaced tents are lit by hurricane lanterns imparting a uniquely magical feel to this unique tented camp.

Day spent undertaking morning and afternoon game drives.

Day spent undertaking morning and afternoon game drives.

An early morning wakeup call before undertaking a last game drive in the Mara. Return to camp for breakfast, departing thereafter to Nairobi.

This evening we will fly from Nairobi into Kigali, Rwanda, ready for our Rwandan adventure tomorrow

After a morning relaxing in your hotel, we will drive to Musanze in the northwest part of Rwanda.

On arrival, we check into our lodge and have some time at leisure before dinner together this evening before our early start tomorrow.

Today will be the most amazing day – a chance to meet the gorillas. Many of our previous guests have enthused about how this experience has touched their soul and made them think differently about the conservation and survival of the mountain gorilla.

A very early morning transfer will be necessary to the Park Office for trekking formalities. Treks vary in duration depending on which gorilla group you are assigned to, and on where those animals have chosen to range.

After locating your assigned gorilla group, you will spend approximately one hour in their company before heading back down the volcano slopes. Lunch is back at the lodge with the afternoon to relax and reflect on this truly special experience.

This morning we will set out into Volcanoes National Park to encounter another endangered species, the Golden Monkeys. This rare species lives at the base of the volcanoes and habituation has helped them to accept their daily visit by researchers and tourists.

Trekking golden monkeys and gorillas is a similar experience – in a small group you can spend one hour with the monkeys once you find them. They are very active creatures, and jump from tree to tree which is really interesting to watch, if a little difficult to photograph!

Afterwards we will drive back to Kigali, Rwanda’s capital. In the evening we will have a farewell dinner and will certainly spend some time reminiscing about all the incredible memories of our trip.

This morning is spent at leisure at the hotel before we arrange for your transfer to Kigali Airport to meet your departing flight back home. Say goodbye to Africa … until next time!