Family adventure in nairobi, lake naivasha and maasai mara

Kenya is the classic African safari destination and this seven-day family adventure is a great introduction to the continent’s famous residents. The Masai Mara, with its endless grasslands sprinkled with acacia trees and an astonishing variety of wildlife, is the ideal place for children to have their first sightings of lions, elephants, giraffes, and cheetahs. Lake Naivasha, located in the Great Rift Valley, is an unforgettable setting where we have the chance to view hippos on a boat safari. Then in Nairobi, there is the elephant orphanage and giraffe centre where we learn about the conservation work being done to protect these magnificent animals.

DAY 1: Arrival in Nairobi - Visit Elephant Orphanage and Giraffe Centre.

We met at the airport and transferred to the hotel; from the hotel, we transfer to the David Sheldrick Wildlife Trust Elephant Orphanage‎ where we can meet the calves being rehabilitated. These elephants were rescued when they lost their mothers and so are being raised at the orphanage until they can be released back into the wild. To date, wildlife trust has successfully hand-raised over 150 infant elephants. We continue onto the Giraffe Centre, another of Nairobi’s conservation projects. At the centre it is possible to feed the giraffe from an elevated platform and learn more about the work that they do. Return to hotel for Dinner and overnight.

DAY 2: Nairobi - Lake Naivasha

After breakfast at the hotel, we drive northwest to the edge of the Great Rift Valley to take in some spectacular scenery before descending into the valley and onto Lake Naivasha. Surrounded by grassy banks and dotted with floating reed islands, the lake is home to a healthy population of hippos and a tremendous variety of birds. This afternoon, after lunch we enjoy a boat ride on the lake in search of hippos. If we’re lucky we should also see giraffe and antelope grazing on the shores of the lake. Overnight at Lake Naivasha Crescent Camp or similar

Day 3: Crescent Island Game Sanctuary

The Park Where You Walk with the animal

"Crescent Island Sanctuary" is only one. Located on Lake Naivasha, Kenya in the Great Rift Valley. It is simply one of the most beautiful parks in Kenya, often called Naivasha's best-kept secret. It is private, secure and patrolled by Guides who can accompany anyone who wishes for a guided walk. Surrounded by water, it is actually a peninsular and is accessible by boat from East or West as well as by road, taking under two hours on tarmac from Nairobi. Crescent Island Game Sanctuary shores host abundant birdlife especially huge numbers of pelicans, cormorants and fish-eagles with their haunting cry. 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. Dinner and overnight at Lake Naivasha Crescent Camp or similar.

DAY 4: Lake Naivasha - Maasai Mara

This morning we journey south to the Maasai Mara National Reserve. The drive takes approximately 6 hours but we have regular stops along the way. On arriving you will check in to the Mara Sopa lodge for lunch. You will have time to familiarize yourself with the new environment before visiting Maasai Village to learn about the culture and the land of the Maasai tribe. The proud young Maasai warrior-nomads with their plaited hair, red cloaks, and spears, challenge your curiosity. Dinner and overnight at the lodge.  

Day 5: Full day game drive in the Maasai Mara National Reserve

Rising early this morning we embark on a full day game drive in the Maasai Mara National Reserve. During the course of the day, we have a good chance of seeing a multitude of wildlife as we explore Mara’s vast open plains. The Maasai Mara is one of the most famous ecosystems in the world and with good reason. This huge expanse of grassland is home to an astonishing variety of wildlife such as elephant, buffalo, zebra, crocodile, ostrich, hyena, rhino, cheetah, leopard and lion. Between mid-August to late October, one of the greatest spectacles on Earth takes place in the Masai Mara – the annual wildebeest migration. Over one million wildebeest are joined by zebra and gazelle as they move into the reserve seeking fresh grazing. Nothing is guaranteed on safari, but with the help of our brilliant guides, you should see and learn a huge amount about the resident wildlife as we game drive through the park this afternoon. Mara Sopa Lodge or similar

Day 6: Optional Morning Game drive - Nairobi

There is one last chance to go into the reserve for an optional morning game drive before we say goodbye to the Masai Mara and return to the bustling metropolis of Nairobi. This is another 6-hour drive but we should arrive at the hotel with plenty of time to relax, freshen up and enjoy the hotel’s facilities. In the evening the driver will take you to have dinner at Carnivore Restaurant.
The carnivore is the ultimate 'beast of a feast’ a variety of meats including ostrich, crocodile and camel, are roasted over charcoal and carved at your table. Delicious side dishes and an exceptional array of sauces complement this fixed price feast that also includes soup, a selection of desserts and Kenyan coffee. Set in attractive tropical gardens, the service and the décor are outstanding.  Return to hotel for overnight.

Day 7: Airport Transfer

Morning After breakfast, Transfer to the Airport as you say goodbye to the open expanses of
the African bush and return to the bustling metropolis of Nairobi, Kenya flight back home.