East Africa In Style

You are whisked by air to Lake Manyara where you enjoy your first taste of game viewing on the way to your lodge. Lake Manyara, one of a chain of lakes in Africa's Great Rift Valley, is nestled at the foot of a spectacular 2,000-foot escarpment decorated by magnificent forests of towering mahogany trees and giant figs. The lodge is situated inside Lake Manyara National Park. This evening enjoy a special welcome dinner and safari briefing hosted by Abercrombie & Kent. Lake Manyara Tree Lodge B L D

Today you enjoy morning and afternoon game drives in this unique habitat. Its lush foliage hosts a prolific bird life and the area is well known for its population of flamingo. Other bird species in this area include the African spoonbill, white and pink backed pelican, avocet, kingfisher, hammmerkop, cormorant, fish eagle and the jacana. Troops of baboon and vervet monkey live in the forest and open areas, while blue monkey live in the forest. Monitor lizard can often be spotted sunning themselves on the riverbanks. Following the formation of the Rift Valley, streams cascaded down the rocky walls and, in the absence of an outlet, a lake was formed. Lake Manyara Tree Lodge B L D

Enjoy one more game drive in Lake Manyara National Park before you continue by road to quaint Gibb's Farm, where you stop for a farm-fresh lunch. After lunch, continue on to one of the most magnificent wildlife arenas in all of Africa: the Ngorongoro Crater. Considered to be one of the natural wonders of the world, the Crater is a 2,000-foot deep caldera created by the collapsed cone of a volcano. Relax this afternoon while being tended to by your personal butler. Ngorongoro Crater Lodge B L D

Travel down into the Ngorongoro Crater, one of Africa's most fascinating wildlife areas. Up to 12 miles in diameter, the short grass prairies of this volcanic caldera harbor lion, elephant, hyena, wildebeest, gazelle and many other species, as you discover on today's game drives. Even the rare and elusive black rhinoceros, one of Africa's most endangered species, is a resident here. You may also see Maasai herdsmen and their cattle; the Crater is in their territory and the Maasai continue to coexist with wildlife as they have for centuries. Ngorongoro Crater Lodge B L D

Take a short flight to your luxury tented camp in a remote corner of the Serengeti, and spend two days exploring this vast region. The name Serengeti creates powerful images of one of the last remaining wildlife spectacles on earth. Rivers flow through the park, providing habitats for a variety of birds, mammals and reptiles. Grumeti River Camp B L D

Fly across the stunning landscapes to the Samburu Game Reserve in northern Kenya. Your first game drive is en route to camp. The atmosphere of the camp is tranquil, the only sounds to disturb the peace are those of nature, and its position by the river provides endless opportunities for game viewing. Larsen's Camp B L D

Spend the morning and afternoon bush drives in this beautiful area, watching crocodile basking on the riverbanks and vervet monkey frolicking in the late afternoon sun. Your safari takes you through a variety of landscapes. Drive along areas of reddish-brown scrubland, set in the shadows of Ololokwe Mountain. Birding enthusiasts will be well rewarded, with over 300 species, including the martial eagle and Somali ostrich. Larsen's Camp B L D

Your safari adventure continues in the Masai Mara, where an afternoon game drive may reward you with sightings of the abundant wildlife. Relax in your intimate safari camp on your private deck overlooking the vast game-filled plains. A personal butler will cater to your every need. Bateleur Camp B L D

The Mara contains Kenya's richest concentration of wildlife. On morning and afternoon game drives, view migrating herbivores such as zebra, wildebeest and gazelle, and their predators. Visit a Maasai village for a glimpse of the lifestyle of these cattle-herding people. Bateleur Camp B L D

Fly back to Nairobi, arriving in time for a special lunch at Bahati, the Kent family home. This afternoon, relax in your hotel or consider adding an optional visit to the Karen Blixen house and Giraffe Center. Later, depart on your international flight. Norfolk Hotel (dayroom)