On the first morning we will leave the hustle and bustle of Nairobi behind us and head to the small but beautiful soda lake, Lake Elementaita. Home to numerous flamingos and over 400 species of bird, Elementaita is perfect for relaxing next to or – for those who like to be more active – go horse riding, on a bird spotting walk or simply soak in the natural thermal spa waters that flow into the lake.

The newly built eco-lodge, Sunbird Lodge, will accommodate you in luxury in this stunning setting beside the ethereal beauty of the lake. For your evening meal, the lodge’s top chefs will prepare you a sumptuous meal in the intimate and romantic restaurant as you sit next to the open fire and watch the sun setting over the lake.

How does it feel to see over a million flamingos all in one place? Today you will find out the answer to that as you set out on a full day’s game drive to Lake Nakuru National Park. The lake is full of algae, on which the flamingos feed, contributing to their colouring and making this one of the greatest avian spectacles anywhere in the world. Both species can be found here: the Lesser flamingo, distinguished by its red carmine bill and pink plumage, and its Greater cousin, which is slightly larger and has a black tip on its bill.

The area around Lake Nakuru Park has recently been widened to include a rhino sanctuary - making it one of the largest concentrations of these animals in the country. Other species that are commonly found in this intimate park include Rothschild’s giraffe, waterbuck and giant python, with lions and leopards also making an occasional appearance.

Lunch will be served in the park at a superb dining spot overlooking the lake, and is followed by a continuation of the game drive before returning to Sunbird Lodge for another exceptional dinner and a good night’s sleep before our journey continues.

After breakfast you will be driven across the floor of the Great Rift Valley - the longest rift in the crust of the earth - just in time for lunch at the exceptional Karen Blixen Camp in the Masai Mara. This is Albatros Travel Africa's own safari lodge and one of the premier safari camps in Kenya.

Named after the Danish writer of ‘Out of Africa’, the Karen Blixen Camp is set on the banks of the Mara River making it possible to view the spectacle of wildlife directly from your safari chair in the camp’s lush gardens. Here, you will sleep in luxury canvas tents on wooden bases, each with its own veranda and tastefully furnished with large comfortable beds, Persian rugs and sofas and with unrestricted open views to the Masai Mara.

Over the next three days you will experience some of the finest game viewing Africa has to offer all from a base of luxurious accommodation.

Meals are prepared by the internationally experienced camp chef Frederik Oelsen, using herbs and vegetables from the camp’s own organic garden, and featuring a range of choices that will suit every palate.

Depending on whether the migration is underway, today will involve a drive down to the river or across the plains in search of the scores of wildebeest who gather here, or admiring the year-round resident game which can be found. Whatever the time of year, today is an amazing wildlife safari extravaganza with an experienced and knowledgeable guide in one of the camp’s open sided 4x4 land cruisers.

You can choose to either spend the whole day out in the bush in search of game, or you can return to the camp in time for lunch and an afternoon siesta before your early evening game drive.

Each evening at the Karen Blixen Camp is rounded off with sunset cocktails followed by a delicious meal.

This morning you can experience one of the most magicalactivities in the Mara. Included in your stay at the Karen Blixen camp (if travelling before the end of May 2012) is the chance to experience the Mara plains from a different perspective - in a hot air balloon.  You will wake in the early morning and enjoy lift off in the crisp morning air, spending the next hour drifting peacefully and quietly above the plains and rivers and observing the wildlife below  as the sun spreads slowly over the plains.

When your adventure is over the balloon will land gently and you will enjoy a champagne breakfast in a bush setting. More wildlife viewing opportunities will be possible later that morning as you take a scenic journey back to camp.

This will be an amazing and unforgettable day which will end in style with a bush dinner prepared by the camp.

This morning is your last in the Masai Mara. We suggest you request an early morning wakeup call and enjoy one last game experience before returning to the camp for breakfast. You will then be taken to the airstrip in time for your scheduled flight to Nairobi’s Wilson airport.

Upon arrival in Nairobi there will be time for a pleasant lunch before you are driven to the international airport or your hotel.

You will have had a superb week in Kenya, and if you fancy lingering a little longer you can just contact one of our travel consulatants and they will be happy to advise of extension possibilities - from relaxing breaks on Kenya's tropical beaches, hotel accommodation in Nairobi or further wildlife viewing opportunities in east Africa.