Masaai Mara's Dream Camp plus overland to Lamu

A Safari from the Masaai Mara's Dream Camp overland through Aberdare National Park
with time on Lamu at Baytil Ajaib Hotel

The Maasai Mara ecosystem boasts one of the most diverse and greatest concentrations of wildlife in Africa. The large lion and cheetah populations combined with the spectacular wildebeest and zebra migration provide a unique animal watching opportunity. The Mara is also a haven for many rare and exotic species of birds. Use Dream Camp as your base for a safari. The itinerary below is an example of a safari through various wildlife areas in Kenya.  The ultimate objective on this particular tailor made itinerary was the road-less island of Lamu, where time stands still.  The Baytil Ajaib Hotel is a small but very well equipped hotel with just eight options, some double rooms and some suites.

Dream Camp
On the banks of the Talek River you will find the 15-tent Dream Camp, one of the most ecologically friendly camps in Kenya. Both electricity and hot water are generated using solar power. All the waste water from the tents is used to irrigate the nearby trees and all the kitchen waste is separated and composted. Located to the south west of Nairobi, and bordering Tanzania, the Maasai Mara forms part of the huge Serengeti eco-system.  The Mara spreads over 1510 square kilometres of rolling plains with isolated islands of rock (kopjes), and green winding rivers.  More

Not only is the Mara blessed with this stunning landscape, but also its animal diversity is one of the greatest in Africa.  Surrounded by the grazing lands of the Maasai people, the Mara is a sanctuary for all of the "Big Five" animals: lion, elephant, buffalo, rhino and leopard. The sweet grasses and abundant water ensure there are plenty of sightings of Impala and the Thompsons gazelle. The deep river pools provide homes for hippo and crocodiles. 

Each year, generally in August / September, the Mara is host to the spectacular wildebeest migration, one of the natural wonders of the world! Literally millions of these awkwardly shaped ungulates move across the open plains in an endless stream stretching from horizon to horizon.  The movement of this vast herd is fascinating in itself, but it is seldom that a day goes by without the added bonus of watching the predators that follow the herd.  Lion, leopard, cheetah and wild dogs rely on the herd for food.  Spotting one of these magnificent predators is more or less guaranteed at this time. 

Aberdare National Park
One of the most interesting parks in Kenya with the forested slopes of the Aberdare Mountains as the backdrop. The park is home to elephant, lion, rhino, black leopard and the beautiful but elusive bongo antelope, but it is not heavily visited, so it is a special experience. The park has a fairly high rainfall so a 4x4 is necessary particularly in the wet season. The best accommodation is at the famous Treetops or The Ark, both built above ground beside floodlit waterholes which attracts the animals and you just sit and wait in comfort for them to come to you.

Baytil Ajaib Hotel
One of the finest examples of the remaining townhouses built by the rich Arab traders on Lamu. Lamu is one of the most interesting of a number of island in the coral fringed archipelago in the far northern Indian Ocean coastal area of Kenya. Baytil Ajaib’s staff are very attentive (when you want them to be) and will definitely enhance the pleasure of your stay.

There are just 4 options, 2 large rooms and 2 suites with either a verandah or an open courtyard on each floor.

Choose from a small range of options for your Lamu accommodation

Sample Itinerary - 8 days / 7 Nights at Dream Camp – Wildlife watching enroute to Lamu – Baytil Ajaib on Lamu
 
Day 1  Drive from Nairobi to the Mara and settle in to your 2 person tent at Dream Camp. Breaking up the 5 hour drive with lunch. After you have settled in to your tent take a walk with your Massai guide - wildlife watching. D.

Days 2 - 7  Enjoy the area as you take a morning drive to view the wildlife from your base at Dream Camp. Rest after lunch and then take a drive to view the wildlife before dinner.  Then relax around the camp fire in the evening.  An alternative to one of the morning drives is a balloon ride (approx £240 each for 2 hours). B, L, D.

Day 8 After a light breakfast go on a wildlife viewing drive. After lunch drive to Lake Naivasha (41/2 hours).  The lake is a bird lovers paradise with a large number of birds to see here. (location: 60km NNE of Nairobi). B, L, D 

Day 9 After breakfast drive to Aberdare National Park (2 hours approx to your accommodation / camp site).  This fascinating area is regarded locally as the home of the gods – comprising mountains up to 14,000ft and deep V shaped valleys and an abundance of wildlife.  One option for you to consider is Treetops, made famous by our Queen’s visit in 1952. The lodge is set high in the forest, overlooking a quiet waterhole and natural saltlick. The entrance to the lodge is through a central staircase ascending from the forest floor. As night rolls in the wildlife from surrounding areas gathers beneath the lodge. You could easily spend the whole night watching the endless procession of elephants, buffalo, rhino and other game that visit the waterhole. B, L, D.

Day 10 An early morning drive (if you have slept) to watch the wildlife going about their daily routine.  After breakfast we drive (2 hours) to the edge of Mount Kenya National Park, in the hope of a view of this landmark (clouds are quite likely) wildlife watching as we travel eastwards. Take lunch at the Mount Kenya Safari Club or at Lewa Downs.  After it has cooled down a little drive (3 hours or so) to the south eastern corner of the park, wildlife watching as you travel.  Consider staying at the Izaak Walton Inn. Originally a colonial farm house with sprawling lawns and gardens, plus open fires in the cosy bar and restaurant. B, L, D.

Day 11 A 3 hour drive takes us to Kitui, close to the northern edge of Tsavo East National Park and South Kitui National Reserve.  Rest and explore the area – maybe you will want to take an afternoon walk in local villages and visit women groups. In the evening you could walk up Nzambani Rock to enjoy the sunset (your guide would take some drinks and a snack). There are wood carvers and basket weavers in this area and they are worthwhile visiting.  Overnight in Syomasango Village Inn. B, L, D.

Day 12 Drive to South Kitui National Reserve (2 hours), where exploration could provide the chance to see primates.  A further drive of about 2 hours and we Arrive at Hola or 4 hours to be at the coast near Lamu.  B, L, D.

Day 13 – 21 Transfer to the island and to your home for the week or so.  Overnight at Baytil Ajaib either on B&B, Half Board or Full Board.

Day 22 Fly to Nairobi

Price Indication per person for the above SAMPLE Itinerary:   USD2967 
 

What is included (Dream Camp)
Luxury tented  accommodation, all food, tea and coffee.  Transportation from Nairobi by private 4X4 (also for the days enroute to Lamu). Shared transportation for wildlife watching while based at Dream Camp. Park entrance fees and activities – wildlife viewing sessions - 2 Massai walking safaris and 2 vehicle based safaris per day, except on the days when you have a walking safari when it is on vehicle safari only.

What is not included (General)
The price will allow for joining at Nairobi (we do not provide quotations for international flights),  personal insurance, visa fees, vaccination costs, personal clothing and equipment, all items of a personal nature and all drinks.  Tips (we will give you some guidance). Meals unless specified above by the code B, L, D. Transportation to and from Dream Camp in respect of option B.

 

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What we need to know in order to provide availability data and price is...

1st Choice Dates:

2nd Choice Dates:

Are you flexible on dates around the above ? N.B. please note the seasons (below).

Number of people and ages of children (if any):

Type of transport required (if any):

Do you want private transport available throughout your stay ? or Shared Safaris with other guests from Dream Camp (4 people minimum) ?

Your Starting Point in East Africa (Nairobi is the easiest place to fly to from the UK):

Visa (UK residents)
A visa is required for Kenya and this will cost about £30.

Additional Accommodation
If you need accommodation in the cities you travel through book online or advise your Muir's Tours consultant (always use this option for extra accommodation in remote locations).

Travel Insurance
Comprehensive personal insurance is suggested on this trip. We recommend the BMC policies www.thebmc.co.uk