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We have recently improved our Kenya itineraries and now include some lesser-known but superb places such as Kakamega Rainforest as well as old favourites like Lake Naivasha where hippos come ashore to graze, as well as world famous sites like the Masai Mara.
Nairobi to Lake Naivasha and the Masai Mara
After loading the truck with all our gear, we depart Nairobi this morning and head north into one of Africa’s greatest natural features, the East African Rift Valley. Stretching from the Dead Sea in Jordan down to Mozambique in Southern Africa, our first view is from the top of a steep escarpment. Overland trips through East Africa will allow you to experience some of the most dramatic scenery in the world, and the Rift Valley is a definite highlight. The valley floor seems to sweep on forever and is dotted with volcanic peaks, shimmering lakes and countless springs. Our journey takes us into the heart of the Rift Valley to Lake Naivasha. We camp near the lake shore where Hippos sometimes feed at night! Here you can walk to Elsamere, the house of Joy Adamson - of Elsa the Lion and Born Free fame, and enjoy a film of her life - and cream teas! You can also hire mountain bikes and cycle or walk through Hells Gate National Park - the only game reserve in Kenya in which you are permitted to do so.
Or for a less active but equally enjoyable game viewing experience - visit the Crater Lake Game Sanctuary. Both offer excellent scenery and opportunities to spot hyrax, abundant bird and plant life along with several types of gazelle, impala and eland.
Next we head to one of Africa’s most famous wildlife reserves, the Masai Mara. Famous for its dense concentration of animals and birds, and for its important place in the annual wildebeest migration (July to October), you will have a great chance to see lions, elephants, buffalo, leopards, cheetahs and also rhino if you are lucky. We include a morning and afternoon safari, while an additional evening safari may be available to arrange locally on our arrival day if we have made good time.
Kakamega Rainforest
After leaving the Masai Mara, we drive west to the Kakamega Rainforest, a remnant of the ancient rainforest that stretched across Central Africa. This is a real contrast to other wild areas we’ll visit, and the forest is home to various mammals including colobus and Debrazzar monkeys, pottos, bush pigs and giant forest hedgehogs, as well as a great selection of colourful birdlife. A guided walk in the forest is included here.
From here we travel to Uganda and Rwanda before returning to Kenya:
Lake Nakuru to Nairobi
We travel to Lake Nakuru National Park - home to a wide variety of wildlife including Black Rhino, Hippo, Lion, Leopard, Hyena and Giraffe. However, Nakuru is a soda lake and most famous for its pink inhabitants, a flock of almost a million Pink Flamingos which feed noisily along the shoreline. We include a half day game safari here, and you have the option to add more activities as well.
Finally, we head back to Nairobi for the end of your trip or to continue with us to Zanzibar, Lake Malawi, Victoria Falls, Botswana, Namibia and South Africa!
Oasis Overland Trips that include Kenya
Travel with us to Kenya, Uganda and Rwanda on our 20 day overland adventure:
NAIROBI TO NAIROBI (20 DAYS) GORILLAS & GAMEPARKS
This African overland trip is packed with highlights and wildlife encounters as we travel from Nairobi in Kenya, through Uganda to Kigali in Rwanda, and then back through Uganda to Kenya again. While in Kenya, we'll visit Lake Naivasha, the Masai Mara, Kakamega Rainforest, and Lake Nakuru which between them will provide some excellent and contrasting wildlife viewing.
Or on a longer trip all the way to South Africa!:
NAIROBI TO JOHANNESBURG (94 DAYS) GRAND ADVENTURER
Trek to see the mountain gorillas, swim with dolphins, walk in search of rhino or, relax on sandy tropical beaches. Add in a few adrenaline activities such as bungy jumping, white water rafting, gorge swings or quad biking along with stunning gameparks such as the Serengeti, Etosha, Addo and Ngorongoro Crater and some fantastic activities such as Whale watching and Shark Cave Diving will make this a trip to remember.