Embark on a captivating journey this morning as we head towards the Uganda border to navigate border procedures.

A brief drive transports us to our initial adventure: the Batwa Trail. This unique cultural immersion uncovers the ancient lifestyle of the Batwa, or pygmies, once dwellers of the forest. As we explore, we’ll learn about their traditions of hunting, gathering fruits, collecting honey, and engaging in spiritual rituals within the secluded caves. These forest inhabitants, coexisting peacefully with mountain gorillas, maintained this way of life for over half a millennium. The Batwa Trail honors their legacy, with the community being the primary beneficiary of the activity.

Our day culminates in a serene retreat to our lodge in the Bwindi area, where dinner awaits and an overnight rest promises to recharge us for the adventures ahead.

Today’s adventure takes you into the heart of the Bwindi Impenetrable National Park, a sanctuary for half the world’s population of mountain gorillas. As you trek through the dense and mysterious forest, a profound experience awaits you: a chance to witness the Gentle Giants of the Bwindi in their natural surroundings. Meeting their expressive brown eyes, a connection forms that transcends the mundane, offering a glimpse into something profound and eternal. This encounter with the gorillas is more than just wildlife observation; it’s a poignant experience, unparalleled in excitement and emotion in the vast continent of Africa. After this unforgettable and soul-stirring adventure, you return to the serenity of your lodge, where relaxation allows you to reflect on a truly extraordinary day.

Our journey this morning takes us back across the Rwandan border to Kigali, where we’ll explore the somber but essential Genocide Memorial site. This reflective place stands as a heart-wrenching reminder of the 1994 massacre, a dark chapter in human history where countless innocent lives were lost. Through a guided experience, we’ll learn about Rwanda’s rich history, from its pre-colonial roots to the complex circumstances surrounding the genocide, and marvel at the nation’s inspiring recovery—an astonishing testament to human resilience. After this poignant visit, we continue to the airport for your flight to Nairobi (please note, the cost of the flight is not included). Upon arrival at Jomo Kenyatta International Airport, you’ll be warmly met by our representative and whisked away to your hotel, where you can reflect on the day’s experiences in comfort.

This morning, you will embark on a comprehensive day tour of Nairobi, under the guidance of your expert local guide. Our journey kicks off with a visit to the Nairobi National Park for a short game drive.  We will see what wonders the bush brings us this morning.

Following this, we will head on to the David Sheldrick Wildlife Trust’s Elephant Orphanage. Your visit is timed perfectly to coincide with the public viewing session held between 11 AM and 12 PM. This affords you a chance to gain a deeper understanding of the extraordinary efforts put forth by the trust in rehabilitating orphaned elephants and preparing them for a life back in the wild.

As midday approaches, we will pause for a leisurely interlude at Tamambo Karen Blixen’s Coffee Gardens. Here, you will have the option to purchase lunch amid the tranquil backdrop of meticulously maintained gardens, making it an ideal locale for relaxation and reflection.

Then it’s off for a visit to the esteemed Giraffe Centre. This is a unique opportunity to interact closely with these magnificent creatures, allowing you a hands-on experience that promises to be both enlightening and enjoyable.

Our final destination of the day is the Kobe Tough Beads Factory, a women’s cooperative that has gained international recognition for its exquisite beadwork. Their artistry is not only celebrated but is also distributed worldwide, offering a glimpse into the skill and culture that go into every piece.

Returning to the hotel for a moment of rejuvenation, the day culminates with a welcome dinner at the famed Carnivore Restaurant, setting the tone for the extraordinary experiences that lie ahead.

Journey northward after a sumptuous hotel breakfast, destined for the tranquil embrace of Sweetwaters Tented Camp in Nanyuki. Nestled in the heart of the private Ol Pejeta Conservancy, this oasis, crowned by Mount Kenya’s plains, is an intimate blend of safari opulence and the rustic allure of tents, each boasting private verandas that overlook an alluring waterhole.

The Rhino Restaurant, a nostalgic nod to its colonial roots, now serves as a culinary sanctuary offering both regional and international delicacies. Within these walls, the Kashoggi Bar and lounge invite guests to the warmth of a roaring fire. For those seeking a closer brush with the wild, the Waterhole Bar, crafted in the guise of a game-viewing hide, promises unmatched encounters with nature.

As the African sun starts its descent, let the conservancy’s myriad wonders unfold on an enthralling afternoon game drive.

Embrace a day of exploration in the heart of the Ol Pejeta Conservancy, complete with morning and afternoon game drives. Between these adventures, retreat to the camp for a rejuvenating lunch and a serene respite. Our explorations will also guide us to the Rhino Sanctuary and the Chimpanzee sanctuary, granting insight into the conservancy’s commendable endeavours in animal welfare.

Ol Pejeta, once a bustling cattle ranch during the colonial era, has now beautifully evolved into a beacon of conservation innovation. Its tale is not only captivating but profoundly motivational. Today, it stands proud as East Africa’s most expansive Black Rhino sanctuary.

After a nourishing breakfast, journey southward to the serene Lake Naivasha, culminating with a delightful lunch at the picturesque Lake Naivasha Sopa Lodge. Sprawling across 120 acres beside the lake, this haven boasts lush green meadows reaching out to the lake’s shores, a jewel in the Great Rift Valley. The vibrant chorus of birds resonates in the air, while monkeys playfully swing from tree to tree. As afternoon unfurls, embark on a boat expedition from the lodge’s jetty, navigating Lake Naivasha’s tranquil waters. This voyage promises glimpses of abundant birdlife and the lake’s esteemed resident hippo pods.

Post breakfast, we embark on a brief journey to Lake Nakuru, renowned for its rich tapestry of wildlife. A morning game drive reveals the lake’s treasures, notably its White Rhinos and elusive Leopards. While the once teeming Flamingo population has seen a decline, the lake remains a sanctuary for myriad birds, including the graceful Pelicans.

Post a leisurely lunch at Lake Nakuru, our adventure leads us to Crescent Island. Here, the allure of a walking safari awaits. With the absence of predators, a tranquil stroll among the animals becomes an ethereal experience. The majestic presence of giraffes, strolling in their natural habitat, adds a touch of magic to the day.

Following an early breakfast, set forth on a captivating journey to the Masai Mara National Reserve, aiming for a timely late lunch. The Zebra Plains Mara Camp, with its innate charm, will be your retreat for the ensuing three nights. Post-lunch, the Mara, a mesmerizing tapestry of rolling grasslands, sinuous rivers, and majestic escarpments, invites you for your maiden game drive. While it’s an extension of Tanzania’s famed Serengeti National Park, the Mara presents an unparalleled wildlife spectacle in its own right. As the day wanes, retreat to your camp. Recline on your private veranda, partake in the evening’s sundowners, and later, relish a sumptuous dinner in the camp’s central restaurant.

Delve deep into the heart of the Mara today, traversing its vast expanses with enthralling game drives. Recognized globally, the Mara showcases nature’s grandeur in the form of the ‘greatest wildlife shows on earth’. This unparalleled spectacle unfolds as the mighty wildebeest partake in their annual migration, a sight so breathtaking, it holds one captive. Traditionally, this mesmerizing journey takes place from July through October. Today’s exploration offers a chance to witness, firsthand, this testament to nature’s splendor.

Embark on an immersive journey through the Mara, with captivating morning and afternoon game drives. The Mara stands unparalleled in Africa, offering an unmatched richness in wildlife and moments that will etch memories for a lifetime. Within its vast, ethereal beauty, expect a myriad of wildlife and a birdlife that’s beyond imagination. It’s not uncommon to encounter the iconic ‘Big Five’ in a single morning’s expedition here. For those seeking an elevated experience, there’s an option to soar above this wonderland in a hot air balloon safari, available at a supplementary cost.

Begin your day with a hearty breakfast at the camp. As we prepare to bid farewell, we embark on one final morning game drive in the Mara, savouring our last moments with its majestic inhabitants. As we depart from this natural wonderland, our journey takes us back towards Nairobi, pausing for a delightful picnic lunch en route. Once in the city, you can either proceed to the airport to catch your onward flight or contemplate extending your Kenyan adventure by retreating to the serene beaches of the Kenyan Coast.