Day by Day

Detailed Itinerary Summary

Experience the charm of Africa in comfort

Classic tours are a perfect way to experience the culture, wildlife, history and highlights of a destination, with a level of comfort and organisation. These tours utilise ambient hotels, lodges, guesthouses, chalets and tented camps with en-suite bathrooms in most locations, running hot water and welcoming restaurants and other facilities. Airport transfers and the majority of meals are included in the tour fare with an occasional optional dinner in locations where there is a good choice of local restaurants. Activities included on the itinerary are core tour experiences or highlights and usually primary reasons for booking in the first place.

Day 1: Nairobi - Lake Nakuru

Jambo!, to the lively capital of Nairobi. Make your way to the starting point hotel for a brief pre-departure meeting at 8am. Pre tour accommodation i...

On this day	Jambo!, to the lively capital of Nairobi. Make your way to the starting point hotel for a brief pre-departure meeting at 8am. Pre tour accommodation is available and should be booked prior to departure. We depart for Lake Nakuru, stopping en-route at various Great Rift Valley viewpoints before enjoying lunch on arrival and experiencing our first afternoon game drive in the extraordinary national park. Lake Nakuru is a shallow soda lake, renowned for its huge concentration of flamingos and over 460 species of birds. Kenya's fourth largest town and the capital of the Rift Valley province, Nakuru, meaning dusty place in the Masai language, is a cheerful and vibrant agricultural town with a variety of coulourful local markets. The alkaline lake's abundance of algae attracts the large quantity of flamingos, estimated into the thousands, that famously line the shore. The park has recently been enlarged partly to provide the sanctuary for the black rhino. There are also a number of Rothschild giraffe and numerous other mammals can be seen, including zebra, impala, gazelle, waterbuck, lion, warthog, bushbuck, many buffalo, and even at times leopard.
Accommodation	Sarova Lion Hill
Rooming	Standard en-suite room
Meals	Lunch, Dinner
Included Activities	Airport arrival transfer, pre departure meeting. Afternoon game drive in Lake Nakuru
Travel Distance	170 km / 106 miles
Travelling Time	2h 50 min

Day 2: Lake Naivasha

Today we travel to Lake Naivasha; a large freshwater lake being part of the Great Rift Valley and home to an abundance of bird life including the icon...

On this day	Today we travel to Lake Naivasha; a large freshwater lake being part of the Great Rift Valley and home to an abundance of bird life including the iconic African Fish Eagle and a large population of African hippos. The name derives for the local Maasai name “Nai’posha” meaning “rough water” due to the sudden storms which can arise. En-route we drive passed Hells Gate National Park, where you have the option to go rock climbing, mountain biking or walking in the park. In the afternoon we enjoy high tea at Joy Adamson´ s famous Elsamere farm, a British naturalist and author of the international best seller “Born Free” a charming story where Joy describes her trials and tribulations of raising a lion cub called Elsa to adulthood. The farm house was bought in 1967 and is now a conservation centre, focusing on lake ecology and creating environmental awareness. Later we head towards the lake for a boat cruise along the shimmering surface, searching for hippos and other rare creatures along the lakes edge. The lake is a swamp area of spectacular scenery with good opportunities for game watching.
Accommodation	Lake Naivasha Sopa Lodge
Rooming	Standard en-suite room
Meals	Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner
Included Activities	Morning Nakuru game drive. Optional activities at Hells gate National Park. High tea at Joy Adamsons Elsamere and afternoon river safari on Lake Naivasha
Travel Distance	75 km / 47 miles
Travelling Time	1 hour

Day 3: Masai Mara National Reserve

We head south-west to our next destination, the Masai Mara - arguably one of the finest game reserves in Africa. The area is known for its rolling gre...

On this day	We head south-west to our next destination, the Masai Mara - arguably one of the finest game reserves in Africa. The area is known for its rolling green plains and riverine woodlands. The jewel in Africa’s crown the Mara is host to the most spectacular array of wildlife. Her 320 square kilometres of open savannah, woodlands and tree-lined rivers creates an ecosystem that supports huge numbers of bird and mammal species. The western border of the park is the spectacular Siria Escarpment, and together with the acacia dotted plains, creates scenery of stunning beauty. Lion are found in abundance throughout the park, as are elephant, giraffe, a variety of gazelle species and zebra. Cheetah and leopard are also regularly seen and, if lucky, you may also find rhino. Game viewing is never dull in the Mara. The annual wildebeest migration traditionally is present in the Mara from July to September, and at this time nature’s dramas unfold before your very eyes at every turn. As well as wildlife, the Masai Mara is also home to many members of the colourful Maasai tribe who may be seen around the borders of the park – morans (warriors) loping across the plains. In the afternoon you set out for afternoon game drive in the iconic park.
Accommodation	Sarova Mara Game Camp
Rooming	Standard en-suite tent
Meals	Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner
Included Activities	Masai mara afternoon game drive
Travel Distance	340 km / 213 miles
Travelling Time	4 hours

Day 4: Masai Mara National Reserve

A full day is spent exploring the park in both morning and afternoon game drives in the Mara. For those, who would like to experience a truly magnific...

On this day	A full day is spent exploring the park in both morning and afternoon game drives in the Mara. For those, who would like to experience a truly magnificent view of the panoramic vistas of the famous park, optional hot air balloon rides are easily booked and travellers are woken early to glimpse the golden dawn breaking over the iconic Savannah plains. As the balloon is inflated against the first rays of sunrise your pilot will go through safety procedures. Its then time to climb aboard. Once aloft, the balloon floats gently over the plains, giving a birds eye view of the game below as the sun creeps slowly over the horizon. Spread beneath you is a panorama of Africas elephants looking improbably small; giraffe browsing amongst the treetops; antelope grazing; a pair of lionesses stalking a herd of wildebeest; an eagle guarding his eerie; and cheetah glancing up as the shadow of the huge balloon crosses their paths. Game viewing is never dull in the Mara, and patience is often rewarded with unique sightings: a pride of lion stalking their prey; a solitary leopard retrieving its kill from the high branches of an acacia tree; or even a herd of elephant protecting their young from opportunistic predators. In the afternoon we enjoy a fascinating encounter with Kenya’s iconic Maasai herders during an cultural homestead visit. This warrior tribe of nomadic pastrolists are descendants of Nilotic and Cushitic people originally from north of Lake Turkana over 10 centuries ago. Their life is dominated by their herds of their cattle and livestock. They often move hundreds of kilometers with large herds of livestock in search of water and rich pastures. Their diet is based on fresh / curdled milk and meat from their livestock. Centuries ago the Maasai were feared as ruthless conquerors and cattle rustlers who invaded other tribal areas in search of bigger grazing land and more cattle. The Maasai are also famous for drinking a mixture of cattle blood and milk during ceremonial rites. Cattle are the mainstay of the traditional Maasai way of life, and their importance is embedded deep into the hearts and minds of these peoples. So much so that one of the traditional maasai beliefs was that God sent all the cattle down to earth only for the Maasai.
Accommodation	Sarova Mara Game Camp
Rooming	Standard en-suite tent
Meals	Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner
Included Activities	Morning & afternoon game drives. Optional Hot air balloon or walking safari in the morning

Day 5: Nairobi

We spend the morning on a game drive in the Masai Mara before we head back to the capital of Nairobi. On arrival you will be transferred to your hotel...

On this day	We spend the morning on a game drive in the Masai Mara before we head back to the capital of Nairobi. On arrival you will be transferred to your hotel and have the remainder of the day at your leisure to explore the enigmas of Nairobi and its colourful surrounds, taking in old colonial architecture and the brightly coloured crowds to get a feel for Africa. The city’s best attraction is the National Museum, home to most of the great prehistoric finds made by the Leakey family in East Africa. It also has sections on wildlife, art, geology, local history and a snake park. The Bomas of Kenya is a living open-air museum of the tribes of Kenya, including regular dance performances. The Nairobi National Park is just south of the city, and covers 114 sq km. It has over 400 bird species of and population’s lions, leopards, and one of the country’s few thriving populations of black rhino. The name Nairobi is derived from the Masai word for cool waters, which the Masai people gave to a water hole known as Ewaso Nyirobi. In the evening you have the option dine at Carnivore, a popular restaurant. This open-air meat specialty restaurant has become a standard stop on the safari trail. Every type of meat imaginable, including four choices of wild game, is roasted on traditional Maasai swords (skewers) over a huge, visually spectacular charcoal pit that dominates the entrance of the restaurant. A wide selection of salads, vegetable side dishes, and a variety of exotic sauces accompany the meat feast. The famous Carnivore Dawa cocktail was introduced to Kenya at the Carnivore. Dawa in Kiswahili means medicine or a health revival potion. The Carnivore "Dawa" is the drink chosen to hydrate, refresh and sharpen the taste buds.
Accommodation	Sarova Panafric
Rooming	Standard en-suite room
Meals	Breakfast, Lunch
Included Activities	Morning game drive in the Masai Mara. Optional dinner at Carnivore Restaurant in Nairobi
Travel Distance	300 km / 188 miles
Travelling Time	5 hours

Day 6: Amboseli National Park

We leave the city behind us and travel South heading to one of Kenya’s Premiere National Parks: Amboseli. The omnipresent snow-domed Mount Kilimanja...

On this day	We leave the city behind us and travel South heading to one of Kenya’s Premiere National Parks: Amboseli. The omnipresent snow-domed Mount Kilimanjaro sets the stage for excellent game viewing and magnificent sunrise’s and breathtaking views across the plains to Africa’s highest mountain. After settling in, you have the afternoon at your lesiure before we embark on a thrilling night game drive in the park, an unforgettable experience which brings the sights, sounds and smells of the bush to life. This is the exclusive domain of hunters such as lions and leopards, and the only time when you may catch a glimpse of such elusive nocturnal creatures as aardvarks, cape hares and bush babies. Your vehicle will also be equipped with a powerful hand-held lamp, which can be used to sweep the bush for likely sightings.
Accommodation	Satao Elerai Tented Camp
Rooming	Standard en-suite tent
Meals	Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner
Included Activities	Night game drive in Amboseli
Travel Distance	250-300 km / 156 miles
Travelling Time	4 hours

Day 7: Amboseli National Park

After last nights game drive, you have the morning at leisure to sit back and relax and enjoy the breathtaking scenery or choose to explore your surro...

On this day	After last nights game drive, you have the morning at leisure to sit back and relax and enjoy the breathtaking scenery or choose to explore your surroundings further with optional activities at the camp. From game walks to the nearby river gorge to Masai community visits or even a morning hot air balloon safari, either way your morning in Amboseli will be unforgettable. In the afternoon we set out on a game drive, passing through the thick bushveld with Kilimanjaro in the backdrop to witness one of Kenya's most spectacular displays of natural wildlife - lion, elephant, leopard, rhino, cheetah, buffalo and hosts of plains game, combined with the presence of the legendary Masai warriors makes the park a photographer's paradise. In the evening we experience sunset in the African Bush during a Sundowner experience. You are taken away from the camp into the bush to a special sundowner spot. The fire is lit and delicious biting served and the champagne is poured. Sit back and relax, take in the atmosphere and listen to the animals in the wild.
Accommodation	Satao Elerai Tented Camp
Rooming	Standard en-suite tent
Meals	Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner
Included Activities	Morning at leisure. Afternoon game drive. Evening Bush sundowner experience

Day 8: Tsavo East National Park

We continue our fascinating journey to one of Kenya’s largest National Parks, one which is also considered to be the largest in the World, Tsavo. Du...

On this day	We continue our fascinating journey to one of Kenya’s largest National Parks, one which is also considered to be the largest in the World, Tsavo. Due to its 22,000 km plains, the park was split into two sections: East and West. We head towards Tsavo East for a afternoon game drive, where one can’t help but embrace the feeling of escapism as you find yourself in a place where the tranquility and pristine beauty of nature is unparalleled. Tsavo East's landscape is larger and flatter than the west, characterized by semi-arid grasslands and savanna. The striking contrast of blue sky, red sand and amber bushveld is considered to be one of the world's biodiversity strongholds, and its popularity is mostly due to the vast amounts of diverse bird &wildlife that can be seen. We enjoy a afternoon game drive, hopefully encountering herds of dusty elephants drinking at waterholes, crocodiles lurking in the shadows and track paw prints of Masai lion, leopard and cheetahs amidst dramatic bushveld.
Accommodation	Satao Camp Tsavo East
Rooming	Standard en-suite tent
Meals	Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner
Included Activities	Afternoon game drive in Tsavo East
Travel Distance	200 km / 125 miles
Travelling Time	3 hours

Day 9: Mombasa, North coast

In the morning we leave the wilds of the Tsavo behind us and continue our journey to the tropical shores of Mombasa, known as “Kisiwa Cha Mvita” m...

On this day	In the morning we leave the wilds of the Tsavo behind us and continue our journey to the tropical shores of Mombasa, known as “Kisiwa Cha Mvita” meaning island of war in Swahili due to many changes in ownership since the 12th century. You have the remainder of the day at your leisure. The beach resort has a number activities such a lawn tennis, beach volley ball, water polo and table tennis. White sands has the longest stretch of natural beachfront on the east African coast. It is classified as a Marine Park by the Kenya Wildlife Services (KWS) to protect the sea animals, plants and coral reef. The Blue Lagoon Water sports Centre located within the resort enables guests to visit the reef in glass bottom boats to view the spectacular marine life. You can also choose to dive or snorkel among the tropical fish near the coral reef. The Tulia Spa at the resort is designed to help you relax and rejuvenate. The Spa bandas are set on greens at the beach side at one end of the resort, designed for privacy and relaxation in the quiet zone. Facilities include massage bandas, ayurvedic massage rooms, outdoor Jacuzzi, reflexology pool, steam and sauna.
Accommodation	Sarova Whitesands Resort
Rooming	Standard en-suite room
Meals	Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner
Included Activities	Transfer to Mombasa. Afternoon at leisure
Travel Distance	165 km / 103 miles
Travelling Time	2h 50 min

Day 10: Mombasa, North coast

You have the long African day at your leisure to explore enchanting Mombasa. You can spend the day roaming in the city on a guided tour of Mombasa Ol...

On this day	You have the long African day at your leisure to explore enchanting Mombasa. You can spend the day roaming in the city on a guided tour of Mombasa Old town. marveling at Fort Jesus, the natural deep water harbour of Kilindini and the elaborately carved buildings influenced by Mombasa’s trade culture and Portuguese and Islamic architecture. Wander through open air markets, local bazaars, visit handicraft carvers and walk through the famous curvy alley-roads. There us an optional visit to the Shimba Hills Nature Reserve. The National Reserve is 74 square miles in size and access to the Park is via Diani South Coast, 56 km from Mombasa. The reserve is made up of both open grassland and dense rainforest, all with stunning views across the Indian Ocean. This pristine wonderland of rolling meadows and forests of giant primeval trees harbors a wide variety of wildlife, including some 500 elephant that favor the refreshing fruit of the borassus palm and also is home to Kenya’s only population of about 100 sable antelope. Rare species of endangered cycads and colourful orchids bloom here amongst tropical birds and elegant butterflies. Mombasa is a shoppers paradise choose from spending your time at the African cultural market which is set up twice each week at the African village within the resort. This is an opportunity to view and purchase cultural African mementoes as well as learn a few words of Swahili, the language of the local people. Check out the Floating market which is a market in a boat floating on the Indian Ocean. The market was created in 1988 in the Jomvu Kuu area in the Tudor Creek. The market has its humble beginnings in a poor village Maunguja. The Market creates a way for visitors to Kenya to interact and purchase goods from the locals, and creates much needed jobs in the local community. Perhaps spend your evening on a Tamarind Dhow cruise. Where you take an evening cruise aboard a traditional dhow and enjoy the perfect combination of good food, music and romantic atmosphere on this leisurely cruise in Mombasa Old Harbor.
Accommodation	Sarova Whitesands Resort
Rooming	Standard en-suite room
Meals	Breakfast, Dinner
Included Activities	Leisure day: Optional activities

Day 11: Mombasa, North coast

Today you can spend your time relaxing on the beautiful beach, soaking up the island spirit, windsurfing, canoeing or diving amongst the multi coloure...

On this day	Today you can spend your time relaxing on the beautiful beach, soaking up the island spirit, windsurfing, canoeing or diving amongst the multi coloured coral reefs. You can choose from a variety of optional activities such as a day trip to Malindi & Gedi, explore the rainforest during a nature walk in Bamburi, learn about the local tribes during a visit to the Ngomongo Village, spend the day discovering the delights of the Kisite Marine National park and Wasini Island on a full day boat tour with lunch and many snorkelling opportunities. Noted for its superb coral gardens and abundance of sea life, it is said to be the best snorkelling along the Kenyan coast where several species of dolphins and hawksbill turtles frolic in the warm tropical ocean. The small islands sprinkled along the coast boasts a wide variety of birds nesting amongst giant gnarled baobabs trees. Why not end you night off with experiencing Mombasa at night with dinner at Fort Jesus, a visual treat for any traveler.
Accommodation	Sarova Whitesands Resort
Rooming	Standard en-suite room
Meals	Breakfast, Dinner
Included Activities	Leisure day: Optional activities

Day 12: Mombasa

You have the final morning at your leisure to enjoy Mombasa's charms before you are taken to the Mombasa International Airport for your flight home....

On this day	You have the final morning at your leisure to enjoy Mombasa's charms before you are taken to the Mombasa International Airport for your flight home.
Meals	Breakfast
Included Activities	Morning at leisure. Afternoon departure transfer to the airport
Travel Distance	20 km / 13 miles
Travelling Time	30 minutes

 

Pre-tour Accommodation Special.

On booking this tour, there is pre tour accommodation available at discounted prices; seasonal supplements apply. Below are weekend rates (Fri & Sat incl)

Sarova Stanley       from:     $73   (PPS)        $118     (SGL)
Sarova Panafric     from:     $50   (PPS)        $70        (SGL)

For travellers wishing to extend their stay, please see the joining tours and short extensions that are available.

Rates & Prices

Dates & Availability

Duration	12 days	Code	CEKM

Select a departure:

Trip Dates	Availability	Guaranteed	Price
12 May 2012 - 23 May 2012			R 16,065
09 Jun 2012 - 20 Jun 2012			R 16,065
16 Jun 2012 - 27 Jun 2012			R 16,065
07 Jul 2012 - 18 Jul 2012			R 21,645
21 Jul 2012 - 01 Aug 2012			R 21,645
04 Aug 2012 - 15 Aug 2012			R 21,645
18 Aug 2012 - 29 Aug 2012			R 21,645
08 Sep 2012 - 19 Sep 2012			R 21,645
15 Sep 2012 - 26 Sep 2012			R 21,645
13 Oct 2012 - 24 Oct 2012			R 21,645
20 Oct 2012 - 31 Oct 2012			R 21,645
10 Nov 2012 - 21 Nov 2012			R 20,060
24 Nov 2012 - 05 Dec 2012			R 20,060
08 Dec 2012 - 19 Dec 2012			R 20,060
22 Dec 2012 - 02 Jan 2013			R 26,850
12 Jan 2013 - 23 Jan 2013			R 0
09 Feb 2013 - 20 Feb 2013			R 0
02 Mar 2013 - 13 Mar 2013			R 0
13 Apr 2013 - 24 Apr 2013			R 0
11 May 2013 - 22 May 2013			R 0

More DeparturesLess Departures

Tour Inclusions

Arrival & Departure airport transfers, Transportation, Accommodation per itinerary or similar, Meals as per itinerary B-Breakfast, L-Lunch and D-Dinner, Services of an English speaking driver/guide, Excursions & activities as per itinerary, National park & game reserve entrance fees as per itinerary, All meet and greet services

Trip Details

What's Included

Arrival & Departure airport transfers, Transportation, Accommodation per itinerary or similar, Meals as per itinerary B-Breakfast, L-Lunch and D-Dinner, Services of an English speaking driver/guide, Excursions & activities as per itinerary, National park & game reserve entrance fees as per itinerary, All meet and greet services

What's Excluded

Visas and related costs, Personal Border Taxes, Drinks, tips, laundry, telephone calls and other items of a personal nature, International flights and arrival and departure taxes, Meals not listed on the itinerary, Travel and personal accident insurance, Optional excursions and activities, Sleeping bags & cushion or pillow

Transport

Land arrangements are dependent on group size and may utilise SUV’s such as VW Caravel , Minibuses like Toyota Quantum, Small Bus or large customised Safari Vehicles. Safari drives in national parks use game viewing vehicle like Land Rover or Land Cruiser, converted or modified to optimise game viewing.

Guiding

Accompanied throughout the safari portion of the tour by an English speaking driver/guide. In Mombasa you will have the services of a local representative throughout your stay.

Accommodation

Hotels ( 1nt) Game Lodges (2 nts) Tented Safari Camps (5 nts) and Beach Resort (3 nts)

Meals

11 Breakfasts, 8 Lunches and 11 Dinners

Transfers

Arrival and Departure transfers are included in this tour; therefore travellers need to supply us with their flight details as soon as possible.

Optional Extras

All prices quoted are accurate on publication but subject to change. Prices will be confirmed or requoted on enquiry.

We are able to pre-book a wide range of services not listed here, please contact us should you require more information

Activities & Excursions

• Nairobi Half Day City Tour
• Bomas of Kenya- Nairobi $9
• Nairobi Giraffe Centre $11
• Karen Blixen Museum $12
• Nairobi National Park $60
• Carnivore Restaurant in Nairobi set meal $30
• Masai Mara Balloon Safari $499
• Masai Mara walking safari $25
• Hells Gate National Park $45
• Amboseli Hot air balloon safari $430
• Amboseli walking safari $20
• Elerai Masai community visit Amboseli $30
• Mombasa city tour $60
• Shimba Hills tour/Mwalnganje Elephant Sancturay (Mombasa) $130
• Malindi & Gedi Tour (Mombasa) $150
• Evening/day Taramarind dhow cruise Mombasa $90
• Mombasa at night, dinner at Fort Jesus $75
• Full day Wasini Island & Kisite sea adventure $80
• Bamburi Nature trail Mombasa $25

Flights

• Mombasa to Nairobi

Road Transfers

• Mombasa to Nairobi Shuttle

View tour dossier for further details

Tour Images