Premium Kenya
Experience Overview
Soak in the spectacle of Kenya’s vast plains and wild grasslands on a seven-day Premium adventure. Get among the massive herds and their predators from the comfort of four-wheel drive Landcruisers, with an expert local leader at the helm. From Nairobi, travel to the waters of lakes Naivasha and Nakuru, then take in quintessential Africa in the Masai Mara, filled with spectacular landscapes and rich wildlife. Meet Maasai warriors and learn about their way of life during a visit to a traditional village. With cultural experiences and magnificent wildlife right on your doorstep, it’s easy to fall in love with this enchanting corner of the world.
Highlights
- Soak up spectacular views as you drive along the Great Rift Valley escarpment, before an exclusive visit to Elsamere Conservation Centre, where you’ll learn the story of Elsa and the conservation trust over high tea.
- Cruise along sparkling waters on a boat trip on Lake Naivasha – the highest lake in the Great Rift Valley at 1884m – keeping watch for thirsty hippos and an array of dazzling birdlife.
- Visit a local Maasai community known for championing Maasai women’s health and education. During this Exclusive Experience, you’ll be welcomed by traditional Maasai warrior song and dance and learn about this remarkable and ancient culture.
- Visit the heart of Lake Nakuru's National Park and look out for endangered black and white rhino stopping for a drink on morning and afternoon 4x4 game drives.
- Spend three unforgettable nights immersed in nature at your Feature Stay camp, with easy access to the Masai Mara Game Reserve. Search for lions and cheetahs prowling the park on several 4x4 game drives, and enjoy sunset drinks within the park.
- By travelling on this trip, you’ll directly support our Intrepid Foundation partner, Eden Reforestation Projects. Donations help them provide local employment opportunities and tackle climate change one tree at a time as they restore forests across 10 different countries.
Trip Details
Product Code: 3138
Tour Type: Small Group
Accommodation: Unknown
Transport: 4WD Safari Vehicle,Boat,Private Vehicle
Guide Language: English
Tour Operator:
Intrepid Travel
Supplier Code: YGPK
Starts: Nairobi, Kenya
Finishes: Nairobi, Kenya
Duration: 7 days
Departures: Guaranteed
Physical Rating:
Light
Includes
Meals: Breakfasts (6), Lunch (5), Dinner (6)Accommodation: Hotel (1 night),Lodge (2 nights),Permanent tented camp (3 nights)
Price
Price per person: (Double Occupancy) CAD $6,385 ($912 /day)
Itinerary
Welcome to Kenya! Your adventure begins in the capital city, Nairobi. You will be collected from the airport for a short transfer to your hotel, where you will meet your local leader and small group for a 6pm welcome meeting. If you arrive before this time, you could spend the afternoon browsing the artistic and cultural displays at Nairobi Gallery, or lounging by the pool at your home for the night – a swish central hotel complete with bold pan-African art, a sauna and steam room, and super friendly staff. After your meeting, head out with your leader and fellow travellers to a colourful local restaurant offering traditional favourites with a modern touch. Sharing food is a big part of the culture here and a great way to get to know your new travel companions – enjoy sharing platters and tasty sides like samosas, fried plantains and tilapia.
Included Activities:
- Complimentary Arrival Transfer
- Nairobi - Welcome Dinner
Optional Activities:
- Nairobi - City Experience Urban Adventure (55 USD)
Accommodation:
- Sarova Panafric Hotel or similar (Number of Nights: 1)
Today, we head off to the Great Rift Valley of East Africa, where our first stop will be in Elsamere, the former home of the writer Joy Adamson, whose 1960 book 'Born Free' helped bring wildlife conservation into the mainstream. The house is a veritable museum dedicated to the works of Joy and George Adamson, with many photos of Elsa, the lioness that started it all. Embark on a boat trip on Lake Naivasha, the highest of all lakes in the Great Rift Valley and home to many a hippopotamus. Later, enjoy a high tea lunch on the very grounds Joy cherished for so many years, with the lake as a serene backdrop. After lunch, continue to your Lake Nakuru lodge, arriving in the early evening. From your lodge you’ll enjoy remarkable views of Lake Nakuru and the surrounding national park, alive with the call of birds and rich in wildlife. What better way to take it all in than from your lodge’s infinity pool.
Included Activities:
- Lake Naivasha - Boat trip
- Lake Naivasha - Elsamere Conservation Centre
Accommodation:
- Sopa Lodges Nakuru or similar (Number of Nights: 1)
This morning you will visit Lake Nakuru National Park by four-wheel drive vehicle (4x4) – the park’s lake is its stunning centrepiece. Mornings can be cold here so it's important to bring warm clothes. You might see why this great soda lake has been described as the world's greatest ornithological spectacle; great seas of flamingos often turn the landscape a sweeping shade of pink. Flooding in recent years has unfortunately caused a decline in birdlife, however the park boasts substantial numbers of other species, including waterbuck, reedbuck and gazelle. Leopards are also to be found here, and the chances of sighting one are significant. Return to the lodge and take some time out for lunch, then head back out for another afternoon game drive. Keep your eyes peeled for one of Africa's most endangered creatures, the elusive black rhinoceros. While white rhino sightings are fairly common, spotting a black rhinoceros is a real treat.
Accommodation:
- Sopa Lodges Nakuru or similar (Number of Nights: 1)
Head southwest to the Masai Mara, one of the finest game reserves in Africa. Cross the Great Rift Valley and pass by the remote region of Loita Hills, home of the Maasai people. This is one of the few places where they still practice their traditional way of life with little influence from the western world. Stop at Tepesua Village where you’ll be welcomed by Maasai Warriors through traditional song and dance. Meet your Maasai hosts, take a walk to the community village and enjoy a fascinating talk full of insights into this ancient culture. The village offers support, safety and economic growth through the ‘Tepesua Widows Income Project’, where widowed women sew eco-friendly handicrafts to sell to visitors and locals. Learn about village life and be shown around a traditional Maasai home and cattle enclosure. Move on to Zebra River Camp, your Feature Stay accommodation for the next three nights. Here, you can watch blazing sunsets and share stories over the bonfire – or cocktails in the plush lounge area – before retiring to your luxury digs. Tented rooms feature ensuite bathrooms, large, comfortable beds and private verandas offering fabulous views of the surrounding wilderness.
Included Activities:
- Loita Hills - Cultural talk and village visit
Accommodation:
- Zebra River Camp (Feature Stay) or similar (Number of Nights: 1)
Explore more of the park by 4x4 today with further game drives from morning to the afternoon. We depart for an early morning game drive with our packed lunch at hand since we will drive to the furthest part of the park. Witness the wonderful procession of wildlife that inhabits the area. Wildebeest, zebra and gazelle are plentiful, and you might even spot predators keeping a casual eye on their movements. Elephants, giraffes and elands are also commonly sighted, along with plenty of bird life. The area is known for its rolling green plains and riverine woodlands, and amongst the many species of game, a black-maned lion, leopard or cheetah might appear, with some luck. As the sun starts to set, stop and take a moment to soak it all in with a drink in hand – there are few better ways to wrap up a day of wildlife spotting in one of the world’s most captivating places. As dusk falls, a variety of animals might be visible in the vicinity of your camp also. We return to camp late in the evening with time to freshen up before dinner.
Included Activities:
- Masai Mara - Sundowner and snacks
- Masai Mara - Full Day 4x4 Game Drive
Accommodation:
- Zebra River Camp (Feature Stay) or similar (Number of Nights: 1)
The morning is yours to do as you wish. You may like to sit back with a cup of coffee on your private deck, keeping an eye out for animals in the reserve, or forgo a sleep-in in favour of an early morning game drive or walking safari. If you’d like to see the Masai Mara from a different perspective, a sunrise hot air balloon ride is a truly memorable experience. Balloon rides can be booked ahead of time or on the ground (subject to availability) and the suppliers are committed conservationists, with a portion of the profits from every flight going straight to worthy conservation projects within the park. You will be collected before dawn and glide through the sunrise, sometimes at tree height, making the most of the amazing photo opportunities. Sometimes you'll ascend to get an overview of the enormity of the Masai Mara plains and the early-morning movements of the teeming herds. In the afternoon, regroup for another exciting 4x4 game drive in the park.
Included Activities:
- Masai Mara - Afternoon 4x4 Game Drive
Optional Activities:
- Masai Mara National Reserve - Balloon ride (from price) (470 USD)
- Masai Mara - Half Day Game Drive (80 USD)
- Masai Mara National Reserve - Guided Walking Safari (30 USD)
Accommodation:
- Zebra River Camp (Feature Stay) or similar (Number of Nights: 1)
Say goodbye to the Masai Mara and return to Nairobi. You can expect to arrive in the late afternoon, at which point your adventure will come to an end. Please do not book any international flights departing from Nairobi International Airport before 8pm this evening to allow for any unexpected delays. If you would like to extend your stay in Nairobi, additional accommodation can be booked in advance (subject to availability).
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Tour Operator
Intrepid Travel
Intrepid Travel is a global adventure travel company, dedicated to providing sustainable, experience-rich travel opportunities. They’ve been the leader in ethical, small-group travel since 1989 - taking people around the world for more than 30 years. They’re the world’s largest travel B Corporation - dedicated to being the best travel company for the world. In 2002, they established The Intrepid Foundation so their travellers could make a lasting impact on the communities they had visited. Although Intrepid Travel absorbs all administrative costs of The Intrepid Foundation, they are separate legal entities, allowing The Intrepid Foundation to grow independently. Intrepid Travel is made up of a collection of tour operator brands and 28 destination management companies all united by one vision: To change the way we all see the world.
In Business Since 1989
Reviews
Sue - Traveled, February 2024
Intrepid travel is a company that encompasses the environment, the culture and the wildlife. The guide and drivers were fun and knowledgeable about all areas. I would recommend this company if you are up for an adventure, enjoy wildness and challenging yourself and your perceptions
Source: Tour operator Submitted: 02/18/2024
Lisa/susan - Traveled, October 2023
Such a dream trip. Saw more variety of animals and cultures than I ever expected. Tour leader and drivers were the best ever. Food and hotels were awesome for premium tour.
Source: Tour operator Submitted: 10/28/2023
Shelley - Traveled, September 2023
We had an amazing experience on the premium Kenya trip. It was the adventure of a lifetime. The local leader and driver were amazing. We experienced local interactions, culture, so many amazing game drives and excellent accommodations. Every detail was looked after in the best way! We would highly recommend this experience
Source: Tour operator Submitted: 09/22/2023
Karen - Traveled, September 2023
This trip was fantastic and would highly recommend
Source: Tour operator Submitted: 09/15/2023
Ian - Traveled, September 2023
This was a really excellent trip, where our wildlife sightings (leopards, lions, cheetahs, elephants, antelopes, birds and the actual wildebeest crossing of the Mara River) far exceeded our expectations. Plus some really great guiding, accommodation and food.
Source: Tour operator Submitted: 09/15/2023
Sarah - Traveled, September 2023
Completely stunned by the beauty of the Kenyan wildlife, it has been a real privilege to join this trip.
Source: Tour operator Submitted: 09/08/2023
Rebecca - Traveled, September 2023
If you’ve been wanting to go to Kenya or Africa this is the trip for you. We saw an incredible amount of animals and the parks were amazing. The people and the culture of Kenya have also been fantastic to meet and learn about. Clara our trip leader and olumaantu our driver were fantastic. I learnt so much for them. Don’t wait to go.
Source: Tour operator Submitted: 09/07/2023
Donna - Traveled, August 2023
I did this Kenya tour as part of a longer Intrepid trip. The guides were excellent and very knowledgeable. The drivers were also great and always got us to where the animals were. Some long days of dusty driving on bumpy roads but accommodation was always very comfortable.
Source: Tour operator Submitted: 08/19/2023
Adrian - Traveled, August 2023
The Kenya Premium trip was perfect as a family with older teens. The Intrepid Team were outstanding and really brought our Kenyan experience to life so that we understood the culture as well as viewing the incredible wildlife.
Source: Tour operator Submitted: 08/19/2023
Nicole - Traveled, August 2023
If you’re looking for an up close and personal safari experience, this is the one. Excellent itinerary and even better guides.
Source: Tour operator Submitted: 08/09/2023
Rebecca - Traveled, July 2023
Really enjoyed our Premium Kenya trip which definitely lived up to our expectations. Both Lake Nakuru Sopa Lodge and Zebra Plains were great. Lake Nakuru probably a bit better set up for larger groups and Zebra Plains struggled to get the amount of food right for a group of 12 to share, but that's a niggle. We made some absolutely incredible memories.
Source: Tour operator Submitted: 08/10/2023
Imogen - Traveled, July 2023
Most amazing trip with the most amazing people, leader and drivers :)
Source: Tour operator Submitted: 08/10/2023
Christopher - Traveled, July 2023
The trip through Kenya was wonderful. Every place we stayed at was comfortable and the people there were welcoming. The land and wildlife are beyond amazing.
Source: Tour operator Submitted: 07/28/2023
Gillian - Traveled, July 2023
Excellent trip, especially if you are short on time. Loved Kenya, the warmth of the people, the scenery and the excellent wildlife viewing. Wonderful leader and driver, David and Ole. Take me back.
Source: Tour operator Submitted: 07/25/2023
Sheila - Traveled, June 2023
This was an excellent excursion trip. Full of information from the guides who knew just where to see all the animals!
Source: Tour operator Submitted: 06/30/2023
Shiela - Traveled, June 2023
I thoroughly enjoyed my Intrepid experience on safari. Everything exceeded my expectations and Mike, Ole and Robert couldn’t have been more helpful and informative about animals, and the country in general.
Source: Tour operator Submitted: 06/03/2023
James - Traveled, June 2023
This was a truly wonderful trip with a great guide and fun group, lots of animals and beautiful landscapes, and very experienced drivers. We took both the Kenya and Tanzania trips, and they were among the best trips we have taken.
Source: Tour operator Submitted: 07/03/2023
Candy - Traveled, June 2023
It was a life changing amazing experience, david made it extra special and was very concerned for wellbeing and done his ultimate upmost to ensure we had the best wildlife experience. Couldn't of asked for a better leader, he made our group feel like family. I will cherish the memories that I have experienced forever. A********"""
Source: Tour operator Submitted: 06/09/2023
Hannah - Traveled, June 2023
As far a weeks holiday goes…. Best experience Iv ever had. For an animal lover it really was a dream come true!
Source: Tour operator Submitted: 06/11/2023
James - Traveled, May 2023
An absolutely wonderful trip! Our Tour Leader and Driver were great people who became our friends! The trip covers a lot without feeling rushed.
Source: Tour operator Submitted: 05/14/2023
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