Overview
This five day safari explores the Rift valley and Thomson Falls in the central region near Mount Kenya, plus it includes a visit to the Ol Pejeta Conservancy.
It includes game drives, boat tours, cycling and walking safaris in more than six different safari locations. It starts in Naro Moru near Mount Kenya (perfect if you've just come off the mountain) and follows a route down into the Great Rift Valley and along its lakes & parks and finally back into Nairobi. It offers some activities by bike and on foot in classic safari environments.
Starting in Naro Moru the Rift Valley andThomsons Falls safari starts with a full day in the Ol Pejeta Conservancy, home to lions, cheetahs, leopard, spotted hyena, Black Rhino, White Rhino, elephant, Grevy's zebra and more.
From here we spend the following days visiting Thompsons Falls, the Lakes of Nakuru & Naivasha, visiting both Nakuru National Park and Hell's Gate National Park (walking or cycling). We will have the opportunity to see more of Africa's 'Big 5' as well as many other native species such as hippo, hartebeest, fish eagles, gazelle and many others.
Driving on safari
Once entering the reserves / parks we are usually driving on dirt / sand tracks and not tarmac (escept for a few exceptions like Nakuru). If conditions are wet this can lead to adventurous driving but be assured that our drivers are well versed in safe and professional driving skills. If the weather is very dry then the terrain can be dusty so it's worth bringing a shawl or light scarf to cover your mouth and nose.
The vehicles are well maintained and professional safari vehicles. This safari has a cycling/walking safari morning so you should ensure you have suitable shoes and long trousers. Our staff will look after you very well and their knowledge will make your experience safe and enjoyable but do please take all their advice.
Dates & Bookings
Itinerary
Rift Valley and Thomsons Falls Safari itinerary
| Day | Summary |
| 1 | Full day of safari in the Ol Pejeta Conservancy |
| 2 | Drive to Thomson's Falls then on to Lake Nakuru National Park |
| 3 | Full day of safari in Nakuru NP then drive to Lake Naivasha |
| 4 | Cycling Safari in Hell's gate National Park and walking tour of Hell's gate Gorge |
| 5 | Boat safari on Lake Naivasha then drive back to Nairobi in time for evening flights |
DETAILED ITINERARY
| Day | Elevation | Travel Time | Info |
|---|---|---|---|
| 1 | We leave the Blue Line hotel, where you will have been staying after your climb of Mt Kenya, early in the morning. At the Blue Line we use rooms as standard, not camping. Ol Pejeta is only 1hr driver away. We will then spend a full day in the conservancy where it’s possible to see lion, cheetahs, leopard and spotted hyena. Ol Pejeta is also East Africa’s Largest Black Rhino Sanctuary and the only place in Kenya to see chimpanzees. We will have a picnic lunch in the conservancy and return to the Blue Line Hotel for our evening meal. | ||
| 2 | We leave in the morning for the drive to Nakuru which takes about 4 hrs. We will stop enroute to marvel at the great Thompsons Waterfalls before dropping into the Great Rift Valley. On reaching Nakuru there is the opportunity to so some shopping before we go to our camp for the night. We camp close to Nakuru National Park gate so that we can enter early the next morning. In the evening you can relax at the camp or we can go take you into town. | ||
| 3 | After an early breakfast we enter Nakuru National Park. The park is World famous for the millions of flamingo which call it home. Alongside this game within park includes hippo, black and white rhino, lion, leopard, buffalo, rothschild giraffe and about 450 different bird species. This park is world-renowned as a beacon for ornithologists, scientists and wildlife filmmakers. Late afternoon we will drive the short distance to Lake Naivasha where we will camp on the lake shore. Here there is a great restaurant / bar and swimming pool, plus it is common to spot hippo on the lake shore, near the camping grounds at night | ||
| 4 | We will spend part of the day in Hell’s Gate which is only a 15 minute drive from our camp. Hells Gate is regarded as one of the most scenic Parks with thermal springs, a huge gorge, some great climbing and a lot of Masai history. You have the choice to cycle, walk or drive (or a combination of all) through the park. It’s a surreal experience to cycle alongside zebra, gazelle and other animals! But don’t worry there are no predators! We will have a picnic lunch, explore the gorge and then head out of the park mid afternoon. From here you can return to the camp to relax by the pool, go shopping or visit another of the areas attractions. | ||
| 5 | After a leisurely start we can go out onto Lake Naivasha by boat to spot the hippo! This is a great experience and a lovely way to end your safari. Not only will you be close to the hippo but the amount of bird life is astonishing! Fish Eagles whizz by and the calls of many other species fill the air with wonderful chorus. After lunch we will drive the 1 1/2hrs back to Nairobi where you can catch an evening flight, or overnight if required. |
Cost
Rift Valley and Thomsons Falls Safari cost £695.00
INCLUDES
- All travel throughout trip, starting from Naro Moru and ending in Nairobi
- All safari vehicles, fuel, staff and guides
- All accommodation - rooms at Blue Line then camping in other locations (different choices and prices apply see below)
- 3 meals a day, water and hot drinks, prepared by our staff
- All Park fees
- All activities as per the itinerary
- Group equipment, tents, cooking etc
EXCLUDES
- International flights
- Personal travel insurance
- Vaccinations
- Additional hard / soft drinks
- Costs of a personal nature
- Additional activities / accommodation
- Staff tips
Payments
A deposit of £250 is required on booking to secure your place and we ask that the remaining balance (trip price minus the deposit) is paid in full 4 weeks prior to your departure. When you book with us you're given your own secure online account which you can access 24/7. Through this account you can edit your booking, add flight, health, insurance and dietary details and also make interim payments. We make payments as flexible as possible and you can choose, if you wish, to pay a bit off your trip fee whenever it suits you.
INSURANCE
It is important that you take out adequate personal insurance for the activities on this trip. Please see our information page in the menu to the right for further guidance and suggestions. If you have any questions regarding the required coverage please do not hesitate to contact us.
Clothing
Rift Valley and Thomsons safari clothing
For your safari you need normal, general lightweight travel clothes but you should consider the elements and ensure you have clothing which will suitably protect you from
- the sun (suncream, hat, sunglasses, long sleeves, loose fitting and a neutral colour)
- rain (light jacket) and
- dust (bandana or scarf)
- cool evenings (light fleece or jacket)
- mosquitoes (long sleeves & legs and socks for dawn/dusk time)
You may visit some of the local villages, in which case ladies in particular should ensure that shoulders are covered and shorts are not too short, perhaps bring a sarong.
Of course we strongly suggest that you bring your camera and a small set of travel binoculars can also be handy. For the walking safari long trousers are best and a suitable pair of shoes - not sandals.
Why Us
- We have extensive experience of running safaris in Kenya and Tanzania for over ten years.
- We have our own company, staff, vehicles and equipment in Kenya. Throughout your trip you will be looked after directly by our own people.
- Our staff have visited the locations that you will travel through on hundreds of occasions, they know the terrain, the people and the habits of the animals very well.
- Our in-country staff are all native Kenyans and can offer you a true insight into the country, its culture and its environment.
- We are financially bonded so your trip fee and finances are protected.
Parks and animals
Rift Valley and Thomsons Falls safari - parks and animals
Ol Pejeta Conservancy
Ol Pejeta is East Africa’s Largest Black Rhino Sanctuary, the only place in Kenya to see chimpanzees and holds some of the highest predator densities in Kenya with approximately 67 lions, 30 cheetahs, 20 leopard and 60 spotted hyena. Since mid 2011 there have also been frequent sightings of a pack of 8 wild dogs. In addition the Conservancy boasts a number of smaller predators such as the jackal, caracal and the bat-eared fox. With more predators per area than anywhere else the probability of seeing one of these carnivores is very high in Ol Pejeta.
Nakuru National Park
Lake Nakuru is a world famous park initially created to protect its stunning flocks of greater and lesser flamingo, which literally turn the lakeshore pink in colour. Notable game within the soda lake area include hippo, black and white rhino, lion, leopard, buffalo, rothschild giraffe and about 450 different bird species. This park is world-renowned as a beacon for ornithologists, scientists and wildlife filmmakers.
Lake Naivasha
Lake Naivasha is a fresh water lake which supports a diverse water-bird community. It provides a habitat for a variety of mammals and fish such as tilapia, black bass, and cray fish. Some of the birds that can be spotted here include cormorants, warblers,black herons and grey-backed fiscal. It is also home to Hippo who are known to come into the campsite at night! This is where we will go out boating.
Hell's Gate
Hell's Gate National Park is dominated by towering cliffs and has a variety of wildlife, unusual flora and many species of birds. It is also one of the few locations where you can walk or cycle alongside the wild animals in an alternative days game viewing. Buffalo, zebra, eland, hartebeest, Thomson's gazelle, and baboons are all a common sight but the park is also home to klipspringer antelope and Chanler's mountain reedbuck. It is also home to the famous Gorge, where movies such as Tombraider where made. In the park we will enter and follow the great gorger and see the waterfalls and hot streams. Hells Gate is regarded as one of the most scenic Parks and there is also a lot of Masai history attached to the area.
Photos
Extras
Wildebeest Camp, Nairobi
On the outskirts of Nairobi you can stay in a secluded safari style camp site with tented rooms. Various upgrades include family rooms, deluxe tents and ensuite. Price is per person based on twin share bed and breakfast.
Choose a scheduled date or contact us to set up private dates or a bespoke itinerary. The minimum deposit is £100.00 and the balance is due four weeks before travel.
- Duration 5 days
- Numbers 2 min
- Comfort Safari tents