THORN TREE SAFARI
The 4-night safari includes Aberdares, Lake Naivasha, and Masai Mara, with diverse wildlife, including the ‘big five’, and crossing the Equator.
- Kenya
The 4-night safari includes Aberdares, Lake Naivasha, and Masai Mara, with diverse wildlife, including the ‘big five’, and crossing the Equator.
Overview
Embark on a captivating 4-night guided safari, a curated tour of some of Kenya’s most celebrated highlights. Discover the unique landscapes of the Aberdares, the refreshing shores of Lake Naivasha, and the unparalleled wildlife theatre of the world-famous Masai Mara.
This unforgettable journey showcases Kenya’s diverse beauty, from the dramatic mountain scenery of the Aberdares to vast plains teeming with wildlife. Guided by your dedicated expert Somak driver-guide, you’ll venture from the energetic pulse of Nairobi to the foothills of the Aberdare mountain range, experience the unique moment of crossing the Equator, and arrive at one of the Great Rift Valley Lakes, before culminating in your adventure amidst the endless vistas of the Masai Mara.
Start your adventure staying at a unique safari lodge positioned near a salt lick frequently visited by wildlife. Expect to see a range of species right from the comfort of your accommodation and take part in exciting night viewing opportunities.
Your journey then continues with an overnight stay at Lake Naivasha, renowned for its breathtaking birdlife. The lake is home to over 1500 protected hippos, ensuring a high likelihood of spotting these magnificent creatures.
From there, you will head to the iconic Masai Mara Game Reserve, Africa’s premier safari destination, celebrated globally for its diverse wildlife, including the renowned ‘big five’ and the majestic big cats, and many other animals, from wildebeests and zebras, to giraffes and warthogs and buffaloes. While immersing yourself in Mara’s wonders, consider elevating your experience with an optional thrilling balloon safari*, offering unparalleled panoramic views of the grasslands and the wildlife roaming below.
*Extra supplement, payable in advance
ITINERARY:
DAY 1 – LAKE NAIVASHA
Your Kenyan adventure begins with a warm welcome from Somak upon your arrival at Nairobi Airport. Your dedicated driver will provide a seamless transfer to the hotel for you to refresh before commencing your journey.
Heading towards the Great Rift Valley, the drive of approximately 110km will take you through changing landscapes, where you’ll pass local settlements and observe daily life, including cattle and herders along the way. You’ll arrive at the tranquil shores of Lake Naivasha in time for a delightful lunch.
Lake Naivasha’s edges are dotted with flower farms, colonial homesteads, and charming villages, while the water itself teems with birdlife such as fish eagles, cormorants, ospreys, and lily-trotters. The afternoon is yours to enjoy at leisure, soaking in the peaceful surroundings. Keep an eye out for zebra, impala, giraffe, and hippo grazing nearby. For a closer
look, you might opt additional activities* like a boat trip on the freshwater lake, or a visit to the wildlife-rich Crescent
Island Sanctuary.
*own cost, payable in advance
Overnight: Lake Naivasha Sopa Resort KNNAVS1
Meals: Lunch and Dinner
DAY 2 – AMBOSELI
Begin your day with an early game drive as the savannah awakens, a prime time for spotting predators and witnessing elephants in their natural splendour. Set beneath the towering presence of Mount Kilimanjaro, Amboseli covers 3,810 square kilometres in southern Kenya and is renowned for its sweeping landscapes and legendary wildlife, particularly its vast elephant herds and big cats like lion and cheetah. The park’s diverse habitats—open plains, fever tree forests, thorny thickets, swamps, and the dry bed of Lake Amboseli—support an incredible variety of animals, from Maasai giraffe and buffalo to zebra, wildebeest, and the rare fringe-eared oryx.
This wild landscape is home to elephants, lions, leopards, cheetahs, Maasai giraffes, and buffalo. The plains are alive with Burchell’s zebra, wildebeest, gazelle, and impala, while the drier areas shelter gerenuk and fringe-eared oryx.
You may also spot vervet monkeys, yellow baboons, jackals, hyenas, and bat-eared foxes, making every moment on your game drive a rewarding experience.
Later, relax at your lodge before heading out again to explore more of the park’s wonders. Birdlife is especially rich
near the swamps, with pelicans, kingfishers, and even rare raptors like the Taita falcon making appearances. Every moment in Amboseli promises a new discovery in this vibrant, ever-changing wilderness.
Overnight: AMBOSELI SOPA LODGE
Meals: Breakfast, Lunch and Dinner
DAY 3 – LAKE NAIVASHA
After breakfast, set off for the tranquil shores of Lake Naivasha, travelling through ever-changing Kenyan scenery and glimpses of daily life along the way. Arriving in time for lunch, you’ll have the afternoon free to unwind beside the lake, or taking a swim in the hotel’s pool, explore the private deck or simply relax and soak up the peaceful atmosphere.
Lake Naivasha’s edges are dotted with flower farms, colonial homesteads, and charming villages, while the water itself teems with birdlife such as fish eagles, cormorants, ospreys, and lily-trotters. Keep an eye out for zebra, impala giraffe, and hippo grazing nearby. For a closer look, you might opt additional activities* like a boat trip on the freshwater lake, or a visit to the wildlife-rich Crescent Island Sanctuary.
*own cost, payable in advance
Overnight: LAKE NAIVASHA SOPA RESORT
Meals: Breakfast, Lunch and Dinner
DAY 4 – MASAI MARA
Depart early after breakfast from Lake Naivasha for your journey to the Masai Mara Game Reserve. This drive of approximately 270 km takes you through varied Kenyan landscapes, building anticipation for the wildlife-rich plains ahead. Arriving in the Masai Mara in the early afternoon, prepare for your first game drive in this iconic reserve and spend the rest of the afternoon exploring the vast plains.
This reserve is a place where Africa’s wild heart beats strong—a mosaic of golden grasslands, acacia groves, and winding rivers alive with wildlife. Renowned for its thriving big cats and the legendary Great Migration, the Mara is a stage for nature’s grandest spectacles. Lions lounge in the shade, elephants parade across the plains, and giraffes stretch for the treetops, while hippos and crocodiles patrol the riverbanks. Whether you visit during the migration or at quieter times, the reserve never fails to impress. A game drive here provides a new scene at every turn —perhaps a cheetah on the hunt or a dazzle of zebra on the move and your experienced driver-guide will help you spot the animals on your personal safari check list as well as provide the perfect point of view for you to get the best photo.
Overnight: MASAI MARA SOPA LODGE
Meals: Breakfast, Lunch and Dinner
DAY 5 – MASAI MARA
Another exciting day awaits in the Masai Mara. Begin with an early morning game drive, seizing the best opportunity to spot plains game as the golden sun rises over the vast landscape. Return to camp for breakfast.
Spend the rest of your morning and enjoy lunch at your leisure, relaxing at the camp before heading back out in the afternoon for another exhilarating game drive to explore more of the Mara’s wealth of wildlife.
Alternate option for this day (own cost, payable in advance): Take an early morning balloon flight soaring silently over the vast plains of the Mara as the sun illuminates the landscape. Enjoy a unique ‘bubbly’ bush breakfast after your flight, followed by a game drive before returning to camp for a delicious hot lunch.
Overnight: MASAI MARA SOPA LODGE
Meals: Breakfast, Lunch and Dinner
DAY 6 – DEPART
Enjoy breakfast before beginning your departure from the Masai Mara. Embark on the drive back towards Nairobi
(approximately 335 km).
Optional Departure: For a quicker return, you may choose to fly from the Masai Mara to Nairobi (own cost). An alternative flying option allows for lunch in the Masai Mara before an afternoon flight (own cost).
Upon arrival in Nairobi, you will be transferred to the airport to proceed with your onward travel arrangements, taking with you incredible memories of your Kenyan safari adventure.
Meals: Breakfast
Light aircraft baggage allowance – 15 kg
GREAT FOR FAMILIES
The Kili Safari is an excellent option for families
– A relatively short itinerary packed with interest
– No age restrictions for children at the lodges
Under Description on Tofos:
*Optional activities in Naivasha:
Boat ride on Lake Naivasha (payable in advance)
Optional activities available in Masai Mara:
Hot Air Ballooning (payable in advance)
Extend your holiday to one of the hotels on the Kenyan Coast of Mombasa or to one of the fabulous Zanzibar beach hotels, for a relaxing end to this safari.
ITINERARY:
Day 1 – Tuesday – Aberdares
Welcome to Kenya! Upon arrival at the airport, you’ll be met by a friendly Somak representative for a comfortable
transfer to a hotel in Nairobi where light refreshments await, allowing you to find your feet before being introduced to
your expert driver-guide and receiving a short safari briefing to prepare you for the adventure ahead.
Your safari begins as you leave the vibrant city of Nairobi and head for the majestic foothills of the Aberdare Range. This scenic drive will take you to a lodge in the Aberdare region, where lunch awaits. After lunch you will travel on to your accommodations for the night.
The unique lodge you will be staying at is built in the shape of Noah’s Ark. Strategically positioned near a salt lick and
overlooking a bustling waterhole, it offers the best wildlife viewing experience. The waterhole attracts a variety of animals, including elephants, lions, and numerous colourful bird species. A true highlight is the lodge’s special night viewing feature, allowing you to observe the waterhole under the cover of darkness. For an enhanced experience, there is a buzzer system which is used to rouse you should you request to be notified if specific animal makes an appearance at the waterhole, ensuring you don’t miss any nocturnal visitors.
Overnight: Ark Lodge
Meals: Lunch, DinnerDay 2 – Wednesday – Lake Naivasha
After breakfast you’ll continue your safari journey. Stop for memorable photos as you cross the iconic Equator en route to your next lodge. Your expert driver-guide will share fascinating insights into the dramatic landscape as you enter the awe-inspiring Great Rift Valley and descend to the tranquil shores of Lake Naivasha. This freshwater lake is brimming with life, boasting a significant hippo population and a remarkable diversity of over 500 bird species.
After settling into your lodge, the afternoon is yours to enjoy at leisure, with opportunities for a leisurely walk where you might spot giraffes, zebras, waterbucks, and perhaps even elands or wildebeests.
Overnight: Muthu Lake Naivasha Country Club
Meals: Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner
Day 3 – Thursday – Masai Mara
Today your day will begin early. After breakfast your vehicle will be ready to whisk you away to the iconic Masai Mara
National Reserve. This drive of approximately 270 km takes you through varied Kenyan landscapes, building anticipation
for the wildlife-rich plains ahead.
Arriving in the Masai Mara just in time for lunch, you’ll soon set out on your very first game drive across this legendary
reserve, spending the afternoon discovering its sweeping savannahs as the sun makes its way across the vast blue sky.
Prepare to be captivated by your Somak driver-guide’s profound understanding of Mara’s ecosystem. They will lead you
on an exhilarating journey in pursuit of Africa’s iconic ‘big five’ – lions, leopards, elephants, buffaloes, and rhinos –
alongside numerous other fascinating creatures, both large and small, in one of the world’s most thrilling game viewing destinations.
Famed for its abundant big cats and the awe-inspiring spectacle of the Great Migration, the Mara is nature’s theatre at
its most dramatic. Watch as lions rest beneath the trees, elephants traverse the open plains, and giraffes browse the highest branches, while hippos and crocodiles linger along the river’s edge. Whether you visit during the migration or at a quieter moment, the reserve always offers something extraordinary.
Overnight: Muthu Keekorok Lodge
Meals: Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner
Day 4 – Friday – Masai Mara
Awaken to the symphony of the African bush and immerse yourself in its wonders on an early morning game drive, a
prime time to witness wildlife activity as the day begins. Afterwards, return to the lodge for breakfast and enjoy leisurely
hours to relax and soak in the atmosphere. After lunch, venture out once more to explore the Mara’s incredible tapestry
of wildlife and its breathtaking landscapes.
Alternate option for this day (own cost, payable in advance):
Elevate your Mara experience with an unforgettable early morning hot air balloon flight. Drift silently above the endless plains as the African sunrise paints the sky in breathtaking colours, offering a unique perspective on the wildlife roaming below. Upon landing, indulge in a delightful ‘bubbly’ bush breakfast, creating a memorable start to your day. Continue your adventure with a scenic game drive as you make your way back to the lodge, where lunch awaits.
Overnight: Muthu Keekorok Lodge
Meals: Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner
Day 5 – Saturday – Depart
Savour a final breakfast amidst the sights and sounds of the Masai Mara before beginning your onward journey.
By Road to Nairobi: You have the option of a scenic drive back to Nairobi (approx 300 km), allowing you to observe more of the Kenyan landscapes.
By Air to Nairobi: Alternatively, you can choose a convenient morning flight from the Masai Mara directly to Nairobi
(price available on request), offering more time for your onward connections.
Direct Flight to the Coast: For those seeking a beach escape, direct flights from the Masai Mara to Mombasa are also available, including lunch in the Mara before your departure (price available on request).
Island Escapes via Nairobi: Connecting flights to the idyllic islands of Zanzibar, Mauritius, the Seychelles, or the Maldives, via Nairobi, can also be arranged (prices available on request), extending your African adventure to pristine shores.
From Nairobi, you will proceed with your onward travel arrangements.
Light aircraft baggage allowance – 15 kg
Meals: Breakfast
Extend your holiday to one of the hotels on the Kenyan Coast of Mombasa or to one of the fabulous Zanzibar beach
hotels, for a relaxing end to this safari.
Children under 5 years of age are not permitted on this safari.
Please Note:
Due to operational reasons, both accommodation and the itinerary may be subject to change.
Under Description on Tofos:
Optional activities in Naivasha:
Boat ride on Lake Naivasha
Optional activities available in Masai Mara:
Hot Air Ballooning (payable in advance)
WHY TRAVEL WITH SOMAK LUXURY TRAVEL?
For over five decades, Somak Luxury Travel has been crafting tailor-made safaris, island escapes, and bespoke adventures across Africa, Asia, and the Indian Ocean. We know each destination intimately—its landscapes, cultures, and hidden treasures. Share your travel dreams with us, and our team of expert travel designers will transform them into unforgettable, once-in-a-lifetime experiences.
Every journey is personalized. From private guided safaris to exclusive island retreats, we design itineraries around your passions, interests, and pace.
With decades of experience, our travel specialists ensure every trip is seamless, immersive, and meticulously planned.
We actively support conservation efforts and local communities, so your travels leave a positive footprint.
Our team is always on hand during your journey, providing expert guidance, assistance, and reassurance whenever you need it.
Let our experts craft a tailor-made experience designed around you.
