Kenya Grand Safari and 7 Night Mombasa Beach Extension
16days from
£4,445*per person
Overview
Enjoy close-up encounters with some of the world's greatest wildlife on this small group tour of Kenya, and cap your stay with a wonderful few days of total relaxation at a beach resort on the edge of the Indian Ocean.
Beginning in Nairobi, you'll travel to a quartet of protected national parks and reserves, passing through the beautiful forested highlands and the Great Rift Valley along the way. You'll get to go on game drives in the Samburu National Reserve and the world-famous Maasai Mara, and visit a local Maasai village, all while looking out for East Africa's 'Big Five' on this once-in-a-lifetime safari holiday.
Beginning in Nairobi, you'll travel to a quartet of protected national parks and reserves, passing through the beautiful forested highlands and the Great Rift Valley along the way. You'll get to go on game drives in the Samburu National Reserve and the world-famous Maasai Mara, and visit a local Maasai village, all while looking out for East Africa's 'Big Five' on this once-in-a-lifetime safari holiday.
Itinerary
- Travel to Kenya - Travel to the airport today for your overnight flight from the UK to Nairobi.
- Travel to Aberdare National Park - After arriving in Nairobi early this morning, travel north on a scenic journey to Aberdare National Park. Here you'll spend the night at the incredible Ark Lodge, which looks out over a floodlit waterhole that attracts an assortment of wildlife. This area was also a popular destination for the British Royal Family in the past (the Queen was staying here when she learned of her father's death in 1952). Unwind this afternoon at the lodge, making sure to keep an eye out for the visiting animals.
- Journey to Samburu National Reserve - After breakfast, we'll drive to Samburu National Reserve. Enjoy lunch, and take in the beauty of rugged Samburu, home to an array of wildlife including elephant, cheetah, leopard, crocodile, reticulated giraffe, blue-legged Somali ostrich and the 'giraffe-necked' gerenuk gazelle. Go in search of these local residents on your first game drive this afternoon, then return to the lodge in time for dinner and a first night under the starlit Kenyan sky.
- Enjoy game drives in Samburu - Enjoy a day exploring the reserve. Set off on morning and afternoon game drives, choosing either to return to the lodge for lunch or to spend the full day out and take a packed lunch with you.
- Travel through the Rift Valley to Lake Nakuru National Park - Settle in for a spectacular journey today, as we travel via Kenya's highest town, Nyahururu (formerly Thompson's Falls), en route to the Great Rift Valley. By lunchtime we'll arrive in Lake Nakuru National Park, set around the picturesque shores of the soda lake. Look out for grazing black and white rhino, Rothschild giraffe, buffalo and leopard, as well as an array of colourful birdlife on this afternoon's game drive, then enjoy a relaxing evening at Lake Nakuru Lodge.
- Continue through the Rift Valley to the Maasai Mara - As we continue our journey through the Rift Valley, we'll make a call at Lake Naivasha for a boat cruise on its rippling waters. Marvel at wallowing hippos on the shores and spot countless bird species circling the lake, then re-join the safari vehicle and continue south towards the Maasai Mara. Considered the ultimate safari destination, the Mara is hailed as one of the greatest spots in the world for game viewing. From July to September it becomes the stage for the great wildebeest migration, a phenomenal spectacle that takes place annually, but even outside these months the wildlife viewing opportunities are unparalleled. Look out for giraffe, zebra, hippo, buffalo, elephant, ostrich, lion, cheetah and much more on our afternoon game drive, then continue to the Keekorok lodge for a two-night stay.
- Game drives in the Maasai Mara - Spend the day exploring the reserve, setting off on morning and/or afternoon game drives in the Mara's vast grasslands. We'll also pay a visit to a Maasai village for the chance to meet locals and perhaps buy handmade souvenirs. This evening, spend a final night in the bush as you enjoy dinner and share memories of the trip with your fellow travellers.
- Travel back to Nairobi - Make the journey up out of the Rift Valley back to Nairobi. Enjoy a short visit to the African Fund for Endangered Wildlife’s engaging Giraffe Centre - with its protected Rothschild giraffes. This evening, check into your Nairobi hotel and enjoy a special farewell dinner.
- Travel to North Mombasa - After an early breakfast, you'll say goodbye to those of your new friends who are heading home, and then relax as you fly south east to the Kenyan coast and the beachfront PrideInn Flamingo Beach Resort & Spa - your base for the next seven nights.
- Relax by the beach - Complete your Kenyan adventure with a relaxing, all-inclusive stay right on the edge of the Indian Ocean. Your resort hotel boasts a lagoon-style swimming pool, comfortable guestrooms, two restaurants, and a spa.
- Relax by the beach - Day at leisure to enjoy the beach.
- Relax by the beach - Day at leisure to enjoy the beach.
- Relax by the beach - Day at leisure to enjoy the beach.
- Relax by the beach - Day at leisure to enjoy the beach.
- Relax by the beach - Day at leisure to enjoy the beach.
- Travel back to the UK - After an early breakfast, you'll return to Jomo Kenyatta International Airport and check in for you flight home, via Nairobi arriving back in the UK late the same afternoon.
What's Included
Holiday Highlights
- Six game drives in search of the Big Five including in the Maasai Mara
- Journey through the Rift Valley to renowned Lake Nakuru National Park - a giraffe and rhino sanctuary
- A visit to a Maasai village
- Relax on a beachfront resort in Mombasa
- Visit historic Nyahururu – formerly ‘Thompson Falls’
- Spend two nights in the famed Maasai Mara National Reserve
- Explore Nairobi - Kenya's engaging capital
Our Price Includes
- Six nights' full-board accommodation at game lodges
- One night's bed and breakfast accommodation in Nairobi
- A farewell dinner in Nairobi
- Seven nights all-inclusive accommodation at the PrideInn Flamingo Beach Resort & Spa, North Mombasa
- Three game drives in the Samburu National Reserve
- Three game drives in the famed Maasai Mara National Reserve
- A boat ride on Lake Naivasha
- Return flights to Nairobi (returning from Mombasa via Nairobi)
- Travel by 4x4 safari vehicles throughout
- Fully escorted by friendly, experienced drivers and safari guides during your time on safari and our local agent will be available at specified times during the beach stay.
- All local taxes, fees and charges
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Dates and Prices
Accommodation
Kenya Grand Safari and 7 Night Mombasa Beach Hotels -
Introduction
The hotels used on this tour include carefully selected three- and four-star lodges on safari, and a five-star hotel in Nairobi. Rooms will have private bathrooms, telephones and TV. There will always be a bar or restaurant on site.
The Ark Lodge, Aberdare National Park (night 2)
Inspired by Noah's Ark, this unique lodge of 60 cabins overlooks a large watering hole, which is floodlit at night. Facilities within the lodge include a dining room, bar, two lounges and several open-air and sheltered viewing decks. Each comfortable cabin comes with a private bathroom, and for the die-hard wildlife enthusiasts, staff can set up in-room buzzer alerts during the night whenever a wildlife spectacle is unfolding.
Samburu Sopa Lodge, Samburu National Reserve (nights 3-4)
Set inside the Samburu National Reserve on a hilltop and ringed by shrubbery, this lodge features 15 cottages, which overlook a waterhole. Each cottage, decorated with traditional furnishings, has a TV, hairdryer, safe, and private veranda. There is a restaurant with a terrace, a bar, an outdoor swimming pool, a gift shop, and Wi-Fi throughout the property.
Lake Nakuru Lodge, Lake Nakuru National Park (night 5)
Boasting a hillside location with beautiful views of the lake and national park, this attractive low-rise lodge nestles in pretty, shady gardens. All of the rooms are set in wooden lodges, and offer en suite bathrooms and unforgettable views. Other facilities include an attractive swimming pool, a cocktail bar, a bar and evening entertainment.
Mara Sopa Lodge, Maasai Mara National Reserve (nights 6-7)
Set within a short drive of the wildlife-rich Maasai Mara National Reserve, this delightful safari lodge offers the perfect base from which to view the best of the South Kenyan wilderness. Featuring traditional Maasai Maran décor, the lodge offers an outdoor swimming pool, a terraced dining room serving buffet-style meals, and several bars. There is also an expansive sun deck, perfect for wildlife spotting, a gift shop, and a cosy lounge area. Guestrooms are housed in attractive cottages and include mosquito nets, safes and private verandas.
Hyatt Regency Nairobi Westlands, Nairobi (night 8)
This sleek, modern hotel, positioned in the heart of Nairobi, is within walking distance of the popular Broadwalk Mall and the National Museum of Kenya. There is an indoor swimming pool, a well-appointed fitness suite with a sauna, and a sophisticated lounge area. The hotel also features a refined restaurant, serving international dishes, a casual sports bar and a lobby café. Guestrooms are stylishly decorated, and encompass TVs, tea/coffee-making facilities, minifridges, safes and free high-speed Wi-Fi.
PrideInn Flamingo Beach Resort & Spa, Mombasa (nights 9-15)
With a prime beachfront setting overlooking the Indian Ocean, this boutique resort is ringed by tropical gardens and offers views of Mombasa Marine Park. At its centre, a lagoon-style swimming pool can be found, and there are two restaurants, two bars, a gym and a spa. Tastefully decorated, spacious guestrooms have views of the ocean or gardens and feature TVs, safes, tea/coffee-making facilities, private balconies, and free Wi-Fi.
Should circumstances require, we reserve the right to accommodate you in conveniently located, alternative hotels of a similar standard.
Other Information
Small group tours
Group sizes on each departure of this tour are restricted to a maximum of 24 people. The usual group size is between 16 and 20, with most travel undertaken in smaller six-seater vehicles meaning you can enjoy experiences and encounters (and in some cases even stay in wonderful little places) that are denied to larger groups.
Itinerary changes
Occasionally, for operational reasons, we may have to change the order of the excursions on your holiday. The final day-by-day itinerary will be confirmed on your Final Travel Documents, which you will receive approximately three weeks prior to your departure.
Passports and visas
British Citizens require an Electronic Travel Authorisation (ETA) to travel to Kenya, which can be applied for online. We will send you details prior to travel. Passports must be valid for six months from your date of entry into Kenya, and have two adjacent blank pages available for arrival in Kenya.
Hotel transfer times
The transfer time from the airport to your hotel is approximately 4 hours.
Foreign Office Travel Advice
Visit www.gov.uk/foreign-travel-advice to find out the latest Foreign And Commonwealth Office travel advice for your holiday destination, as well as information about passports and visas.
Luggage allowance
You are permitted to take one suitcase per person on the aircraft, which should not exceed 23kg.
Soft sided luggage is preferable over hard sided suitcases as these are easier to fit into the safari vehicle.
Special requirements
If you have notified us of any special requirements, please check that they have been noted and acknowledged. This is especially important with any dietary needs you may have.
Disabled access
The majority of our tours involve a certain amount of walking, including a short walk from the coach stop to the town, attraction or venue you're visiting. If you are bringing a wheelchair, please let us know at the time of booking so that appropriate arrangements can be made. In many developing countries access is sometimes not as easy as at home. Should you have walking difficulties, getting around monuments and attractions may be harder and, in some cases, impossible. Should you have any concerns whatsoever please do contact us prior to travel.
Changes to your hotel
Should circumstances require, we reserve the right to accommodate you in alternative hotels, of a similar standard, nearby. Full details of your hotels will be sent with your Final Travel Documents.
Road conditions
In developing countries road networks are continually being improved and expanded, which can mean that, from time to time, roadworks and rough road surfaces can extend journey times. Some journeys are made on winding mountain roads and passes, which may also make for slow travelling - although the scenery is usually worth it! Many roads do not have separate pavements or safety barriers, and great care should be taken when crossing or walking alongside roads.
No Single Supplement
Every date on this tour has a limited number of places dedicated to solo travellers, where no single supplements apply. Once sold, a room for sole-use supplement will apply.
The Great Migration
Why not coincide your safari with the annual Great Migration, which sees the largest mass movement of mammals on Earth, travelling from Tanzania to Kenya’s Maasai Mara National Reserve and back again? Witness over one million stampeding wildebeest and other wild animals make the journey, which usually can be seen in the Maasai Mara from July to September. Prices naturally increase at this time, but the spectacle is more than worth it.
Travel vaccinations
Requirements and advice can vary over time, and from person to person, so please contact your GP about eight weeks before your trip to check whether you need any vaccinations or any other preventive measures.
Holiday code
N2384Holiday provided by Newmarket Holidays (for iTravel Offers)
BOOK WITH CONFIDENCE: This holiday is sold and operated by Newmarket Holidays (ABTOT 5509, ATOL 2325, ABTA V7812), you can be 100% sure that your money is safe.