Maasai Mara & Naivasha short tour is an ideal combination of activity outside the confines of a safari vehicle and game drives in Kenya’s premier national park – the Maasai Mara. Accommodation is based on budget cottages and tented camps though upgrades to more superior properties can be arranged as well.
Maasai Mara tour starts with a visit to Hells Gate national park; named for the intense geothermal activity within its boundaries, the Park is a remarkable quarter of the Great Rift Valley. Spectacular scenery including the towering cliffs, water-gouged gorges, stark rock towers, scrub clad volcanoes and belching plumes of geothermal steam make it one of the most atmospheric Parks in Africa.
The rest of the tour is spent on game drives in the Maasai Mara where game viewing is rewarding all year round.
7am pick up from your accommodation as we depart Nairobi making a brief stop at the escarpment to enjoy view of Mount Longonot and Suswa in the far distance. We descend into the Rift Valley and arrive at Hells Gate National park. Upon arrival there is the option to hire a bike from the main gate and enjoy cycling through the park at leisure looking out for zebra, eland, hartebeest, Thomson’s gazelle and baboon.
You have the option of enjoying rock climbing the “Fischers tower” accessible for even the most basic of rock climbers.
There is also the option to enjoy a swim at the Olkaria geothermal spa located in the Heart of the park. This spa is a hub of natural hot water that collects in a pool and is the largest of its kind on the African continent. The water that flows into the geothermal spa is all natural with no treatments or additives, it is rich with several natural minerals that include silica and Sulphur. To keep the temperatures of the swimming Lagoon user friendly; there are geothermal technicians who are constantly monitoring the lagoon temperatures.
In the afternoon; you may visit Elsamere Conservation Center steeped in history, go on a nature walk at Crater lake game sanctuary or just relax at the accommodation by Lake Naivasha.
At dusk; enjoy a 1-hour boat ride on the Lake in search of hippos, pelicans and various other bird species. You will enjoy the spectacular scenery and sunset.
Overnight in ensuite cottages/ rooms.
Meal plan: Lunch & Dinner
Enjoy a lovely sunrise and breakfast by the lake before departing towards Narok and Maasai Mara.
We make a brief stop for lunch before arriving the reserve in the afternoon.
You will also enjoy a game drive in the park en route to your tented camp/ lodge (ensuite accommodation).
Meal plan: – Breakfast, Lunch & Dinner
Full day game drive with packed lunch exploring the Maasai Mara. Game drives in the Mara are rewarding all year round and you are likely to come across a pride of Lions, Cheetahs, Elephants, Zebras and various other plains herbivores. In the interlude between game drives there is the option to visit a Maasai village to understand their way of life and customs.
Dinner overnight and back at your accommodation.
Meal plan: – Breakfast, Lunch & Dinner
Early breakfast before departing back towards Nairobi.
Before departure there is the option to enjoy a nature walk in the company of a Maasai safari guide. This is the best way of getting closer to nature and its wildlife. Your safari guide armed with traditional Maasai spear and club will walk you through the local area where all your senses will be put into action at every step. Smell the plants used in traditional medicines, taste some of the edible wild fruits, listen to the birds and the grunting of the Impala, identify footprints and animal spoor.
Depart back towards Nairobi arriving in the late afternoon. Drop off back at your accommodation. End of services
Meal plan: – Breakfast & Lunch
