Kenya Landscape and Geological Tour – 12 Days
KENYA LANDSCAPE AND GEOLOGICAL TOUR
Trip duration
12 days/ 11 nights
The Kenya Landscape and Geological Tour can be combined with our Diani Beach Holidays.
DAY 1: ARRIVAL – NAIROBI, AFRICA’S SAFARI CAPITAL
Our Kenya Landscape and Geological Tour will start in Kenya’s tourism capital, Nairobi. We shall arrive via the Jomo Kenyatta International Airport, where our Tour Leader will be ready to receive us and kick start our journey. We shall then head to our hotel in Nairobi, where we shall check in.
On this day, if we have an early arrival, we may explore local attractions around Nairobi. The city has a national park at its edge, making it one of the most special conservation cities globally. Otherwise, we can relax and enjoy the nice Nairobi weather from our lodge; preparing for our Kenya Landscape and Geological Tour.
Night in Nairobi.
DAY 2 AND 3: TSAVO EAST NATIONAL PARK – THEATRE OF THE WILD
Leaving early, we shall proceed to the amazing Tsavo East National Park where our Kenya Landscape and Geological Tour continues. This is the largest national park in Kenya, occupying an area of 13,747 square kilometres. The park is bathed by the massive Athi-Galana-Sabaki River, which serves as the lifeline of this great park. This amazing park is often nick-named “Theatre of the Wild”. It is indeed an amazing place and the local wildlife is often easy to see because of the open nature of this savannah.
We shall enjoy game drives here looking for mammals such as Cheetah, African Lion, Leopard, Savannah Elephant, Gerenuk, African Buffalo, Fringe-eared Oryx and Tana Gazelle. Due to the local geology, most parts of the park are covered in red soil. This often covers the fur of the local animals making them appear red. The local elephants are in fact nicknamed “red elephants’. Along the fringes of the local rivers and swampy ponds, we may be lucky to find Nile Hippos and Nile Crocodiles competing for wetland dominance.
The park is also amazing with its birdlife; and we can expect spectacular species such as Northern Carmine Bee-eater, Von der Decken’s Hornbill and Red-and-yellow Barbet. The local Baobab trees will illuminate our journey through this great place.
You will also visit the beautiful Lugard Falls, located within the park. This is a series of white water rapids, along the Galana River, named after Frederick Lugard. Another amazing feature of this great place is the 300 kilomtere long Yatta Plateau- the longest lava flow in the entire World.
Nights in Tsavo East.
DAY 4 AND 5: TSAVO WEST NATIONAL PARK – LAND OF LAVA AND SPRINGS
Our next destination on the Kenya Landscape and Geological Tour will be the vast Tsavo West National Park. Here we shall enjoy game drives with our guide, seeking the local wildlife and learning about this spectacular destination. We shall enjoy the volcanic landforms here, including the scenic Shetani Lava- an ancient lava flow that originated from the nearby Chyulu Hills. We shall also visit the Mzima Springs, a superb wetland where game viewing can be done on foot.
There will be great mammals to look forward to, including African Lions, Nile Hippos, Leopards, Savannah Elephants, Lesser Kudu and Cheetah. Birds to expect include Golden-breasted Starling, Tawny Eagle and Eastern Paradise Whydah. We shall also visit the beautiful Ngulia Valley Rhino Sanctuary; where we shall get to search for Black Rhinos. The local Baobab trees will illuminate our journey through this great place.
Nights in Tsavo West.
DAY 6 AND 7: AMBOSELI NATIONAL PARK – MT. KILIMANJARO
The Kenya Landscape and Geological Tour continues to Amboseli National Park, where a great safari adventure awaits. This amazing place is regarded as one of Kenya’s Premium Parks, and is located at the foothills of Mt. Kilimanjaro. The park is graced by mighty Savannah Elephants, and hosts the longest and most famous elephant research program in the entire World.
The mammals here are great indeed (including Lions, Blue Wildebeest and Maasai Giraffe); and we shall take time to enjoy them. The local birds are great and we shall be hoping to enjoy many species.
We shall also visit selected geosites in the Amboseli National Park area, where we shall enjoy learning the geology with our guides.
Nights in Amboseli.
DAY 8: ABERDARE NATIONAL PARK – MT. KENYA REGION
We shall continue our Kenya Landscape and Geological Tour to the Mt. Kenya region. We shall spend an afternoon of game drives in the amazing Aberdare National Park. This Park runs the expanse of a majestic mountain range on the eastern edge of the Rift Valley. The park has a great stretch of alpine moorland vegetation, mainly above 3,000m. This great landscape has led to the park’s nick-name:- “Majestic Peaks, Moorlands and Intriguing Falls”.
There is a thick tropical forest, with deep ravines and dissecting riverine gorges. At certain areas, these rivers form majestic waterfalls, which leave a sight to be desired. Many animals occupy this beautiful place and species of mammals such as African Elephant, Cape Buffalo, Bush Duiker, Common Bushbuck and Giant Forest Hog can be expected.
We shall also visit selected geosites in the Aberdare National Park area, where we shall enjoy learning the geology with our guides.
Night at Aberdares.
DAY 9: LAKE NAKURU NATIONAL PARK – INTO THE GREAT RIFT VALLEY
We shall continue on our Kenya Landscape and Geological Tour to the beautiful Lake Nakuru National Park. The park is known for the mighty Lake Nakuru, a soda lake at the heart of the Great Rift Valley. This park is also a great sanctuary for rhinos and these may be encountered on our game drives.
The local birds make the park special too, and it is often referred as the “birdwatcher’s paradise”. We hope for species such as Great White Pelicans and Lesser Flamingos. Enjoy the large herds of herbivores, especially the local Cape Buffaloes, Grant’s Gazelles, Thompson’s Gazelles, Common Zebras; among many other spectacular wildlife species. The landscapes here are very rewarding as well. Here we shall also be looking for the endangered Rothschild’s Giraffe.
We shall also visit selected geosites in the Lake Nakuru National Park area, where we shall enjoy learning the geology with our guides.
Night in Nakuru.
DAY 10 AND 11: MASAI MARA NATIONAL RESERVE – PREDATORS GALORE
We shall exit Lake Nakuru National Park on a game drive seeking more wildlife; then head to the Masai Mara National Reserve.; for our next leg of the Kenya Landscape and Geological Tour.
Renowned for the annual wildebeest migration, which is often regarded as the 8th Wonder of the World, Masai Mara National Reserve is the crown of our Kenya Wildlife Tour. Considered the ultimate wildlife haven in Kenya and arguably the best safari destination in Africa, this reserve has a lot to offer. From all members of the Big 5 (African Lion, Black Rhino, Cape Buffalo, Leopard, Savannah Elephant) to the numerous herbivores grazing the landscape in huge herds, this place is indeed amazing.
We shall spend the next days learning about this magical destination with our safari guide. Enjoy interesting game drives as you track the Big 5, the Big Cats- Lion, Cheetah and Leopard and much more. Masai Mara is always a major highlight on all our Kenya Wildlife Tours.
There will be an optional Maasai Village visit on one day- this is one of Africa’s best preserved cultures and you will have a chance to learn about their way of life. Here you can also take part in an optional balloon ride across the beautiful Masai Mara plains. This is followed by a scrumptious breakfast and cocktail party; all set up in the bush, with great views of the Masai Mara.
We shall also visit selected geosites in the Masai Mara National Reserve area, where we shall enjoy learning the geology with our guides.
Nights in Mara.
DAY 12: MASAI MARA TO NAIROBI
On this day, we shall enjoy an early morning game drive in the Mara. We shall then head to Nairobi, cruising across the Great Rift Valley.
Later, we head to the airport; marking the end to our lovely Kenya Landscape and Geological Tour.
Highlight mammals and reptiles
Leopard, African Lion, Savannah Elephant, Black Rhino, White Rhino, Nile Crocodile, Nile Hippo, Cape Buffalo, Cheetah, Beisa Oryx, Grevy’s Zebra, Reticulated Giraffe, Rothschild’s Giraffe
Habitats covered
Savannah, Wetlands, Semi-arid Scrubland, Highland Forest, Alpine Moorland, Mountain Heather Vegetation
Photographic opportunities
Excellent
Special moments
Mt. Kilimanjaro, Mzima Springs, Red Elephants, Mt. Kenya views, Masai Mara, the Great Rift Valley, Baobab Trees
