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12-Day Kenya Safari and Dubai Gateway: A Perfect African Adventure from Washington DC

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Day 1: Travel to Dubai

Washington DC, USA on January 13, 2025

7:00pm

Depart Washington DC

Take a direct or one-stop nighttime flight from Washington Dulles International Airport to Dubai International Airport. Emirates offers direct flights with great service.
USD800-1500, 14h0m

Day 2: Explore Dubai

Dubai, UAE on January 14, 2025

9:00am

Breakfast at The Sum of Us

Enjoy artisan coffee and fresh breakfast dishes at this popular café open from 7am, perfect to start your day in Dubai.
USD15, 1h0m

10:30am

Visit Burj Khalifa

Book tickets to visit the observation deck of Burj Khalifa, the tallest building in the world, for stunning views of Dubai. Open 8:30am-11pm.
USD40, 1h30m

12:30pm

Lunch at Al Safadi Restaurant

Have authentic Lebanese dishes here, well-liked for its flavorful mezzes and grilled meats. Open 10am-12am.
USD20, 1h0m

2:00pm

Dubai Mall and Aquarium

Explore the Dubai Mall’s shops and visit the Dubai Aquarium with its underwater tunnel. Open 10am-12am.
USD35, 2h0m

6:00pm

Dinner at Atmosphere Restaurant

Dine at the world’s highest restaurant in Burj Khalifa, offering exquisite cuisine and incredible city views. Reservations recommended.
USD100, 2h0m

Day 3: Travel Dubai to Nairobi

Dubai, UAE to Nairobi, Kenya on January 15, 2025

8:00am

Breakfast at hotel

Enjoy an early breakfast at your Dubai hotel before your flight to Nairobi. Most hotels serve breakfast from 6am.
USD25, 1h0m

11:00am

Flight from Dubai to Nairobi

Take a direct flight from Dubai International Airport to Jomo Kenyatta International Airport, Nairobi. Emirates and Kenya Airways offer flights around 5 hours.
USD300-500, 5h0m

4:00pm

Check-in at Nairobi hotel

Check into a comfortable Nairobi hotel such as the Hemingways Nairobi for relaxation and preparation for safari. Use this time to rest.
USD150 per night, Evening

7:00pm

Dinner at Talisman Restaurant

Enjoy fusion cuisine at Talisman, one of Nairobi’s best restaurants. Open 12pm-10pm.
USD40, 1h30m

Day 4: Begin Masai Mara Safari

Masai Mara, Kenya on January 16, 2025

6:00am

Transfer to Masai Mara

Fly from Nairobi to Masai Mara (about 1 hour) and check into the Ritz Masai Mara. This day marks the start of your safari adventure.
USD400-600, 1h0m flight + transfer

8:30am

Breakfast at the Ritz

Enjoy a sumptuous safari breakfast at your lodge before your morning game drive.
Included in lodge stay, 1h0m

9:30am

Morning Game Drive

Spot the Big Five and other wildlife on your morning game drive in Masai Mara. Typically lasts 3-4 hours and offers spectacular wildlife viewing.
Included in safari package, 4h0m

1:30pm

Lunch at the Lodge

Return to the Ritz Masai Mara for lunch featuring fresh local and international dishes.
Included in lodge stay, 1h0m

3:00pm

Afternoon Game Drive

Another exciting safari drive to catch the animals at their most active times of day. This drive ends around dusk.
Included in safari package, 3h0m

7:00pm

Dinner at the Lodge

Savor a hearty dinner back at your lodge with views of the African sunset.
Included in lodge stay, 1h0m

Day 5: Full Safari Day

Masai Mara, Kenya on January 17, 2025

6:30am

Early Morning Game Drive

Head out early to maximize sightings of predators and other wildlife during cooler hours.
Included, 3h30m

10:00am

Return for Breakfast and Relax

Enjoy a relaxed breakfast and downtime by the lodge pool or observation deck.
Included, 2h0m

12:00pm

Lunch at the Lodge

Take a break with a delicious lunch to refuel before afternoon activities.
Included, 1h0m

3:00pm

Visit a Maasai Village

Experience cultural immersion by visiting a nearby Maasai village to learn about their traditions and crafts. Confirm availability with your lodge.
USD50-100, 2h0m

6:30pm

Dinner at the Lodge

Enjoy a final lovely dinner at the Ritz Masai Mara with a chance to share stories from your safari experience.
Included, 1h0m

Day 6: Safari and Travel Nairobi

Masai Mara to Nairobi, Kenya on January 18, 2025

7:00am

Early Morning Game Drive

Last morning game drive to catch any final wildlife sightings.
Included, 3h0m

11:00am

Flight to Nairobi

Fly back from Masai Mara to Nairobi with time to rest at your hotel.
USD400-600, 1h0m

1:00pm

Lunch at Carnivore Restaurant

Enjoy a famous Kenyan dining experience featuring a variety of grilled meats, open daily 12pm-10pm.
USD35, 1h0m

3:00pm

Giraffe Centre Visit

Visit the Giraffe Centre, open 9am to 5pm, for an interactive experience feeding endangered Rothschild giraffes.
USD15, 2h0m

6:00pm

Dinner at About Thyme

Dine in a cozy garden setting offering creative international cuisine. Open 12pm-10pm.
USD40, 1h30m

Day 7: Nairobi Culture and City

Nairobi, Kenya on January 19, 2025

8:00am

Breakfast at Artcaffé

Start with coffee and fresh pastries at this popular Nairobi café serving from 7am.
USD15, 1h0m

9:30am

Visit Nairobi National Museum

Explore Kenya’s rich history, culture, and wildlife exhibits. Open from 8:30am to 5:30pm.
USD15, 2h0m

12:00pm

Lunch at Urban Eatery

Diverse international food court with many options, ideal for trying something new. Open 10am-10pm.
USD15, 1h0m

1:30pm

Karen Blixen Museum

Visit the home of the famed author of 'Out of Africa,' open 9am-6pm. Learn about colonial Kenya history and literature.
USD12, 1h30m

4:00pm

Shopping and Coffee at Village Market

Browse crafts, souvenirs, and international shops in this serene open-air mall.
Free entry, 2h0m

7:00pm

Dinner at The Lord Erroll

Elegant dining experience with French cuisine inside a colonial mansion, open 6pm-10pm.
USD60, 1h30m

Day 8: Return to Dubai

Nairobi, Kenya to Dubai, UAE on January 20, 2025

8:00am

Breakfast at hotel

Enjoy a leisurely breakfast at your Nairobi hotel to get ready for travel.
USD25, 1h0m

10:00am

Flight Nairobi to Dubai

Fly back to Dubai International Airport on a direct flight, average 5-hour duration.
USD300-500, 5h0m

3:00pm

Check-in and rest at Dubai hotel

Rest and refresh at your hotel near the airport or city for an overnight stay.
USD150, Evening

7:00pm

Dinner at Ravi Restaurant

Enjoy affordable and delicious Pakistani food loved by locals in Dubai, open till late.
USD15, 1h0m

Day 9: Dubai Leisure

Dubai, UAE on January 21, 2025

9:00am

Breakfast at Wild & The Moon

Healthy organic breakfast in funky setting - opened from 8am.
USD20, 1h0m

10:30am

Visit Dubai Miracle Garden

See the largest natural flower garden with unique floral displays, open 9am-9pm until April.
USD15, 2h0m

1:00pm

Lunch at Local Bites Food Truck Park

Experience a range of street food options at this vibrant food truck park.
USD20, 1h0m

3:00pm

Desert Safari (Late Afternoon)

Join a desert safari tour with dune bashing, camel rides, and dinner BBQ. Tours start mid-afternoon and return late evening.
USD70, 6h0m

Day 10: Dubai Departure

Dubai, UAE to Washington DC, USA on January 22, 2025

7:00am

Light Breakfast at hotel

Start your day early with a light breakfast and prepare for long-haul flight back to DC.
USD15, 1h0m

10:00am

Depart Dubai for Washington DC

Board your return flight from Dubai International Airport to Washington Dulles International. Direct flights available with Emirates, flight time about 14 hours.
USD800-1500, 14h0m
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