THE ECLIPSE OF MAASAI MARA

A tour of the city of Nairobi will recall some of the early days of this now modern city Stop at the Nairobi National Museum and the Snake Park. Some of the highlights on tour are Norfolk Hotel. The City Market, Jamia Mosque, Macmillan Library, The Law Courts, The City Hall, The Parliament Buildings etc

Morning pick up from your hotel and transfer to the Daphne Sheldricks Orphanage where the orphan elephants and rhino are cared for. The trust does not solicit funds and relies sorely on donations from our caring and compassionate friends. The David Sheldrick Wildlife Trust a small flexible charity, established in memory of David Sheldricks famous Naturalist and founder Wardens of Kenya s giant Tsavo East National Park in which he served from 1948 until 1976. After witnessing the feeding of this orphaned elephants and rhinos at around 1100 hours, you will be transferred to back to your hotel.

Begin with a visit to the former home of famous novelist Karen Von Blixen. The house contains many of her original pieces along with some pieces donated by the makers of the film. "Out of Africa" Then proceed to the Giraffe Centre where you have the opportunity to feed the Giraffe on an elevated platform. Giraffe Centre, initiated by AFEW, is an important conservation centre worth visiting. (Optional home-hosted lunch at Macushla House at an extra cost)

Enjoy a morning or an afternoon game viewing drive in the Nairobi National Park located within the Cities proximity. Lion, Rhino and good variety of plains game can all be found within the borders of the park. And outside the park gate, there is a "Safari Walk from where to view the animals more closely.

Drive to Lake Nakuru National Park, famous as the home to thousands of the greater and lesser flamingos. The park also provides sanctuary for the Rothschild giraffe rhino and leopard. Arrive for lunch. Afternoon game drive, then drive back to Nairobi arriving in the evening.

Morning drive to Lake Naivasha-located 100kms (60 miles) north of Nairobi. Because the water is fresh, Lake Naivasha has the greatest number of residents leaving around the shore. It has also become the centre of the booming horticulture export business which is one of Kenya's leading foreign exchange earners. With the high walls of the Mau to the west, Mt Logonot to the south, and Mt Logonot to the south, and Mt Eburu to the north , it is one of the most spectacular of all

Morning drive to Lake Naivasha-located 100kms (60 miles) north of Nairobi. Because the water is fresh, Lake Naivasha has the greatest number of residents leaving around the shore. It has also become the centre of the booming horticulture export business which is one of Kenya's leading foreign exchange earners. With the high walls of the Mau to the west, Mt Logonot to the south, and Mt Logonot to the south, and Mt Eburu to the north , it is one of the most spectacular of all the Rift Valley Lakes.

The main lake with its yellow-barked acacia trees, and the blue water lilies attracts a vast variety of birds(more than 350 species have been recorded). Another attraction in the area is the Elsamere, the home of the late Joy Adamson (author of the books Born Free and Living Free) and now a museum. Arrive for lunch at a Naivasha hotel. Afternoon boat ride to the Cresent Island. Late afternoon drive back to Nairobi and drop off at your hotel.

Morning drive to Lake Naivasha-located 100kms (60 miles) north of Nairobi. Because the water is fresh, Lake Naivasha has the greatest number of residents leaving around the shore. It has also become the centre of the booming horticulture export business which is one of Kenya's leading foreign exchange earners. With the high walls of the Mau to the west, Mt Logonot to the south, and Mt Logonot to the south, and Mt Eburu to the north , it is one of the most spectacular of all the Rift Valley Lakes.

Transfer for lunch or dinner at the carnivore restaurant and enjoy Africa's greatest experience. Every type of meet imaginable including a selection of game is roasted over the charcoal and carved at your table. Delicious side dishes and an exceptional array of sauces compliments this fixed price feast which also include soup, a selection of desserts and Kenyan coffee. Set in attractive tropical gardens, the service and the décor are outstanding.

Transfer for lunch or dinner at the peaceful and charming Macushla House, located in Langata a wealthy suburb west of Nairobi, close to the Nairobi National Park, Karen Blixen Museum, Daphne Sheldricks Elephant Orphanage and the Giraffe Centre. This immaculate house at the edge of an indigenous forest is like a private home and provides excellent facilities, food and personalised service in comfortable surroundings Open beamed ceilings, natural woodwork, log fires and a private sturdy give the house a unique country house flavour.

Fabulous wholesome meals are prepared with care and attention using the freshest of ingredients and served in the intimate dinning room or by the swimming pool. Traditional English tea with scones can be taken in the garden or the bar which has a large selection of alternative types of drinks.

Arrive at 11am and over a cup of tea or coffee the history of the farm and process of making tea is informally explained, followed by an opportunity to see tea in the field. Then take a walk in the indigenous forest with our resident Kenyan guide who will identify the plants and explain how they are traditionally used.

Look out for the Colobus monkeys close up and wander in the gardens which are home to a wide variety of birds and flowers. Return to the house to enjoy a pre-lunch drink on the verandah with sweeping views across the tea fields to the Ngong Hills. Lunch is served about 1pm and is a three course buffet lunch from our set menu prepared with vegetables from the garden and desserts are topped with cream from our herd of Channel Island cows.

Description: Get to cycle alongside wildlife in one of Kenya's Adventure National Park. Set in the scene of the movie Tomb Raider, Hell's Gate National Park offers a unique experience where you will get to visit the gorge, cycle or walk inside the park, experience rock climbing (extra) among other things.

Get to see the birdlife as well as the nature with the beautiful rock formations in the area. On this exciting tour, you will be picked from your residence at 6:00am, followed by a briefing before departing for Naivasha On the way, we will pass through the Tea Plantations of Limuru as we head down the Rift Valley. We will make a stop at the Rift Valley Observation point where you will get to see the amazing landscapes of the area. Learn more on the formation and what lies within the valley. Arrive at the park where we will be able to get the bikes and enjoy the ride as we traverse the park and later head down the gorge for the hike. We will then finish and commence our exit back to Nairobi. We can stop at a restaurant for lunch (at own cost) should it be needed Drop off at your residence or hotel.

The first thing you’ll notice as you enter a village is the many vivid colours of the Masai’s garments. The bright shukas or sheets they wear contrast strongly with the greens and browns of the landscape. Adding to this display of colour is the brightly beaded jewelry – necklaces, bracelets and amulets – worn by the women and men. This beadwork, while very appealing, has more than just an ornamental value. The women who create it express their identity and social status with these handcrafted pieces. You’ll see displays of this beaded jewelry for sale, and you can help support the village with a purchase… as well as bringing home an authentic souvenir from your travels.

Expert Guide On Balloon Trips In Masai Mara. Hot air balloon rides are exhilarating in any setting. A hot air balloon safari over Masai Mara National Reserve, though, is a once-in-a-lifetime experience. We highly recommend that adventurous guests plan to stay at the reserve for at least three days to allow time for this activity along with your other safari activities such game drives, bush walks, village visits and more.

Additionally, hot air balloon flights need to be pre-arranged by your Silver Africa Tours & Safaris trip representative to ensure guaranteed availability due to the limited space of only 16 passengers in a balloon. The balloons can accommodate adults and children, with some limitations.

Children must be at least four years old and must be accommodation by a parent or guardian. We recommend that adults be in good physical condition. Adults who are over 265 lbs (120 kg) may be required to purchase an additional spot on the balloon (twice the cost) for safety precautions, though this can be waived depending on flight occupancy at the discretion and prior approval from the pilot.

Why not add an overnight trip to the beautiful unspoilt Island of Mfangano on Lake Victoria onto your safari? Lapped by the waters of Lake Victoria, shaded by giant fig trees and lost to the world, Mfangano Island Camp is an oasis of tranquility, an ideal retreat from the hustle and bustle of modern life.

Your first view is of beautiful tropical gardens set on a secluded bay. Lawns hug the waterline, flowerbeds and rock gardens surround the camp and enormous boulders sit at the water’s edge, a perch for cormorants or giant monitor lizards to sun themselves. There is fantastic birdlife which you can enjoy from the comfort of the camp as cormorants dive for fish nearby or spread their wings to dry in the sun and Fish Eagles call from the treetops. If all you desire is to laze in the sunshine, each room has it’s own private veranda with sun beds.

Or there are plenty of activities to keep you occupied. The food is as fresh as can be, fished from the lake (hopefully by you!) or picked fresh from the island’s vegetable gardens and orchards. Mfangano Island Camp has six double-bedded cottages situated right on the lakeshore. Each room has been built in the Luo tribal style, with banana thatch and natural clay. All offer spectacular vistas across the lake with picturesque dhows sailing by. The rooms are light and airy with four-poster beds.

Mfangano Island Camp has a stunning honeymoon suite if you are looking for something very special. From your bed you have almost a 360 degree view of Lake Victoria. From the dining and lounge area you can sit and enjoy the life of the lake as it goes by. There is also a horizon swimming pool located right on the lakeshore.

You depart the Masai Mara on an early morning flight to Mfangano Airstrip (30 minute flight). Arrive at Mfangano Island and take a boat trip to Mfangano Island Camp in time for breakfast. Spend the rest of the day exploring Lake Victoria (the world’s second largest fresh water lake), fishing with good chances to catch the giant Nile Perch, bird-watching, visits to see the local ancient rock art, boat rides or walks to the local island villages, or enjoy the prolific birdlife in the camp’s indigenous garden, or sit by the pool reading a book.

After a delicious alfresco lunch you have the afternoon to explore the lake or relax in the camp. Dinner and overnight the following day you have the whole day to relax at the lake before you are returned to the airstrip by boat for your flight back to the Masai Mara. The flight to the Mara will land in time for an afternoon game drive or connect with the afternoon schedule flights back to Nairobi if you are departing the Masai Mara on that day. Day and overnight trips to Mfangano Island Camp can be booked direct in camp or prior to arrival.

You depart the Masai Mara on an early morning flight to Mfangano Airstrip (30 minute flight). Arrive at Mfangano Island and take a boat trip to Mfangano Island Camp in time for breakfast.

Spend the rest of the day exploring Lake Victoria (the world’s second largest fresh water lake), fishing with good chances to catch the giant Nile Perch, bird-watching, visits to see the local ancient rock art, boat rides or walks to the local island villages, or enjoy the prolific birdlife in the camp’s indigenous garden, or sit by the pool reading a book.

You depart the Masai Mara on an early morning flight to Mfangano Airstrip (30 minute flight). Arrive at Mfangano Island and take a boat trip to Mfangano Island Camp in time for breakfast.