CHEETAH SAFARI PREMIUM
CHEETAH SAFARI PREMIUM
Experience a thrilling seven-night guided safari! This itinerary covers some of Kenya's highlights - from majestic rolling hills and towering mountains to arid deserts and vibrant savannahs.
You will be accompanied on your journey criss-crossing the equator by a Somak expert driver-guide who will not only ensure your safety and comfort, but infect you with their passion for the wildlife, from lions and elephants, to reptiles, insects and birds.
Start your adventure in the picturesque Aberdares Range staying in a truly one-of-a-kind lodge on the slopes of Mwega Hill. Next you will head to Samburu and Buffalo Springs game reserves, home to some of the most unique wildlife in Kenya. Two nights in a luxury tented room with a private plunge pool will ensure you have plenty of time to see both reserves, and enjoy some cocktail hours on the rooftop bar. Then it's back into the mountains to see some endangered rhinos before visiting one of the Rift Valley lakes. Lake Naivasha is known for an amazing variety of bird life as well as hippos and other animals on the banks of the lake, sometimes the lake even has flamingos. You'll take to the waters for a lazy afternoon boat ride. The last stop on your safari tour is the Masai Mara, famed for its vast numbers of game and the spectacular big cats. You will stay in a stunning camp, which offers an unrivalled position for wildlife spotting, and is close to the action during the annual wildebeest migration.Please note: Ashnil Mara is closed for renovation from 1 March to 14 June 2025. Alternative camps will be provided
Day 1 - Monday - Aberdares
Welcome to Kenya! You will be met by a Somak Representative who will help you across Nairobi to The Eka Hotel where light refreshments will be waiting. After you are feeling refreshed you will be taken through a short safari briefing to ensure you are properly prepared for your exciting safari.
Your safari begins as you leave the city and head for the hills of the Aberdares range. You will arrive in time for lunch at Aberdare Country Club before taking in some scenery as you head to The Ark Lodge (190km). This lodge is shaped like a ship and draws inspiration from Noah's ark. It is positioned near a salt lick very popular with wildlife in the area and also overlooks a waterhole where elephants, lions, and various bird species regularly come to drink. An added benefit of this lodge is that it also features a special `night viewing` experience where you can watch the waterhole under cover of darkness. You can even ask to be woken, if a particular animal comes into sight.Overnight : Ark Lodge
Meals : Lunch and Dinner
Day 2 - Tuesday - Samburu & Buffalo Springs
After watching animals at the waterhole before breakfast, it's time to bid The Ark goodbye and head out on the next leg of your safari. Your driver-guide will keep you informed of any animals along the route as you make your way north and cross the equator to reach your next stop near Samburu National Reserve (180km) at your camp in Buffalo Springs Game Reserve.
After settling in, you will enjoy a hearty lunch. Then later in the afternoon you will go on a game drive in Buffalo Springs Game Reserve where you will have opportunities to spot not only elephant, lions, cheetahs and giraffe, but also a range of species of antelope such as oryx, gerenuk and Grant's gazelle. This reserve is also a great place for birdwatchers with over 350 recorded species inhabiting the wilderness and skies.Overnight : Surana Buffalo Springs
Meals : Breakfast, Lunch and Dinner
Day 3 - Wednesday - Samburu & Buffalo Springs
A good night's sleep will leave you refreshed for your exciting day ahead. After an early breakfast your driver-guide will pick you up at the camp and take you to Samburu National Reserve for a game drive, leading you on a quest to spot the `Samburu special five' comprising the elegant Reticulated Giraffe, the distinctive Grevy's Zebra, the resilient Beisa Oryx, the unique Somali Ostrich, and the graceful gerenuk. These species, rarely seen elsewhere, make Samburu a must-visit destination.
After the game drive, return to your camp for lunch. Later in the afternoon enjoy another game drive in Buffalo Springs Game Reserve, continuing your wildlife adventure including a visit to the natural springs that give this reserve its name.Overnight : Surana Buffalo Springs
Meals : Breakfast, Lunch and Dinner
Day 4 - Thursday - Aberdares & Solio Game Reserve
Travel across the equator again to reach Aberdare Country Club where lunch awaits (170km). In the afternoon your safari expert driver-guide will take you to Solio Game Reserve, one of the most successful private rhino sanctuaries in Kenya, for a game drive. The reserve plays a crucial role in the conservation of rhinos and has over 250 black rhinos thriving in their natural habitat. You can witness the magnificence of these endangered animals, perhaps even seeing them up close. The reserve also offers stunning views of Mount Kenya and the Aberdares mountain range which are a stunning backdrop for game viewing. Solio is also amazing for birders with over 300 species recorded there.
After the game drive, return to the lodge and enjoy the rest of the afternoon at leisure. You may choose to relax by the pool, or go on a short hike. In the evening, gather for a delicious dinner and reflect on the day's adventures. As the sun sets, you may even spot nocturnal wildlife from the comfort of the lodge.Overnight : Aberdare Country Club
Meals : Breakfast, Lunch and Dinner
Day 5 - Friday - Lake Naivasha
After breakfast you'll hop back into the safari vehicle to head on to your next stop. Your driver-guide will point out when you are descending into the Great Rift Valley within which you will continue to Lake Naivasha (200 km).
You will arrive at your lodge in time for lunch. Then prepare to explore the beautiful lake from the water on an afternoon boat ride. During the rest of the afternoon you will have opportunities to spot hippos and numerous bird species such as kingfishers, fish eagles, herons, and jacanas, and maybe even a few flamingos. The lake shores are also home to over a thousand protected hippos, as well as giraffes, zebras, waterbuck, and the occasional eland and wildebeest.Overnight : Lake Naivasha Sopa Resort
Meals : Breakfast, Lunch and Dinner
Day 6 - Saturday - Masai Mara
After breakfast your vehicle will be ready to take you on to the Legendary Masai Mara National Reserve (320km).
As you travel keep a sharp eye out to see if you can spot any animals or birds during the drive. Upon reaching your camp, lunch will be waiting. Then it's time for your Somak driver-guide to wow you with their knowledge of the Mara's ecosystem as they take you on an adventure to spot Africa's `big five' - lions, leopards, elephants, buffaloes and rhinos - along with many other creatures, great and small, in one of the world's most exciting game viewing locations. Somak's knowledgeable driver guides will ensure you have the best opportunities to see a wide range of game from the best vantage point to ensure you have photos which will be the envy of all your family and friends.Overnight : Ashnil Mara Camp
Meals : Breakfast, Lunch and Dinner
Day 7 - Sunday - Masai Mara
Immerse yourself in the wonders of the Mara on an early morning game drive as the African bush awakens, followed by a delicious breakfast at camp. After lunch, set out again to explore the Mara's incredible wildlife and breathtaking landscapes.
Alternate option for this day (extra payable in advance):
Experience the magic of the Mara from a whole new perspective with an unforgettable early morning hot air balloon flight. Soar above the vast plains as the sun rises, casting golden hues over the landscape teeming with wildlife. After landing, indulge in a luxurious 'bubbly' bush breakfast in the heart of the wilderness. Continue your adventure with a scenic game drive en route back to camp, where a delectable lunch awaits to complete your extraordinary morning.
Overnight : Ashnil Mara Camp
Meals : Breakfast, Lunch and Dinner
Day 8 - Monday - Depart
Alternatively, fly directly from the Masai Mara to Mombasa, including lunch in the Masai Mara (price on request).
Flights to Zanzibar, Mauritus, the Seychelles or Maldives via Nairobi are also possible. (price on request)
Light aircraft baggage allowance - 15 kg
Meals : Breakfast
