SECRET WORLDS OF KENYA
(16 days/15 nights)

DAY 1: ARRIVE NAIROBI
Upon arrival transfer to your hotel for an overnight stay. Spend the remainder of the day relaxing after your flight.

DAY 2: NAIROBI - LAKE NAKURU
After breakfast set out on a drive to Lake Nakuru. Established in 1960, the lake is surrounded by swamps and dry savannah, with some forests in the higher parts of the park. The park is home to one of the largest populations of flamingoes. In recent years, the park has established a rhino sanctuary, with nearly 50 safely protected from poachers. The park is small, off the beaten track, and a delight to visit. By the end of the dry season (end of March), the lake is often much smaller. The low number of large predators in the area means that waterbuck, buffalo and warthog thrive, as do other smaller herbivores. Arrive in time for an afternoon game drive. Spend two nights here. (B,L,D)

DAY 3: LAKE NAKURU
Spend a day exploring the park on morning and afternoon game drives. (B,L,D)

DAY 4: LAKE NAKURU - LAIKIPIA
After an early breakfast continue on your morning drive to the Laikipia Plateau, arriving in time for lunch at Borana Lodge. The Laikipia region entrances visitors with its lush, grand scenery, while rivers and streams cross the high plateau. The fertile slopes of the surrounding area have long been important agricultural land. An important rhino sanctuary has been established nearby. Enjoy an afternoon game drive ending with a sundowner. Spend two nights at Borana Lodge on a full board basis. (B,L,D)

DAY 5: LAIKIPIA
Enjoy a further day at Borana with full day game drives including nature walks. (B,L,D)

DAY 6: LAIKIPIA - MERU NATIONAL PARK
After breakfast transfer to the airstrip and fly on a private charter to Meru National Park. Meru is much loved by visitors who appreciate its tranquil, wild atmosphere. With few visitors, the park is a quiet, wild realm, where streams run into the Tana River in the south of the park. Tall grassland and dense scrub make game viewing a rewarding challenge. The park is a transitional ecosystem, between the moist savannah of southern Kenya, and the arid north. The park's year-round water supply attracts a constant selection of wildlife. Meru is noted as a particularly rewarding destination for bird-watchers. Spend three nights here. On arrival you will be met by your host and transferred to Elsa's Kopje. Enjoy lunch, then an afternoon game drive until sunset. Spend three nights at Elsa's Kopje. (B,L,D)

DAYS 7 & 8: MERU NATIONAL PARK
Enjoy a further two days in Meru National Park with morning and afternoon game drives. (B,LD)

DAYS 9: MERU - MAASAI MARA
After breakfast transfer to the airstrip for your flight to Kichwa Tembo, amidst the heart of the great Maasai Mara National Park. Upon arrival you will be transferred to Kichwa Tembo Bateleur Camp for a three night stay. This is a superb base for exploring the wonders of Maasai Mara, one of east Africa's greatest wildlife enclaves. The Mara is home to a concentration of game that existed throughout much of Kenya until the early 20th century, but now has been severely depleted. Lion prides live around the Musiara Swamps, while cheetah, leopards, and rhinos maintain a relative isolation. The annual wildebeest migration is one of the most extraordinary events on the planet, as hundreds of thousands of the animals travel across the Serengeti Plains of Tanzania, over the border and into the Maasai Mara. They arrive here in July and August, struggling across the Mara River on their journey to the eastern side of the reserve. (B,L,D)

DAYS 10 & 11: MAASAI MARA
Spend these days fully exploring this wonderful wildlife spectacle. The Mara is a truly magical setting; the lazy views, the sunsets, the canopy of stars and the campfire experience make this a wonderful part of your journey to Kenya. Watch the relationships between predators and their prey. Mating rituals, playful wrestling of young animals, stalking, and the full range of life amidst the plains is an awesome experience. Game drives, walking in the bush, and meeting with the Maasai all provide excellent opportunities to learn about this extraordinary realm. You may also like to arrange for an optional balloon or microlight flight, providing a sublime view over the plains. Discuss this option with your Absolute Africa travel consultant. (B,L,D)

DAYS 12: MAASAI MARA - LAMU ISLAND
Enjoy an early morning game drive returning to the camp for breakfast and later transfer to the airstrip and fly on scheduled flight to Wilson Airport. You will be met and assisted with a light lunch before continuing by scheduled flight to Lamu Island. Upon arrival you will be met by your host and transferred to Kipungani Bay. Spend four nights at Kipungani Bay. (B,L,D)

DAYS 13-15: LAMU ISLAND
Spend a further three days in Lamu Island with full days at leisure. Optional activities can be arranged on request. (B,L,D)

DAY 16: LAMU ISLAND - NAIROBI; DEPART KENYA
Enjoy breakfast at the hotel. Mid-morning at leisure or do optional activities arranged on request. Lunch at the hotel. Afternoon transfer to the airport and fly on schedule to Wilson Airport, where you will be met and transferred to Jomo Kenyatta International Airport for your outbound flight. (B)