Day 1- Nairobi to Samburu

Day 1 is deemed as departure from Nairobi and leaving as early as convenient, we drive through Kikuyu-land (the kikuyu are the largest tribe in Kenya and inhabit the area around Mt. Kenya and the Aberdare Range) towards and over the West shoulder of Mt. Kenya. A long descent follows to Isiolo and onwards to Buffalo Springs and Samburu National Reserves. Due to the distances and poor quality of roads involved, the drive is particularly long, though we hope to arrive in camp in time to view a bit of game along the way.

Day 2- Samburu (Day spent game viewing in the park)

Samburu (situated on the North Side of the Ewaso Ngiro River) and Buffalo Springs (south side of the same river) is home to some species specific to the North of Kenya. These include Gerenuk - a graceful long necked antelope, oryx - with its splendid straight horns, the grevy's zebra - a larger and finer stripped animal than the common or Burchells Zebra..and of course the reticulated giraffe with its finer white lines. As well as these species, you may well see lion, cheetah, leopard and elephant. The landscape is typically North Kenya - scrub with Acacia Riverside forest and rocky hills. The region also offers excellent birdlife and whilst in camp you can spend time bird-watching. Days are generally hot and nights can get cool (15 °C).

Day 3- Samburu, Lerogi Hills (some walking)

We depart and drive north for a few kilometres before turning west past the Mathews Range of hills and proceed through dry scrub until we ascend an escarpment at the southern end of the Loroghi Hills. Camp will be assembled at a small settlement called Baawaa. However, before reaching there we can stretch our legs and walk for about two hours, thus offering a welcome interlude to our previous days of driving. The crew and vehicle will go ahead and set up camp.

Day 4 to 6- Lerogi Hills, Losiolo (walking)

The Leroghi hills are a well forested range to the east and north of Maralal town, composed of grassy ridges and lightly forested valleys, enjoying pleasant weather conditions ideal for trekking through. It is home to the Samburu people who stand out in their bright red blankets, beads and ochre. There are many signs of elephant and buffalo in these hills, but sightings of such game in the forest is not easy and we have to be particularly cautious, when on rare instances we surprise large game. For this reason, Samburu guides accompany us, as they are particularly familiar with the hills as well as the habits of the recluse wildlife. The 3 day walk consists of two days of open walking affording excellent views of distant hills and on the last day, a particularly spectacular view of the rift valley from Losiolo (8200ft alt) where we spend our last night - cold but beautiful. Apart from our own bustling around the campfire, the nights are filled with the sounds of nocturnal creatures, busy with foraging and their own socialising. You will be left with memories of the distinct cries of the exotic turaco bird, which reverberate throughout the forest. We will spend three days walking in this region, following elephant tracks through forests, past Samburu settlements called Manyattas, sometimes we can take a rest near a grazing herd of Samburu cattle and try to converse with the herdsmen. We end our walk at the Losiolo viewpoint where we camp. Each day our crew (cook and driver) go ahead and set up camp so that when we finally arrive at 3pm, our tents are up and a pot of tea is brewing on the open fire. We will also be accompanied by two Samburu men who will act as guides and interpreters. Walking is fairly easy due to the moderate temperatures, but involves plenty of hill climbs and descents

Day 7- Losiolo, Lake Baringo

Departing as early as possible (0800 HRS), we drive back south to Lake Baringo - a fresh water lake which is predicted by some to dry up in the next 20 - 50 years due to surrounding erosion from land degradation. It is very rich in bird life having over 400 species and is also inhabited by hippos and crocodiles. Likewise, it is home to the local people (the Njemp's tribe) who fish and tend to herds of voracious goats. If time allows, we will do a one hour boat trip on this brown Lake to view aquatic and bird life. We then continue towards Loboi - a small town at the north end of Lake Bogoria and overnight at Lake Bogoria depending on room availability at the time.

Day 8- Lake Baringo, Lake Bogoria (walking)

Departing extremely early (0600 Hrs) we are dropped off on the northern end of lake Bogoria. Lake Bogoria is a soda lake resting against the edge of the eastern wall of the Rift Valley. It has numerous hot springs, is home to many flamingos and we often see zebra, kudu and numerous other small game. We proceed by foot following the lake shore. The path is almost flat but as the day proceeds, the temperatures can reach 35°C, making things strenuous. Some may reach fig tree camp at the southern end of the lake in good time, whereas others may want a rest from 1pm to 3pm beneath the relaxing shade of a thorn tree. Either way we will find the crew ready with camp and tea and of course a refreshing shower for the weary walker. The scenery is particularly good at the southern end of the lake and we arrive in good time to enjoy it. The night is spent at Fig Tree Camp.

Day 9- Lake Bogoria, Lake Nakuru (some walking)

After breakfast by the edge of the lake we walk for about 2 hours until our diligent crew catch up with us. We drive through sisal plantations (sisal is a natural fibre plant and is used especially for string or rope) and make our way into Nakuru town for some brief shopping. After lunch we drive into Nakuru National Park - famous for its flamingos. This soda lake has other attractions such as the endangered white and black rhinos together with possible sightings of lion, buffalo, zebra and sometimes the elusive leopard. Our afternoon game drive here allows us time to look for them. We spend the night at a lodge or hotel in Nakuru.

Day 10- Lake Nakuru, Masai Mara

After another early morning game drive, we drive out of the park and head for the celebrated Masai Mara Game reserve. The Mara is made up of rolling plains interwoven by the Mara River that flows into the Serengeti in Tanzania. We overnight at our permanent tented campsite on the edge of the reserve on the Talek River.

Day 11- Masai Mara

Full days game drive. Depending on the time of year (July-Aug-Sept) the annual wildebeest migration drums through these plains and the Mara is full of predators to take advantage of this feast, as well as many other types of wildlife that follow along. We will search this expansive park for big game and the herds that it is famous for. The sharp eyes of our Masai guide will keep an eye out for the shy cats.

Day 12- Masai Mara (walking)

We leave early by foot and walk out into the plains north of the Mara reserve accompanied by Masai guides who know the area well and will take us safely to where we have set up camp in the wilderness.

Day 13- Masai Mara (walking)

Again we will spend the day wandering these plains through Masai grazing lands and wildlife areas. The star filled nights under canvas with the sounds of Africa will be the grand finale to an epic journey through Kenya.

Day 14- Masai Mara, Nairobi

On this final day we return to Nairobi either to a hotel of your choice or fly straight to your home destination.