SAFARI IN KENYA
In terms of square miles, Kenya is far from being the world's biggest country, but in terms of sheer presence, nowhere else comes close. Out on safari the rolling hills, dark escarpments and vast open plains focus as an awe inspiring whole and the majesty of Mother Nature builds with every new animal seen and bird identified. As the sun sinks blood red on another safari evening, toasted with an ice cold aperitif, you come to feel the achievements of mankind count for little when measured against the awesome masterpiece of Africa's untamed and naked mother nature.
And there's more - Kenya doesn't just astonish visitors with her superb safaris, but she spoils them with some of the best beaches and hotels in all Africa.
To the East lies the coast and mile after mile after mile of white sand beach, fringed by a magnificent coral reef. Hotels are discreetly sprinkled amongst the palms that line much of the coast, and as Kenya has been a favourite with the British since before the days of Livingstone, these hotels have come to understand exactly what we need to feel relaxed. The friendly service is rarely less than exemplary, the second language is English and the food is always superb.
Whether the chefs are preparing roast beef with Yorshire puds and horseradish sauce, or seafood such as langoustine and swordfish, the incredibly fresh ingredients are matched by real culinary skills. It's amazing to find high calibre seafood dishes that would have Rick Stein reaching for his fork, in the same reasonable price bracket as chicken and steak.
These beach side hotels are mostly cottage style/low rise buildings that blend perfectly with their surroundings. Eco friendly makuti thatch roofs top richly carved dark woods, and you'll find tropical gardens bursting with frangipani, hibiscus and bougainvillaea. Laws run down beneath shady palm groves, around elaborate pools with swim-up bars, to beaches of almost white coral sand.
Hotels range from the secluded Robinson Carusoe paradise of Chale Island, to the well developed beaches to the south. Most hotels offer extensive water sports with game fishing, snorkelling and scuba diving (lessons available) being especially popular. There are facilities for both golf and tennis, and regular excursions can involve anything from seeing a crocodile farm at feeding time, to relaxing with a romantic how cruise complete with dinner and entertainment.
But you don't fly all this way just to laze in the fast tanning sun, alongside a pool fringed by coconut palms. People come to Kenya primarily to go on safari. It's bizarre to think that as you read this lions, cheetahs and elephants are roaming and roaring free across the bush.
From luxury safari lodges set in the game filled parks, to floating over the plains beneath a hot air balloon, Kenya offers much more than just another holiday. Kenya also offers adventure.
Skilled wardens and guides show you the animals in complete safety, and before night steals across the bush you'll be showered and ordering a superb meal from a mouth-watering safari lodge menu. Adventure...certainly. Roughing it...never!
1. MASAI MARA SAFARI - (7 NTS)
NAIROBI (1 nt) SAMBURU (2nts) TREETOPS (1 nt) LAKE NAIVASHA (1 nt) MASAI MARA (2 nts) optional Mombasa (7 nts) or Mauritius.
SUN: Depart UK for Nairobi on Kenya Airways or for Mombasa on Monarch Airlines.
MON: You are met on arrival and transferred to the Landmark Hotel. Afternoon- optional tours of City or National Park.
TUE: Depart after breakfast for Samburu National Park. Lunch and afternoon game-viewing. Dinner and overnight at Samburu Lodge.
WED: Morning and afternoon game drives to explore the park. Meals and overnight at Samburu Lodge.
THU: After breakfast drive to the Outspan Hotel. Lunch and proceed to Treetops in the Aberdares with overnight bag. Your luggage is store at Outspan for the night.
FRI: Proceed to Lake Nakuru National Park. After lunch game viewing before continuing for dinner and overnight at Lake Naivasha Hotel.
SAT: After breakfast proceed to the Masai Mara Game reserve. Lunch and afternoon game-viewing. Dinner and overnight Keekorok Lodge.
SUN: Morning and afternoon game-viewing. Meals and overnight at Keekorok Lodge.
MON: After breakfast return to Nairobi for your flight to Mombasa and your beach hotel or remain in Nairobi before your evening flight to London /or your Wednesday flight to Mauritius.
Opinion: A very popular itinerary, with excellent game viewing and photographic opportunities.
Prices are based on Full Board on safari, twin bedded rooms with w.c. bath or shower. Bed & Breakfast at Landmark Hotel in Nairobi. Supplements per person: Single supplement on safari £190 ( 1 Dec-12 Apr £299. 13Apr-28 Jun £201) No single rooms or private facilities at Treetops .
Child Reduction £ 175 (13 Apr- 28Jun £149) Beach hotel supplements to be added as appropriate.
2. KILIMANJARO SAFARI
On the 6th October 1889 Prof. Hans Meyer conquered Kilimanjaro, at 19,340ft. the highest mountain in Africa. Then the forests were alive with Elephant, Buffalo and Leopard, rarely seen nowadays, and the journey was a major expedition. Today we offer you the facility of giudes and porters, up the gentle Marangu route. It is a real challenge but involves no technical climbing. If you are really fit and healthy it could be the highest mountain you will ever climb.
SUN: Depart UK for Mombasa on Monarch Airlines.
MON: On arrival drive to Taita (approx.3 hours). Meals and overnight at Taita Hills Hilton Safari lodge.
TUE: Proceed to Tanzania and your base hotel at Moshi and prepare for the climb.
WED: In the morning drive to the park gate, where you pay your fees and commence your climb through rainforest to the Mandara Hut. (11 km, 2,900ft. of ascent, about 4 hours.)
THU: Manadara-Horombo Hut: The climb continues for half an hour through rainforest before you enter the Moorlands where Giant Groundsel and Lobelia grow (19km, 3300ft. ascent, about 6 hours.) En-route, if you have time, visit Maundi Crater.
FRI: Horombo-Kibo hut: From the Horombo Hut climb to the saddle and into the arctic zone with high winds, sometimes gale force (16km, 3300ft. Of ascent, about 6 hours). Overnight at Kibo hut beneath the Summit Dome.
SAT: Kibo Hut-Gilman's point: soon after midnight your guide leads off into the starlit night for your ascent to the summit plateau, which you should reach at sunrise (3300ft. Ascent, about 5 hours, then 660 ft. Further to Uhuru Peak). If you have the energy, attempt the trip to Uhuru peak. It takes about 45 minutes - crampons are not normally required. Return to Kibo Hut and descend to Horombo Hut.
SUN: Horombo Hut-Marangu Gate: Descend to Mandara Hut and continue to Marangu Gate where, if you reached the top, you collect your certificate (25km. About 5 hours). Proceed to Mombasa and your chosen beach hotel for 8 nights. Those on the climb only stay overnight at Nyali Holiday Resort. Mon Depart Mombasa for the UK.
Opinion: A real challenge, not to be under-estimated. Fitness and preparation are well recommended.
3.COAST SERENGETI SAFARI
Taita Hills (1nt), Lake Manyara(1 nt), Serengeti (2 nts), Ngorongoro Crater (1 nt), Arusha (1 nt), Mombasa (1 or 8nts).
SUN: Depart UK for Mombasa on Monarch Airlines.
MON: On arrival drive to Taita (approx.3 hours). Meals and overnight at Taita Hills Hilton Safari lodge.
TUE: Drive to Arusha in Tanzania. Lunch, then to Lake Manayara National Park, dinner and overnight at the Lake Manayara Hotel.
WED: The morning game drive in the park, famous for it's tree-climbing lions. Lunch, at Ngorongoro, then proceed to Serengeti National Park, game viewing en-route. Dinner and overnight Serengeti Sopa Lodge.
THU: Morning and afternoon game viewing. Meals and overnight at Serengeti Sopa Lodge.
FRI: Early morning game drive, breakfast. Proceed to Olduvai Gorge where Dr and Mrs Leaky discovered the remains of prehistoric man. Picnic lunch and game viewing en route to Ngorongoro with dinner and overnight at Ngorongoro Sopa Lodge.
SAT: Morning descend 200 feet into the Crater by 4 wheel drive vehicle. Game viewing followed by lunch at the Lodge before driving to to Arusha for dinner and overnight at Novotel Mount Meru.
SUN: Drive to Mombasa for 8 nights at your beach hotel, lunch en-route. Clients taking safari only stay overnight at Nyali Holiday Resort and return to UK on Monday.
OPINION: An unforgettable experience, ranging from unique Ngorongoro to the plains of the Serengeti.
Prices are based on twin bedded rooms with W.C, bath, or shower , FULL BOARD, on safari (HALF BOARD in Arusha), Bed & Breaffast at Nyali Holiday Resort. Supplements per person: Single supplement on 6 night safari £160 (13 Apr-28 Jun£99, 16-31 Dec £1750, Single supplement at Nyali Holiday Resort £12. Beach hotel supplements to be added as appropriate.
SAFARI & BEACH HOLIDAYS
SAFARI & BEACH - Option 1:
Tsavo East/Tsavo west (2 nts camping), Mombasa (5 nts or 12 nts)
SUN: Depart UK for Mombasa
MON: On arrival depart for Tsavo East. Set up camp. Dinner and overnight.
TUE: Strike camp. Morning and afternoon game drives. Proceed to Tsavo West and setup camp. Dinner and overnight.
WED: Strike camp, morning game drive, lunch. Return to Mombasa and check into your chosen beach hotel.
THU: At leisure in Mombasa for a further 4 or 11 nights.
MON: Transfer to the airport for your flight home.
OPINION: Participants are from all walks of life - if you have a sense of humour and are prepared to "muck-in" you will enjoy this first hand experience of life in the bush.
Prices on safari are based on FULL BOARD on safari from Wed lunch, each of two man tent. Camp facilities are communal and very basic, with no similarity to camp sites in Europe. Single on safari NIL. Add beach hotel supplements as relevant. This may opperate ex-Mombasaon Thursdays instead of Mondays. The content remains unchanged.
SAFARI & BEACH -Option 2:
Mombasa (2 nts), Shimba Hills (1 nt), Taita Hills/Satlick (1 nt), Mombasa (3 or 10 nts).
SUN: Depart UK for Mombasa.
MON: On arrival transfer to your chosen beach hotel for 2 nights.
WED: Depart for Shimba Hills Tree Hotel, 40 Miles south of Mombasa. Late afternoon game drive, then why not relax with a sundowner by the waterhole before dinner and overnight.
THU: Drive to Taita Hills game sanctuary. Check into Satlick Lodge before afternoon game drive. Dinner and overnight.
FRI: Early morning game drive, before returning to Mombasa and your chosen beach hotel.
SAT: At leisure in Mombasa for a further 2 or 9 nights.
MON: Transfer to the airport for your flight home.
OPINION: Two well known and contrasting habitats, a good, short introductory safari.
Prices on safari are based on twin bedded rooms shower & w.c, FULL BOARD on safari from Wed. morning until/incl. Fri breakfast. Shared & toilets and no guaranteed singles at Shimba Hills; single at Saltlick £75 (13 APR - 28 JUN £50, 16 Dec - 21 Jan 99 £ 84). Add beach hotel supplements as relevant.
SAFARI & BEACH - Option 3:
Taita Hills (1 nt), Ziwani (1nt), Mombasa (5 or 12 nts).
SUN: Depart UK for Mombasa
MON: On arrival depart for Safari Hilton Tented Camp. Afternoon game drive, dinner and overnight.
TUE: Morning game drive in Taita Hills game sanctuary. Proceed to Ziwani tented camp, close to the Tanzanian border. Relax before a night game drive preceding dinner.
WED: Early morning guided walk, finishing a local Hippo pools. Breakfast then return to Mombasa and check into your chosen beach hotel in time for a late lunch and the next 5 to 12 nights.
THR - SUN: Leisure in Mombasa.
MON: Transfer to the airport for your flight home.
OPINION: Comfortable accomodation and the rare oppotunity of a guided walk and a night game drive.
Prices on safari are based on twin bedded, semi-permanent tents with private shower & w.c, Full Board on safari until/incl.Wed. breakfast. Single on safari £44 (13 APR - 28 JUN £33). Add beach hotel supplements as relevant.
SAFARI & BEACH -Option 4 :
Mombasa (3 nts), Tsavo East(1 nt), Tsavo West (1 nt), Mombabsa (3 or 10 nts).
SUN: Depart UK for Mombasa.
MON:On arrival transfer to your chosen beach hotel for 2 nights.
WED:Depart for Voi Safari Lodge in Tsavo East National Park. Late afternoon game drive. Dinner and overnight.
THR: Drive to Nguli Safari Lodge in Tsavo West, game viewing en route. Afternoon game drive. Dinner and overnight.
FRI: After breakfast return to Mombasa, via Mzima Springs, fomous for crocodile, hippo and rich birdlife. Picnic lunch. Reach Mombasa midafternoon where you will check into your chosen beach hotel.
SAT: At leisure in Mombasa for a further 2 or 9 nights.
MON: Transfer to the airport for your flight home.
OPINION: Tsavo National Park covers an area the size of Wales, and is home to over 60 species of mammal including most of the big game animals. an excelllent "taste" of Kenya.
Prices on safari are based on twin bedded rooms with bath/shower & w.c., Full Board on safari from Wed. morning until/incl. Fri lunch. Single on safari £70 (13 Apr - 28 Jun NIL). Add beach hotel supplements as relevant. This safari may operate on Fridays ex-Mombasa.
SAFARI & BEACH-Option 5 -Mombasa (3 nts), Tsavo West (1 nt), Amboseli (1 nt), Mombasa (2 or 9 nts)
SUN: Depart UK for Mombasa.
MON: On arrival transfer to your chosen beach hotel for 3 nights.
THU: Depart for Ngulia Safari Lodge in Tsavo West National Park, perched high on the dramatic Ndawe escarpment. Afternoon game drive. Dinner and overnight.
FRI: Depart for Amboseli, game viewing en-route, Check in to Ol Tukai Lodge. Lunch time at leisure before game drive. Weddings may be celebrated at the lodge's Chapel - call us for details.
SAT: Early morning game drive. Breakfast, before proceeding to Mombasa, arriving at your beach hotel in time for late lunch.
SUN: At leisure in Mombasa for a further 1 or 8 nights.
MON: Transer tothe airportfor your flight home.
OPINION: Two quite different game parks and a wide variety of wildlife.
Prices on safari are based on twin bedded, with bath/shower & w.c, Full Board from Thu. Morning ountil/incl.Sat. breakfast. Single on safari £60(13 APR - 28 JUN NIL). Add beach hotel supplements as relevant.