Guided Touring in Kenya

The emphasis is on walking and wildlife viewing with walks on 8 of the 13 days. Many walks are 3-4 hours, mostly on easy terrain and led by local, knowledgeable guides.

Day 1: Fly from London to Nairobi and on arrival transfer to Jacaranda Hotel or Nairobi Safari Club for 1 night.

Days 2-3: Transfer to Nyeri and Sangare Tented Camp (2 nights). Here we enjoy our first African game walks, encountering giraffe, zebra, antelope and lovely bird life, with views of the Aberdares Valley and Mount Kenya.

Day 4: An early drive takes us to Solio Ranch which has the world's largest concentration of black rhinos. We spend a night in the stunning setting of The Ark tree lodge in the Aberdares (1 night).

Days 5-7: A morning drive via the colourful Naivasha market takes us to Lake Naivasha (3 nights) where we stay at Salewa Lodge. This is the region of the giant yellow-barked acacia and euphorbia, with Lake Naivasha forming a scenic backdrop. We walk on Crescent Island where over 200 species of birds have been recorded. At the Crater Lake Game Sanctuary we have the chance to see acrobatic colobus monkeys as well as eland, giraffe, and zebra. In Hell's Gate National Park, where we find true African savannah, we will walk amidst giraffe, warthog and gazelle. 

Days 8-9: transfer to Lake Elementaita (2 nights) in Africa's Rift Valley. Stay at Sunbird Lodge and enjoy unspoilt views across the lake from your verandah. We walk around the picturesque alkaline lake, surrounded by the Kikopey Hills and nearby hot springs, and visit a local school.

Day 10: Arguably the best Kenyan wildlife is seen at the famous Masai Mara reserve, the picture postcard view of Africa with its great plains, acacia trees, homesteads and wonderful sunsets. Stay for 3 nights at the excellent Mara Leisure Camp.

Day 11: Take an early morning game drive, in excellent open four wheel drive vehicles, in order to see the 'Big Five' game and search for the big cats of the Mara. Time to relax in the afternoon before an evening drive with sundowners. An optional hot air balloon trip is possible today.

Day 12: Walk with a Masai warrior through the dry bush along the Talek river. Stop at a traditional manyatta, with a welcome of authentic Masai song and dance and learn about the medicinal use of local plants. Late afternoon game drive to see the rich animal and bird life once more.

Day 13: Our last morning begins with a drive to Kiambethu tea plantation in Limuru, where we enjoy lunch and a walk in the plantation. We can also learn about the history and cultivation of tea, with a talk from one of the experts.

Afterwards, we continue our drive, taking us to Nairobi airport for our return flight home.

Day 14: Early morning arrival in the UK.

Note:  No flight holidays finish on day 13.