Classic Majestic Kenya Safari

CLASSIC MAJESTIC KENYA SAFARI

PROGRAM OVERVIEW:
Classic Majestic Kenya Safari features among the most attractive Kenya’s parks and reserves. Starting from Amboseli National Park known for its great view of Mt. Kilimanjaro and large herds of elephants, The Naivasha’s Crescent Island is one among Kenya’s beautiful secrets where you will get to enjoy game viewing on foot!, to the Masai Mara Game Reserve the arena to one of greatest spectacle on earth, the wildebeest migration.

Guided by our very own talented and professional driver guides who are very passionate of what they do & are  very good animal spotters, you are guaranteed to enjoy each unique park in the itinerary with the diversity each destination in the itinerary has to offer! Accommodation is carefully selected and is ideal for families, couples, honeymooners, big and small groups.

We use our own very well maintained safari minivans and 4X4s specially designed and built for African safari terrain. No need to worry about strangers in the vehicle as all our safaris are strictly on PRIVATE basis!
ITINERARY IN BRIEF:

YOUR DETAILED ITINERARY

DAY 1 : ARRIVAL /NAIROBI
JAMBO! Upon arrival at Jomo Kenyatta International Airport in Nairobi, you will be met by Classic Journeys Africa Customer Care Representative who will assist you with the transfer to your hotel. Before checking in at hotel, he will brief you on your program ahead and introduce the Driver Guide who will be with you throughout the safari. 

Accommodation: Macushla House
Meals: Breakfast

DAY 2 : AMBOSELI NATIONAL PARK
This morning after breakfast, you will drive to Amboseli National Park which is famous for its large elephant population roaming across the vast grassy plains, the big five, and the majestic views of Mt. Kilimanjaro the highest mountain in Africa among other species of flora and fauna.

Arrive at Amboseli in time for lunch followed by an afternoon game viewing drive in the park.

Accommodation: Amboseli Serena Lodge
Meal Plan: Full Board

DAY 3 : AMBOSELI NATIONAL PARK
Full day in the Amboseli National Park with two game drives. You drive through across this vast lake bed, often dry but swampy in some areas. We have a lot of game here like cheetah, buffalo, giraffe, gazelles and herds of elephants all set against the amazing back drop of majestic Mount Kilimanjaro showing all its glory.

If you wish, for a nominal fee, you can also visit a Masai Village to experience this nomadic tribe’s way of life and see their colorful culture.

Accommodation: Amboseli Serena Lodge
Meal Plan: Full Board

DAY 4: LAKE NAIVASHA
After your breakfast, you will depart for Lake Naivasha to arrive in time for check in and lunch. You will then spend the afternoon at leisure followed by an evening boat ride to the crescent island – The Park where you walk with the Animals!
There is just one “Crescent Island Game Park” and it is located on Lake Naivasha, Kenya in the Great Rift Valley. There are more animals per acre than any other Kenyan Park, hence many film companies have been to the Island to film the herds of Wildebeest, Waterbuck, Zebra and Gazelle.
They are not fenced in, which allows the wildlife on the mainland to come in as they lose their habitat to development and the ever increasing population. Hippo graze all over us at night then sleep under the acacia or rest in the water by day. The giraffe who were born on the Island return to give birth; sometimes you see three generations at a time. Hyena come to hunt at night but are not resident on the island, the many python that live here can be seen occasionally with a kill. Groups of Buffalo come and go but they are always monitored.
From the top of the hill there is a 360 degree view across the Lake from Longonot to Hell’s Gate to the Mau Escarpment to Eburu and onto the Aberdares.  Walking along the ridge in the golden hour before sunset whilst watching the animals grazing with the water shimmering beyond is what Africa is all about. Take a boat back to the lodge.

Overnight: Lake Naivasha Sopa Lodge
Meal Plan: Full Board

DAY 5 : MASAI MARA NATIONAL RESERVE
After breakfast and a short briefing by your driver guide, drive to the world-famous Masai Mara National Reserve, backdrop to ‘the greatest wildlife spectacle on earth’, the annual migration of over one million wildebeest.  Arrive in time for lunch at your lodge.
Spend the afternoon on safari in Kenya’s most popular reserve. Arrive back in lodge in time for campfire cocktails and dinner.

Located at the very centre of the famous ‘Mara Triangle’ in the world-renowned Masai Mara National Reserve, the Mara Serena Safari Lodge is the ultimate safari destination. Set high on a bush-cloaked hill with long views over the savannah and down to the winding coils of the hippo-filled Mara River, it stands centre-stage to one of Africa’s most dramatic wildlife arenas, providing our guests with a ringside seat to the ‘greatest wildlife show on earth’, the legendary migration of the wildebeest.

Styled to echo the circular motif of a traditional Maasai manyatta, our Masai Mara safari lodge blends international sophistication with raw African beauty, while featuring twin rows of individual rooms, each with its own view of the famous Mara River. The central bar and dining areas enjoy spectacular views, as does the rock-surround swimming pool. Each uniquely-presented room is accommodated in its own stand-alone modular unit, with uninterrupted views, private balcony and spacious seating area.

Overnight: Mara Serena Lodge    
Meal Plan: Full Board

DAY 6 & 7: MARA NATIONAL RESERVE
Your two days will be spent on safari in Africa’s richest wildlife viewing arena. Historically teeming with wildlife, the Mara hosts Kenya’s largest lion prides and elephant herds. Other predators include leopard, cheetah and spotted hyena; while in the Mara River you will see fat pods of hippo and vast Nile crocodiles.
Other highlights include giraffe tops, gazelle, zebra, buffalo and over 550 species of birds.

Take the opportunity to fly over the Mara in a Hot air Balloon at an extra cost. The balloon package includes a champagne breakfast in the wild! If you can spare the money, viewing abundant game afloat a balloon is an unforgettable experience. Alternatively visit a Masai village and get learn the Masai culture at an extra cost.

Overnight: Mara Serena Lodge    
Meal Plan: Full Board

DAY 8 : DEPARTURE
After breakfast at the lodge, bid farewell to the Masai Mara as you set on your journey back to Nairobi.  Drive back down the Great Rift Valley to Nairobi, passing the dormant volcano, Mount Longonot, and lakes Elementeita and Naivasha on the way. Keep an eye out for herds of giraffe and gazelle and head up the escarpment. You will arrive in Kenya’s bustling capital city Nairobi in the early afternoon. Spend time doing last minute shopping. Lunch is your own arrangements
Transfer to Nairobi’s Jomo Kenyatta International Airport in time for your departure flight. Bid farewell to Africa until the next time

Say good bye to the wonderful country and promise to join us on another expedition!

Inclusions

• Accommodation as stipulated in the itinerary.
• Transportation in a private chauffeur driven custom made safari minivan/ A 4 x 4 can be provided at an additional supplement.
• Services of an English speaking driver-guide, game viewing drives and parks entrance fees as indicated in the itinerary./Spanish or French speaking guide can be provided at no extra cost
• All Government taxes and levies.
• Complimentary 1500 ml mineral water per person per day in the safari vehicle.
• All meet and greet services.
• All arrival and departure transfers.
• 24 hours stand-by contact number.
• Meals as indicated in the itinerary.
• Exclusive use of the vehicle.
• All park entrance fees.
• Two-way long range high frequency radio communication in each vehicle.
• On safari accessories in each vehicle: – First-aid kit, wildlife books, a pair of binoculars, cool box and fire extinguisher.
• Flying doctors coverage which covers you within East Africa for a period of 14 days. In the eventuality of a medical emergency, you will be airlifted to Nairobi where you will be taken to a good hospital. Hospital bills are born by the patient.
• Christmas and Easter supplements of USD $ 40 per person applicable on the Easter dates and Christmas dates

Exclusions

• All items of personal nature e.g. telephone call bills, fax/email bills etc.
• Tips and gratuities to hotel, lodges, camp staff and driver- guide(s).  Budget approx. $ 2.00 – $ 4.00 per person per day for lodge and hotel staff, $ 1.00 per bag for porters and $ 5.00 – $ 10.00 per person per day for driver-guides).
• Alcoholic and non-alcoholic drinks,
• Any local or international flight and departure taxes.
• Laundry services.
• Any other item(s) not included in our itinerary.
• Visa fees

TYPICAL DAY ON SAFARI
Our professional guides are there to assist you every step of the way.  Even though there is a general outline of your safari, your guide will talk with you regarding each day’s plans.  He will tell you about the country you are visiting, its history, traditions, the area you are visiting, what you see; he will take you to the loveliest places, look after any formalities or negotiations with the local people, and take care of your safety and comfort. They all are proficient in bush craft, and can also tell you about the local traditions, wildlife, identify the birds, and help you learn more about the world around you. All our guides speak English as well as their local language and some speak French and Spanish as well. Days will vary depending on your specific schedule, road conditions, and what you would like to do. A typical day may unfold like this:

You will get up before dawn when hot coffee and tea are served.  The air is cold as the sun rises and shimmers on the open plains.  This is the best time to see the wildlife.  Your camera is ready to go and you have layered your clothing to keep you warm.  Head into the bush and search for lions, elephant, giraffe and plains game.   Each turn will offer something unique – a lioness and her cubs, a herd of elephant moving to a waterhole, a cheetah stalking a gazelle.  Your morning game drive lasts about two hours, depending on what you see.  Return to the lodge for a delicious breakfast.  After breakfast there is time to relax from being up at sunrise or now is the time to participate in any additional activities that the lodge may offer – such as walks, village visits, or bike rides.

Lunch is usually served in camp/lodge, unless you are out for a full day’s game drive, when they will have a picnic lunch.  You will head out again in the afternoon; searching for the special species that may have eluded you.  As the sun sets, return to camp for a hot shower. Then indulge in a delicious dinner and after dinner drinks in the lounge. There may also be a chance to sit around the campfire exchanging tales of the bush. Everyone retires early with great anticipation of the next day’s adventure!

When you are out on safari your schedule is flexible at most locations; however, some locations have set times for game drives or walks.  You can always talk with the hosts of the camps/lodge to adjust schedules and they will try to accommodate you.  The restriction will be to stay within park rules and travel times required to get you to your destination.  Your guides will always give their recommendations but are there to listen to your needs.