YRE12N: Lake Nakuru + Maasai Mara + Mauritius

Day 1

You will be met at Nairobi Airport and transferred to your hotel in this bustling city.

Check in after midday and relax by the hotel swimming pool in your warm and friendly African surroundings.

Day 2

Today transfer from Nairobi and travel 2-hours overland to the Lake Nakuru area in the heart of the Great Rift Valley.

Check into your lodge and relax in your warm East African surroundings.

Day 3

Today enjoy a 4x4 excursion to Lake Nakuru.

A soda lake on the floor of the Great Rift Valley, Lake Nakuru is home to millions of flamingos and over 400 different bird species. The sight of these flamingos in flight at certain times of the year is quite spectacular and makes the lake appear pink from a distance. The lake is also a haven for certain endangered species including the Rothschild giraffe and black and white rhino.

Late afternoon at leisure at your lodge.

Day 4

Today you will be transferred to Naivasha Airport for your light aircraft flight to the Maasai Mara National Park, named after the Maasai people and the Mara River, which divides the park.

Maasai Mara National Park is famous for its exceptional population of game and the annual migration of zebra and wildebeest from the adjoining Serengeti National Park, which occurs every year from September  to October, when these ungainly animals migrate along a circular route from the plains of the Serengeti to the pastures of the Maasai Mara and back again in search of fresh pasture followed by hungry predators - most notably lions and hyena.

After checking in to your lodge, enjoy a late afternoon game drive into this magnificent wildlife sanctuary.

Day 5

Today is dedicated to game viewing in the world famous Maasai Mara National Park.

Nestled within the enormous Great Rift Valley, Maasai Mara National Park is famous for its lions and abundant wildebeest, which number over one million. All the Big Five can be seen as well as numerous other species including gazelle, impala, topi, hartebeest, roan antelope, hippo and huge herds of zebra and giraffe. The nocturnal bat-eared fox, rarely found elsewhere in Kenya, and the spotted hyena also inhabit this park, as well as the endangered cheetah and black rhino. Bird watching is also outstanding with over 450 different species including the vulture, marabou stork, secretary bird, hornbill, crowned crane, ostrich, long-crested eagle and african pygmy-falcon. The terrain is primarily open grassland and seasonal riverlets, with most game concentrated around the swampy ground on its western border.

Set off early each morning, when game viewing conditions are at their best, to view the abundant wildlife of the Maasai Mara region. Return to the lodge to rest in the heat of the day, before setting off again in the late afternoon for another game drive.

Day 6

After a final early morning game drive in the Maasai Mara, transfer to the airstrip for your light aircraft flight to Nairobi Airport for your onward flight.

You will be met at Mauritius Airport and transferred 1-hour to your beach resort.

Check in to your hotel, settle in and relax on this wonderfully warm Indian Ocean island, surrounded by crystal clear turquoise waters and coral reefs.

Days 7 - 12

Relax and unwind on the white sandy beaches of Mauritius, as you treat yourself to fine food and wonderful entertainment. Enjoy lazy days swimming and snorkelling in the warm turquoise waters of the Indian Ocean, or relax on the beach or beside the swimming pool whilst enjoying the many facilities of your luxury resort hotel.

Activities vary by resort, but are likely to include:

• Sailing & Canoeing
• Water Skiing
• Wind Surfing
• Beach Volley Ball
• Tennis Courts
• Table Tennis
• Water Polo
• Gym & Spa

Full day Catamaran cruises are very popular for dolphin watching, as well as glass-bottom boats to view the tropical fish and coral reefs that surround the island. Day Tours include visits to Grand Baie, with its pubs and nightlife and the capital city of Port Louis, where you must expect to bargain vigorously! Also day trips to the south and east of the island.

Golf and Horse Riding are nearby, as well as the opportunity to hire a bicycle to explore the island at your own pace. Mauritius also offers wonderful Scuba Diving, with fully equipped dive centres offering a variety of PADI courses. If you have never tried it before, these clear calm waters offer an ideal location in which to learn to scuba. Deep Sea Fishing for giant marlin or reef fishing for giant trevally also offer thrilling activities.

With its warm tropical weather all year-round, magnificent hotels and wonderful hospitality, Mauritius offers a welcoming and vibrant Indian Ocean Island experience.

Day 13

Transfer to Mauritius Airport for your flight home.