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ITINERARY

Day 1 - Depart

Fly from Heathrow to Nairobi, arriving the next day. Regional departures from around the UK are also available.

Day 2 - Aberdares

Welcome to Kenya! You will be met by a Somak Representative who will welcome you to the beautiful country of Kenya and escort you to meet your driver-guide for the coming journey. Begin with some refreshments before being taken through a short briefing to ensure you know what to expect for this exciting safari. Your adventure begins as you leave the city and head for the hills of the Aberdare Range. You will arrive in time for lunch at your safari lodge, before taking in the scenery and witnessing the home of plentiful wildlife. Take advantage of salt licks and waterholes where elephants, lions, and various bird species regularly come to drink. A stay at The Ark Lodge is a magical start to a safari. It is shaped like a ship and draws inspiration from Noah's ark. You can enjoy a special `night viewing` experience where you watch the waterhole under cover of darkness with the help of flood lights and night guides to spot wildlife. You can even ask to be woken if a particular animal comes into sight. Overnight: The Ark (lunch and dinner included).

Day 3 - Samburu & Buffalo Springs

Enjoy breakfast after watching animals at the waterhole. Then it's time for the next leg of your safari. Your driver-guide will take you north as you cross the equator to reach the next stop near Samburu National Reserve (180km). After settling in and lunch, you will go on a game drive in Buffalo Springs Game Reserve where you will have opportunities to spot not only elephant, lions, cheetahs and giraffe, but also a range of species of antelope such as oryx, gerenuk and Grant's gazelle. This reserve is also a great place for birdwatchers with over 350 recorded species inhabiting the wilderness and skies. Overnight: Surana Buffalo Springs (breakfast, lunch and dinner included).

Day 4 - Samburu & Buffalo Springs

A good night's sleep will leave you refreshed for your exciting day ahead. After an early breakfast your driver-guide will pick you up at the camp and take you to Samburu National Reserve for a game drive, leading you on a quest to spot the `Samburu Special Five' comprising of the elegant Reticulated Giraffe, the distinctive Grevy's Zebra, the resilient Beisa Oryx, the unique Somali Ostrich, and the graceful gerenuk. These species, rarely seen elsewhere, make Samburu a must-visit destination. After the game drive, return to your camp for lunch. Later in the afternoon enjoy another game drive in Buffalo Springs Game Reserve, continuing your wildlife adventure including a visit to the natural springs that give this reserve its name. Overnight: Surana Buffalo Springs (breakfast, lunch and dinner included).

Day 5- Aberdares & Solio Game Reserve

Travel across the equator as you head towards Solio Game Reserve where you'll have an afternoon game drive. This reserve is one of the most successful private rhino sanctuaries in Kenya. It plays a crucial role in the conservation of rhinos and has over 250 black rhinos thriving in their natural habitat. You can witness the magnificence of these endangered animals, perhaps even seeing them up close. The reserve also offers stunning views of Mount Kenya and the mountains of the Aberdare Range which are a stunning backdrop for game viewing. Solio is also amazing for birders, with over 300 species recorded there. After the game drive, return to the lodge and enjoy the rest of the afternoon at leisure. You may choose to relax by the pool, or go on a short hike. In the evening, gather for dinner and reflect on the day's adventures. As the sun sets, you may even spot nocturnal wildlife from the comfort of the lodge. Overnight: Aberdare Country Club (breakfast, lunch and dinner included).

Day 6 - Lake Naivasha

After breakfast you'll hop back into the safari vehicle to head on to your next stop. Your driver-guide will point out when you are descending into the Great Rift Valley within which you will continue to Lake Naivasha (200 km). You will arrive at your lodge in time for lunch. Then prepare to explore the beautiful lake from the water on an afternoon boat ride. During the rest of the afternoon you will have opportunities to spot hippos and numerous bird species such as kingfishers, fish eagles, herons, and jacanas, and maybe even a few flamingos. The lake shores are also home to over a thousand protected hippos, as well as giraffes, zebras, waterbuck, and the occasional eland and wildebeest. Overnight: Lake Naivasha Sopa Lodge (breakfast, lunch and dinner included).

Day 7 - Masai Mara

After breakfast your vehicle will be ready to take you on to the Legendary Masai Mara National Reserve (320km). Upon reaching your camp, lunch will be waiting. Then it's time for your Somak driver-guide to wow you with their knowledge of the Mara's ecosystem as they take you on an adventure to spot Africa's `big five' - lions, leopards, elephants, buffaloes and rhinos - along with many other creatures, great and small, in one of the world's most exciting game viewing locations. Our knowledgeable driver-guides will ensure you have the best opportunities to see a wide range of game from the best vantage point to ensure you have photos which will be the envy of all your family and friends.Overnight: Ashnil Mara Camp (lunch and dinner included).

Day 8 - Masai Mara

Immerse yourself in the wonders of the Mara on an early morning game drive as the African bush awakens, followed by a delicious breakfast at camp. After lunch, set out again to explore the Mara's incredible wildlife and breathtaking landscapes.

Alternate option for this day (extra payable in advance):

Experience the magic of the Mara from a whole new perspective with an unforgettable early morning hot air balloon ride. Soar above the vast plains as the sun rises, casting golden hues over the landscape teeming with wildlife. After landing, indulge in a luxurious 'bubbly' bush breakfast in the heart of the wilderness. Continue your adventure with a scenic game drive en route back to camp, where a delectable lunch awaits to complete your extraordinary morning.

Overnight: Ashnil Mara Camp (lunch and dinner included).

Day 9 - Depart

After breakfast, return to Nairobi by road (300 km), or for a supplement there's the option to fly by light aircraft from the Masai Mara to Nairobi (do bear in mind that this limits your luggage allowance for the whole safari). When you arrive in to Nairobi proceed with your onward travel arrangement (breakfast included).

Notes

This is a group itinerary which operates with a minimum of 2 and a maximum of 6 passengers, all guaranteed a window seat.

On occasion the itinerary may operate in a different order, or different lodges used according to availability and road conditions.

Travel times vary on road conditions and game sightings.

Pack a mixture of warm and light clothing in soft bags, plus sunglasses, camera and insect repellent.

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Cheetah Safari Premium

7 night Kenya driving safari

One of our most popular Kenya driving safari itineraries, the Cheetah Safari visits Samburu, the Rift Valley Lakes and the Masai Mara - over the course of a week the variety of landscapes and wildlife is tremendous, plus the combination of accommodation styles really shows Kenya off to her very best.

2025/26 Kenya safari holidays Holiday prices are per person based on two sharing, including flights, transfers and accommodation, and are subject to availability. Flights from Heathrow - other departures also available, call for details.