Dazzling Dubai & Kenya Safari

Overview

Itinerary at a Glance

• 1 Depart USA
• 2 Dubai
• 3 Dubai
• Optional Excursion: Desert Safari & BBQ Dinner, $115
• 4 Dubai
• Optional Excursion: Full Day Abu Dhabi, $170
• 5 Dubai & Nairobi
• 6 Nairobi & Lake Naivasha
• 7 Lake Naivasha
• 8 Masai Mara Game Reserve
• 9 Masai Mara Game Reserve
• Optional Excursion: Masai Mara Hot Air Balloon Safari & Champagne Breakfast, $465
• Optional Excursion: Masai Village Tour (purchased locally), $25
• 10 Masai Mara & Nairobi/Depart Kenya

Videos

Detailed Itinerary

Day 1 Depart USA

• Check in for your overnight flight to Dubai

Day 2 Dubai

• Arrive in Dubai, meet our representatives, and transfer to your centrally located hotel
• NOTE: The flight from Washington D.C. Dulles (IAD) arrives early in the morning in Dubai (around 8 am). Check-in at the hotel is at 3 pm. If you wish to check-in immediately, please add early check-in to your reservation

JW Marriott Marquis Hotel Dubai or similar

Day 3 Dubai

• Enjoy a guided city tour of Dubai -- see the highlights of this amazing place
• Visit the Burj Khalifa, the tallest building in the world
• Learn about Islamic life in the UAE during a lecture at Jumeirah Mosque

JW Marriott Marquis Hotel Dubai or similar Breakfast

Full Day Itinerary

Today's exciting half-day tour will take you to picturesque Dubai Creek, the Ancient Greeks called the River Zara. The first settlements by the Bani Yas tribe were along its banks, and later it served as a port for ships from as far as India and East Africa. Today, this saltwater creek divides the modern city into two parts, Deira on the north and Bur Dubai to the south, and remains a busy waterway both for traditional dhows and sleek luxury yachts. 

Next stop is the Bastakiya district, where traditional courtyard houses, with characteristic wind towers that cleverly catch the breezes to cool the houses, line the narrow alleys. Many of the houses in this picturesque area of Dubai, previously home to the city's merchants, have been lovingly restored by proud locals who wish to preserve the unique ambiance of the district.

Continue to the Dubai Museum, housed in the massive, restored Al Fahidi Fort. Inside, lifelike dioramas offer a fascinating view of life in Dubai before the discovery of oil. You'll learn the importance of the date palm to the desert culture, the maritime traditions of fishing and pearl-diving, boat building, and much more. Take a walk through the bustling, exotic souks, where you'll find beautiful, bargain-priced textiles, spices, and gold. Another highlight of your city tour is a chance to take one of Dubai's most reliable and inexpensive forms of transportation, the Abra water taxi.

Later, visit the Burj Khalifa (formerly known as Burj Dubai), which officially opened in 2010 as the tallest building in the world. This miracle of international cooperation and coordination houses a luxury Armani hotel, offices of some of the world's most successful companies, and homes that are as high as the clouds for a lucky few. Take in sweeping city views from the breathtakingly high "At the Top" observation deck.

Stop at Jumeirah Mosque to gain insight into Islamic life in the United Arab Emirates during a lecture by one of the Mosque's clerks. Feel free to ask questions!

Return to your hotel and spend the remainder of your day at leisure, or enjoy an optional Desert Safari and BBQ Dinner.

Optional Excursion: Desert Safari & BBQ Dinner, $115

For those in the mood for adventure, in the late afternoon, set out on an optional desert safari tour and discover the vastness and stark beauty of the desert surrounding Dubai. Experience an exciting jeep ride over the neighboring dunes. You'll also enjoy a traditional BBQ dinner and live belly dancing entertainment on this exciting optional tour. *The sand dunes jeep ride is not recommended for people with neck, back or cardiac concerns.

Purchased as a package with Desert Safari & BBQ Dinner (Day 3) and Abu Dhabi (Day 4) (Min of 4 passengers).

Day 4 Dubai

• Relax and explore on your own, or join an optional excursion to Abu Dhabi

JW Marriott Marquis Hotel Dubai or similar Breakfast

Full Day Itinerary

The day is yours to explore at your pace, or take an optional excursion to Abu Dhabi.

Optional Excursion: Full Day Abu Dhabi, $170

Today, see another sophisticated city in the United Arab Emirates, Abu Dhabi. Enjoy a panoramic view of Jebel Ali, the largest man-made port, en route to the iconic symbol of Abu Dhabi, the Sheikh Zayed Grand Mosque. Later, drive along the sweeping curve of the Corniche, replete with parks and fountains, from which you'll enjoy a contrast of modern skyscrapers against the sparkling waters of the Persian Gulf. Visit the Heritage Village, and learn about the history of Abu Dhabi in a reconstructed oasis. Walk through the open-air museum and see artisans demonstrate traditional skills. Later, pass by the Sheik Khalifa Palace, home to the president of the UAE. Afterward, take a photo stop at Yas Island, where the Ferrari World theme park and Formula 1 race track are located. Return to Dubai.

Purchased as a package with Desert Safari & BBQ Dinner (Day 3) and Abu Dhabi (Day 4) (Min of 4 passengers).

Day 5 Dubai & Nairobi

• Transfer to the airport for your flight to Nairobi
• Upon arrival in Nairobi, following customs and immigration formalities, meet our representative and transfer to your hotel

EKA Hotel Nairobi or similar Breakfast

Day 6 Nairobi & Lake Naivasha

• Visit the Karen Blixen Museum
• Visit the Daphne Sheldrick Elephant Orphanage
• Depart Nairobi for the Great Rift Valley
• After lunch and check-in, enjoy the remainder of the day at leisure

Lake Naivasha Country Club or similar Breakfast, lunch & dinner

Full Day Itinerary

After breakfast and check-out, proceed to visit the Karen Blixen Museum. "Out of Africa" author Karen Blixen formally owned the house and surrounding 4500-acre farm from 1917 until 1931, before becoming a museum in 1991.
 
Later, visit the Daphne Sheldrick Elephant Orphanage, where young orphaned elephant babies are hand-raised until they are returned to the natural habitat in the Tsavo National Park. Here they can mingle freely with the wild community.

Next, depart Nairobi and travel west through Kenya's fertile farmlands and into the Great Rift Valley. Arrive at your lodge, set amidst acacia trees, overlooking Lake Naivasha. After lunch, check in and spend the remainder of the day leisurely. Tonight, enjoy dinner at the lodge.

*Note: Visiting Daphne Sheldrick Elephant Orphanage requires advanced booking with limited tickets available per day and has become increasingly difficult to secure advanced tickets. A visit to Nairobi Animal Orphanage, located just outside the Nairobi National Park, will be substituted should Daphne Sheldrick Elephant Orphanage be unavailable.

Day 7 Lake Naivasha

• After breakfast, take a game drive in Hell's Gate National Park
• Return to the lodge for lunch
• Embark on a safari boat ride on Lake Naivasha

Lake Naivasha Country Club or similar Breakfast, lunch & dinner

Full Day Itinerary

After breakfast, discover Hell's Gate National Park, named for the intense geothermal activity within its boundaries. It is a remarkable quarter of the Great Rift Valley. Spectacular scenery, including the towering cliffs, water-gouged gorges, stark rock towers, scrub-clad volcanoes, and belching plumes of geothermal steam, make it one of the most atmospheric parks in Africa. You may see African buffalo, zebra, eland, hartebeest, Thomson's gazelle, baboons, klipspringer antelope, and Chandler's mountain reedbuck. Return to the lodge for lunch. In the afternoon, embark on a safari boat ride on Lake Naivasha.

Day 8 Masai Mara Game Reserve

• After breakfast, depart for the Masai Mara
• Arrive at the lodge and enjoy lunch
• Take your first game drive this afternoon

Keekorok Lodge or similar Breakfast, lunch & dinner

Full Day Itinerary

After breakfast, depart for the Masai Mara. This park offers terrific scenery and plenty of game viewing. In addition, it is perhaps the only region remaining in Kenya where visitors can see animals in the same abundance and variety as they existed a century ago. You'll find lions, cheetahs, buffalo, and abundant bird life such as ostriches, cranes, and storks among the grassy plains and lush landscape.

Every year, between June and September, millions of wildebeests and zebras migrate into the Mara in search of water. The timing of this phenomenon varies, depending on the rains, but they usually start heading back to the Serengeti in October. Whether you see the migration or not, the Mara almost guarantees you'll enjoy a magnificent time in Kenya. Enjoy lunch at your lodge, then relax until later this afternoon when you'll take your first game drive through this haven of wildlife, lasting until sunset.

Day 9 Masai Mara Game Reserve

• Morning game drive, or take an optional hot air balloon safari
• Lunch at the lodge, followed by some free time to relax
• Late afternoon game drive

Keekorok Lodge or similar Breakfast, lunch & dinner

Full Day Itinerary

Continue your discovery of the many species of wildlife in the park today on two game drives, one this morning and another later in the afternoon. You can replace the morning drive with an optional balloon safari, which provides an exciting opportunity to soar high over the plain for animal viewing from above. Whether you go by air or land, you will enjoy searching for animals native to this fascinating and beautiful area guided by your expert driver, who will amaze you with his ability to spot game hidden in the bush. You may see a variety of antelope, including wildebeest and Thomsons and Grant gazelles. The "Big 5" are all found in the Masai Mara, cheetahs, bat-eared foxes, and wide other varieties of wildlife.

After lunch, enjoy some leisure time at the lodge, including a refreshing swim in the pool.

Optional Excursion: Masai Mara Hot Air Balloon Safari & Champagne Breakfast, $465

Enjoy a once-in-a-lifetime opportunity to take a balloon ride across the Masai Mara. Weather permitting, your flight begins in the pre-dawn hours, when the view over the park is most magnificent. Toward the end of your adventure, you'll rise to 1,500 feet for a panoramic view of the twisting Mara River and the savannah below. After an hour in the air, your safari finishes with a champagne breakfast in the bush, cooked on the balloon's burners. Flight may not operate if weather conditions are not suitable.

Optional Excursion: Masai Village Tour (purchased locally), $25

This afternoon, get an in-depth look at these colorful and pastoral people in their natural settings. Experience the Masai tribal life as you walk through a traditional village compound. You'll be greeted by the village chief and be escorted around the village by a local host who will explain the history, culture, and practices of the Masai. Before departing the village, enjoy a cultural performance by the young men of the tribe, the famed warrior "morans." Credit cards are not accepted for this excursion.

Day 10 Masai Mara & Nairobi/Depart Kenya

• After breakfast, depart the Masai Mara for Nairobi
• Enjoy a farewell lunch at the famous Carnivore Restaurant
• Next, stop at the Langata Giraffe Center
• Enjoy time to relax in your day-use room
• Transfer to the airport for your overnight return flight back to the US

Hilton Garden Inn Nairobi Airport or similar Breakfast, lunch & dinner

Full Day Itinerary

After breakfast, depart the Masai Mara for Nairobi. Upon arrival, enjoy an "all you can eat" farewell lunch at the famous Carnivore Restaurant. After your meal, visit The Langata Giraffe Center, which protects the endangered Rothschild's giraffe. Several warthogs roam freely with the giraffes. Guests may feed the giraffes from a raised feeding platform. Then transfer to your day-use room to relax and freshen up.

Bid farewell to Kenya as you transfer to the airport for your overnight return flight. Arrive in the USA the following day.

Hotels

JW Marriott Marquis Hotel Dubai

Deluxe

The 5 star JW Marriott Marquis Hotel Dubai is conveniently located in the business district of Dubai. Its location offers guests easy access to notable attractions, such as the world-renowned Dubai Mall and the jaw-dropping Burj Khalifa.

More information

EKA Hotel Nairobi

First Class

EKA Hotel is conveniently located along Mombasa Road in Nairobi, near the city's many attractions including Nairobi National Park, the Karen Blixen Museum, the National Museum, Bomas of Kenya, and the Giraffe Centre. It is also near the Jomo Kenyatta International Airport, the Wilson Airport, the bustling central business district and entertainment venues.

More information

Lake Naivasha Country Club

First Class

First opened in the 1930's as a staging post for Imperial Airways flying boat service from Durban to Dublin, Lake Naivasha Country Club has since transformed into a sprawling 55-acre property with a variety of accommodations and guest facilities. It is located just an hour drive from Nairobi and overlooks the lake. Perfect for both the active and leisure traveler, Lake Naivasha Country Club offers an abundance of activities to please all tastes.

More information

Keekorok Lodge

First Class

Amid the vast sweeping savanna plains stands Keekorok Lodge, Masai Mara's first game lodge. Against the backdrop of Kenya's most magnificent scenery, the lodge offers a unique and luxurious safari experience, blending contemporary African style with the magic and charm of the region. Enjoy the sunset as you watch hippos, birds and other animals from the walkway, all without even leaving the lodge.After a day of game-spotting, take a dip in the outdoor swimming swimming pool or relax in one of the lounge chairs. The lodge also has a gift shop that stocks every conceivable item for a comfortable safari as well as hand-crafted gifts, paintings and sculptures.

More information

Hilton Garden Inn Nairobi Airport

First Class

The Hilton Garden Inn Nairobi Airport is a 175 room hotel with a convenient location close to the Jomo Kenyatta International Airport. The hotel features complimentary Wi-Fi, a 24 hour business center, a heated rooftop swimming pool, fitness center, complimentary self-operated laundry.

More information

In the unlikely event that a particular hotel is not available, a similar or better hotel may be substituted.

Reviews & Photos

Trip Details

• What should I know before I go? We've compiled a comprehensive checklist, including information on how to pay your balance due, flights & transfers, packing & luggage, and more.
• Do I need a visa or other documents? Are there any entry requirements? Travel visas are required for this package. Please review the visa & entry requirements.
• Can I make changes to my trip? Want to upgrade your seats? Depart from another city? Stay a few extra days? Something else? Just ask!
• Can I bring my kids? Are there any age restrictions? To book this package, you must be 18 or older. Your traveling companions must be 8 or older at time of travel.
• Should I purchase travel insurance? Yes! We recommend you purchase travel insurance to help protect you and your travel investment against the unexpected. For your convenience, we offer a plan provided by Travelex Insurance Services.
• What's the fine print? Review the terms & conditions for this package.
• What should I know about Kenya? Check out our guide for practical travel tips, the best time to go, videos, and more.
• What should I know about Dubai? Check out our guide for practical travel tips, the best time to go, videos, and more.

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