Description
11 DAYS, 10 NIGHTS SERENA CIRCUIT BUSH & BEACH FAMILY SAFARI COMBO:
(Please note that you can substitute Mombasa-Nairobi flight with an SGR train ride at a discounted rate. Inform us before making your safari booking)
Day 1: Nairobi.
On arrival at JKIA Airport met and transfer to the Nairobi Serena Hotel for the day. Safari Briefing and overnight. Dinner at the hotel or a city restaurant at own cost.
Overnight: The Nairobi Serena Hotel (Bed and breakfast)
Day 2: Masai Mara National Reserve.
After breakfast depart Nairobi in the morning and drive down the escarpment via the floor of the Great Rift Valley, to arrive at Maasai Mara Game Reserve in time for lunch, after lunch proceed for afternoon game drive.
Dinner and overnight at Mara Serena Lodge or a similar hotel on Full board basis.
Day 3: Masai Mara National Reserve.
Full day in the Maasai Mara with morning and afternoon game drives. (You have options to visit the Masai village at an extra cost and have a feeling of the lifestyle of the Masai community.
Dinner and overnight at Mara Serena Lodge or a similar hotel on Full board basis.
Day 4: Amboseli National Park.
Breakfast. Later, depart for Amboseli National Park with a stopover for lunch in Nairobi. Afternoon depart for the Amboseli National Park arriving in the evening
Dinner and overnight at Amboseli Serena Lodge or a similar hotel on Full board basis.
Day 5: Amboseli National Park.
Early morning wake up call. Early morning game viewing drive returning to lodge for full breakfast. Relax at the lodge. Lunch. Afternoon game viewing drive with afternoon tea at the observation hill (from here the Mt. Kilimanjaro is visible on a clear day) (beautiful serene views from here of the Mt. Kilimanjaro and the ranges) returning to the lodge for dinner and overnight.
Dinner and overnight at Amboseli Serena Lodge or a similar hotel on Full board basis.
Day 6: Tsavo West National Park.
Breakfast and check out. Game viewing drive enroute through Amboseli and to Tsavo National park to arrive in time for lunch Kilaguni. Afternoon game drive returning to the lodge for dinner and overnight.
Dinner and overnight at Kilaguni Serena Lodge or a similar hotel on Full board basis.
Day 7: Mombasa.
Breakfast, Depart with picnic lunches game drive enroute to arrive Mombasa in the evening for a 3 Nights stay.
Dinner and overnight: Mombasa Serena Beach Hotel. (Half Board)
Day 8-10: Mombasa.
Full days in Mombasa. You have the option of enjoying the beach and hotel facilities. You can also enjoy several optional beach excursions at your own cost.
Overnight: Mombasa Serena Beach Hotel.
Day 11: Depart.
Breakfast. Transfer to the airport for your flight back to Nairobi. Arrive Nairobi, met and transfer to your hotel OR JKIA for your flight back home.
Rates include
- Airport transfer from JKIA to Nairobi hotel on Day 1.
- 1 night Bed & Breakfast accommodation in Nairobi.
- 5 Nights Full board accommodation on safari.
- 4 Nights Half Board accommodation in Mombasa.
- All meals as specified in the itinerary.
Ground transportation in Tour van - Services of an English-speaking driver / guide
- Extensive Game drives on safari.
- Park entry fees for Masai Mara, Amboseli & Tsavo West National Park.
- 1 litre Mineral water during game drives.
- One-way transfer from Mombasa hotel to Airport on the last day
Rates exclude:
- Your extra activities / services in Nairobi and Mombasa.
- Your international air fare
- Travel/medical/baggage insurance
- Drinks & Laundry
- Personal expenses.
- Tips
- All other expenses not mentioned above.
- Lunch & Dinner on the last day.
MASAI MARA GAME RESERVE:
Masai Mara National Reserve is considered a “must see” for any visitor traveling on safari in Kenya. It is on the “to do” list of most Kenyan visitors because the park is graced by a wide variety of unique and exquisite wild life and birds.
Masai Mara is the best place to see all of the “Big Five” animals (elephants, lions, leopards, rhinos and buffalo) together. The famous wildebeest migration also takes place at the Mara.
Masai Mara National Reserve (also known as Masai Mara or The Mara) is situated within the Great Rift Valley in the southern part of Kenya. Measuring approximately 1510sq. kilometers (approx. 938sq. miles) in size, this unfenced savannah grassland is roughly 150 miles southeast of Nairobi.
Maasai Mara derives its name from the indigenous people of Kenya – the Maasai tribe – and the Mara River that cuts through the park. The Masai Mara provides the best view of the famous wildebeest migration as the animals cross the Mara River between July and August.
The Mara is also home to the richest concentration of wildlife, including the “Big Five” (elephants, lions, leopards, rhinos, and buffalo), zebras, antelope, gnus, Oribis, hyenas, giraffes, warthogs, gazelles, hartebeests, hippos, crocodiles and others.
The park has the largest concentration of African lions, including the black-maned lion. Birdlife is as plentiful as wildlife at the Masai Mara, which boasts over 400 different birds species.
The park experiences a hot and dry climate with a regular rainfall season twice a year. The reserve’s topography is mainly open savannah (grassland) with clusters of acacia trees along the southeastern area of the park.
The Mara and Talek rivers grace the rolling plains of the reserve. Myriad seasonal rivers appear during the rainy season but dry out once the rains are gone.
Maasai Mara National Reserve does not fall under the jurisdiction of the Kenya Wildlife Service (KWS); instead, it is managed by the local county council of Narok district
What to see and Do:
The Masai Mara Game Reserve is one of the best places in Africa for wildlife viewing. Game drives are a great way to experience the park and they take place all year round. If the big cats are what you’re looking for on your Kenyan safari, you are guaranteed to spot them at the Mara.All of the “Big Five” animals (elephants, lions, leopards, rhinos, and buffalo) can be spotted here. However, the population of black rhinos is severely threatened with only 37 black rhinos left as of 2000.
Herds of plains zebras are found throughout the park, as well as Masai giraffes, common giraffes, jackals, white-bearded gnus, Oribis, warthogs, Thomson’s and Grant’s gazelles, hartebeests, hyenas, bat-eared foxes, rare Topi antelope and beautiful rone antelope, as well as hippos and crocodiles in the Mara River.
AMBOSELI NATINAL PARK:
Crowned by Mount Kilimanjaro, Africa’s highest peak, the Amboseli National Parks is one of Kenya’s most popular parks. The name “Amboseli” comes from a Maasai word meaning “salty dust”, and it is one of the best places in Africa to view large herds of elephants up close.
Nature lovers can explore five different habitats here ranging from the dried-up bed of Lake Amboseli, wetlands with sulphur springs, the savannah and woodlands.
You can also visit the local Maasai community who live around the park and experience their authentic culture.
What to see and Do:
The main purpose of a wildlife safari is to see Kenya’s wild animals in their natural state. Many people are surprised when they see birds perched within the reach of predators, or gazelles grazing near big cats.
The truth is that predators generally only kill to eat, and for the rest of the time both predators and prey live harmoniously together. Amboseli National Park is known for its large herd of over 900 free-ranging elephants.
This is the best national park to visit to see these wonderful and huge creatures. Herd of Elephants in Amboseli View or even climb Mount Kilimanjaro, the highest freestanding mountain in the world.
Visit Observation Hill, which overlooks the park, swamps and, of course, the herds of free-roaming elephants. Meet the Maasai people and learn about the Maasai culture and their indigenous lifestyle. Bird watching is best between October and January if you want to see Kenya’s migratory birds, including African skimmers, red and yellow bishops, goshawks, buffalo weavers and palm nut vultures, to name a few.
TSAVO WEST NATIONAL PARK
From the sight of fifty million gallons of crystal-clear water gushing out of from the under parched lava rock that is the Mzima Springs to the Shetani lava flows, Tsavo West is a beautiful, rugged wilderness.
The savannah ecosystem comprises of open grasslands, scrublands, and Acacia woodlands, belts of riverine vegetation and rocky ridges including the Poacher’s Lookout where visitors can see the teeming herds in the plains below.
Tsavo West offers some of the most magnificent game viewing in the world and attractions include elephant, rhino, Hippos, lions, cheetah, leopards, Buffalos, diverse plant and bird species including the threatened corncrake and near threatened Basra Reed Warbler.
What to see and Do:
Tsavo West National Park offers a variety of wildlife and birdlife. More than 600 species of birds have been recorded. Animals to be spotted include the leopard, cheetah, buffalo, rhino, elephant, giraffe, zebra, duiker, waterbuck, lion, crocodile, mongoose, warthog, hyrax, dik dik and porcupine. Another attraction is the Ngulia Rhino Sanctuary at the base of Ngulia Hills.
The sanctuary is part of the Rhino Ark Programme, which protects Tsavo West’s precious population of black rhinos.
The Shetani flow, a black lava flow of 8km long, 1.6km wide and 5m deep, is the remains of volcanic eruptions. There is a cave located near the centre of the outflow, which is only a few metres long, but the exit is not accessible as it is too narrow. In the far south western corner of the park is Lake Jipe, which is fed by runoff from Mount Kilimanjaro and the northern Pare mountains. It is a wonderful attraction to visit.
MOMBASA BEACH VACATION:
Make your holiday at this world-famous shore. The Kenya coast is pristine, unspoiled and the perfect place to begin your safari adventure.
And Mombasa is the perfect beachcation destination with its local markets, history, museums and beaches. Kenya’s largest coastal city, Mombasa is an exciting blend of local and international cultures – African, Indian and Arabic.
Best & Fun Excursions, Day Trips, City Tours & Things to Do in and from Mombasa:
- Take a picture at Mombasa Tusks-The entrance to Mombasa is unlike anything else. Massive aluminium structures shaped into elephant tusks greet visitors entering the city – a perfect photo opportunity.
- Visit Fort Jesus-Fort Jesus is a 16th-century fort built by the Portuguese. See archaeological finds from the fort and surrounding areas including the wreck of Santo Antonio de Tanna.
- Go scuba diving and snorkelling at Mombasa Marine Park-Witness the incredible colours and beauty of the marine world at Mombasa Marine Park while scuba diving and snorkelling. Seagrass, turtles and coral are just a few of the marvels to see here.
- Take a trip by dhow to Wasini Island- Sail from Mombasa to Wasini Island in a traditional dhow. You may just get to see dolphins swimming alongside! Dine on fresh seafood and engage in a bit of snorkelling too.
- Visit Shimba Hills National Reserve-Shimba Hills National Reserve is a paradise teeming with animals and plant life. Go on a game viewing tour, which is one of the best things to do in Kenya. You get an in-depth look at the country’s diverse wildlife.
- Enjoy BBQ at Nguuni Nature Sanctuary Adventures-A picnic at Nguuni Nature Sanctuary Adventures is a great way to appreciate Mombasa’s wildlife. Enjoy a barbecue while taking in the beautiful scenery. Keep an eye out for native birds, giraffes and elands who make their home here.
- Drink coffee in Jahazi Coffee House-This is a terrific place to unwind and enjoy fresh juices, shakes, smoothies and, of course, coffee. Affordable prices and a very relaxed ambience make Jahazi Coffee House a must-visit spot in Mombasa.
- Try Swahili dishes at Blue Room Restaurant-Blue Room is a happening joint that lets you savour the best of Swahili cuisine. Ugali, mutton choma, grilled meats – take your pick and have a feast.
- Camel rides at Pirates Beach- Pirates Beach is a public beach that draws a sizable number of visitors. Camel rides are organized here although swimming and lounging under the sun are the best pastimes.
- Take a ferry ride at South Coast-See the South Coast from a larger perspective by taking a ferry ride. It’s a relaxing way to see this side of Kenya and offers a great scope for photography.
- Go cruising in a Tamarind Dhow-A coastal cruise combined with a delicious lunch or dinner is one of the top things to do in Kenya. You can enjoy a seafood platter or opt for a succulent fillet steak followed by fresh fruits and Kenyan coffee.
- Trip to Haller Park-Haller Park is a testament to mankind’s ingenuity and determination. Once a limestone quarry, it now supports a rich ecosystem with wildlife, birds and plant life.
- Sunset at Mombasa Island- Take a trip to Mombasa Island to watch the sunset in a blaze of fiery colours. The island is connected by a causeway to the mainland.
- Rock climbing at Tsavo East National Park
- Forty Thieves Beach Bar-Laid-back and with activities to satisfy any traveller, Forty Thieves Beach Bar offers water sports, skydiving, touch rugby and more. Try the Healthy Monty breakfast and wash it down with Kenyan coffee.
- Akamba Handicrafts Cooperative-Shop for lovely Kenyan handicrafts at Akamba Handicrafts Cooperative. It has a selection of terrific finds such as sculptures, carvings, masks and ornaments.
