The morning is yours to spend at leisure.  Our guide will meet us at this afternoon for an exploration of some of the city's most famous attractions. We start our day with a visit to Karen Blixen Museum, once the centerpiece of a farm owned by Danish Author Karen Blixen. The farmhouse gained international fame with the release of the movie ‘Out of Africa’ based on Karen’s autobiography. Enjoy lunch at the nearby Tamambo Karen Blixen restaurant, situated within a lovely garden. 

Next, we head to Kazuri Beads Factory, which specializes in handmade jewelry, as well as pottery that reflects the culture and wildlife of Kenya. Their mission is to provide and sustain employment opportunities for disadvantaged members of the Kenyan Society. They employ over 400 women, mostly single mothers, producing over 5 million beads a year!

Finally, we close out our day with a visit to Giraffe Centre, where you come face to face with some of the region's most endangered giraffes. Established in 1983 as part of a long-serving conservation project to protect the East African Rothschild giraffe, this nonprofit organization provides educational programs for the young people of Kenya. Entrance fees help support the cause, and you'll get to meet, feed, and even touch these towering creatures from a raised observation platform. 

After returning to the hotel, you are free to spend the evening at leisure.

Overnight at Tamarind Tree Hotel - standard twin room (B,L)

After an early breakfast, we depart with our private guide for the five hour drive drive to Samburu Game Reserve, located in Kenya's northern province. Set in a rugged semi-arid landscape with a backdrop of jagged mountains, Samburu is host to indigenous animals unique to the region.  

We arrive at Ashnil Samburu Camp in time for lunch. Located in shadow of the mighty Ol Olokwe mountain, the camp features 30 deluxe tents spread out along the shady banks of the Ewaso Nyiro River under a thick stand of Doum palms. Here you can soak up the sun poolside or unwind after a long game drive with a cocktail at the lounge bar. 

Spend this afternoon in search of the elusive leopard, lion, elephants, the long-necked gerenuk, grevy zebra, reticulated giraffe, Beisa oryx and many others. 

After a full day, relax with dinner at the lodge.

 During our stay, optional camel rides may also be arranged (additional cost).  

Overnight at Ashnil Samburu Camp - deluxe twin tent (B,L,D)

Experience the true magic of Kenya on our unforgettable game drives. Enjoy morning and afternoon drives with up close viewing of the amazing animals roaming the park and exploring distant corners of the reserve. 

Overnight at Ashnil Samburu Camp - deluxe twin tent (B,L,D) 

 After breakfast, we start out on the three hour drive to the central Kenya region, arriving at the quaint Aberdare Country Club in time for lunch. Afterward, we continue on to The Ark, a quirky and iconic lodge, set in the heart of the Aberdare National Park. The Ark overlooks a floodlit waterhole and salt lick, which attracts a host of awesome wildlife. Resembling and named after Noah’s Ark, the lodge comprises three decks which provide a superb viewing for wildlife. So that you don’t miss any animal sightings, the night guard will buzz your room when special animals come to the waterhole. There is also a ground level bunker – the perfect hideout for those up-close & personal wildlife photo ops! 

Ovenight at The Ark - standard twin room (B,L,D)

Our day begins after breakfast, with a three-hour drive to Lake Nakuru Lodge. Conveniently located within the park, the lodge offers comfortable accommodation and spectacular views over Lake Nakuru. 

After lunch, we'll go out on an afternoon game drive in the park. Lake Nakuru is a bird paradise, famous for its large concentration of pink flamingoes and other birdlife. Here you have wonderful photo opportunities as the masses of pink bodies glide above the reflection of blue water. The park is also considered to be the first rhino sanctuary. You're also likely to see reedbuck, bushbuck, warthog, leopard, baboon and giraffe. 

Overnight at Lake Nakuru Lodge - standard twin room (B,L,D)

We'll get an early start for our full day drive to the famous Masai Mara Game Reserve. Our route takes us through the spectacular Great Rift Valley via the town of Narok, the major Masai administrative center. 

This afternoon, we arrive in Masai Mara, considered to be one of Kenya's most precious wildlife sanctuaries. This is big game country - long famed as the home to one of Africa's greatest concentrations of wild animals. Plains game can be found here in staggering numbers, which in turns supports a tremendous predator population. 

Our stay is at the beautiful Ashnil Mara Camp, boasting 50 luxury tents along with a pool, lounge and bar. Set along the Mara River, the camp enjoys an enviable position for incredible game viewing - and also provides the perfect setting to sit and relax at the end of an exciting day of game drives.

During our stay in the Mara, optional hot air balloon rides with champagne breakfast in the bush are available (additional cost).  

Overnight at Ashnil Mara Camp - deluxe twin tent (B,L,D)

Enjoy morning and afternoon game drives across the expansive savannah. Masai Mara is the northern-most extremity of the great Serengeti ecosystem. Here black rhinos graze among dense thorn bushes and herds of giraffe and elephant roam the woodlands. Large numbers of hippos gather and swim in the Mara River. Boasting Kenya's largest predator population, the reserve is renowned for its large lion prides.

During our exploration, we have the pleasure of visiting a community of the Masai, the most iconic tribe in Kenya, recognizable by their vibrant red garments and regal warriors. During our village visit, we are welcomed into their traditional huts to learn about their way of life. Meeting the village elders, joining in on their tribal dance and a stop at their handicraft market rounds out the trip. The opportunity to walk the sacred warrior way of these incredible people promises to be an unforgettable experience. 

Overnight at Ashnil Mara Camp - deluxe twin tent (B,L,D)

In addition to our spectacular daily game drives, we will spend time with a local medicine man. He will educate us in ways of the traditional herbs and their various uses. This specially curated experience gives a rare glimpse into this ancient practice. 

After a full day, we cap off our magical stay in the Mara with a special treat - a delicious bush dinner under the star-studded Kenyan sky!

Overnight at Ashnil Mara Camp (B,L,D) - deluxe twin tent

After breakfast, we are driven to the local airstrip for the direct 2.5 hour flight to Diani Beach, located on Kenya's idyllic south coast. On arrival, we are met at the airport and transferred to Leopard Beach Resort & Spa. Dotted throughout the vast 28 acres of magnificent tropical gardens are the comfortable and welcoming rooms, enjoying a privileged oceanfront position. Treat yourself to a day at the spa, dine on local and international specialties at one of the resort's seven restaurants, kick back poolside, or take a refreshing dip in the Indian Ocean. 

Daily breakfast and dinner are included at the resort. 

Overnight at Leopard Beach Resort & Spa - superior twin room (B,L,D)

Board a traditional dhow boat for a sail through Kisite Marine Park during this full day excursion. Keep an eye out for dolphins, stop to snorkel and swim in the pristine waters, and visit Wasini Island for a delicious seafood lunch of Swahili cuisine plus a tour of a local fishing village. Enjoy a relaxing day out on the water! (snorkeling equipment included). 

Overnight at Leopard Beach Resort - superior twin room (B,L,D)

The day is yours to spend at leisure or enjoy an optional activity. 

Overnight at Leopard Beach Resort - superior twin room (B,D)

Today you will be transferred to the airport in time for your flight back to Nairobi. Upon arrival, our driver will meet us and drive us to our farewell dinner at the famed Carnivore restaurant. Here meats are roasted on traditional Maasai swords over a huge charcoal pit that dominates the restaurant's entrance. Then, an army of carvers move table to table, swords laden carving juicy cuts onto sizzling cast-iron plates. Accompanying the meat feast is a selection of salads, vegetable side dishes and sauces. A vegetarian menu is also available. 

After our meal, we are driven to the airport in time for our flight back to the USA. We return home with wonderful memories of our time in Kenya! (B,D)