Through the Rift Valley Serena 5 Days/ 4 Nights
This is a short but extremely rewarding safari as it allows visitors to gain a firsthand experience of the Great Rift Valley and the vast game-rich plains of the Masai Mara. The Rift Valley lakes are famous for their abundance of birdlife and other waterfowl, while Masai Mara is home to the country’s greatest concentration of wildlife.
ITINERARY
Day 1
Arrival - Nairobi
Upon arrival as part of your holiday package you will be met by one of our representatives to welcome you at the airport and comfortably transfer you to Nairobi Serena Hotel.
Check in and day at leisure.
Overnight at Nairobi Serena Hotel in a deluxe room on a bed & breakfast basis (Check in time is from 1400hrs)
The Serena group is renowned for offering excellent hotel facilities throughout East Africa, and the Nairobi Serena is no exception. A member of the Leading hotels of the World, the Nairobi Serena enjoys a location on the edge of the Central Park and the City Centre. Shaded by the glorious Jacaranda, Bougainvillea and Acacia trees and surrounded by lush, manicured gardens, the hotel provides a peaceful and luxurious retreat to travellers, businesspeople, and famous dignitaries in a bustling city.
Day 2
Nairobi - Masai Mara National Reserve
Leaving Nairobi after breakfast, you travel towards Kenyas fertile highlands and head down the rift escarpment on the road built by Italian prisoners of war during World War II. On the way spot the charming chapel built at the foot of the escarpment. Pass the impressive Longonot earth satellite station as you head across the valley to Narok; continue your travels across acres of wheat and barley, before reaching the Masai Mara in time for lunch. Following lunch set off on your first game drive, returning to the lodge as the sun sets.
Overnight at Mara Serena Safari Lodge in Lodge room on a full board basis
A masterful interpretation of a traditional Masai village, Mara Serena Lodge seemingly floats on a sea of savannah. A beautiful pool looks out over the wide plains. The rooms are Masai-influenced in style yet extremely comfortable. The main dining room, where delicious meals are served, has three large domes and three small ones depicting Maasai manyattas (villages). Occasionally an African al fresco barbecue is served by the pool overlooking the Mara plains. Fresh fruit juices and cocktails, wines, spirits, or liqueurs are available at the bar until late in the evening. At Serena, the views are stunning. It is on this very terrain, stretching endlessly before the lodge, that the annual migrations take place. Millions of wildebeest, zebra and gazelle pass through on their way to and from their alternative feeding grounds in Tanzania.
Day 3
Masai Mara National Reserve
Following an early breakfast, depart on a morning game drive, returning to the camp mid-morning. After lunch, and perhaps a siesta, set off on another game drive and visit to the Masai Village, returning to the lodge as the sunsets.
Overnight at Mara Serena Safari Lodge in Lodge room on a full board basis
Day 4
Masai Mara – Lake Nakuru- Lake Elementaita
Leaving the Masai Mara after breakfast, travel across the ‘breadbasket’ of Kenya, where acres of wheat and barley litter the landscape as you head north to Narok, the district headquarters of this part of Maasailand. Now travel across the vast plains on the floor of the Rift Valley, arriving at Lake Nakuru around midday. Once in the park, view game enroute to the lodge. Following lunch and a siesta, there is an afternoon game drive returning to the lodge as the sun sets. The national park, known for its birdlife, offers a possibility to view flamingos. It is also home to Black and White rhinos as well as the endangered Rothschild Giraffe. Depart to your camp situated in Soysambu Conservancy.
Overnight at Lake Elementaita Serena Camp in Deluxe Tent on a full board basis.
Lake Elementaita Serena Camp
This Luxury Camp is located on the Soysambu Conservancy, right on the shores of Lake Elementaita. Offering a blend of exclusivity and adventure, the new camp will comprise 25 luxury tents, a dining and lounge area, spa and swimming pool enjoying magnificent views of the Lake. Soysambu Conservancy is a wildlife sanctuary that offers uniqueness whilst boasting a broad range of wildlife and bird species, it is also home to the Rothschild giraffe and is East Africa’s only breeding ground for the Great White Pelican.
Day 5
Lake Elementaita - Nairobi
Following an early breakfast, leaving the Rift Valley behind, proceed to Nairobi. Once in the city, lunch is provided, followed by a departure transfer to the airport or drop off for ongoing travel arrangements.
Cost Includes
Landside meet and greet services.
Transfers as specified.
Transport for safari sector in 4x4 vehicles on a private basis with maximum 7 passengers per vehicle
Guaranteed window seats
Services of experienced bilingual English-speaking driver-guides
Game drives and activities as specified in the itinerary.
All accommodation and meals as specified.
All park fees and government taxes (except Zanzibar Infrastructure Tax where applicable)
Filtered water will be provided in safari vehicles provided by Pollman’s Tours and Safaris
Travellers should bring reusable water bottles.
Internal flights (if applicable) as specified in the itinerary inclusive of all airport taxes.
Cost Excludes
International and regional flights (except where specified)
Airport taxes except on tickets we issue.
Passport and visa fees
Zanzibar Infrastructure Tax (where applicable)
Hot air balloon safaris
Driver-guide gratuities
Dining rooms tips and porterage
Personal travel, baggage, and medical insurance
Drinks, Laundry, Telephone bills and any items of a personal nature (except where specified)
Please note: We may have to re-route the itinerary or accommodate in similar lodges in case of non-availability.
Departure Information
This safari returns to Nairobi at 1330 hrs.
Travellers departing from JKI Airport on a domestic or international flight should book a flight departing later than 1630hrs hrs.
Travellers with a long layover before their departure flight should consider booking a day room (at an additional cost) to refresh and repack before their international journey.
IMPORTANT Luggage Information
Travellers should only bring soft sided bags on safari. Luggage space in safari vehicles is limited. These bags should measure no more than the following: Height 66 centimetres Length 42 centimetres Width 28 centimetres. Soft sided bags with wheels are permitted.
If travelling on internal flights during your safari, luggage allowances are strictly enforced to 15 kilograms per person including carry-on bags.