Day-by-day itinerary

• Day

  01

  Nairobi, Kenya

  Welcome!

  Touch down in Nairobi where you are welcomed by a VIP 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!
  
  Nairobi is a surprising city, with excellent large hotels, small boutique properties and world-class restaurants. There is a strong British influence with everything from high tea to their bit of formal friendliness.
  
  With an extra day, we can arrange for visits to the David Sheldrick Elephant Orphanage and Giraffe Center. It is here that orphaned or hurt baby elephants and rhinos are taken to rehabilitate. They are then released back into their natural habitats.
  
  Giraffe Center or AFEW, is a non-profit organization that has been established to educate Kenyan school children on their country's wildlife and environment. It is on the grounds of the world famous Giraffe Manor.
• Day

  02

  Amboseli National Park

  Mt. Kilimanjaro

  A short flight takes you to the foothills of Mt. Kilimanjaro and the Amboseli National Park primarily made up of a dry lakebed.
  
  Amboseli is a place of stark contrast, the name meaning “salty dust” in Maasai. Amboseli, despite its sometimes dry and dusty appearance, 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.
  
  The park is the home to large herds of elephants, cheetah, giraffe, zebra and Cape Buffalo to name just a few.

  Breakfast / Lunch / Dinner
• Day

  03

  Amboseli National Park

  On Safari

  Rise early to see sunrise on Mt. Kilimanjaro, the best time to see the snow-capped peak. The plains are golden with the new day’s sun giving a magical feel to Amboseli. This is also the time when the predators are most active. This is truly a magical time that can't be missed!
  
  Traverse the reserve visiting the five main swamp areas where the elephants and hippos gather. This is also the time that the lions go on their hunt.
  
  Return to the lodge for a delicious buffet lunch and then out again for afternoon game drive.

  Breakfast / Lunch / Dinner
• Days

  04-05

  Maasai Mara Game Reserve

  Predators

  The adventure continues as you fly over the Great Rift Valley to the northern extension of the Serengeti Plains- the Maasai Mara. This is Kenya’s premiere game reserve. There is an abundance of wildlife that offer photo opportunities and the natural drama of bush life.
  
  Sweeping views of rolling grasslands studded with acacia trees, rivers, and forests lend chance to see a range of animals from the ‘Big Five’ to cheetah, crocodiles, and birds of prey.
  
  Your lodging will be located in the area that will give you the best opportunities to witness the stunning wildlife that makes Mara their home.

  Breakfast / Lunch / Dinner

  Special Activities:
  Private Guide and Vehicle
  Born Free can provide a private guide and vehicle for your time in the Mara. This will allow for unlimited game viewing. Option must be taken for a minimum of three days.
  
  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.
• Days

  06-07

  Mara North Conservancy

  Off Road Safari

  Private transfers to the Mara North Conservancy, with game viewing enroute. For the next two days experience the Africa of yesteryear in an intimate stay in the bush.
  
  Mara North Conservancy is located adjacent to the Maasai Mara Game Reserve. There are no fences and the wildlife wanders freely between the Reserve and the Conservancy.
  
  The Conservancy represents a collaborative effort between member accommodations and more than 800 Maasai landowners. Born Free Safaris features Conservancy visits, as it gives our guests a chance to visit remote bush country with few visitors compared to public areas.
  
  There are many advantages to visiting a Mara Conservancy: There are a limited number of guests and vehicles so it is less crowded than Mara proper; special activities can be experienced here that are not allowed inside the reserve, including night game drives, bush walks, and off road game viewing.
  
  The revenues that are derived from the Conservancy fees and a part of your stay are used to protect wildlife, as well as improve the quality of life of the indigenous Maasai. This includes building schools and water wells. Request more information if you would like to solely stay on a conservancy rather than the Mara proper.

  Breakfast / Lunch / Dinner
• Day

  08

  Your Journey Onward

  Flight to Nairobi

  Soak up your final morning game drive in the African bush. Then take a short flight back to Nairobi, and continue with your onwards journey, with promises of returning. Africa truly gets not only into your heart but your soul.
  
  "Kwaheri" (Goodbye)

  Breakfast