5-Day Roaring Kenya – Mid-Range

Early morning pick up, then drive to Lake Nakuru National Park. Known all over the world for its flamingoes, it's alkaline and is recognized as being one of the natural wonders of the world. Lake Nakuru is now a rhino sanctuary, harboring a population of over 40 black and over 60 white rhinos, but the flamingoes, of course, have always been the main attraction. At times there may be almost 2 million flamingoes in the residence, forming a stunningly beautiful deep pink band around the edge of the lakeshore. Arrive in time for lunch, then have an afternoon game drive. Dinner and overnight will be at the campsite or lodge.

Depart early in the morning to Maasai Mara National Reserve. It holds on as one of the few places left on earth where wildlife still lives relatively undisturbed, in the numbers that once roamed the plains and forests of Africa. As the northern tip of the vast Serengeti ecosystem, the Mara hosts the spectacular seasonal migration of many thousands of wildebeest, zebras, and attendant predators. Arrive in time for lunch, then have an afternoon game drive. Dinner and overnight will be at campsite or lodge.

After breakfast, we have a full day dame drive, with a packed lunch provided. The reserve is well known for its black-manned lion, as well as its abundant resident wildlife, and it's one of the few places where it's possible to see the Big Five during a morning game drive. Many of the cheetahs are so tame they seek shelter from the hot sun under one's vehicle and several even climb onto the roof to get a better view of prospective prey. For the bird enthusiast, almost 500 species have been recorded: among these 16 species of eagle, plus many hawks and falcons, 6 species of vultures, 8 species of storks 4 of bustard (including the Kori bustard, the world's heaviest flying bird), and 9 species of sunbirds.

Enjoy a morning game drive in Mara and in the afternoon, transfer to Nairobi and arrive at about 5 pm. Have lunch en route.