8 Day Essence of East Africa

Day 1: Nairobi, Kenya

Upon your arrival in Nairobi, you will be transferred to your accommodation. Please ensure you have all the necessary visas for your trip. There will be a welcome tonight where you will get the opportunity to meet your group and tour guides. If you arrive early, you are free to explore the city as you please, returning to the accommodation in time for the welcome meeting.

This trip is action packed with long travelling times to 2 different wildlife parks over the 8 days. Please be prepared for the authentic, ‘off the beaten track’ journey on some bumpy Kenyan roads.

You will have the pleasure of travelling in a small group allowing everyone a window seat and the opportunity to engage with your trained safari guides.

Accommodation: Jacaranda Hotel (or similar)
Meals: No meals are included today, you are welcome to dine at your own pleasure (budget 100-130 USD for meals not included)

Day 2: Nairobi/Lake Nakuru National Park

We depart early for Lake Nakuru, home to hundreds of pink flamingos and a variety of other birds. Take a late afternoon wildlife drive in Lake Nakuru National Park after arriving at our safari lodge in time for lunch.

Accommodation: Lake Nakuru Lodge (or similar)
Meals: Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner
Included Highlight: Lake Nakuru Wildlife Safari Drive
Route: Nairobi –  Lake Nakuru National Park
Distance: 165 km (3 – 4 hours travelling time)

Day 3: Lake Nakuru National Park

Discover a variety of birds along the salty shores of Lake Nakuru on morning and afternoon safaris, where you can see rhinos, buffalo, impalas, lions, and more. Hear about rhino conservation and poaching issues from a representative of the Kenya Wildlife Service (KWS), which manages the country’s wildlife.

Accommodation: Lake Nakuru Lodge (or similar)
Meals: Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner
Included Highlight: Masai Mara Wildlife Safari Drive, Kenya Wildlife Service Conservation Talk

Day 4: Lake Nakuru National Park/Lake Naivasha

Head south through the Great Rift Valley to Lake Naivasha, a freshwater lake surrounded by grassy banks. View hippos, crocodiles, and buffalo from your boat; and gaze at lovebirds, ibis, and African fish eagles through your binoculars. Explore Crescent Island, a peaceful wildlife sanctuary in the middle of the lake, in search of wildebeest, zebras, and giraffes.

Maasai “Nai’posha” means “rough water”, though Lake Naivasha is generally calm as we watch for hippos, crocodiles, and birdlife.

Accommodation: Lake Naivasha Crescent Camp (or similar)
Meals: Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner
Included Highlights: Masai Mara Wildlife Safari Drive
Route: Lake Nakuru National Park – Lake Naivasha
Distance: 80 km (2 hours travelling time and)

Day 5: Lake Naivasha/Masai Mara

Visit the legendary Masai Mara National Reserve and settle into our comfortable tented camp. Drive through acacia-dotted plains in the afternoon, passing wildebeest, zebra, and giraffes as you keep an eye out for lions, elephants, and the “big five.” Relax at the camp and take in the scenery.

We depart for the Masai Mara National Reserve after breakfast. This is a must-see on any Kenya trip. In the afternoon, we will arrive at our safari camp, our base for the trip. We’ll then drive into the reserve for an afternoon wildlife safari, with excellent chances of seeing the “big five”: buffalo, elephant, leopard, lion, and rhino.

Accommodation: Fig Tree Camp (or similar)
Meals: Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner
Included Highlight: Masai Mara Wildlife Safari Drive
Route: Lake Naivasha – Masai Mara
Distance: 230 km (5 -6 hours travelling time)

Day 6: Masai Mara

Explore the savanna early in the morning in search of animals that traversed it during the night. Experience one of the most active times of the day for ungulates like Thomson’s and Grant’s gazelles, topi and eland antelopes. Explore Masai Mara’s timeless landscapes on an afternoon safari.

Accommodation: Fig Tree Camp (or similar)
Meals: Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner
Included Highlights: Masai Mara Wildlife Safari Drive

Day 7: Masai Mara/Nairobi

Take in the breathtaking sunrise over the savanna on your final safari in Masai Mara.Visit Café Ubuntu, an organization supported by G Adventures that trains and employs local women.It’s an oasis with delicious organic food, friendly staff, and a relaxing atmosphere in Maai Mahiu.Visit the craft center and meet some of the women who create the wares sold there, then sit down for a delicious farm-to-table lunch.

During a final morning safari drive, enjoy the African sun rising over the savannah of the Mara plains. After returning to Nairobi late afternoon, join the CEO for a farewell dinner.

Accommodation: Jacaranda Hotel (or similar)
Meals: Breakfast, Lunch
Included Highlight: Café Ubuntu and Ubuntu Made, Masai Mara Wildlife Safari Drive
Optional Activity: Farewell Dinner
Route: Masai Mara – Nairobi
Distance: 245 km (5 – 6 hours travelling time)

Day 8: Nairobi, Kenya

Our tour comes to an end after breakfast today. Feel free to depart at any time. If you are not ready to leave and would like to explore some more, feel free to ask your tour guide for help with ideas to extend the adventure.

Meals: Breakfast

Onward Travel Plans

Due to circumstances beyond our control while on tour (such as border crossings, traffic, breakdowns and delays, etc), the end time on the last day cannot be guaranteed. Therefore we strongly recommend you stay the night and fly out the next day. Please consult with your booking consultant.