Kenyan Safari – 4 nights Cape Town | 3 nights Kruger | 1 night White River | 3 nights Victoria Falls Zambia | 1 night Nairobi | 3 nights Amboseli | 2 nights Lake Naivasha | 3 nights Masai Mara | 1 night Nairobi
Overview
Bill and Ivy had a number of destinations on their wish list for this trip which gave me a lot of options in terms of planning their holiday to Africa. We started their stay in South Africa with a city and safari combination with four and three nights in Cape Town and Kruger respectively. Victoria Falls is always a great experience for my clients and it was no different for these two who thoroughly enjoyed their stay on the Zambian side of the falls. Kenya is the ultimate East African Safari destination and as such I proposed that they stay in three different areas to maximise their wildlife encounters and provide varied accommodation experiences. It is so rewarding to have such fantastic feedback from my clients and it was an honour to assist them in planning this dream trip.
Trip Highlights
- Cape Town City & Table Mountain
- Kruger National Park
- Victoria Falls Adventures
- Comprehensive Kenyan Safari
- Lake Naivasha
- Private Guided Game Drives
- Lukimbi Lodge Luxury
- Big Five Game Viewing
- Nairobi City
- Amboseli National Park
- Masai Mara Magic
- Stargazing & Night Drives
Itinerary
Upon arrival at Cape Town airport you are met in the arrivals hall by our representative who will hand over your travel documents before transferring you to your hotel for a four night stay.
The rest of the afternoon is at leisure to relax end recuperate after your international flight.
Transfer time – Cape Town airport to Cape Town hotel: ± 35 minutes
Explore the Mother City and the Fairest Cape – from the oldest buildings in South Africa to trendy waterfront shopping; from majestic Table Mountain to sun drenched beaches; and from dramatic seascapes to verdant vineyards. Cape Town regularly tops many lists of world must- visit destinations and Cape Town’s iconic Table Mountain has recently been voted one of the Seven Natural Wonders of the World. Cosmopolitan and fashionable, the relaxed atmosphere and pavement café culture give Cape Town a Southern European feel – but with a distinctive African twist.
This morning you check out and are transferred to Cape Town airport for your flight to Nelspruit Airport. Upon arrival in Nelspruit, you are met and transferred to your game lodge in the Kruger National Park.
This afternoon you check in and have time to settle in before setting off on your first afternoon/evening game drive.
Transfer time – Cape Town Hotel to Cape Town Airport: ± 35 minutes
Flight time – Cape Town to Nelspruit: ± 2½ hours
Transfer time – Nelspruit to Kruger Park: ± 2 hours
The Kruger National Park was established in 1898 and is the oldest National Park in Africa. The 2-million hectare Park provides sanctuary to 147 mammal species, including the Big Five, as well as over 500 bird species. The Kruger National Park has more than its fair share of the Big Five, with an estimated 1,500 lion, 12,000 elephant, 2,500 buffalo, 1,000 leopards and 5,000 rhino. Cheetah, wild dog, spotted hyena, hippopotamus, giraffe, zebra, warthog and many antelope species are also regularly seen on game drives. Boundary fences have been dropped between Kruger and its neighbouring private game reserves, such as Sabi Sand, Timbavati, Klaserie and Manyaleti, meaning that the animals are freeroaming over an area the size of Switzerland, resulting in an immense gene pool. Kruger is unrivalled in the diversity of its life forms and a world leader in advanced environmental management techniques and policies.
After your morning game drive and breakfast you check out. You are collected from your lodge and transferred by road to White River where you spend the night at Nut Grove Manor.
This afternoon is at leisure, but there is a function in this evening and the restaurant will be closed. We have arrange a dinner transfer for you. You will be collected and transferred to a nearby restaurant for dinner.
Transfer time – Kruger Park to White River: ± 2 hours
This morning you have breakfast before checking out. You collected from your hotel and transferred to the Nelspruit Airport for your flight to Livingstone. Upon arrival at Livingstone Airport you are collected by a representative from Wild Horizons and transferred by shared shuttle to your hotel for a three night stay.
Your time at Victoria Falls is at leisure. We have not included any activities, but you can make your way down to the Falls where you have free access as a guest of Avani Victroria Falls.
Transfer time – : White River to Nelspruit Airport ± 35 minutes
Flight time – Nelspruit to Livingstone: ± 2 hours
Transfer time – Livingstone Airport to Avani Victoria Falls : ± 1 hour
Besides being one of the seven natural wonders of the world and a World Heritage Site, Victoria Falls is the unchallenged adventure capital of Africa with more than 50 activities available.
The Victoria Falls is considered to be the largest waterfall in the world. See the mighty Zambezi River as it thunders over the 1700 metre wide Victoria Falls and plunges 100 metres into a narrow gorge below. The great columns of spray rising from the tumultuous falls can be seen from 80 kilometres away on a clear day. If you are lucky enough to be there at full moon, a “moonbow” can be seen in the spray instead of the usual daylight rainbow.
You have time available to explore this area and all the activities on offer. No activities have been booked but you can visit the hotel’s activities desk and they will be able to assist you with arranging any activities which are of interest.
Today is at leisure until you are collected in the afternoon and transferred to Livingstone Airport for your direct flight to Nairobi. Upon arrival at Nairobi Airport you are met in the arrivals hall of the airport by your guide. He will hand over some information before transferring you to your hotel for the night. He will be with your throughout your stay in Kenya.
Depart Nairobi in the early morning, driving through the serene Athi Plains, into the untamed wilderness of Amboseli National Park, arriving at your lodge in time for a hearty lunch.
Relax around the swimming pool, then head out roaming the park’s iconic plains among the large tusked elephants and other game. Once back at the lodge, enjoy dinner while sharing stories, your love of wildlife, and reminiscing about the day’s adventures, before retiring to bed.
Driving time – Nairobi to Amboseli National Park : ± 6 hours
Second in popularity after the legendary Masai Mara, Amboseli National Park not only offers great game viewing but is also the place to go for the best views of iconic Mount Kilimanjaro. The world’s tallest free-standing mountain actually rises just across the border in Tanzania but Amboseli has a postcardperfect view of its snow-capped peaks, rising almost six vertical kilometres above the savannah. The best time to view ‘Kili’ is at dawn and sunset when the clouds lift and the light is clear and soft.
Located about 200km south-east of Nairobi and accessible by road or air, Amboseli is an area of low scrubby vegetation and open grassy plains, all of which makes for easy game viewing.
The morning mist in Amboseli rises to reveal stunning views of Mt. Kilimanjaro and families of elephants wandering across the savannah. Together, you and your family can soak in the total peace of an African sunrise, as you search for the Big Five and other plain game, returning to your lodge for breakfast.
Spend some leisure time and engaging in other activities (optional extras), before heading out on an afternoon safari, returning at sunset for dinner, fun around a campfire.
After breakfast, depart for Nairobi where you’ll stop for a mouth-watering lunch at the famous Carnivore restaurant (for your own account). Continue west, descending into the lush green escarpment and into the Great Rift Valley. Carry onto your hotel overlooking Lake Naivasha.
This beautiful freshwater lake, fringed by thick papyrus, provides the ideal setting for you to go boating or walking along the lake shores. Enjoy dinner and the evening spent soaking up nature.
Driving time – Amboseli to Naivasha: ± 8 hours (full day)
Lake Naivasha can be found sprawled across the highest elevation point of the Kenyan Rift Valley. Spanning an area of 13,900ha with a surrounding swamp, this freshwater lake north of Nairobi is home to wallowing hippo pods, a plethora of birdlife, and other game. The lake is under two hours away from Nairobi.
The gradually inclining slopes of Mount Longonot cradle the crater of a stratovolcano whose hollow floor is carpeted in a green forest and interjected by small steam vents here and there. Zebra, buffalo, giraffe, and hartebeest graze along its rim and floor while seldom-seen leopard conceal themselves behind dense foliage. The Hell’s Gate National Park is also a short drive from Lake Naivasha and guests can walk along the surface of an ancient tributary to a prehistoric lake flanked by looming cliffs on either side
If they you are feeling enregetic, you could go and climb Mt Longonot or go cycling at Hells Gate in the morning hours, the driver will take you and return to the lodge for lunch. Optional extras include: Boat Trips, Brid & Nature Walks , Visit to Crescent Island
Depart early morning for the famous Masai Mara Game Reserve, arriving at your lodge in time for lunch. Following a short siesta, head out on an afternoon game drive, traversing the gold plains under the glow of the fading sun, as the animals come out of hiding and into the cool evening air.
Settle into the night over dinner, recounting the day’s excitement, before falling asleep to the soothing sounds of wild animals in the distance.
Driving time – Lake Naivasha to Masai Mara: ± 4 hours
Feel the true heartbeat of Africa as the roars of lions and drumming of hooves reverberate through the plains of the Masai Mara. Drive along the banks of rivers teeming with crocodile and hippo, and disappear into wild grasslands that abound with predators and plain game.
End the day with dinner, story-sharing, and stargazing around a fireplace, an experience that you and your family will always remember.
The Masai Mara National Reserve has unfenced borders with a number of private conservancies, including Tanzania’s Serengeti National Park. This vast protected landscape is one of the top wildlife destinations in Africa, and Kenya’s flagship conservation area. Game viewing is excellent all year around thanks to the diverse population of resident game – including lion, leopard, elephant and buffalo – plus popular species like zebra, giraffe, hyena, eland and gazelle. The Mara’s big cats are even the stars of a popular wildlife TV series.
From July to November one of nature’s greatest spectacles, the Wildebeest Migration, reaches the Mara – the sheer number of wildebeest arriving in the area is staggering. The migration is a dramatic mass movement of almost two million wildebeest, zebra and gazelle in a seasonal annual cycle driven by rainfall. To reach the Mara’s fresh grazing, wildebeest make dramatic river crossings, facing enormous crocodiles to feast on the Mara plains and regain their strength.
Venture out once more into the Mara Game Reserve as a golden dawn breaks over the savannah plains, before returning to your lodge for a late breakfast and then starting your journey back to Nairobi, arriving into the city by late afternoon. Drop off at the hotel.
Enjoy some down time before you are collected very early tomorrow morning for your departure flight.
Driving time – Masai Mara to Nairobi: ± 6 hours
You are collected very early this morning and transferred to the Nairobi Airport for your flight home.
Cape Town: Winchester Mansions
Winchester Mansions Hotel is an iconic Cape Dutch building and is the leading sea front hotel on Sea Point’s Promenade facing the Atlantic Ocean. It is two minutes’ drive from the trendy Victoria & Alfred Waterfront and is unique amongst Cape Town hotels for its spectacular seaside location. This charming and gracious hotel offers its guests grace, style and contemporary flair. It is a multiple winner of the “Best Luxury Hotel” category at the annual AA Travel Guide Awards.
The rooms are spacious and elegant and all of them have either sea or mountain views. There are 51 classic or contemporary loft style rooms and 25 suites, including one presidential suite. Sip sundowners on the terrace whilst viewing the spectacular ocean sunsets and enjoy signature dishes from Harvey’s Restaurant. The Winchester’s beautiful colonnaded Courtyard, built in the style of an Italian piazza, is a tranquil oasis. Encircled by palm trees and water fountains, it makes a perfect setting for a romantic dinner under the stars. You can relax around the decked heated swimming pool and there is an in-house spa offering health and beauty treatments. There is a complimentary shuttle service between the hotel and the V&A Waterfront.
Kruger National Park: Lukimbi Safari Lodge
Lukimbi Safari Lodge is a luxury safari lodge situated on a private concession in the southern portion of the Kruger National Park. The lodge features carved plaster panels showing intricate mystical creatures and African patterns, in a subtle yet extremely decorative way. The main buildings are linked together with open wooden decks, making the most of the view, as the lodge meanders along the banks of the river Lwakahle. The designer interior combines colours and specially created pieces artistically and imaginatively. The height of the lodge above the river provides viewing points with a feeling of safety. Meals are served at a variety of venues, so guests may enjoy breakfast in the bush, lunch round the pool and dinner on the candlelit wooden decks or around the campfire in the boma.
The raised walkways provide guests with easy access to their suites. 16 spacious suites combine luxury and modern African decor with private decks and river views. The suites all have a sense of space. The rooms seems to stretch into the bush beyond, and the high windows bring the sky and the trees right into the room. Each suite has an en-suite bathroom with spacious bath, inside and outside shower and separate toilet. All have air-conditioning, fan, safe, gauzy, romantic mosquito nets, tea and coffee facilities and a mini bar. These rooms are large enough to share with young children and still enjoy the space.
The unique Kruger National Park and the world-renowned private game reserves that border it together make the Greater Kruger area one of the largest wildlife conservancies in the world. The 2-million hectare Park provides sanctuary to 147 mammal species, including the Big Five, as well as over 500 bird species, all of which roam freely in their natural habitat. Game drives with informative Rangers, are done in the early mornings and late afternoons/evenings on private roads in open Landrovers. Alternatively, guests can take guided walks or relax in the magnificent lodge.
White River: Nut Grove Manor
Nut Grove Manor is a hidden gem in the Lowveld where you can unwind in a laid back, private family atmosphere steeped in history. Its location is conveniently close to the best that the region offers and yet is just far enough from the beaten path to offer peace and quiet. Our lovely subtropical garden is quite legendary for its tranquility and the panoramic views surrounding the property make this hideaway something truly special.
Nut Grove Manor offers both bed and breakfast and self-catering accommodation. It is close to many Lowveld attractions like the Kruger National Park and world-class facilities like the Kruger Mpumalanga International Airport.
Victoria Falls – Zambia: Avani Victoria Falls Resort
The Avani Victoria Falls is a superior 3-star hotel located right on the edge of the Eastern Cataract of the falls and reflects the richness and diversity of the land’s heritage. The architecture of the hotel was inspired by the timeless African tradition. Simple, rustic, and welcoming, its unique styling offers visitors the experience of truly being in the heart of Africa.
The 212 en-suite rooms have private balconies that allow the morning sun in and are tastefully decorated with an African flavour with mosaics and earthy coloured fabrics. Facilities at the hotel include an in-house restaurant and an outdoor swimming pool.
The Victoria Falls National Park borders the front of the property and wild animals often graze on the hotel lawns, with the spray of the falls in the background. The hotel is within walking distance of the Falls.
Nairobi:Tamarind Tree Hotel
Tamarind Tree Hotel Nairobi is ideally located just 5 km to the southwest of Nairobi. The hotel offers easy access to all parts of the city, it’s national park, as well as to the country’s many diverse attractions via the neighboring Wilson Airport and Southern Bypass. The nearby Langata and Karen suburbs are among the liveliest and most popular in Nairobi with world-class shopping malls and excellent restaurants. The hotel’s world-class amenities, paired with their outstanding leisure facilities and genuine service ensure that all guests experience the very best of Tamarind hospitality.
Amboseli National Park: Satao Elerai Camp
Satao Elerai Camp is located in a quiet, unspoilt, unique setting on a 5000 acre private conservation area 12 kms south east of Amboseli National Park at the foot of Africa’s Largest mountain, Mt Kilimanjaro. The camp looks down onto the Amboseli National Park in one direction and up to Mt Kilimanjaro in the other direction, giving clients what is arguably the best location of any camp in Amboseli. In addition, they offer clients the chance to enjoy spectacular bush sundowners, night game drives and game walks on the conservancy, activities that are not available to the lodges located within the park.
The camp currently has 12 luxury en suite mountain facing tents and 5 large luxurious lodge style suites. Both the tents and the suites are en suite with the suites also having luxurious baths. The facilities are supplied with hot running water provided by eco friendly solar units.
Lake Naivasha: Naivasha Sopa Lodge
Set in one hundred and fifty acres of grassland studded with Acacia bushes and trees, the resort is not only home to the resident giraffe, waterbuck and both Vervet and Colobus monkeys, but it is also a night stop for the hippos. The main area is innovatively and artistically designed to ensure that there was as little affect on the environment as possible, and it now snakes its way between the trees with long and graceful curves.
Masai Mara: Ilkeliani Tented Camp
Nestled in a river glade in the Maasai Mara Game Reserve, the area is a favourite for elephants coming to drink from the Talek River. The camp has been designed to combine the old traditional safari style with a modern and fresh feel. Ilkeliani Camp offers only 17 tents and each commanding views of the plains and the wildlife action throughout the day. It is a permanent camp designed along eco-friendly principles. The ethos is to leave a minimum foot print on nature.
Ethe well-equipped tents are stylish with en suite bathrooms. They are sited under their own cluster of shady indigenous trees and you feel that you are out in the wilderness. The interiors are spacious and comfortable featuring a front verandah with a day bed and canvas safari chairs. Home cooked meals combined with personal service contribute to an unforgettable safari experience
Nairobi: The Boma Nairobi
The Boma Nairobi is a luxury deluxe hotel and spa with the mantras of Eat Well, Sleep Well, Drink Well, Work Well and Be Well. All rooms and suites come with luxury amenities including complimentary highspeed internet access, multimedia plug and play port, LED television, Operator assisted dialing telephone. All rooms have access to 24 hour rooms service. Boma Nairobi is located only 20 minutes from both the local and international airports giving quick entry and exit access for over night guests.
INCLUDED IN PRICE Cape Town: Half Day City Tour
A tour guide takes you on a city tour of one of the world’s most beautiful cities. You will visit the historic Castle and the Bo-Kaap Malay Quarter with its narrow cobbled streets and colourful mosques. You will also visit District Six, site of forced removals during the Apartheid era. You view the Houses of Parliament, the City Hall and the Slave Lodge and will enjoy a walk through the Company Gardens. Weather-permitting, you will ride the cable car up Table Mountain to enjoy the view over Cape Town and across Table Bay to Robben Island. If the weather is inclement, you will be taken on a scenic drive up Signal Hill.
INCLUDED IN PRICE Cape Town: Full Day Cape Point Tour
You are collected from your hotel by a tour guide and taken on a drive along the Atlantic seaboard via glamorous Clifton to the quaint seaside village of Hout Bay. We continue via the scenic Chapman’s Peak Drive to Cape Point. Looking at this dramatic promontory jutting into the sea gives one an idea why early sailors nicknamed it the Cape of Storms. We then follow the coastline northwards via Simonstown, where you can visit the penguin colony of Boulders Beach. We also visit Kirstenbosch Botanical Gardens, which is dedicated to the extraordinary variety of plants found in the Cape Floral Kingdom. A leisurely drive through the leafy southern suburbs will bring us back to the city bowl in the late afternoon.
SUGGESTED Cape Town: V&A Waterfront, Robben Island & Two Oceans Aquarium
Spend time today at the Victoria & Alfred Waterfront. You can take a ferry from the Waterfront across Table Bay to Robben Island. An ex-prisoner takes you on an extensive tour of the prison, which includes a visit to Nelson Mandela’s cell, the limestone quarry and the old leper colony. You could also visit the Waterfront’s Two Oceans Aquarium, which is highly recommended for the insight it gives into life in the two oceans off the southern tip of Africa – the cold Atlantic Ocean and the warm Indian Ocean. The V&A Waterfront is South Africa’s trendiest shopping precinct and is full of great restaurants and bars. If the weather was inclement on the first day, take the opportunity to go up Table Mountain today.
INCLUDED IN PRICE Kruger National Park: Daily Safari Programme at Lukimbi Safari Lodge
Lukimbi Safari Lodge is situated in the game rich, southern section of the world renowned Kruger National Park. Bounded by three major river systems, the extensive 15 000 hectare area offers a diverse array of habitats. Vast grasslands dominate the northern portion, whereas the southern and central areas are more heavily wooded and interspersed with lush riverine thickets.
This provides an ideal habitat for large herds of zebra, wildebeest and other plains animals. White rhino enjoy the numerous pans and wallows, whilst the shyer and more elusive black rhino can be found in the more thickly wooded areas. Herds of buffalo roam through grasslands seeking the succulent grasses, before moving down to rivers to amble slowly through the reeds. Elephants can frequently be seen all over the concession and in the river in front of the lodge is a favourite place for them to spend hours at a time. Guests relaxing at the lodge pools can find themselves enthralled, watching elephant families equally enjoying their own pools, particularly if the families include endearing babies.
Where you find animals, you find the predators. Tracking lions in open vehicles is one of the most exciting things to do and guests will never forget the spine chilling and awesome sound of a lion roaring at close quarters. Leopards are also found at Lukimbi, more difficult to spot, but guests are rewarded with the sight of one of the most beautiful animals in the world. Twice-daily game drives are conducted in open vehicles, led by an experience field guide and local Shangaan tracker.
During daily walks, field guides will fascinate guests with information on the smaller reptiles and insects, which they might have missed on drives. Inquisitive giraffe frequently amuse guests on walks, as they watch the guests watching them, their long, luxuriant eyelashes never failing to charm. Lukimbi is a birders’ paradise, as there are over 420 species of birds to be found.
SUGGESTED Victoria Falls: View The Falls
As you approach the Falls and hear the water pounding and witness the vapour rising, you quickly understand why local tribesman called the Falls “Mosi-oa-Tunya” (the smoke that thunders) and why the explorer David Livingstone exclaimed that a scene “so lovely must have been gazed upon by angels in their flight”.
The great columns of spray rising from the tumultuous falls can be seen from 80 kilometres away on a clear day. If you are lucky enough to be there at full moon, a “moonbow” can be seen in the spray instead of the usual daylight rainbow. Because the Victoria Falls fall into a chasm, rather than falling down an escarpment, it is possible to walk along the opposite side of the chasm, at the same height as the top of the Falls. From the unique walking trails the magnificence and glory of the Falls are head on and only about 60 metres (200 feet) away. The spray falls on the trails like soft rain, feeding the lush vegetatio
SUGGESTED Victoria Falls: Sunset Cruise on the Zambezi River
Follow in the footsteps of David Livingstone and travel up the Zambezi River above the Falls. There are several companies offering boat trips on the Zambezi River. Especially recommended is an evening sundowner boat cruise or a dinner cruise. As afternoon fades into twilight, animals come down to the river to drink as you go by.
SUGGESTED Victoria Falls: Adventure Activities
Victoria Falls is the unchallenged adventure capital of Africa with more than 50 activities available. Here is our selection of the best:
Tiger fishing:
Spend a half day on the Zambezi River fishing for one of the great freshwater game fish – The Tigerfish. These powerful, swift predators are truly thrilling to catch.
Canoeing:
Paddle slowly down the Zambezi River in a canoe with some of the best wildlife guides in Africa and enjoy the beauty, peace and wildlife of this unique place. Explore islands and waterways and learn about the birds and animals you come across along the route.
Flight of Angels Helicopter Flip over the Falls:
At ground level you can feel the enormous power of the Victoria Falls as tremendous volumes of water pound into the chasm below. But it is only when you take to the air that you can take in the whole panorama and enormity of this mighty spectacle.
Bungi Jumping:
Bungi jump off the 111 metre high railway bridge into the Zambezi gorge, stopping just metres from the rushing water of the Zambezi River. This is a wild jump! There are two bungi options: A single jump on your own or a tandem jump with a partner.
White Water Rafting:
White Water Rafting on the Zambezi River is acclaimed as the best one day white water rafting trip available in the world. There are different options for rafting depending on the time of year and the level of water in the river.
Jet Boat Extreme:
Speedboats powered by huge jet engines shoot down the rapids below the Victoria Falls at 100 km an hour. Enjoy a thrilling half hour spent “flying” over the water.
INCLUDED IN PRICE Amboseli National Park: Game Viewing at Satao Elerai Camp
Amboseli National Park is in southern Kenya. It’s known for its large elephant herds and views of immense Mount Kilimanjaro, across the border in Tanzania. Observation Hill offers panoramas of the peak and the park’s plains and swamps. Varied wildlife includes giraffes, zebras, cheetahs and hundreds of bird species. The western section is dominated by vast Lake Amboseli, which is dry outside the rainy season. One of the biggest advantages of Satao Elerai Camp is that being located on its own private conservation area clients have the chance to view wildlife in private surroundings.
Lake Naivasha: Game Viewing at Naivasha Sopa Lodge
The rich flora around Lake Naivasha attracts a variety of animals that include buffalo, antelope, giraffe, warthog and monkey, and you will almost certainly catch sight of hippos lazily watching proceedings from the cooling water.
The highest and purest of the Great Rift Valley’s lakes, Naivasha also plays host to a variety of birdlife; more than 400 species have been recorded here. Many can be spotted along the shoreline – from pelicans and fish eagles to weavers and warblers.
This area is also ideal for viewing Grant’s gazelle, impala, red and blue sunbird, osprey and hippo. Nearby Hell’s Gate National Park is well worth a visit, to see its spectacular canyons, hot springs and wildlife, as is Born Free author Joy Adamson’s house. Additional activities available include: Boat rides, horse rides, biking, and outdoor boma dining area, bird watching, nature walks, card & board games.
Masai Mara National Park: Game Viewing at Ilkeliani Tented Camp
Possibly the most famous of the reserves and arguably the greatest wildlife destination in Africa the Masai Mara has become synonymous with the safari and is currently being featured in the BBC’s new series Planet Earth Live.
Nature doesn’t recognize borders and the 700 square miles of the Masai Mara Reserve effectively continue the northern sweep of neighboring Tanzania’s Serengeti plains, thus forming one huge ecosystem. The Mara lands are famous for the annual Wildebeest migration which occurs from June to October when the Mara becomes host to an almost unimaginable half a million wildebeest seeking the grasses raised by the spring rains of April and May. Having exhausted the grazing in the northern Serengeti the wildebeest head north en masse. This is an awesome sight in the true meaning of the word which, when coupled with the sound of thousands upon thousands of hooves pounding the earth, makes it an unforgettable spectacle.
The Wildebeest are not the only tenants of the land. The Mara is also the home to among others, zebra, elephants, and to the big cats; cheetahs, lions and leopards. Hyena, jackal, buffalo, eland, topi, impala, gazelle, warthog add to this huge diversity of wildlife.
Bill & Ivy S, Canada, 15th October 2019
Pembury Tours organized a 3 1/2 week trip for us through South Africa, Victoria Falls and Kenya. Their itinerary and choice of hotels/lodges was excellent! Our travel consultant Tammy Harding was exceptionally prompt and thorough in all the pre-trip planning and correspondence with many helpful tips and suggestions. The trip was a combination of hotel stays with free time to explore, private sightseeing tours in Cape Town and the surrounding area, stays at various game lodges and an 11 day private tour throughout Kenya with a vehicle and driver. The planning and execution was flawless. We saw and did everything we wanted and more. We would highly recommend Tammy and Pembury Tours!!