Scenic Great Rift Valley Safari
4 nights / 5 days
Lake Elmenteita Serena Camp - Maasai Mara Serena Lodge
by Road & Air
Uniquely situated on the shoreline of sapphire-blue Lake Elmenteita where hundreds of thousands of birds congregate, is the small and exclusive Lake Elmenteita Luxury Camp. This area of breathtaking beauty, also home to many rare species of animals, is less than two hours’ drive from Nairobi. Evocatively styled to echo the area’s rich history, the camp blends aristocratic elegance with modern luxury and will offer cuisine and service of fittingly high standards.
From $ 2,388.00 per person
Duration: 5 Days
Nairobi to Soysambu Wildlife Conservancy
0800hrs: Depart Nairobi with your Safari Driver Guide and drive to Soysambu Wildlife Conservancy to arrive at the Lake Elmenteita Serena Camp in the early afternoon.
The nomadic Maasai had passed through the area for centuries and the name Elmenteita derives from the Maasai Ol muteita for “place of dust”. Then in 1897 one of the first pioneers arrived, after walking over 1,000 km south from Berbera on the coast of Somalia. This was the third Baron Delamere, who dedicated his foresight and fortune to pioneering farming methods in the Rift Valley. He moved to Elmenteita in 1906, where he further experimented with sheep and cattle ranching, advised and assisted by the Maasai - with whom he had a great rapport. He named his farm Soysambu, Maasai for “striated rock” - Sambu is also a cow colour.
The Conservancy protects over 450 bird species and 15,000 wild animals. Rothschild giraffes have found a safe haven for breeding here, while a diverse variety of terrain shelters many species - from herds of giant elands to tiny dik-diks and cliff-dwelling klipspringers. Night game-drives offer a unique opportunity to spot nocturnal creatures including the curious-looking aardvark and elusive leopard. Walking is also allowed, with chances to experience the miracles of the bush close-up.
Atmospheric bush dinners beneath the stars, spectacular sundowners and hot-air ballooning over this geologically fascinating part of the Great Rift Valley are just but among the camp’s exciting optional activities available on request. Lake Nakuru National Park and Kariandusi prehistoric site are also nearby.
Lunch in the Camp
1600hrs: Afternoon game viewing drive/escorted nature walk in the conservancy.
Dinner and overnight at the Elmenteita Serena Camp
Soysambu Wildlife Conservancy
After breakfast depart for a morning excursion to the nearby Lake Nakuru National Park for game viewing drives. Return to the Camp in time for lunch.
The park, coloured by a shimmering flamingo pink from thousands of the beautiful birds lining its shores, is a popular place with visitors as well as locals. Waterbuck are usually sighted along the lake shore, and this is the home of the Rothschild’s giraffe. Baboon, impala, buffalo, monkeys, warthog, impala, reedbuck and eland are also resident here. However, the main attractions are the rhinos.
A designated rhino sanctuary, the park is one of the best places in Kenya to observe these endangered species. Both black and white Rhinos thrive here. Besides the greater and lesser flamingos, the park is home to many other species including, the Great crested Grebe, the black necked Grebe, little Grebe, Pelicans, Cormorant, African Darter, Egyptian Geese, night Heron, Fish Eagle, grey Heron, Marabou stork, Sacred and Hadada Ibis.
1200hrs: Drive back to the Camp for lunch followed by an afternoon at leisure to enjoy the Camp facilities or opt for one of the optional activities offered by the Camp.
Dinner and overnight at the Elmenteita Serena Camp
Soysambu Wildlife Conservancy via Nairobi and fly to the Magical Maasai Mara
0730hrs: After an early breakfast in the Camp, drive to Nairobi to arrive at Nairobi Serena Hotel for an early lunch. After lunch transfer to Nairobi Wilson airport to catch the scheduled flight to Maasai Mara game reserve departing at 1515hrs.
Met on arrival at Mara Serena Airstrip and proceed to Mara Serena Safari Lodge for check-in before proceeding for a game viewing drive in the reserve.
Mara Serena Safari Lodge
Perched on the saddle of a hill, the Mara Serena Safari Lodge has one of the most spectacular views imaginable across the vast plains, forests and rivers that make up the Maasai Mara – one of the world’s richest wildlife sanctuaries. It is on this very terrain that the annual migration takes place when millions of zebra, wildebeest and gazelle cross the plains below, on their way to the rich new grasses of the Serengeti. This is a spectacle that should be witnessed at least once in a lifetime. (End of July/August is an ideal time to witness the spectacle though timings may vary depending on natural reasons i.e the rains)
The lodge has been designed to mirror a traditional Maasai village or Manyatta and all the guest rooms are located in individual domed huts grouped in a circular manner. The furnishings of each room have been inspired by traditional Maasai art and each one has a private balcony with views that stretch over the vast African landscape.
Enjoy an afternoon game drive in the reserve. This marks your first encounter with the marvels of nature. Maasai Mara Game Reserve is regarded as one of the most magnificent natural theatre in the world. Set in the heart of Africa’s Great Plains, the Maasai Mara boasts 1,672 square kilometres of unspoilt wilderness. It is home to the highest concentration of animals and birds anywhere on the continent.
Return to the lodge in time to refresh for dinner.
Dinner and Overnight at the Mara Serena Safari Lodge
Safari in the Magical Maasai Mara
Full day in the Mara with morning and afternoon game viewing drives in the reserve. Masai Mara is a magnificent landscape of open plains bisected by the Mara River and its tributaries, and punctuated by marshes and forests. Certainly the most frequented game reserve in Kenya, this 650 sq kilometres reserve supports the highest density of game to be seen anywhere. During the seasonal migrations, Masai Mara is home to up to a million wildebeest and an equally impressive number of zebras that move into the area from neighbouring Serengeti National Park, in Tanzania.
The reserve is home to all the “big five” and it is also possible to observe; baboon, eland, ostrich, bat-eared fox, jackal. You'll see lots of elephants here often in large herds, as well as - if you're lucky - leopard, cheetah and rhino. You're sure to see the African buffalo. The rivers abound with hippos and crocodiles Get the cameras ready, stock up on film and enjoy yourselves!
This morning crown your Game viewing experience with a “Bush Breakfast” by the Mara River Hippo Pools!! A 15 minutes drive gets you to a hearty welcome; one cannot resist the charming “Jambo” from the chefs as they welcome you to our wonderfully set breakfast buffer of hot dishes made to your specifications as you wait. The hippos keep you company and only say “Kwaheri” after you have had enough.
All meals and overnight at the Mara Serena Safari Lodge
Fly back to Nairobi
Breakfast at the Mara Serena Safari Lodge. After breakfast transfer to the Mara Serena airstrip for your scheduled flight to Nairobi departing at 1015hrs to arrive at Nairobi’s Wilson Airport at 1145hrs.
On arrival you will be met by a Serena Hotels Representative and transfer you to the Nairobi Serena Hotel (day room/accomodation can be arranged on request) or to Jomo Kenyatta International Airport for your flight home.
Alternatively, you can opt for an extension trip to our fabulous Serena Beach Resort and Spa, on Kenya’s stunning Indian Ocean coastline!
Includes:
- Four night’s full-board accommodation at Lake Elementeita Serena Camp & Mara Serena Safari Lodge.
- Ground transportation in custom made Safari 4x4WD Land Cruiser on exclusive basis and seat in vehicle basis in Maasai Mara.
- Nairobi/Mara/Nairobi scheduled flights.
- Services of English speaking driver guides.
- Conservancy & Park entrance fees.
- Airport/Airstrip transfers as per the itinerary.
Excludes:
- International Airfares & Visa entry charges to Kenya.
- All items of expenditure of a personal nature, such as: drinks, laundry, telephone calls, gratuities, personal travel insurances etc.
Costs
Validity and Package Cost
3rd January, February, March & June 2012
FROM US $ 2,585.00* per person sharing & US $ 3,146.00* per person in single room
1st April to 31st May 2012
FROM US $ 2,244.00* per person sharing & US $ 2,520.00* per person in single room
July, August, September, October, 23rd December 2012 to 2nd January 2013
FROM US $ 2,772.00* per person sharing & US $ 3,390.00* per person in single room
1st November to 22nd December 2012
FROM US $ 2,410.00* per person sharing & US $ 2,864.00* per person in single room
*Minimum 2 pax
*Christmas supplement $ 40.00 per person per day applicable on 24th , 25th , 26th & 31st Dec 2012 – 1st Jan 2013
*Easter supplement $ 35.00 per person per day
Terms & conditions
Rates: All rates are quoted on a per person basis unless otherwise stated and are inclusive of all relevant taxes, levies, surcharges and service charges. Tour costs are based on all known costs and rates of exchange as at the 01st July 2011. Should these be subject to change in the interim (due to reasons beyond the control of Serena Hotels), they will be passed on to the client. Serena Hotels retains the right to alter any arrangements (as outlined above), which may become necessary due to prevailing local conditions/and/or events beyond our control.
Confirmations and deposits: Upon confirmation of your safari details, we will require a 25% non-refundable deposit on the total cost of the tour, the balance of which must be paid 30 days prior to your arrival. We regret that in the absence of the above, we will be unable to confirm your safari; and in the absence of our receipt of full payment as indicated, your reservation will be cancelled (with the forfeit of the 25% deposit indicated).
Cancellations: All cancellations must be made in writing to Serena Hotels at the address indicated below. Cancellations will be incurred as indicated below:
Between 30-45 days prior to date of commencement of tour:no refund of deposit.
Below 30 days prior to the date of the commencement of the tour no refund of the remaining tour costs.
Refunds/cancellation levies: We regret that in the event that any portion of your safari is unused (after the safari has commenced) no refunds regarding the unused portion will be possible. Note: these cancellation terms do not include the cancellation penalties levied on airfares (locally or internationally).
Payment: We accept payment via the following credit cards: Visa, Access/Master Card, American Express, JCB, Senator, Diners Club International. We also accept proprietary traveller’s cheques. We regret that we are unable to accept personal cheques in the absence of prior clearance.
Child policy: Children under the age of two sharing a room with one or two adults are accommodated on a complimentary basis. Children between the ages of two and twelve sharing a room with one or two adults will be charged 50% of the adult rate or 75% of this rate if they are accommodated in a separate room. Young adults between the age of 13 and 17 years of age will be charged 75% of the adult rate regardless of whether they are sharing a room with their accompanying adults, or occupying a room of their own.
Tour completion preclusion: Serena Hotels retains the right to deny completion of the stated tour (as outlined above) to any person who, for whatsoever reason, is deemed to have caused undue hazard or inconvenience to his/her fellow travellers.
