8 Days Aberdares, Samburu, Sweetwaters, Lake Nakuru, Masai Mara Safari

Safari Brief: A delightful journey for Africa vacationers for an unforgettable discovery of African paradises. This Kenyan  Safari highlights the prolific Aberdares, the unique Samburu, Sweetwaters Game Reserve, Lake Nakuru and Masai Mara

---------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------

A brief on adventure possibilities of an Aberdares Safari

The Aberdares are the third highest range of mountains in Kenya, reaching a summit of just over 4000m. This massive range is well known for its thick salient forests, and their prolific game. These high altitude forests are broken by moorlands and plains, and through the abundant tree cover there are sensational views of the Rift Valley and the peak of Mt Kenya.

The Aberdares can be explored by vehicle, or on foot. There are trekking trails throughout the forests, and across the moorlands. A few days spent here is one of Kenya’s best forest treks.

The foothills of the Aberdares are ideal for guided exploration and there are crystal clear mountain streams that abound with Trout. The Aberdares are a great place for waterfalls. There are a series of spectacular falls along the range, and at Nyahururu, Thompson's Falls have became a popular rest stop for travellers.

The Salient forest of the Aberdares is very rich in big game. Large herds of buffalo and elephant are often seen, especially at the Salt Licks and waterholes of the Forest Lodges. Examples include the  impressively huge Giant Forest Hog is often seen at night, many leopards here, and a few rhino. One of the rarest residents is the beautiful Bongo antelope. In the treetops around the lodges, Colobus monkeys are often seen, while at night bush-babies and genets slip quietly through the rafters.

The Forest Lodges are an excellent way to see game. Built high over well lit waterholes and salt licks, these lodges are visited by a procession of oblivious game throughout the day and night. This allows guests to watch the wildlife from the comfort and warmth of the lodge. This privileged position gives guests the rare opportunity to observe natural behaviour and interaction as various animals emerge from the forest.

The bird-rich Aberdares are very popular with birders. At least 200 species have been recorded, including African Green Ibis, African Cuckoo Hawk, Cape Eagle Owl, Mountain Buzzard and Hartlaub’s Turaco. Rare species include the Scarlet tufted Sunbird, long tailed Widowbird, African grass owl and the Aberdare Cisticola on the moorlands.

Activities

·         Adventurous wild treks through the forest. Although there are no well defined trekking routes through the Aberdares, but there is a lot to explore. There is a well marked trail and observation at the beautiful Karuru Falls. From this high vantage there are also excellent views of the entire range and the distant Gura Falls.

·         Traverse through wooden walkways across the lower Chania Falls. If you're feeling hot, and brave, you may wish to attempt a plunge into the icy waters here.

·         excellent views across to the snow capped peak of Mt Kenya and the surrounding plains. The Aberdares have plenty of streams for the Trout fisherman to explore. Excellent local trout can be found, and there are plenty of tranquil forest glades for peaceful, undisturbed fishing. A payment of about USD 2 must be paid to the Kenya Wildlife Service who permit the fishing. In addition, the close proximity of stalking lions requires one to hire the service of an armed ranger (see below).

·         Some of the lodges and hotels in this area have stables and organize horse rides around the foothills of the ranges. The Country club has a private game sanctuary that is open to riders. Riding in the sanctuary among herds of giraffe, zebra and eland makes for an unusual equestrian excursion.

·         Sampling local delicacies and chance to buy the renown ‘kiondo’, the kikuyu handcrafted handbag of international acclaim.

Important Note for Forest Walks and Treks

·         Trekking in the Forest requires a payment of USD 14 per day for an armed Kenya Wildlife Service Ranger.

·         Mud and reduced visibility are two good reasons not to trek during the heavy rains (from March to May).

---------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------

Detailed Itinerary

Day 1: Nairobi – Aberdares
This morning we depart Nairobi and proceed north to Serena Mountain Lodge or The Treetops Forest Lodge. Nestled in the foothills between Aberdares and Mount Kenya National Park, this area boasts a remarkable record of wildlife sightings from their floodlit waterholes and salt licks, where you enjoy the finest in high-altitude game viewing.

Dinner and overnight at the Serena Mountain Lodge or Treetop Forest Lodge
 

Day 2: Aberdares  - Samburu Game Reserve
This morning we travel by road to Kenya's northern frontier to Samburu arriving on time for lunch at preferred lodge. Wild and rugged, Samburu is fiercely beautiful with its arid savannahs watered by the lovely Uaso Nyiro River. It is also one of Kenya's most protected areas and home to species only found north of the equator, from the reticulated giraffe to Grevy's zebras and Beisa oryxes. We also enjoy Larsens Tented Camp or Samburu Intrepids Camp, our luxurious hostelry set beneath a canopy of acacia trees along the banks of the river.

Dinner and overnight at selected lodge

Day 3: Nairobi – Samburu game reserve
Morning & Afternoon games drives in search of resident wildlife species like the Reticulated Giraffe, Grevy’s Zebra, Beisa Oryx and the Blue-necked Somali Ostrich that are rare elsewhere in the country.

Dinner and overnight at selected lodge

Day 4: Samburu – Sweetwater's game reserve
Break fast then view game as we exit the park and drive to Mount Kenya Region. Lunch at a Sweetwater's tented camp then proceed for afternoon game drives at Sweetwater's sanctuary. Dinner and overnight at the Sweetwaters Tented camp

Day 5: Sweetwater's game reserve – Lake Nakuru National park
Breakfast then depart the Sweetwaters for Lake Nakuru National park arriving in good time for lunch at preferred lodge. Full afternoon game drives followed by dinner and overnight stay at your lodge

Day 6: Lake Nakuru - Masai Mara
Leave Nakuru for Masai Mara after breakfast and arrive in time for lunch. Enjoy a game drive in the afternoon. Relax at selected lodge for dinner and overnight

Day 7: Game drives at Masai Mara
You will enjoy two game drives, one in the morning and another in the afternoon. Kenya's most popular game sanctuary will give you the best opportunity of spotting the Big Five (lion, leopard, buffalo, rhino and elephant). You may have an optional visit to a local Masai village. Dinner and overnight at selected Lodge  

Day 8: Return to Nairobi

Early morning game drive, then breakfast and eventual return to Nairobi. 

Lodge Rates:

 N.B. Budget Camping options unavailable at Sweetwaters.