Description
The Safari
An exciting 7-night safari taking you from the foothills of Kilimanjaro to the dramatic Rift Valley lakes and the rolling plains of the world-famous Masai Mara Game Reserve.
Day 1: London - Nairobi
Fly overnight from Heathrow to Nairobi with Virgin Atlantic.
Days 2-3: Amboseli
Leave Nairobi and drive to Amboseli National Park for your 2-night stay. The park is situated close to the Kenya/Tanzania border, and with the breathtaking backdrop of Mount Kilimanjaro, this is one of the best parks in Africa to observe family groups of elephants at close quarters. Other wildlife you may encounter include lion, buffalo, cheetah, rhino and hyena. On arrival at Amboseli Sopa Lodge, enjoy a leisurely lunch followed by an afternoon game drive. Overnight: Amboseli Sopa Lodge. (B/L/D)
Day 4: Lake Naivasha
After breakfast, head north through the Kenyan countryside towards the Rift Valley, stopping en route at the famous Carnivore Restaurant for lunch. After lunch, continue to Lake Naivasha Sopa Lodge situated on the southern shore of the lake. Afternoon at leisure to enjoy the surroundings of this lakeside lodge. Overnight: Lake Naivasha Sopa Lodge. (B/L/D)
Day 5: Lakes Nakuru and Naivasha
Depart after breakfast and drive to Lake Nakuru National Park for a morning game drive. This beautiful area is famous for its vast flocks of flamingo, as well as black and white rhino. Lunch is taken at Lake Nakuru Lodge. After lunch, return to Lake Naivasha for a 1-hour boat trip. From the lake you have an excellent opportunity of spotting hippo, giraffe and buffalo, as well as enjoying the abundant bird life that inhabits the lake shore. Overnight: Lake Naivasha Sopa Lodge. (B/L/D)
Days 6-7: Masai Mara
After breakfast, head for the Masai Mara, Kenya's premier wildlife reserve. The Masai Mara is picture-book Africa; endless plains punctuated by flat-top acacia trees and home to an array of wildlife. Check in to your lodge, home for the next 2 nights. After lunch, relax before embarking on an afternoon game drive. Overnight: Mara Sopa Lodge. (B/L/D)
Day 8: Nairobi
Alas, your adventures are over and it is time to head back to Nairobi. Modern-day Nairobi has not lost its sense of the past, with an excellent museum and the historical home of Karen Blixen, author of Out of Africa, open to visitors. Also within a few hours' drive, are the world-famous Treetops Lodge and Outspan Golf and Country Club. For excursions to these and more, please see page 127. Overnight: Jacaranda Hotel. (B)
Day 9: Nairobi - London
Fly back to London Heathrow with Virgin Atlantic. mombasa extension Fly down to Mombasa and spend 7 nights at the Papillon Lagoon Reef on an all-inclusive basis on Mombasa's south coast. The region has everything you could wish for - beautiful beaches, marine parks and loads of water sports. Further south, the small fishing village of Shimoni is home to a series of deep, mysterious coastal caves that stretch from the sea to deep into the jungles. Historically, these caves were long used as a refuge for dhow sailors, Arab slaves and explorers. You can see them on our Dolphin Dhow trip.
Zanzibar Extension
You can extend your holiday to the spice island of Zanzibar. Spend 6 nights at the Ocean Paradise Resort on a half-board basis. Your resort is in the northeastern part of the island. Here you can go snorkelling, diving and try a host of other water sports; or perhaps just a visit to Jozani forest or a shopping trip to Stone Town?
Tour Notes
- Safari departs Sundays from the UK.
- Please travel with soft-sided bags on safari.
- Any excess luggage can be left in Nairobi (local charge).
- Guaranteed window seat in a radio-equipped 4x4 vehicle accompanied by an English-speaking driver/guide.
- Accommodation, transfers, meals and game activities as specified in the itinerary.
- Day 8 can be taken after your Mombasa extension.
- Please note if doing the Zanzibar extension, you will be flying with Kenya Airways.
- Min child age 8 years.
- Please note, if travelling on the Mombasa extension 31/03/08 - 25/10/08 you will spend a night at the Jacaranda in Nairobi on a bed and breakfast basis prior to your return, and your stay in Mombasa will be reduced to 6 nights.