Overview
This tour combines Kenya’s twin attractions- the safari and beach experience (Mara Amboseli Tsavo Mombasa). You begin at Aberdares where you find icy rivers, spectacular waterfalls and rain forests. Here elephants, buffalos and other animals visit you at the floodlit waterholes of The Ark. In addition, on to Lake Nakuru whose claim to fame is anchored on its flamingo’s and the over 400 species of birds found here. It is also an important refuge for endangered species- particularly the Rothschild Giraffe and the black and white rhino.
You then head to Maasai Mara, Kenya’s most famous and finest game sanctuary. The Mara offers wildlife in such variety and abundance that it is difficult to believe. You will easily see the Big Five- lion, rhino, buffalo, leopard, and elephant. Through Nairobi, you drive south to Amboseli, which sits on the lower slopes of mighty Mount Kilimanjaro – Africa’s highest. The animal pictures arising against the dramatic backdrop of the mountain will thrill the photography enthusiast. Amboseli is renowned for its huge elephant herds. You will also see buffalo, black rhino, zebra, wildebeest and other plain animals.
Your safari experience ends at Tsavo West you will see elephants, crocodiles, vervet monkeys, antelope, baboons, giraffes, hippos and lions. The park is a marvel in terms of geo-physical character and plant diversity. You end up at Mombasa enjoying activities at the beach and the leisurely pace of life at the Kenyan coast.
Day 1:
Nairobi – Aberdares
0800 hrs – From Nairobi, take a 2.5 hour drive to the Aberdares Country Club. You pass through the industrial town of Thika and the intensely cultivated farms of the central Kenya. You relax at the Club before lunch is served at 1300 hrs. At 1500 hrs you are transferred in a lodge vehicle to The Ark, one of the two famous tree hotel in the Aberdares National Park.
Aberdares National Park has a diverse topography that includes icy rivers, spectacular waterfalls and rain forests. The flora and fauna is quite unique and is not found elsewhere in the country, expect on Mount Kenya. Leopard, elephant, serval, waterbuck, reedbuck, dikdik, rhino and the rare bongo can all be found here. You are sure to see elephants, buffalos and some other animals at the floodlit waterholes of The Ark. Birdlife is also plentiful, including the monkey eating crowned eagle.
Dinner and overnight at The Ark
Day 2:
Aberdares – Nakuru
After breakfast at the Ark, transfer back to the Aberdare Country Club. Then drive to Lake Nakuru in time for lunch at Sarova Lion Hill Lodge. At 1530 hrs proceed for an afternoon game drive in Lake Nakuru National Park. Lake Nakuru’s claim to fame is anchored on its flamingo’s and the over 400 species of birds found here. The lake itself is a soda lake on the floor of the rift valley. The sight of the at times millions of flamingos is quite spectacular. From a distance the lake appears ringed in pink. The Lake has also earned a reputation as an important haven for endangered species- particularly the Rothschild Giraffe and the black and white rhino. Lions, waterbuck, buffalo and baboons are all residents here.
Dinner and overnight at Sarova Lion Hill Lodge
Day 3:
Nakuru –Masai Mara
0800 hrs- Drive to via the Great Rift Valley to arrive at Maasai Mara in time for lunch at Mara Sarova Camp. 1530 hrs- go for an afternoon game drive till dusk.The Mara offers wildlife in such variety and abundance that it is difficult to believe: over 450 species of animals have been recorded here. You will easily see lions, rhinos, hippos, crocodiles, giraffe, wildebeests, zebras, buffalo, warthogs, hyenas, jackals, wild dogs, buffalo, leopard, many kinds of antelopes and elephant. It is in the Mara that perhaps the most spectacular event of the natural world takes place. This is the annual migration of millions of wildebeest and zebra from the Serengeti (Tanzania) in search of water and pasture. Following on their heels are the predators of the savanna- lion, cheetah, wild dog, jackal, hyena and vultures.
Dinner and overnight at Mara Sarova Lodge
Day 4:
Masai Mara
0630 hrs- Take the opportunity to fly over the Mara in a Hot air Balloon provided at extra cost. The balloon package includes a champagne breakfast in the wild! If you can spare the money, viewing abundant game afloat a balloon is an unforgettable experience.
OR
0900 hrs – morning game drive after breakfast. After lunch at the lodge you will have early afternoon at leisure. 1600 hrs – Afternoon game drive till dusk.
Dinner and overnight at Mara Sarova Lodge
Day 5:
Masai Mara – Nairobi – Amboseli
0830 hrs- check out and commence drive to Nairobi. You will have lunch in Nairobi at the Flame Tree Restaurant, Panafric Hotel. Then drive via Namanga at the Kenya- Tanzania border to Amboseli National Park.
Dinner and overnight at Amboseli Serena Lodge
Day 6:
Amboseli
0630 hrs – early morning game drive in the Amboseli National Park. Return to the lodge for breakfast. You spend the rest of the morning at leisure. After lunch at the lodge, proceed at 1600 hrs for an afternoon game drive til dusk.
Amboseli sits on the lower slopes of mighty Mount Kilimanjaro – Africa’s highest – whose peak lies across the border in Tanzania. It is quite an experience to see Kilimanjaro hovering above the clouds in an early morning. The animal pictures arising against the dramatic backdrop of the mountain will thrill the photography enthusiast. Amboseli is renowned for its huge elephant herds. You will also see buffalo, black rhino, zebra, wildebeest and other plain animals.
Dinner and overnight at Amboseli Serena Lodge
Day 7:
Amboseli – Tsavo West
After breakfast, depart via the Sheitani lava flow for Tsavo West National Park to arrive in time for lunch at Kilanguni Serena Lodge. At 1530 hrs, you proceed for an afternoon game drive within the park until dusk.
At Tsavo West you will see elephants, crocodiles, vervet monkeys, antelope, baboons, giraffes, hippos and lions. The park is a marvel in terms of geo-physical character and plant diversity. Mzima Springs, the source of Mombasa’s water, is located here. These springs are recharged daily with hundreds of millions of litres of crystal clear water by underground streams emanating from Chyulu Hills. At Mzima, all sorts of animals gather for a drink particularly in the dry season. You may also be able to view hippo and crocodiles from the underwater glass tank.
Dinner and overnight at Kilanguni Serena Lodge
Day 8:
Tsavo West / Mombasa
0800 hrs- check out and commence drive to Mombasa with game drive en route. You arrive in Mombasa in time for lunch at Reef Hotel. You will spend the afternoon at leisure at the beach. Dinner will be your own account.
Overnight at Reef Hotel
Day 9 & 10:
Mombasa
Spend the days enjoying activities at the beach and leisurely pace of life at the Kenyan coast.
The Reef Hotel is within 15 minutes of Mombasa town, in an area renowned for its bustling shopping centers and a lively nightlife with casinos and cabaret shows. The hotel is set on an excellent beach, spacious tropical gardens and offers friendly service in a relaxed atmosphere. The hotel overlooks the magnificent white sands of Nyali Beach, Mombasa’s finest beach lapped by the warm waters of the Indian Ocean. Guests relax around one of the three sparkling freshwater pools and may choose to dive at one of the best-equipped diving centers in Mombasa or windsurf in the dream waters of the ocean.
You booking at Reef Hotel will be on half board basis (breakfast plus one other meal)
Day 11:
Mombasa - Nairobi
After breakfast you will be free (depending on flight booking) to check out. You will be transferred to Mombasa Airport for flight back to Nairobi.
After breakfast, you will drive back to Nairobi, where you will spend the day with optional activities depending on your flight schedule. this where your 9-Day Best of Kenya and Tanzania Safari ends
Optional Activities in Nairobi
- Visit the David Sheldrick Elephant orphanage.
- Visit the Giraffe Center
- Dinner or Lunch at the famous Carnivore Restaurant for meat lovers.
- Visit Maasai Market.
Included
- Transport based on a safari minibus with pop up roof for game viewing
- Park entry fee
- Accommodation and all meals while on safari
- Accommodation and the meals specified while at Mombasa
- Service of an English speaking driver guide
- Game drives as per the Itinerary
- Driver allowances and park fees for vehicle and driver
- Government taxes
Excluded
- Hot air Balloon flight in Maasai Mara – US$ 385 per person extra(Price is subject to confimation at the time of booking.)
- Extras at the lodges –tips, drinks, telephone, laundry or any other personal expenses
Ready for an Exciting Adventure?
You’re welcome to inquire about our available safari options or customize your own unique experience. Start planning your tailor-made African adventure with us today.