Kenya Classic, Sopa Lodges - Private Tour

An African safari touches something deep within all of us, for it is an experience that will never be forgotten. This seven-day adventure takes you to some of the most dramatic landscapes on the planet in search of wildlife, especially the Big Five, and intriguing cultures. The safari covers two national parks, one national reserve, and one conservation area. 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 can 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. 

Amboseli National Park: crowned by Mount Kilimanjaro, Africa's highest peak, the Amboseli National Parks is one of Kenya's finest parks. Amboseli is also nature a photograph lover. On your game drives on Amboseli great horizons, you can spot wildebeest, zebra, buffalo, gazelle and of course, cheetahs and lions. 

Day 1: ARRIVAL NAIROBI

Upon arrival at Nairobi International Airport, make your own way to the arrivals hall where a representative will meet and transfer you to the hotel. Please note that check-in is from 02:00 pm, clients arriving in the middle of the night must book a pre-night, as waiting in the lobby is not permitted. Once settled in, enjoy an afternoon at leisure, perhaps taking advantage of the luxurious facilities. The hotel is an African-themed resort that features beautifully landscaped gardens and indigenous forest. All rooms are distinctively designed and decorated and have television, bathroom facilities, and private balconies. You may also pay a visit to Nairobi’s city centre, and return for dinner at the hotel’s restaurant (not included).  

Overnight in Nairobi.

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

After a delicious breakfast, depart early morning to 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, before reaching the Maasai Mara and Mara Sopa Lodge, in time for lunch. Afterwards, it’s time for the first game drive of the tour in the afternoon, returning to the lodge at sunset. At Mara Sopa Lodge, the accent is on both the indigenous Maasai people and the fabulous wealth of wildlife, birdlife and natural flora seen in every direction. The lodge is located in the Oloolaimutia Valley and built into the surrounding hillside landscape. The luxuriously appointed décor features all the mod cons one would expect from a Sopa-styled lodge in the bush. The bedrooms are spacious, the large pool has wonderful views and there are evening wildlife films to enjoy. All this ensures a blissfully comfortable stay, and in the late afternoon, dinner will be served at the lodge. 

Overnight in Maasai Mara.

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

Enjoy an early breakfast before departing for a morning game drive. The Maasai Mara National Reserve is home to millions of wild animals, including the fabled Big Five of lions, leopards, elephants, buffaloes and black rhinos as well as antelopes, gazelles and wildebeest among others. Return to the lodge for lunch and perhaps a siesta before setting off for an afternoon game drive, and a visit to a Maasai village, heading back to the lodge as the sun sets, where you’ll end the day with dinner in the late afternoon. 

Overnight in Maasai Mara.

Day 4: MAASAI MARA – LAKE NAKURU NATIONAL PARK (315 Kms – 6 hrs)

Bid farewell to the Maasai Mara after breakfast and travel across the ‘breadbasket’ of Kenya. Wheat and barley plantations dominate the landscape as you head north to Narok, the district headquarters 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. Arrive at your lodge at around midday. After lunch, depart for an afternoon game drive at Lake Nakuru National Park, whose waters are often coloured a shimmering pink from the thousands of flamingos that line its shores. Like all the beautiful flamingos, both black and white rhinos are being carefully protected and given a new lease of life in this fully fenced 188 square kilometre park. The rhino population numbers more than 50 and continues to grow. The Rothschild’s giraffe is another rarity and the park has its fair share of buffaloes, leopards, zebras, elands, waterbucks, and lions. Lake Nakuru Sopa Lodge is located on a range of hills that form the western limits of Africa’s Great Rift Valley. The newest member of the Sopa family, Lake Nakuru Sopa Lodge offers spectacular views over the vastness of Africa and overlooks Lake Nakuru and its surrounding national park, a paradise for bird-watchers and wildlife lovers alike. Head back to the lodge in the afternoon, before ending the day with dinner.

Overnight in Lake Nakuru.

Day 5: LAKE NAKURU – AMBOSELI NATIONAL PARK (405 Kms – 7 hrs)

Have a delightful breakfast before continuing this memorable adventure. Drive towards Lake Naivasha for a one-hour boat ride, to discover the spectacular habitat for hundreds of bird species and hippos. The lake is located at one of the highest elevations in the Rift Valley. Afterwards, leave the valley behind as the tour proceeds towards Nairobi for an early lunch (or a picnic lunch depending on the road conditions). Then, head south to Amboseli National Park, arriving at Amboseli Sopa Lodge by late afternoon. The lodge lies at the heart of the national park, which is itself at the foot of Mount Kilimanjaro, the highest mountain in Africa, and is considered one of the best spots for viewing elephants at close range. Amboseli Sopa Lodge provides a luxurious base from which to explore the park and take some great photos of this stunning snow-capped mountain. The lodge is also close to where Ernest Hemingway lived while writing his famous story, "The Snows of Kilimanjaro". Each room has its own private veranda for relaxing, sunbathing, and taking in the views. All rooms are ensuite, modern, spacious, and comfortable. Meals are a cosmopolitan combination of European, African, and Asian dishes, all made with fresh products. There are also several bars, a superb pool framed by Kilimanjaro, a TV lounge, and many other small niceties. In the late afternoon, wrap the day up with dinner at the lodge.

Overnight in Amboseli area.

Day 6: AMBOSELI NATIONAL PARK (5-6 hrs on game drives)

Feast on a fine breakfast preparing for a morning and afternoon spent on game drives in Amboseli. Most of the park consists of a partially dry lake bed of evaporated salts and fragile grassland with patches of acacia woodland. You can see most types of game in the park, including rhinos, giraffes, gazelles, lions, cheetahs, and leopards. Birdlife is prolific, too, especially around the swamp areas. This entire experience is carried out under the shadow of the majestic Mount Kilimanjaro, which rises some 5,000 metres above the national park. Enjoy a warm picnic lunch in the park, and return to the lodge in the afternoon. In the late afternoon, dinner will be served at the lodge. 

Overnight in hotel in Amboseli.

Day 7: AMBOSELI – DEPARTURE NAIROBI (215 Km – 3.5 hrs)

After an early breakfast, relax and catch the last views of the magnificent Mount Kilimanjaro. Early morning, head northwards to Nairobi, crossing the seemingly never-ending Athi Plains. Arrive in the bustling capital or the airport by 01:30 pm, for drop off and ongoing travel arrangements. Recommended departure flights departing from 04:00 pm.

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.