Highlights Of Kenya (2009)

Embark on a scenic drive to Nanyuki and Sweetwaters Tented Camp, set in a 24,000-acre game reserve at the foot of Mount Kenya. As one of only four private game reserves in Kenya, Sweetwaters provides privileged seclusion and private game viewing. A watering hole close to your tent provides a cool morning drink for giraffe, and an unforgettable moment from your tent's private verandah. This is one of the largest sanctuaries in East Africa for the endangered black rhino (including Morani, an orphaned rhino given a home at Sweetwaters) and the only place in Kenya to see chimpanzee. An afternoon safari drive from the camp takes you across the extensive savannah grasslands, a terrain favored by elephant. Enjoy a special welcome dinner and safari briefing. Sweetwaters Tented Camp B L D

This morning, travel to the Samburu Game Reserve and on to your lodge. Positioned on the banks of the Uaso Nyiro River, Samburu Serena Lodge blends into its surroundings of tall trees, and reflects the lifestyle of the local Samburu people through the use of native materials and design. An afternoon game drive reveals unique northern species, including the reticulated giraffe, beisa oryx, Grevy's zebra and the graceful long-necked gerenuk. Samburu Serena Lodge B L D

Absorb the beautiful surroundings during morning and afternoon bush drives. Watch crocodile basking on the muddy riverbanks and vervet monkey frolicking in the late afternoon sun. At night, leopard can sometimes be seen on the riverbank opposite your lodge. Samburu is an excellent place for the photographer as well. The park's vivid colors and the contrasts between sky, bush and sand are a must to capture on film. Samburu Serena Lodge B L D

Awaken to the sounds of an unspoiled wilderness. After breakfast, board a flight to cross the Great Rift Valley to the Masai Mara Game Reserve. The jewel in Africa's crown, the Mara is host to the most spectacular array of wildlife, which are constantly changing as the plains game follows ancient migration routes under the watchful eyes of the lion, leopard and cheetah that prey on the vulnerable. Game viewing is never dull in the Mara, and patience is often rewarded with unique sightings, such as a pride of lion stalking their prey, a solitary leopard retrieving its kill from the high branches of an acacia tree or a herd of elephant protecting their young from predators. Mara Serena Safari Lodge B L D

Spend two exciting days driving across the limitless plains in search of abundant wildlife in one of Kenya's most spectacular areas. Running along the Tanzanian border, the Masai Mara forms Kenya's northern extension of the Greater Serengeti ecosystem. It is here that the annual migration takes place, when more than a million wildebeest, with zebra and gazelle, march north to graze on the Mara's lush grasses. This vast, open space is like nowhere else on earth and is the perfect place to pause and reflect. On morning and afternoon game drives, view some of Africa's largest prides of lion, herds of zebra, buffalo, wildebeest, giraffe, cheetah and hyena. Gather on the second evening for a special farewell dinner. Mara Serena Safari Lodge B L D

Today you bid farewell to your lodge staff and the friends you have made as you leave the Mara and transfer to the airstrip for your flight to Nairobi (perhaps catching a final glimpse of the animals en route). The balance of the day is at your leisure - a perfect chance for any last minute shopping. This evening you are transferred to the airport where your departure flight awaits. B

Connect with your homebound flight.