Working with our travel partner, Collette, Reader’s Digest is offering a 13-day tour of the plains of Africa, uncovering the stunning scenery, natural wonders and exotic wildlife of Kenya
Working with our travel partner, Collette, Reader’s Digest is offering a 13-day tour of the plains of Africa, uncovering the stunning scenery, natural wonders and exotic wildlife of Kenya
There’s nowhere like it on earth. Africa weaves its magic on all who visit which, when you consider its outstanding beauty, rich traditions and astonishing diversity of wild animals, is hardly surprising. It is thought that Africa is the place where human life originated, and its present day customs and culture are testament to its bounteous history.
Visitors watch in wonder while vast herds of wildebeest graze on the plains and flocks of flamingos line the shores of Africa’s lakes. In a vast continent that straddles the equator, its abundant wildlife includes the ‘Big 5’ – the lion, leopard, Cape buffalo, rhino, and elephant. In Kenya, there is plenty of opportunity to see these majestic beasts in their natural habitat, as well as other beautiful and charismatic African animals such as the cheetah, the hippo, and the giraffe.
“Each week of the year, endless skies and distant horizons offer the perfect backdrop for travellers seeking unforgettable safari experiences”
Often described as ‘the cradle of humanity’, Kenya is replete with spectacular vistas and snow-capped peaks, as well as being home to some of the rarest species on the planet. This beautiful corner of East Africa works hard to protect its wildlife, as its myriad national parks and game reserves demonstrate. From the Masai Mara to Amboseli, animals wander freely–Amboseli National Pak alone is host to more than 400 species of bird.
Each week of the year, endless skies and distant horizons offer the perfect backdrop for travellers seeking unforgettable safari experiences.
Aberdare National Park was created in 1950 to protect the Aberdare mountains and surrounding wildlife.
The Kikuyu tribe called the Aberdare mountains Nyandarua (“drying hide” for their silhouette) long before they were named after Lord Aberdare, president of the Royal Geographical Society, in 1884.
Princess Elizabeth was staying at the Treetops Lodge when her father died and she became Queen.
While Aberdare National Park is relatively small in comparison with Kenya’s other reserves, its mixture of high moorland, hills and peaks with picturesque forested ravines, streams and waterfalls makes it the perfect place for viewing game, walking and fishing.
“Previous guests have described it as akin to standing on the roof of Africa.”
The Big 5 can be found here as well as rarer species such as the golden cat and the shy bongo–a forest antelope whose bold appearance belies its reclusive nature. Peaks reach 14,000 feet, and keep your eyes open for the wide variety of birds including African Goshawks and Mountain Buzzards.
Within the park are two lodges, both of which afford the opportunity for night game-viewing at floodlit waterholes and salt licks where nocturnal visitors number elephants and the giant forest hog. Previous guests have described it as akin to “standing on the roof of Africa”.
The flamingo population at Lake Nakuru is, according to estimates, often more than a million. In past decades, it was double this number.
Lake Nakuru contains the salt tolerant fish, Tilapia grahami, and clawless otters.
Lake Nakuru National Park is home to more than 400 bird species and over 500 species of flora.
Described – with good reason – as a birdwatchers’ paradise, Lake Nakuru sits on the floor of the Great Rift Valley. Endangered Rothschild giraffes live here, as do black and white rhinos, leopards, hippos, and lions.
But the main attraction are the park’s flamingos. In the past, millions gathered on the shores of the lake but recent rising water levels have diminished the numbers as birds migrated elsewhere in search of food. Nevertheless, many ornithologists still consider it be the greatest bird spectacle in the world. With hundreds of thousands of flamingos nesting here, the waters become a continually shifting mass of pink.
“the memory of a day at Lake Nakuru will stay with you for the rest of your life”
Elsewhere in the lake and its environs are countless other birds, from the African fish eagle, the pied kingfisher and great white pelican to black-winged stilts, white-winged black terns and avocets. It’s safe to say that the memory of a day at Lake Nakuru will stay with you for the rest of your life.
Around July each year, hundreds of thousands of wildebeest take part in the Great Migration.
In the Masai Mara tribe, a man’s wealth is measured in terms of the cattle he owns and his children.
The Masai Mara is the only place where the spotted hyena is concentrated in large numbers.
No trip to Kenya is complete without a visit to the Masai Mara. In fact, it’s the country’s most popular holiday destination. Even a short time here reveals why so many people visit, whether it’s for the Big 5, the rolling savannahs or the magnificent views.
“The Mara River is the perfect spot to witness the famous wildebeest migration which generally takes place between July and August”
But it’s not just about lions and elephants–a whole host of other wildlife makes it home in the Masai Mara from zebra, giraffes and cheetahs to crocodiles, eland antelopes and gazelles. The Mara River is the perfect spot to witness the famous wildebeest migration which generally takes place between July and August. Rated as one of the world’s most breathtaking events, more than a million wildebeest, zebra and antelope make the clockwise journey from the plains of the Serengeti to the greener pastures of the Masai Mara.
Meanwhile, the native Masai people have grazed cattle here for centuries and have become a globally recognized symbol of Kenyan culture with their red shuka (sheets) and beaded jewellery. Many welcome tourists into their villages where, if you’re lucky, you’ll witness the traditional jumping ceremony.
Day 1
Your amazing safari adventure is about to begin. You’ll stay overnight at the Sarova Stanley Hotel, Nairobi’s first luxury hotel.
Day 2
You’ll set off for the lush valleys and mountainous peaks that make up Aberdare National Park. Your hotel is situated on the slopes of Mweiga Hill overlooking the breathtaking park so keep a look out for the local giraffes. The afternoon is yours to enjoy.
Day 3
Home to some of Africa’s most exotic wildlife, the Shaba National Reserve is your home for the next two nights. After lunch, it’s on to Buffalo Springs for a game drive and a chance to seek out the ‘Big 5’. Later there’s a chance to learn about the Samburu people.
Day 4
A morning game drive through the rugged Samburu National Reserve will take your breath away, as will an afternoon game drive in Shaba. More than 350 species of birds inhabit Shaba, and you’ll end your day on the banks of the Ewaso Ng’iro River.
Day 5
Return to Aberdare and a treetop lodge overlooking a floodlit waterhole which attracts wildlife all night long. Four viewing decks afford great views from the comfort of the lodge.
Day 6
The tour continues with a drive past the mountains via the stunning Nyahururu waterfalls with time for a photo opportunity at the Equator. Then it’s on to the floor of the Great Rift Valley.
Day 7
After your morning game drive, you’ll savour a traditional breakfast in the heart of the bush. After some time to relax, there’s an afternoon game drive before sunset.
Day 8
On Day 8 the tour travels to the Masai Mara Game Reserve. This is considered the greatest game viewing place in Kenya: lions, zebras, elephant and other wildlife live here. You’ll stay in a deluxe tent overnight, visit a Masai village and enjoy a bush dinner.
Day 9
Day 9 continues in the Masai Mara with morning and afternoon game drives before returning to your hotel to catch the sunset.
Day 10
Today the tour returns to Nairobi. Here you’ll travel to Karen to visit the farmhouse of Karen Blixen, author of Out of Africa, and have the opportunity to feed endangered Rothschild giraffes at the Giraffe Sanctuary.
Day 11
Day 11 includes a trip to Amboseli National Park where lions and elephants roam on its open plains and Mt. Kilimanjaro dominates the landscape.
Day 12
Your final chance to see the ‘Big 5’ with two game drives in Amboseli.
Day 13
Your journey comes to an end in Nairobi where a day room has been reserved allowing you to freshen up prior to your departure for home.
Reader’s Digest only recommends the very best tours, which is why we are working with Collette – boasting a century of travel experience and strong family ownership, Collette focusses on helping you get the very best curated experience when you travel.
If you want to find out more about the PLAINS OF AFRICA TOUR then you can request a no-obligation quote below or call 0800 804 8373 to speak to a travel adviser.
If you can’t wait to get your tour booked then click on ‘BUILD YOUR TOUR’ to go straight through to the Collette site and plan the adventure of a lifetime.