Through the Rift Valley, Zebra Plains - Private Tour

An African safari touches something deep within all of us, for it is an experience that will never be forgotten. This four-day private adventure takes you through the Great Rift Valley and the vast game-rich plains of the Maasai Mara, covering one national reserve and one national park. The driver-guides are all skilled experts and will certainly make this safari feel special while the accommodation has been specifically chosen to enhance your experience. 

TOUR HIGHLIGHTS

Maasai Mara National Reserve: situated in south-west Kenya and is one of Africa’s Greatest Wildlife Reserves, and where the world’s largest multi-species migration takes place. Across the vast plains of the Mara, visitors are able to witness lions, cheetahs, leopards, elephants, and an infinite variety of other species in their natural habitats.

Lake Nakuru National Park: on the floor of the Great Rift Valley, lies the beautiful Lake Nakuru National Park. Visitors can enjoy the wide ecological diversity and varied habitats that range from Lake Nakuru itself to the surrounding escarpment and picturesque ridges. It is ideal for bird watching and game drives.

Day 1: ARRIVAL NAIROBI

After landing at Nairobi International Airport, a tour representative will meet and greet you before guiding you to your transfer to the Eka Hotel or similar. Once you are checked in, enjoy an afternoon at your own leisure, perhaps taking advantage of the services available at the hotel, which include two restaurants, a bar and a swimming pool. This contemporary-style hotel provides you with comfort and convenience before you embark on your Kenyan odyssey. 

Overnight in Nairobi.

Day 2: NAIROBI – MAASAI MARA NATIONAL RESERVE (280kms – 5 hrs)

After breakfast, depart Nairobi, travelling towards Kenya's fertile highlands and head down the Rift Escarpment, on a road built by Italian prisoners during World War II. Keep an eye out for the charming chapel they built at the foot of the escarpment. Pass the futuristic Longonot earth satellite station as you head across the valley to Narok, and then travel through fields of wheat and barley. Arrive at the Zebra Plains Mara Camp in time for lunch and, perhaps, a siesta. Afterwards, it’s time for the first game drive of the tour. Zebra Plains Mara Camp is nestled below the scenic Oldonyo Oloip Ridge – home to the famed Moniko Pride of lions. From this vantage point, guests enjoy sweeping views of the open Mara plains, frequented by giraffes, zebras, impalas, topis, buffalos, and a wide variety of plains game. A waterhole just in front of camp becomes a lively gathering spot during the dry season, offering exceptional wildlife viewing right from your doorstep. The camp features multiple spacious guest areas designed for comfort and connection. Enjoy indoor and outdoor lounges, two inviting campfires, day sun beds, a cozy TV lounge – perfect for unwinding after a day of adventure.

Overnight in Maasai Mara.

Day 3: MAASAI MARA NATIONAL RESERVE (5-6 hrs on game drives)

Wake up to an early breakfast before departing on a morning game drive. The Maasai Mara National Reserve is home to millions of wild animals, including the fabled Big Five (lions, leopards, elephants, buffaloes, and black rhinos). There are also antelopes, gazelles and wildebeest, amongst many others. Return to the lodge for lunch and a well-deserved siesta before setting off to visit a Maasai village, where you’ll learn all about this fascinating people’s customs. Follow that up with an afternoon game drive to wrap up the day and then head back to the lodge as the sun sets. In the evening, dinner will be served at the lodge.

Overnight in Maasai Mara.

Day 4: MAASAI MARA – LAKE NAKURU (315kms – 6 hrs)

Bid farewell to Maasai Mara after breakfast and travel across the ‘breadbasket’ of Kenya. Acres of wheat and barley dominate the landscape as you head north to Narok, the capital of this part of Maasailand. Cross the vast plains on the floor of the Great Rift Valley, keeping an eye out for herds of giraffes and gazelles as you head up the Mau Escarpment, before arriving at Lake Nakuru around midday. The waters here are often coloured a shimmering pink, from the thousands of flamingos that line its shores. After lunch, depart for an afternoon game drive in Lake Nakuru National Park. As well as all the beautiful flamingos, both black and white rhinos are being carefully protected and given a new lease of life in this 188-square-kilometre, fully fenced park. The rhino population numbers more than 50 and continues to multiply. The Rothschild’s giraffe is another rarity that can be found here, and the park also has its fair share of buffaloes, leopards, zebras, elands, waterbucks and lions. Lake Nakuru Lodge is situated in the heart of what is Kenya's most densely populated wetland national park, which is one of six internationally protected marsh areas, known as Ramsar sites, in the country. Lake Nakuru Lodge is in the south-east ecological niche of the park, with commanding views of the lake and the flamingos. Lush gardens surround the lodge and cottages, and there is an exciting programme of activities and evening entertainment. In the evening, dinner will be served at the lodge.

Overnight in Lake Nakuru.

Day 5: LAKE NAKURU – DEPARTURE NAIROBI (180kms – 4 hrs)

Following an early breakfast, continue to Lake Naivasha for a boat ride on the shimmering waters of this lake, in and around which you will be able to see many examples of local wildlife. Then, leaving the Rift Valley behind, proceed to Nairobi, where you’ll be dropped off to Jomo Kenyatta airport to take the flight to your onward destinations.

Passengers should bring only soft-sided bags on safari. Passengers arriving to Kenya may be asked to present a valid Yellow Fever Vaccination Certificate. Travellers’ cheques are generally not accepted in east Africa. US banknotes cannot be older than 2004 and must have the latest security markings (large portrait of the president). Sun protection, sunglasses, a hat and mosquito repellent can be very useful during your stay.