Kenya Grand Safari - Four-Night Mombasa Beach Extension - In search of Kenya's Big Five

In search of Kenya's Big Five

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.

Highlights

Six game drives in search of the Big Five
Explore the most iconic national park in Kenya
Relaxing in a beachfront resort in Mombasa
Visiting a Maasai village
Journeying through the Rift Valley to renowned Lake Nakuru National Park - a giraffe and rhino sanctuary
Spending two nights in the famed Maasai Mara National Reserve
Visiting historic Nyahururu - formerly 'Thompson Falls'
Exploring Nairobi - Kenya's engaging capital

Inclusions

Six nights' full-board accommodation at game lodges
One night's bed and breakfast accommodation in Nairobi
Four nights all-inclusive accommodation at the Voyager Resort Hotel, North Mombasa
A farewell dinner at the Fairmont Norfolk Hotel
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

Day 1

Travel to the airport today for your overnight flight from the UK to Nairobi.

Day 2

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.

Day 3

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.

Day 4

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.

Day 5

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.

Day 6

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.

Day 7

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.

Day 8

After breakfast, we'll travel back to Nairobi. Pay a visit to the African Fund for Endangered Wildlife's Giraffe Centre, which is home to some protected Rothschild giraffes. Your final night will be spent at the sumptuous, five-star Fairmont Norfolk Hotel in Nairobi, where you'll be treated to some last-minute luxury and a Farewell Dinner at the end of your safari adventure.

Day 9

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 Voyager Resort Hotel - your base for the next four nights.

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Complete your Kenyan adventure with a relaxing, all-inclusive stay right on the edge of the Indian Ocean. Your resort hotel boasts an infinity pool overlooking the blue waters of the ocean, comfortable rooms, three restaurants and bars, and a programme of optional activities (especially on the water) for you to book if you choose.

Day 13

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.

Further 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.

Hotel transfer times

The transfer time from the airport to your hotel is approximately 4 hours.

Passports and visas

British Citizens require an Electronic Travel Authorisation (ETA) to travel to Kenya, which can be applied for online. We'll 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.

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.

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.

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.

Changes to your hotels

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.

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.

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.

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.