Day-by-day itinerary

• Day

  01

  Nairobi, Kenya

  Welcome!

  On your arrival in Nairobi, you'll be greeted by a Born Free representative who will assist with formalities and escort you to your hotel. Get a good night’s sleep, as your adventure will begin in the morning!
  
  "Karibu!" - Welcome in Swahili
• Day

  02

  Karen

  Elephant Orphanage - Giraffe Center

  After breakfast, set out with your guide on a full day tour to explore Karen, one of the residential areas of Nairobi.
  
  Giraffe Center was started by Jock Leslie-Melville, when he and his wife Betty captured a baby giraffe to start a breeding program of the endangered Rothchild's Giraffe. In 1979, an education center was created. By 1983 enough money was raised to create an educational center for the local children as well as a visitor's center. Come face to face with giraffe and learn about the conservation efforts that are being made in Kenya.
  
  Also on tap will be a stop at the David Sheldrick Wildlife Trust. This is a pioneering facility for the protection and rehabilitation of rhino and elephants that have been abandoned or injured in the wild.
  
  Witness the professional handlers feed and care for the orphaned baby elephants and rhinos rescued from the bush. They will nurture them until the orphan is strong enough to be reintroduced into the wild.
  
  As an option, you can foster a baby elephant at Sheldrick’s and attend an up close and personal baby elephant encounter in the afternoon

  Breakfast / Lunch

  Special Activities:
  Giraffe Manor
  Giraffe Manor is on the same grounds as The Giraffe Center. Reservations can be made to stay overnight at the Manor but must be booked a year or more in advance.
  
  Foster a Baby Elephant
  Foster a baby elephant before your trip, then attend a more up close and personal viewing in the afternoon while at the Sheldrick Elephant Orphanage.
• Days

  03-04

  Amboseli National Park

  On Safari

  This morning set out with your guide to Amboseli National Park. This area is dominated by views of Mt. Kilimanjaro and lies on the border of Tanzania. Amboseli is home to large herds of elephants, cheetah, giraffe, zebra and Cape Buffalo to name a few.
  
  Despite its sometimes dry and dusty appearance, Amboseli has an endless supply of water filtered through thousands of feet of volcanic rock from Mt. Kilimanjaro’s snow melt. These underground streams converge into clear freshwater springs in the heart of the park. If you are lucky, you may get to see the shimmering dry lakebed where false mirages of populated horizons are punctuated by real herds of zebra and wildebeest. This area is home to buffalo, hippo, eland, giraffe, as well as lion and cheetah.
  
  You'll explore the area with your guide, searching for your favorite species. Return to the lodge for a buffet lunch, followed by an afternoon game drive.
  
  On your second day in the area, don't miss the dawn game drives, when the plains are golden with the new day’s sun and the predators are most active. This is truly a magical time.

  Breakfast / Lunch / Dinner
• Day

  05

  Ol Pejeta Conservancy

  Rare White & Black Rhino

  Embark with your driver on a trip through the Kenya countryside, through lush green plantations and small villages. It's a long drive, but there are plenty of places to stop. Roadside kiosks feature delicious local tropical fruit such as pineapple, mango, passion fruit, and bananas. Pass through the Equator- the imaginary line that divides the north and south hemispheres- and perhaps make a stop to see a demonstration on how water moves in opposite directions on each side of the Equator.
  
  Arrive at Ol Pejeta Conservancy, situated between the foothills of Mount Kenya and the Aberdares. It is a protected area for the endangered black rhino, white rhino and chimpanzees. Ol Pejeta is home to a small family of the world’s last remaining northern white rhinos and a sanctuary for over 110 critically endangered black rhinos.
  
  On-site there is an Environmental and Conservation Center that not only welcomes travelers but educates the local Kenya children on their great natural resources.

  Breakfast / Lunch / Dinner
• Day

  06

  Ol Pejeta Conservancy

  Chimp Sanctuary

  Today is a heartwarming journey through the riverine forests of Ol Pejeta, as you explore the rhino and chimp sanctuary.
  
  The Sweetwaters Chimpanzee Sanctuary was established with an agreement between the Ol Pejeta Conservancy and the Jane Goodall Institute, with an aim to provide lifelong refuge to orphaned and abused chimpanzees from West and Central Africa. Currently there are around 40 chimpanzees in the sanctuary.
  
  After your sanctuary visit, head to the Great Rift Valley Lakes District for overnight.

  Breakfast / Lunch / Dinner
• Day

  07

  Lake Nakuru National Park

  This morning head out to explore Lake Nakuru National Park. The soda lake is considered a true birder's paradise, boasting over 450 species of birds. Even though the flamingo population has been reducing, they do fly in from time to time to feed on the lake. If lucky, you may see a blazing sea of deep pink flamingoes. Their intense color bursting against Lake Nakuru’s deep blue alkaline waters is a magnificent site.
  
  Moving through the park's dense acacia forest you are likely to come upon herds of Rothchild's giraffe and waterbuck as well as graceful gazelle and the tiny dik dik. You may also spot elusive leopards that like to hide in the trees.

  Breakfast / Lunch / Dinner
• Day

  08

  Maasai Mara Game Reserve

  Your journey continues to the impressive Maasai Mara Game Reserve. Spend your days here taking in the wonderful scenery and an amazing abundance of wildlife; From the fastest animal on earth- the cheetah- to crocodiles and magnificent lions.
  
  The Maasai Mara Game Reserve totals 750 square miles and is the northern extension of the Serengeti Plains of Tanzania. The views across the rolling golden grasslands are studded with acacia trees, dazzling rivers and forests and an overwhelming sense of spaciousness.
  
  Game drives are generally done in the early morning and later afternoon. Return to camp midday for lunch. Some of the properties will offer nature walks, lectures and Maasai village visits.

  Breakfast / Lunch / Dinner
• Days

  09-10

  Maasai Mara Game Reserve

  Every day in the Maasai Mara is different, with never-ending showcase of nature at its finest. Join your expert ranger on game drives, searching for that elusive species that you have not seen yet and following the migrating herds.

  Breakfast / Lunch / Dinner

  Special Activity:
  Hot-Air Balloon Safari
  We highly suggest the balloon safari at dawn over the Maasai Mara with a champagne bush breakfast, from $500 per person.
• Day

  11

  Your Journey Onwards

  to Nairobi

  One more dawn game drive before bidding farewell to the bush and the friends you've made along the way, as you are driven back to Nairobi. Embark on your onwards journey, taking home memories that will last a lifetime.
  
  "Kwa Heri" (Goodbye)

  Breakfast

  Optional:
  Flight from the Mara to Nairobi