Driving north we pass Mount Kenya, Africa's second highest mountain at 17,000 feet (5,199 metres). The massive size of this mountain and its gleaming and eroded snow-covered multiple peaks means that Mount Kenya dominates the surrounding countryside and even affects the local climate. This is also the traditional homeland of the Kikuyu people, the largest of Kenya's 40 recognized tribes. The Kikuyu believe that their god, Ngai, lives on Mount Kenya and so they build their homes with the doors facing towards the mountain, to welcome their god in. We cross the Equator again into the northern hemisphere on our way to Samburu Game Reserve in a semi-desert area of Kenya. Samburu is located on the Ewaso Nyiro River. In this dry land the forested riverbanks are excellent areas to see wildlife, as all animals congregate here to drink, especially at dusk and early in the morning. This afternoon we take a game drive in the park. First of 2 nights in Samburu

Early morning and afternoon game drives in Samburu Game Reserve, which covers 40 square miles (104 square kilometres).Ololokwe Table Mountain forms a dramatic backdrop to our game viewing today. In Samburu we are sure to see elephants, warthogs and buffalo, which can be seen in many of Kenya's parks, but we should also see animals not found in other areas. These include the Grevy's Zebra, which has much narrower and more numerous stripes than the common (Burchell's) zebra.. Samburu is also home to the third of Kenya's giraffe species - the Reticulated Giraffe. This is also our best chance to see the blue-legged Somali Ostrich , the long-necked Gerenuk gazelle and the straight-horned Beisa Oryx antelope. Down by the river we hope to see crocodiles and hippos, as well as many beautiful birds. Second of 2 nights in Samburu

Depart for Lake Nakuru bird sanctuary via the scenic uplands road with weather permitting, panoramic views of the Africa's Great Rift Valley 600m below. Afternoon game/bird viewing around the Lake Nakuru shores which is a seasonal home to millions of flamingos. Overnight stay in Winston Hotel.

After breakfast, we leave for the Masai Mara located further south into the Great Rift Valley. After lunch, we make our way for an afternoon gamedrive to Kenya's premier wildlife park - the Masai Mara. This is the northern section of the Serengeti Plain, which is home to the greatest concentration of game animals in the world.

We continue to explore this miraculous area on our morning and afternoon game drives for the next two days. This open grassland is home to almost every species of East African wildlife including lions, elephants, rhinos, buffaloes, wildebeests, gazelles, and zebras. This is one of the most spectacular sights in the world. Today we also encounter and learn about the Masai, a proud tribal people struggling to preserve their traditions in the face of modernization. At sunset we will visit a section of the Mara River where we hope to see many hippos. AA Mara Lodge. Breakfast, Lunch & Dinner.

We continue for the second day to explore this miraculous area on our morning and afternoon game drives . This open grassland is home to almost every species of East African wildlife including lions, elephants, rhinos, buffaloes, wildebeests, gazelles, and zebras. This is one of the most spectacular sights in the world. Today we also encounter and learn about the Masai, a proud tribal people struggling to preserve their traditions in the face of modernization. At sunset we will visit a section of the Mara River where we hope to see many hippos.

After breakfast, say 'Kwaheri' - a Swahili word for bye to Masai Mara and leisurely drive back to Nairobi with lunch enroute. Later we transfer you to the airport for your home bound/ departure flight having seen Kenya probably for the first time!