Kenya Honeymooners Safari Experience
Kenya, renowned for its stunning landscapes and diverse wildlife, offers some of the most unforgettable safari experiences in Africa. From the iconic savannahs to lush wetlands, each destination presents unique opportunities to witness the splendor of nature. Whether you’re tracking the Big Five, marveling at vast bird migrations, or simply soaking in breathtaking vistas, Kenya’s safari parks promise an adventure of a lifetime.
Maasai Mara National Reserve
Dream of Africa and chances are you dream of Maasai Mara. The Maasai Mara, a sprawling savannah in southwestern Kenya, is not just a wildlife sanctuary but a testament to the intricate interplay between nature and culture. Its name evokes images of endless grasslands dotted with acacia trees, where some of Africa’s most iconic wildlife roam freely. Maasai Mara is also home to the Maasai people, whose rich traditions and deep connection to the land add layers of meaning to this vast ecosystem.
Big 5
It is the home to Africa’ Big Five species, as well as an abundance of other wildlife, including wildebeest, cheetah, hyena, giraffe and many more. It borders the Serengeti National Park Tanzania. The “Big Five,” symbolize the apex predators that dominate these lands. Lions, with their majestic manes and powerful presence, roam the savannah, embodying both grace and ferocity. Leopards, elusive and solitary, navigate the acacia trees with stealth and precision.
Elephants, the gentle giants, traverse the Mara River in search of water and sustenance, their familial bonds and intricate social structures reflecting the complex dynamics of life in the wild. Buffalos, resilient and formidable, graze in large herds, while rhinoceroses, endangered and awe-inspiring, are a poignant reminder of the conservation challenges faced in protecting these majestic creatures.
Wildebeeste Migration
Often described as nature’s greatest spectacles, the great migration is one of Africa’s dramatic stories. This occurs every year between July and October where more than 1.5 million wildebeests, zebras, gazelles and elands move mysteriously from the Serengeti in Tanzania to Maasai Mara in Kenya in search of grass and water.
The Mara River, with its treacherous currents and lurking predators, becomes a pivotal point in their journey, where dramatic crossings test their endurance and instincts. The migration not only showcases the resilience of these animals but also underscores the Mara’s role as a critical habitat and migration corridor for countless species. This mass movement is one of the Seven Wonders of the World.
Mara River Crossing
From the western Serengeti the herds head north, following the rains (or their effects) into Kenya and the Maasai Mara Game Reserve. On their trek the wildebeests’ path is cut several times by rivers: in the Serengeti by the Mbalangeti and the Grumeti, and in Kenya by the Mara. For most of the year these rivers are relatively placid, but they can become violent torrents in response to rainfall in their catchment areas, and then they present major obstacles to the progress of the wildebeest.
Wildebeest arrive at the Mara River in their tens of thousands, and gather waiting to cross. For days their numbers can be building up and anticipation grows but many times, for no apparent reason, they turn and wander away from the water’s edge.
Eventually the wildebeest will choose a crossing point, something that can vary from year to year and cannot be predicted with any accuracy. Once on the grasslands of the Maasai Mara, the wildebeest spend several months feeding and fattening once more, taking advantage of the scattered distribution of green pastures and isolated rainstorms.
A remarkable feature of their wanderings is their ability to repeatedly find areas of good grazing, no matter how far apart. The physiology of the wildebeest is such that it has been designed by evolution to travel large distances very quickly and economically, apparently requiring no more energy to run a certain distance than to trudge along at walking pace. Every facet of its life and behavior is designed to save time – wildebeest even mate on the move, and newborns are, as we have seen, up and running in minutes.
While the wildebeest are drawn into migrating by the needs of their stomachs, the fact that they’re constantly on the move has the added benefit that they outmarch large numbers of predators. The predators are unable to follow the moving herds very far, for many are territorial and can neither abandon their territories nor invade those of others. Moreover, the young of most predators are highly dependent upon their mothers, who can’t move very far from them.
The Mara is not only famed due to wildebeest’s migration but also to unique sightings such as Tira, Tano Bora and the iconic Scarface.
Tira
Nicknamed after the driver guide that spotted the stunning dark-skinned zebra with black spotted polka dots, Tira was such an eye – catching sight. Tira’s black spots are due to pseudomelanism – a rare genetic mutation in the stripes pattern.
Tano Bora
Tano Bora (the 5 musketeers or the 5 brothers) which means ‘Magnificent Five’ is a coalition of five male cheetahs that have claimed Mara as their stomping ground and have become popular for their incredible take downs of huge prey and their hunting prowess.
Tano Bora have challenged so many assumptions about typical cheetah behaviour. Typically, once reaching adulthood, a male cheetah becomes solitary or joins another to form a pair. It is very rare to see a group this large bonding together. The Tano Bora are now four after Olpadan, formerly the leader of the pack left the coalition. After he lost one of his testicles in a fight with males in March 2019, his rank dropped. From the decision maker and leader of the group, he became the last in the chain and the last one to join the meal.
Scarface
Owing to one scar in his right eye, Scarface is the oldest and most sought-after lion in the Mara. His machismo is legendary and coupled with his sturdy looks – a black exceptional mane that sweeps back from his forehead- Scarface is the face of survival and resiliencee.
Scarface earned his moniker in 2012 when he lost his right eyelid while making a territorial grab with his three brothers Sikio, Morani and Hunter. Scarface died in June 2021 at the age of 14 of natural causes.
The Mara offers such breathtaking moments – an experience in the Mara is never the same from previous encounters. Each day offers a rewarding experience. Other rewarding activities are a balloon safari and a visit to the Mara village.
Maasai Mara Ballon Safari
The trip is magical, spend about one hour silently floating over the savannah in a hot air balloon and it will fill you with enough memories to last a lifetime. You take off in the wee hours of the morning, float in the sky, drifting with the whim of the wind, overlooking the plains, just in time to experience a breathtaking sunrise and catch a bird’s eye view of the reserve.
After the flight, you will be treated to a luxurious breakfast to complete the experience as you relax and absorb the moment.
Maasai Mara Village Visit
You’ve seen pictures of them – adorned with the brilliant red, blue and purple patterns of the shukas they wear. The men with their spears, tall and proud. The women bejeweled with bright beaded earrings and scarves. These are the some of the oldest inhabitants of East Africa, the Maasai people.
They live in small mud-thatched villages, surrounded by their cattle and smaller livestock. For hundreds of years the Masai have roamed these lands of Kenya, living a free, nomadic lifestyle. Their traditional lands now comprise much of Kenya’s national parks. A highlight of your safari vacation is a visit with these Maasai people. Many of the tribes welcome visitors to their villages to view up close their culture and lifestyle.
You may get to experience the villagers singing and dancing… and you might even be able to join in! The Maasai are known for their rhythmic call-and-response singing. Perhaps their most widely known dance is the adumu or “jumping dance”. The warriors form a circle with one person entering the center. This dancer will jump higher and higher to the rhythms of the singers. As he jumps higher the singers will raise the pitch of their voices.
Standing in muted contrast to the colourful villagers, you’ll see the browns and grays of the Maasai’s houses, called bomas. Small structures with thatched roofs, it is the job of the Maasai women to build these sturdy dwellings.
Lake Nakuru National Park
Famous for its shimmering waters and abundant birdlife, Lake Nakuru National Park is a birdwatcher’s paradise. The lake itself is often filled with thousands of flamingos, creating a breathtaking spectacle.
The park’s diverse ecosystem includes forested areas, savannahs, and rocky outcrops, providing habitats for a wide range of wildlife, including rhinos, lions, and leopards. The park is also renowned for its beautiful scenery, with panoramic views from the surrounding hills.
Amboseli National Park
Amboseli National Park stands as a testament to Africa’s breathtaking beauty and biodiversity. Its iconic landscape is dominated by the majestic presence of Mount Kilimanjaro, whose snowcapped peak provides a stunning backdrop to the park’s diverse wildlife and rich ecosystems.
Nature mates can investigate five unique territories here running from the went away bed of Lake Amboseli, wetlands with sulfur springs, the savannah and forests. They can likewise visit neighborhood Maasai groups who live around the recreation center and experience their bona fide society.
Lake Naivasha
Unlike the other parks, Lake Naivasha is a freshwater lake surrounded by lush vegetation and diverse birdlife. It is an excellent location for boat safaris, where you can spot hippos and a variety of bird species, including fish eagles and herons.
The lake’s surrounding area includes the Hell’s Gate National Park, which offers opportunities for hiking and biking amidst dramatic landscapes. The combination of water and land-based experiences makes Lake Naivasha a unique and refreshing destination.
Each of these destinations offers a unique and immersive safari experience, showcasing Kenya’s remarkable natural beauty and diverse wildlife.
DEPARTURE/RETURN LOCATION | Nairobi, Kenya | ||||||||
DEPARTURE TIME | Please arrive by 6:30 AM for a prompt departure at 7:00 AM. | ||||||||
RETURN TIME | Approximately 4:30 PM. | ||||||||
WEAR | Comfortable safari clothing, comfortable safari shoes , warm and light clothes | ||||||||
INCLUDED |
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NOT INCLUDED |
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Additional information
Location | Amboseli Kenya, Maasai Mara Kenya, Nairobi, Kenya, Nakuru Kenya |
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Destination | amboseli, Kenya, MAASAIMARA, Nakuru |
Groupsize | 6 |
Month | April, August, December, February, January, July, June, March, May, November, October, September |
Day 1: Airport pickup and drive to Maasai Mara National Reserve
Upon arrival and after completing with customs and immigration procedures, your driver guide will meet you and after meet and greet commence drive to to Maasai Mara. Have a stopover at the great Rift Valley view point where you will have a breathtaking view of the floor of the Rift Valley. Arrive for check in and hot lunch at Karen Blixen Mara Camp. After lunch, embark on afternoon game drive in the Mara North Conservancy in search of the big 5 and here you will have exclusive game drives in this privately owned Conservancy. Thereafter, return to the camp at dusk for a bush dinner. Overnight stay at Karen Blixen Mara Camp.
Day 2: Bush Breakfast and game drives in Maasai Mara Reserve
Celebrate your early morning safari with a full bush breakfast laid out in a very scenic set up. Later on proceed for your game drive at the main reserve looking for the big five and we are hopeful you will see almost all if not all of the big five among many animals. This is the day you also go to the Mara River where the great wildebeest migration happens although this is not migration period but there is an abundance of wildlife to enjoy. You will enjoy picnic lunches at the reserve and more game drives at the reserve and thereafter drive to the camp where you will complement your evening game drive with a sundowner cocktail at a location with spectacular views of the setting tropical sun at the camp. Dinner and overnight stay at Karen Blixen Mara Camp. This evening you will also enjoy a night game drive at the conservancy.
Day 3: Drive to Lake Nakuru National Park
Depart Maasai Mara after breakfast and head to Nakuru arriving for check in and lunch. Relax after lunch and settle in before joining your safari driver guide for an afternoon game drive at Lake Nakuru National Park. The park is famous for the flocks of the greater and lesser Flamingo that gather around the lake numbering around 2 million, which turns the lake pink. This has given the lake a nickname; the pink lake. The endangered rhino and Rothschild giraffe are found in the park. Other animals found in the park include African buffalos, zebras, impalas, olive baboons, vervet monkeys, waterbucks, hyenas, jackals, and hippopotamus among many others. You will enjoy private dinner by the pool and overnight stay at The Cliff Nakuru.
Day 4: Nakuru to Amboseli National Park via Lake Naivasha
After breakfast, check out and commence drive to Amboseli with a stopover at Lake Naivasha. In Naivasha, you will enjoy a boat ride in the Lake in search for hippos and the birdlife. You will also visit the Crescent Island for a walking safari, where you’ll encounter giraffes, zebras, and antelopes in a close-up, natural setting. Enjoy lunch in a restaurant along the way. Later on proceed drive to Amboseli. Amboseli National Park is renowned for its abundant wildlife, ranging from large herds of elephants to lions, cheetahs, giraffes, and numerous bird species. It is also famous for its scenery with a backdrop of snow-capped Mount Kilimanjaro, which dominates the landscape, and open plains. Arrive at the Lodge in the evening for dinner and check in at Oltukai Lodge.
Day 5: Bush breakfast and full Day game drives in Amboseli National Park
You will wake up to amazing views of Mount Kilimanjaro if the weather permits. Enjoy your bush breakfast as you hear the roars of lions and the stamps of the elephants in the park. On this day, you will embark on a full day game drive in this wonderful park where Mount Kilimanjaro’s background offers good photographic scenery. It is coupled with animals on the ground, the Big Five, herds of elephants and the prolific birdlife in this African wilderness park. Lunch, dinner and overnight stay at Oltukai Lodge.
Day 6: Morning Maasai village visit and drive from Amboseli to Nairobi
After breakfast, you will be taken to the Masai village for an interaction with them as you enjoy and learn about their culture and way of life. Thereafter embark on your return drive to Nairobi enjoying lunches on the way. Upon arrival, you will be dropped off at Jomo Kenyatta International Airport (Nairobi) for your flight home as you have booked direct.