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Kenya Highlights

Kenya Safari Holidays - Lioness in the Masai Mara

Click on the name of the camp or lodge for details. 

10 days from £1970

Combine Amboseli, Mt Kenya, the Great Rift Valley and the Masai Mara in a thrilling safari

KENYA SAFARI HOLIDAYS FACTFILE

DAY 1 - Depart UK.

Recommended flight from London: Kenya Airways from London Heathrow (see below).  If you are travelling from a country other than the UK we would be happy to give you guidance on your flight options.

DAY 2 - Arrival in Nairobi.

On arrival in Nairobi, Kenya’s vibrant capital city, you will be met by a representative of World Discovery and taken by private transportation to the Nairobi Serena, a member of the 'Leading Hotels of the World'.  The remainder of the day is free.

NAIROBI'S ONLY TENTED CAMP
If you would prefer to get straight into safari mode on arrival, there is now the option of the excellent 8-bedroom Nairobi Tented Camp, the only accommodation in Nairobi National Park (opened in 2012).  Please ask for a quote.

DAY 3 - Amboseli National Park.

After breakfast you will drive to the Amboseli National Park, located beneath Africa's highest mountain, Kilimanjaro, and surrounded by miles of rolling grasslands patrolled by vast herds of elephant. Two nights will be spent within the National Park at the Ol Tukai Lodge, one of the best spots in the world to watch elephant.  You will arrive for lunch and in the late afternoon enjoy your first game drive.
Meals included: Full breakfast, lunch, dinner.

DAY 4 - Amboseli National Park.

Spend the day exploring this spectacular park.  In the Maasai language Amboseli means 'Place of Dust'.  Much of its area is composed of a dried up lake bed that in the shimmering heat produces mirages. Swamps and springs, fed by underground rivers from Kilimanjaro's melting snows, form permanent watering places for the wildlife in times of drought. In between game viewing, guests can relax by the pool or enjoy the spectacular views.   Sunrise and sunset are usually the best times of day to view the towering mass of Kilimanjaro, although it is frequently shrouded in thick cloud.
Meals included: Full breakfast, lunch, dinner.

DAY 5 - Ol Pejeta Conservancy, Mount Kenya.

Tonight you will drive to Sweetwaters Tented Camp, set in the Ol Pejeta Conservancy at the foot of Mount Kenya.  The camp offers a charming blend of under-canvas ambience and comfort and it has long been the preferred retreat of wilderness and safari lovers alike. A watering hole close to your tent draws giraffe for a cool morning drink, an unforgettable sight from your own private verandah. This is one of the largest sanctuaries in East Africa for the endangered black rhino and the only place in Kenya to see chimpanzee. An afternoon safari drive from the camp takes you across the extensive savannah grasslands, a terrain favoured by elephant.
Meals included: Full breakfast, lunch, dinner.

DAY 6 - Lake Nakuru.

Today drive through some of the most exciting scenery in East Africa, giving you an unrivalled view of the majestic Great Rift Valley.  Your destination is Lake Nakuru National Park with its huge concentrations of flamingos that inhabit the shallow, alkaline lake, along with Marabou Stork and pelican.  Search the magnificent yellow-barked acacia trees for the elusive napping leopards. Look for incredible wildlife, such as the endangered Rothschild’s giraffe, white and black rhino, lion, buffalo, hippo, waterbuck and baboon.  Accommodation will be at the Sarova Lion Hill Game Lodge, in chalets overlooking the lake.  In the afternoon a game drive will be provided in the park.
Meals included: Full breakfast, lunch, dinner.

DAY 7 - Masai Mara.

Your destination today is the jewel in Africa's crown, the Masai Mara, host to the most spectacular array of wildlife on earth, constantly changing as the plains game follows ancient migration routes under the watchful eyes of the lion, leopard and cheetah that prey on the vulnerable. Three nights will be spent at the Mara Serena Safari Lodge situated on a hill overlooking the 1,800 square kilometres of rolling plains of the Masai Mara. The lodge blends into its surroundings and reflects the lifestyle of the local Maasai people through the use of native materials, decorations and the style resembling a traditional Maasai manyatta. There will be time to relax after lunch on this first day, followed by your first game viewing drive in the Mara where you will hopefully enjoy seeing all the animals known as the “Big Five”.
Meals included: Full breakfast, lunch, dinner.

DAY 8 - Masai Mara.

Game viewing is never dull in the Mara, and patience is often rewarded with unique sightings, such as a pride of lion stalking their prey, a solitary leopard retrieving its kill from the high branches of an acacia tree or a herd of elephant. Spend an exciting day driving across the limitless plains in search of wildlife in one of Kenya's most spectacular areas. This vast, open space is like nowhere else on earth; merely to be here is to be inspired.
Meals included: Full breakfast, lunch, dinner.

Recommended Reading.

THE MARSH LIONS by Brian Jackman with Jonathan and Angela Scott.  Reissued by Bradt in February 2012 (originally published in 1982), this is the classic account of life in the Masai Mara.  Thoroughly recommended.

DAY 9 - Return to Nairobi.  Depart for home.

You have the option of taking an early game drive before breakfast. Drive back to Nairobi to arrive in the afternoon.  Enjoy an early dinner at the world-famous Carnivore Restaurant, followed by your transfer Jomo Kenyatta International Airport for your departure flight.
Meals included: Full breakfast, dinner.

DAY 10 - Arrive UK.

Morning arrival the UK.

EXTEND YOUR STAY

At the end of a busy schedule of gameviewing on safari, why not spend a few days of relaxation at one of our selected beach resorts?

MOMBASA, THE SWAHILI COAST

Mombasa on the shores of the Indian Ocean offers you swaying palm trees and pristine white sand beaches - perfect for taking it easy or trying your hand at a variety of watersports. We recommend the excellent Sarova Whitesands Beach Resort & Spa.

Or perhaps the exotic island of Zanzibar?

ZANZIBAR SERENA INN

Located in historic Stone Town, the Zanzibar Serena Inn, a member of the prestigious Small Luxury Hotels of the World, is a haven of tranquillity and opulence.

International Flights

We recommend the direct services of Kenya Airways from London Heathrow. Current timings (subject to possible change) are as follows:
Heathrow/Nairobi. Depart at 20.00; arrive Nairobi at 06.30 (next morning)
Nairobi/Heathrow. Depart at 23.45; arrive Heathrow at 06.45 (next morning)
British Airways and Virgin Atlantic also operate daily flights between London and Nairobi.

Kenya Safari Holidays: Kenya Highlights (Tour Reference: WDKE008)
2013 Departures
Price per person based on a minimum of two persons travelling together:

* Supplements will be charged during the Easter and Christmas periods.

Single Room Supplement on request.

The price includes:

• Hotel, lodge and camp accommodation as listed above in twin-bedded rooms or tents with ensuite facilities.
• 7 full breakfasts, 6 lunches and 7 dinners as shown in the itinerary.
• Private transportation throughout by luxury 4x4 landrover.
  
• All gameviewing as shown.
  
• Conservancy and National Park entrance fees.

Not included in the price:

• International flights (see our recommendation above). We are happy to discuss the flights with you and give you further guidance.
• International airport taxes.
• Tipping. We will be pleased to give guidance in this often sensitive matter.
• Your Kenyan Visa.  A Single Entry Visa for UK passport holders currently costs £30.  The application form can be downloaded from the Kenya High Commission's website.  You can either obtain the visa in London prior to departure (a passport-size photo is required and there is a 3 day turnaround), or you can pay for the visa on arrival in Nairobi (recommended) at the start of your holiday for the same price (you will need to take the form but no photo is needed).  

A deposit of 30% of the selling price is required at the time of booking. The balance of the price for your Kenya safari holiday must be paid at least 8 weeks before your departure date.