REVEALING THE SPLENDOR
A wide range of accommodation is available at all destinations. This tour typically includes accommodation at the Sopa, Sarova or Serena lodges in the Mara, and Kenyaways kitesurfing and beach hotel at Diani – but it is completely flexible to include comfortable lower budget camps as well as high-end luxury lodges/tents. Please contact us to discuss your preferences and needs.
Prices for this safari begin at $900 per person. However, this is subject to various factors including time of year/travel season, choice of accommodation, as well as type of transport (air routes are available for most destinations).
Please note that each safari is tailored to your personal needs and taste. Contact our team for a quote based on your travel dates, preferences, and budget. We’d be thrilled to help construct your perfect African getaway for the most suitable price
Summary
Total duration: 7 days/6 nights
Masai Mara: 2 nights
Diani Beach: 4 nights
Please note that this itinerary does not include overnight stays in Nairobi. These would depend on your arrival/departure times in Nairobi as well as your preference. Please contact us to discuss practical and comfortable options for this. We’d be glad to customize your trip accordingly and include accommodation in Nairobi (which will be added to the itinerary price).
You’ll be picked up from the airport and driven to the Masai Mara National Reserve. You’ll arrive in time for lunch at your safari lodge/tented camp, where you’d relax and enjoy the charming atmosphere of your lodge and the warm Masai hospitality. After a sumptuous lunch and short siesta, you’d be taken on your first (afternoon) game drive in the Masai Mara. Hold your breath, and expect to be blown away by the array of wildlife you’d experience on this first of many adventurous game drives. You’d be entertained after dinner by traditional Masai dances around a warm fire
Early morning breakfast followed by a whole day game drive in the Masai Mara. You’d either have a picnic lunch in the park or return to your lodge before heading off again. Dinner and entertainment before you retire for a restful night (likely to be punctuated by animal calls from the wild including the omnipresent deep roar from the King of the jungle!)
Early morning breakfast and a short game drive on the way out to the airstrip for a direct flight to Diani Beach, which is pure heaven made up of 17 kilometres of flawless, soft white sands hugged by the lush greenery of palms and mangroves and the striking shade of emerald blue that emerges from its clear warm waters.
After arriving at your hotel in Diani, spend the evening relaxing on the sandy beach, enjoying the breeze, and swimming in the warm pools below the clear skies. Dinner could be served in the presence of local singers and dancers to make it even merrier.
Start the day early witnessing the sunrise over the ocean while sipping your cup of coffee/tea. Afterwards, you can drive to Colobus Trust Foundation to see rescued Primates and how they are taken care of. The tour will have you appreciating the wonderful work done to protect the vulnerable rescued animals. After having your lunch you can head over to Kaya KInondo Sacred Forest where you’ll learn of why the forest is sacred to the locals and why they are attached to it. Have the evening to yourself, strolling through the sandy beaches.
The day will be split between Diani and Wasini Island. On the way to the Island, you will get a chance to visit the Shimoni Caves, which were used to house slaves during the slave trade. Spend the day exploring the island, and discover the rich culture and cuisine of its people. You can also take a walking tour to the amazingly biodiverse and ancient mangrove forest on the island.
On the way back to Diani, your dhow will track humpback whales and dolphins that swim out to the waters around Wasini Island in big numbers twice every year. If the season is right and you’re lucky, you might even be able to swim with these magical creatures. Spend the evening on Diani beach kitesurfing, playing volleyball or trying out the exquisite local cuisine ….and just chilling!
The day can be spent in Kisite Mpunguti Marine Reserve where you will go scuba diving and snorkelling to discover the rich marine life including the magnificent coral reefs, dolphins, turtles and whale sharks can be spotted as well. In the evening you can wander around on the sandy beaches and discover the wonderful villages found along it.
Have the morning on the beach, and enjoy the views and the breeze. You can also use the time to go antique and curio shopping in the nearby town before going back to the airstrip to catch your flight back to Nairobi
Resting in the magnificent Great Rift Valley and presided over by the majestic Mount Kilimanjaro, Kenya is characterised by hauntingly beautiful natural landscapes of forested hills, patchwork farms, wooded savanna and vast forests brimming with an extraordinary abundance of wildlife. The nation’s diverse range of traditional African cultures is influenced by over 70 unique ethnic groups from the Maasai, Samburu, Kikuyu, and Turkana tribes to the Arabs and Indians that settled on the coast. Add to this: an exquisite tropical coastline fringed with breathtaking golden sand beaches; gorgeous coral gardens providing excellent snorkeling and diving opportunities; and a slew of lively beach resorts, and it is easy to see why so many visitors flock here from around the world to experience a truly unique African adventure in one of the world’s most pristine safari destinations.
BANKING AND CURRENCY
The currency in Kenya is the Kenyan Shilling (KES; symbol KSh). 1 Kenyan Shilling = 100 cents. Notes are in denominations of KSh1,000, 500, 200, 100 and 50. Coins are in denominations of KSh20, 10 and 5.
Foreign currency can be exchanged at the major banks, bureaux de change or authorised hotels. The banks at Jomo Kenyatta International Airport and Moi International Airport have 24-hour exchange services. The easiest currencies to exchange are US Dollars, Pounds Sterling and Euros.
There are no restrictions on the import or export of local or foreign currency. However, amounts exceeding US$5,000 or equivalent must be declared.
Banking hours: Monday-Friday 09h00-16h00, Saturday 09h00-12h00. Banks in Mombasa and the coastal areas typically open and close half an hour earlier.
Credits Cards are widely accepted in all major hotels and more upmarket establishments, with the most recognized being Master Card and Visa. American Express and Diners Club cards are occasionally accepted. However, you will need some cash handy because smaller shops will only accept cash.
Almost every bank now has an ATM, and they are increasingly being installed at petrol stations in cities and large towns.
Travellers cheques are no longer accepted in Kenya.
TRAVEL, TRANSPORT AND GETTING AROUND
Nairobi has two airports for domestic and regional flights: Jomo Kenyatta International Airport and Wilson Airport (www.kaa.go.ke). Kenya has over 150 domestic airports and airstrips and there are daily flights to the most popular destinations. In addition to the scheduled airlines, several private charter companies operate out of Wilson Airport.
Kenya Airways (www.kenya-airways.com), Air Kenya (www.airkenya.com), Fly 540 (www.fly540.com), Mombasa Air Safari (www.mombasaairsafari.com) and Safarilink (www.flysafarilink.com) serve the most popular safari destinations, plus many others such as Lake Victoria.
On smaller, domestic planes the baggage allowance is restricted to 10-15 kg (22-33 lbs). Arrangements can be made to leave excess luggage with hotels or airlines.
Main roads between the major cities and towns are generally in good condition, and easily navigable in a normal saloon car. Most highways in the south are paved, but that’s not the case in the north. Vehicles are driven on the left side of the road.
While major roads are generally in a good condition, most minor gravel roads have deep potholes which deteriorate further in the rainy season. Dirt roads, including those in the parks and reserves, are extremely rough, and some are only passable with a 4-wheel drive.
You can hire self-drive and chauffeur-driven cars from travel agents and international hire companies. Drivers must be at least 23 years of age. Budget (www.budget.com) and Europcar (www.europcar.com) have outlets at Jomo Kenyatta International Airport in Nairobi. The budget also has a desk at Moi International Airport in Mombasa, while Europcar has an office in town. Car hire can be expensive and rates vary significantly.
A driving license from a home country (and a translation if this is not in English) or an International Driving Permit is required. Third-party insurance is mandatory when hiring a car and it’s recommended to take out the additional collision damage waiver. A valid credit card is also needed.
Matatus (shared minibus taxis) hop from town to town, starting and finishing at bus stations. Fares are paid to the conductor. Private taxis can also be hired for long-distance journeys.
It is not possible to rent motorbikes or mopeds but some of the beach resorts hire out bicycles.
Numerous private bus companies operate in Kenya. Most vehicles are old and tend to depart when full, which means there are no set timetables. Petty theft on the vehicles and at bus stations can be a problem. Nevertheless, buses are cheap and link all long-distance destinations. Plus, seatbelts are now mandatory, so buses are relatively safe.
Nairobi and Mombasa have efficient local bus systems and there are also frequent matatus, but reckless driving and petty theft make them a dodgy option for tourists. Three-wheeled auto rickshaws are popular in town centers and carry up to three passengers.
The newer fleets of taxis (usually painted white with a yellow band) are reliable and have meters. The older yellow taxis do not have meters, so fares should be agreed in advance. In Nairobi, there is a fleet of London-style black cabs. A 10% tip is expected. Cabs cannot be hailed in the street but can be found parked in taxi ranks.
FOOD, DRINK AND CUISINE ADVICE
Bottled water is advisable for the first few weeks of your stay. When buying bottled water, check the seal of the bottle is intact. Never drink tap water unless it has been boiled, filtered or chemically disinfected (such as with iodine tablets). Never drink from streams, rivers, and lakes. It’s also best to avoid drinking from pumps and wells – some do bring pure water to the surface, but the presence of animals can still contaminate supplies. Avoid ice and washed salads and fruit except in upmarket hotels and restaurants. Milk is pasteurized and dairy products are safe for consumption. Food prepared by unlicensed vendors should be avoided at all times.
Nairobi has some of the finest eating establishments in Africa. Many different cuisines and types of restaurants are available, from fast food to fancy. Many five-star hotels have excellent restaurants. Restaurants are called “hotels” and there are many in Nairobi. The local cuisine is also worth trying out, particularly Pilau-a chicken and rice dish, cabbage and rice; and the staple food in Kenya-Ugali, made from maze flour.
Many restaurants can be found downtown and in the areas of Westlands and Hurlingham but these areas are filled with tourists and places like Ayani, Olympic, Kibera, and other places have more authentic food. Among the many cuisines available are Indian, Brazilian, Chinese, Thai, Japanese, German and French restaurants. Fast food restaurants, mostly by South African chains (Steers, Nandos), are common in the larger urban areas.
CLIMATE AND WEATHER
Kenya lies on the equator and has a pleasant tropical climate, but there are large regional climatic variations influenced by several factors, including altitude. Temperatures drop by about 6°C for every 1000m you climb (or 3.5°F per 1000ft). Kenya’s daytime temperatures average between 20°C/68°F and 28°C/82°F, but it is warmer on the coast. The coast is hot and humid all year round, but the heat is pleasant and tempered by the monsoon winds. Kenya is too close to the equator to experience real winter and summer. There is, however, both a dry and wet season. The wet season is from November to May and the Dry season is from June to December.
CLOTHING AND DRESS RECOMMENDATIONS
Comfortable, casual clothing that is lightweight is the best bet while on safari. It can be quite cool in the early mornings, so you’ll want to dress warmly in layers until the sun has a chance to warm up the air. “Kenya Convertibles”, khaki pants with zip-off legs, are perfect for cool early morning game drives that turn warm before you’re back in camp. Walking shorts, long pants, cotton shirts and tees are just right. A cotton bush jacket or windbreaker will be useful along with a warm sweater or fleece jacket for the cool nights. And, a hat that ties on is a must. There is not a good deal of long walking or hiking on most safaris, so a comfortable pair of walking shoes or tennis shoes and a pair of sandals should be adequate. You will need a thorn-proof soles.
In Kenya’s major cities the dress code is conservative but not overly formal – jeans and decent tops for women are fine. Swimsuits are acceptable on the beach but you’ll need to cover up in public places.
ELECTRICITY AND PLUG STANDARDS
Electric Power is 220V – 240V running at 50Hz. The Plug type used in Kenya is the 3 large flat prong (UK). If your appliances are compatible with 220V-240V electrical output, an adapter is all that you will need, if not a voltage converter will be necessary.
