If you have a friend that would be interested in this Safarin, you can send it directly to their inbox.
7 nights / 8 days
Kenya Explorer Safari
7 nights / 8 days
Tsavo West National Park, Amboseli National Park, Soysambu Conservancy, Maasai Mara Game Reserve
by Road & Air
Explore natures beauty across Kenya, from the volcanic splendour of the Chyulu Hills in the Tsavo, the shadows of the pink tinged peaks of Mt. Kilimanjaro in Amboseli, the shoreline of sapphire-blue Lake Elmenteita where hundreds of thousands of birds congregate, to the centre stage at nature’s most dramatic arena in the Masai Mara experience. This is the ideal African Safari.
From $ 4,714.00 per person
Duration: 8 Days
Day
1
Nairobi to Tsavo West National Park
0730hrs Depart and drive to Tsavo West National Park to arrive at Kilaguni Serena Safari Lodge in the early afternoon.
Kilaguni Serena Safari Lodge
Superbly situated in the lee of Mount Kilimanjaro and sheltered by the volcanic splendor of the Chyulu Hills, this classic stone-built lodge overlooks its own water hole, which is visited daily by elephants, buffalos and a wide variety of plains game. One of the first lodges ever to be built in a national park, the lodge is cool, tranquil and hushed for optimum game-viewing. It is also ideally placed for visits to all the park's prime attractions.
Lunch in the lodge followed by an afternoon at leisure to enjoy a swim in the lodge pool.
1600hrs Afternoon game viewing drives in the park. Tsavo West National Park offers some of the most magnificent game viewing in the world with large herds of dusty-red elephants, hippopotamus, giant crocodiles, black rhinoceros and African buffalos. The park includes also the lion, the cheetah, the leopard. The "big five" can be seen in Tsavo. Other animals commonly seen in the park are the zebra, the antelopes and gazelles, the mongoose, the hyrax, the dik-dik and the lesser kudu. Birdlife is abundant as more than 600 species of bird have been recorded
Some of the interesting areas to be visited are the Mzima springs, Roaring rocks, Chaimu and Shetani Lava sites to mention a few.
Mzima springs
“Mzima” , meaning alive in Kiswahili is a peaceful oasis at the heart of red-dusty Tsavo and this magical place is not to be missed. The pure water of the three Mzima's pools filtered by the porous sponge-like soil of the Chyulu and the Shetani lava flow brings life to an unique ecosystem at only 40 km away from the Chyulu Hills. With a daily supply of more than 250 million litres of fresh water, the pool provides an oasis of green, an heaven for fishes, birds, monkeys, crocodiles and hippos. The main attractions are the two nature trails leading to an underwater viewing tank build to allow visitors to watch hippos - if your are very lucky - and fishes (the most common fishes being the "barbell" of greyish colour and the "mud sucker" with developed lips and a large mouth.
Roaring Rocks
Once climbed, the Roaring Rocks will give you magnificent panoramic views, usually only seen by the eagles and buzzards that fly around these cliffs, over the plain called Rhino valley and the Ngulia The Roaring rocks, located near the Rhino Sanctuary, has been for long an observation point for the protection of black rhinoceros and the fight against poaching. The eerie Roaring Rocks are named after the buzz of cicadas that inhabit them and the howl of wind that hits the bare rocks by producing a roaring sound.
The Shetani flow
A black lava flow of 8 km long, 1.6 km wide and 5 meters deep, is the remain of volcanic eruptions which were subject of tales among local communities who named the flow "shetani" meaning evil in Kiswahili after it spewed from the earth just 240 years old. Climbing the flow is not an easy task as the thick black soil is composed of uneven chunks of solid magma.
All meals and Overnight at the Kilaguni Serena Safari Lodge.
Day
2
Tsavo West to Amboseli National Park
0630hrs Early morning game viewing drive in the Tsavo before returning to the lodge for a late breakfast followed by mid morning at leisure to enjoy a swim in the pool.
1230hrs Lunch in the Lodge
1330hrs Depart and drive to the Amboseli National Park. Upon entry into the park, enjoy a game viewing drive en route to the Lodge to arrive in the early evening in time for check-in and refresh for dinner.
Dinner and Overnight at Amboseli Serena Safari Lodge
Day
3
Amboseli National Park
Full day in Amboseli National Park with morning and afternoon game viewing drives. Look for the elusive kudu, a delicate antelope with long spiral horns and a beautifully striped body that enables it camouflage among branches of acacia and trees and other shrubs.
You may certainly see families of giraffe, herds of zebra and antelope — and if you are lucky, you may spot the rare Serval cat. Elephant are a dominant presence in Amboseli; they are tracked almost constantly by researchers thus, the reason they have largely escaped the ravages of 1980s poaching. Here, you are able to spot some of the older “tuskers” lumbering almost delicately before the backdrop of Mt. Kilimanjaro. You’ll be fascinated by the abundance of bird life — from the colourful little lilac-breasted roller to the comical guinea fowl to vicious hawks and eagles.
All meals and Overnight at the Amboseli Serena Safari Lodge
Day
4
Amboseli to Nairobi & Lake Elmenteita Serena Camp
0730hrs After an early breakfast, depart and drive to Soysambu Wildlife Conservancy to arrive at Lake Elmenteita Serena Camp in time for lunch.
Lake Elmenteita Serena Camp “Where history meets the wild kingdom”
Uniquely situated on the shoreline of sapphire-blue Lake Elmenteita where hundreds of thousands of birds congregate, is the small and exclusive Lake Elmenteita Serena Camp. This area of breathtaking beauty, also home to many rare species of animals, is less than two hours’ drive from Nairobi. Evocatively styled to echo the area’s rich history, the camp blends aristocratic elegance with modern luxury and will offer cuisine and service of fittingly high standards.
The Conservancy protects over 450 bird species and 15,000 wild animals. Rothschild giraffes have found a safe haven for breeding here, while a diverse variety of terrain shelters many species - from herds of giant elands to tiny dik-diks and cliff-dwelling klipspringers.
Afternoon at leisure or enjoy a game viewing drive in the conservancy.
Dinner and overnight at the Lake Elmenteita Serena Camp
Day
5
Soysambu Wildlife Conservancy
An early breakfast in the Camp.
0730hrs Take an excursion to the nearby Lake Nakuru National Park. The park, coloured by a shimmering flamingo pink from thousands of the beautiful birds lining its shores, is a popular place with visitors as well as locals. Waterbuck are usually sighted along the lake shore, and this is the home of the Rothschild’s giraffe. Baboon, impala, buffalo, monkeys, warthog, impala, reedbuck and eland are also resident here. However, the main attractions are the rhinos. The park is a designated rhino sanctuary and it is one of the best places in Kenya to observe them. Both black and white Rhinos thrive here.
Besides the greater and lesser flamingos, the park is home to many other species including, the Great crested Grebe, the black necked Grebe, little Grebe, Pelicans, Cormorant, African Darter, Egyptian Geese, night Heron, Fish Eagle, grey Heron, Marabou stork, Sacred and Hadada Ibis.
Picnic lunch will be serviced at a designated area before exiting the park to return to the Camp to arrive in the late afternoon. Rest of the afternoon at leisure to enjoy a swim in the camp’s magnificent pool.
Dinner and overnight at the Lake Elmenteita Serena Camp
Day
6
Soysambu Wildlife Conservancy to Maasai Mara
Breakfast in the Camp followed by a morning at leisure or opt for an escorted nature/bird walk with your resident naturalist.
1200hrs Early lunch in the camp
1330hrs Transfer to Loldhia Airstrip for your scheduled flight to Maasai Mara game reserve departing at 1520hrs.
1600hrs Met on arrival at Mara Serena Airstrip and proceed to Mara Serena Safari Lodge for check-in before proceeding for a game viewing drive in the reserve.
Mara Serena Safari Lodge
Perched on the saddle of a hill, the Mara Serena Safari Lodge has one of the most spectacular views imaginable across the vast plains, forests and rivers that make up the Maasai Mara – one of the world’s richest wildlife sanctuaries. It is on this very terrain that the annual migration takes place when millions of zebra, wildebeest and gazelle cross the plains below, on their way to the rich new grasses of the Serengeti. This is a spectacle that should be witnessed at least once in a lifetime. (End of July/August is an ideal time to witness the spectacle though timings may vary depending on natural reasons i.e the rains).
The lodge has been designed to mirror a traditional Maasai village or Manyatta and all the guest rooms are located in individual domed huts grouped in a circular manner. The furnishings of each room have been inspired by traditional Maasai art and each one has a private balcony with views that stretch over the vast African landscape.
Dinner and Overnight at the Mara Serena Safari Lodge
Day
7
Maasai Mara
Full day in the Mara with morning and afternoon game drives in the Reserve. Certainly the most frequented game reserve in Kenya, Maasai Mara is a magnificent landscape of open plains bisected by the
Mara River and its tributaries, and punctuated by marshes and forests. This 650 sq kilometre reserve supports the highest density of game to be seen anywhere considering its size. During the seasonal migrations, Maasai Mara is home to up to a million wildebeest and an equally impressive number of zebra that move into the area from neighbouring Serengeti National Park, in Tanzania. The reserve is home to all the “big five” and it is also possible to observe; baboon, eland, ostrich, bat-eared fox, jackal, Cheetah, and the rivers abound with hippos and crocodiles.
The Mara is also noted for its abundance of lions - particularly the superb black manned males. You'll see lots of elephants here often in large herds, as well as - if you're lucky - leopard, cheetah and rhino. All of the Big Five are residents. You're sure to see the African buffalo. Get the cameras ready, stock up on Film and enjoy yourself!
This morning, crown your game viewing experience with a “Bush Breakfast” by the Mara Hippo Pools! A 15 minutes drive gets you to a hearty welcome; one cannot resist the charming “Jambo” from the chefs as they welcome you to our wonderfully set breakfast buffer of hot dishes made to your specifications as you wait. The hippos keep you company and only say “Kwaheri” after you have had enough.
All meals and Overnight at the Mara Serena Safari Lodge
Day
8
Maasai Mara to Nairobi & Departure
Breakfast at the Mara Serena Safari Lodge. After breakfast transfer to the Mara Serena airstrip for your scheduled flight to Nairobi departing at 1015hrs to arrive at Nairobi’s Wilson Airport at 1145hrs.
You will be met on arrival and transfer to the Nairobi Serena Hotel or Jomo Kenyatta International Airport for your flight home. Alternatively, you can opt for an extension trip to our fabulous Serena Beach Resort and Spa, on Kenya’s stunning Indian Ocean coastline.
Kilaguni Serena Safari Lodge
The package cost offer will include following services: -
- 5 nights on full board basis at the Kilaguni, Amboseli & Mara Serena Safari Lodges
- 2 nights on full board basis at Lake Elmenteita Serena Camp
- Ground transportation in custom made Safari 4x4WD Land Cruiser on exclusive basis and “seat in vehicle” basis in Maasai Mara
- Loldhia/Mara/Nairobi scheduled flights
- Services of English speaking driver guides
- Park & Conservancy entrance fees
- Airport/Airstrip transfers as per the itinerary
The package excludes the following services:-
- International & Local Airfares, and Visa entry charges to Kenya
- All items of personal use i.e. drinks, laundry, telephone calls, gratuities, personal travel insurances- e.t.c
Costs
3rd Jan - 31st March 2013
US $ 4,224.00* per person sharing
US $ 4,885.00* per person in a single room
1st April - 31st May 2013
US $ 3,795.00* per person sharing
US $ 3,994* per person in a single room
1st June - 30th June, 1st Nov - 22nd Dec 2013
US $ 4,035.00* per person sharing
US $ 4,582.00* per person in a single room
1st July - 31st Oct. 2013
US $ 4,714.00* per person sharing
US $ 5,518.00* per person in a single room
*Minimum 2 pax
*Christmas supplement
US $ 40.00 per person per day applicable on 24th , 25th , 26th & 31st Dec 2012/2013 – 1st Jan 2013/2014
*Easter supplement
US $ 35.00 per person per day
Terms & conditions
Rates: All rates are quoted on a per person basis unless otherwise stated and are inclusive of all relevant taxes, levies, surcharges and service charges. Tour costs are based on all known costs and rates of exchange as at the 01st July 2012. Should these be subject to change in the interim (due to reasons beyond the control of Serena Hotels), they will be passed on to the client. Serena Hotels retains the right to alter any arrangements (as outlined above), which may become necessary due to prevailing local conditions/and/or events beyond our control.
Confirmations and deposits: Upon confirmation of your safari details, we will require a 25% non-refundable deposit on the total cost of the tour, the balance of which must be paid 30 days prior to your arrival. We regret that in the absence of the above, we will be unable to confirm your safari; and in the absence of our receipt of full payment as indicated, your reservation will be cancelled (with the forfeit of the 25% deposit indicated).
Cancellations: All cancellations must be made in writing to Serena Hotels at the address indicated below. Cancellations will be incurred as indicated below:
Between 30-45 days prior to date of commencement of tour:no refund of deposit.
Below 30 days prior to the date of the commencement of the tour no refund of the remaining tour costs.
Refunds/cancellation levies: We regret that in the event that any portion of your safari is unused (after the safari has commenced) no refunds regarding the unused portion will be possible. Note: these cancellation terms do not include the cancellation penalties levied on airfares (locally or internationally).
Payment: We accept payment via the following credit cards: Visa, Access/Master Card, American Express, JCB, Senator, Diners Club International. We also accept proprietary traveller’s cheques. We regret that we are unable to accept personal cheques in the absence of prior clearance.
Child policy: Children under the age of two sharing a room with one or two adults are accommodated on a complimentary basis. Children between the ages of two and twelve sharing a room with one or two adults will be charged 50% of the adult rate or 75% of this rate if they are accommodated in a separate room. Young adults between the age of 13 and 17 years of age will be charged 75% of the adult rate regardless of whether they are sharing a room with their accompanying adults, or occupying a room of their own.
Tour completion preclusion: Serena Hotels retains the right to deny completion of the stated tour (as outlined above) to any person who, for whatsoever reason, is deemed to have caused undue hazard or inconvenience to his/her fellow travellers.
