The Plains of Africa

Adventure stirs the soul in Kenya. Arrive in the heart of safari country today. Stay: Sarova Stanley Hotel

After breakfast, travel towards Mount Kenya, an extinct volcano where peaks reach as high as 17,000 feet. In the foothills, indigenous forests surround you on all sides, and red soil stirs under brilliant waterfalls.

This afternoon, set out on your first game drive of the trip at Ol Pejeta Conservancy, home to an astounding variety of animals. (B/L/D) Stay: Sarova Maiyan

Discover the magic of the Shaba, Samburu and Buffalo Springs reserves – home to some of Africa's most exotic wildlife – particularly two species you can only find north of the equator: Grevy's zebra and the reticulated giraffe. Arrive at peaceful Shaba National Reserve, your home for the next two nights.

This afternoon, head for Buffalo Springs – a starkly beautiful semi-desert that's a mecca for birds and wildlife. On your game drive in this remarkably serene landscape, see if you can spot the “Big 5” – lions, elephants, buffalo, leopards and rhinos. (B/L/D) Stay: Sarova Shaba Lodge (2 Nights)

Marvel at the striking contrast of sand, sky, and bush during a morning game drive inside Samburu National Reserve, a tiny gem of Kenya's North Country. Return to Shaba Reserve for lunch before heading out on an afternoon game drive. Bring your camera as you continue searching for the elusive “Big 5.” Make sure to look up for the approximately 350 species of birds that call this region home.

As the sun sets over the banks of the Ewaso Ng'iro River, enjoy a traditional Sundowner, and relish the chance to deepen your cultural experience. In the company of a Samburu tribe member, learn about the culture, traditions, and folklore of the Samburu region and its people. (B/L/D)

Journey to Nyahururu, its name derived from the Maasai word for waterfall, e-naiwurruwurr. Enjoy a free afternoon to relax in your luxury hideaway, a resort situated in the heart of 20 acres of tranquil forest. (B/L/D) Stay: Panari Resort Nyahururu

Hit the road for a spectacular, mountain-kissed journey on the way from Nyahururu waterfalls to Lake Nakuru National Park. One of the Great Rift Valley's soda lakes, Lake Nakuru is a haven of ecological diversity surrounded by picturesque ridges and wooded, bushy grassland. Set out on a game drive this afternoon. (B/L/D) Stay: Sarova Lion Hill Lodge (2 Nights)

Wake up in the embrace of Nakuru's acacia forest. During this morning's game drive, make sure your binoculars are ready – this is rhino country. Find this park absolutely brimming with wildlife, on the ground and in the air. Regale in a true taste of Africa: a traditional breakfast prepared right in the bush. Unwind at your lodge before continuing your journey through the park on an afternoon game drive. Return just in time to witness one of Nakuru's unforgettable sunsets. (B/L/D)

Welcome to the Masai Mara Game Reserve, one of Kenya's best spots for game viewing. Your tented accommodations in the Mara provide you with all the deluxe amenities of a proper lodge, with the added adventure of being on level with the wild. Graced with an astounding collection of wildlife including lions, giraffes, zebras and elephants, the Mara offers an unsurpassed safari experience on your game drive this afternoon.

Tonight, indulge in a traditional bush dinner, complete with a Masai dance performance. (B/L/D) Stay: Sarova Mara Camp (2 Nights)

Ernest Hemingway said, “I never knew a morning in Africa when I woke up and was not happy.” During a full-day game drive, enjoy the grassy plains and rolling hills of the Masai Mara. This is truly nature's greatest theater, where savanna, cloud shadows and amazing wildlife spot the horizon.

After a Mara sunset, head over to your tent and be lulled to sleep by the sounds of the animals in the distance. (B/L/D)

Return to Nairobi and visit the farmhouse of Karen Blixen for a true Out of Africa experience. Then, visit a giraffe sanctuary that also serves as an environmental education center and get an up-close experience with majestic Rothschild's giraffes. (B/L) Stay: Sarova Stanley Hotel

This morning, experience an Impact Moment when you visit Ocean Sole, a social enterprise that turns ocean debris into colorful works of art. Learn about their mission to clean the waterways and grow the Kenyan economy. You'll also get a chance to peruse their collection of products before continuing on to Amboseli National Park.

Later, learn about Masai culture during a visit to a local village (an enkeng in Maa, the Masai language). Take to the plains for an afternoon game drive accompanied by the breathtaking aura of snowcapped Mt. Kilimanjaro. Complement your journey with an opportunity to give back to nature with a seedball. The compact balls of seed limit the cost of planting indigenous trees around the world. A moment of impact can grow into a lifetime of change, so toss your seedball out the window anytime during your stay in Amboseli. (B/L/D) Stay: Ol Tukai Lodge (2 Nights)

Today will start with a sunrise game drive followed by breakfast back at the lodge. Then all of Amboseli is at your feet during a morning and afternoon game drive. Derived from the Masai word meaning “salty dust,” this unique corner of Kenya is one of the best places in Africa to see hundreds of elephants up close. Wildebeests and zebras are ever-present, plus there's a good chance you'll see a cheetah and a hyena or two.

Today is your last full day on the continent and your last chance to spot some more members of the elusive “Big 5.” If you haven't tossed your “seedball” into the wilds yet, now's your chance to make an impact on the continent you've grown to love. (B/L/D)

Return to Nairobi for your departure home. You may choose to reserve a day room to freshen up prior to your flight. (B)