This safari offers visits to a contrasting trio of parks, the Shaba National Reserve, Lake Nakuru and finally the journey culminates with three nights in the world-famous Masai Mara.

Located close to Samburu, Shaba has reserved its place in the history of conservation as the area where Joy Adamson experimented with the release of hand-reared leopards. Much of Shaba's charm lies in the splendour of its deep gorges and waterfalls on the river in the north, and open grasslands dotted with springs.

Animals commonly seen are elephants, lions, cheetahs, Grevy's zebras, giraffes, gerenuks, buffalos, oryx, gazelles, dik diks and waterbucks. The river forest attracts a wide variety of birds.

Accommodation is in Sarova hotels, one of Kenya's leading independent hotel groups. The Sarova team have a friendly, personal approach with excellent attention to detail.

1 night Nairobi (Panafric Hotel)
2 nights Shaba (Sarova Shaba Lodge)
1 night Lake Nakuru (Sarova Lion Hill Lodge)
3 nights Masai Mara (Sarova Mara Camp)

DAY 1 SATURDAY - HEATHROW-NAIROBI
Fly from Heathrow overnight to Nairobi.

DAY 2 SUNDAY - NAIROBI
On arrival transfer to your hotel for a day at leisure or choose from a selection of optional excursions (book and pay locally).

DAY 3 MONDAY - SHABA
After breakfast drive north (360 km) to the rugged landscape of Shaba National Reserve, where Joy Adamson experimented with the release of hand-reared leopards. After lunch at the lodge enjoy a late afternoon game drive. (b,l,d)

DAY 4 TUESDAY - SHABA
Early morning and late afternoon game drives in this arid but beautiful area. Enjoy the swimming pool at Sarova Shaba Lodge, and take advantage of the viewing deck along the river to watch and feed crocodiles. Bird and nature walks can be arranged. You could even have a massage in the great outdoors. (b,l,d)

DAY 5 WEDNESDAY - LAKE NAKURU
Drive via the Great Rift Valley to Lake Nakuru (375 km). After lunch at your lodge enjoy an afternoon game drive. Sarova Lion Hill has 67 chalets in an elevated position overlooking Lake Nakuru. Massages indoors or outdoors are available. (b,l,d)

DAY 6 THURSDAY - MASAI MARA
After an early breakfast continue on to the Masai Mara (315 km) arriving in time for lunch. Enjoy an afternoon game drive. Sarova Mara Camp's 75 tents capture the true spirit of the Kenyan wild. Bird watching and nature walks are available. (b,l,d)

DAY 7 FRIDAY - MASAI MARA
Enjoy an early morning balloon flight over the Mara and a 'bubbly' bush breakfast (optional extra), or an early morning game drive followed by breakfast at the lodge. A second game drive will take place this afternoon. (b,l,d)

DAY 8 SATURDAY - MASAI MARA
Morning and afternoon game drives in this spectacular setting. (b,l,d)

Please call our Freephone enquirey number, 0808 1089 100 for more details.