2008
Southern Plains
A fabulous fusion of Kenya's superb beaches and magical National Parks.
Our opinion
This short safari is ideal for those seeking a taste of Kenya’s magical game viewing, combined with some coastal relaxation. We offer this safari in standard and deluxe accommodation, so we can tailor the experience to your personal requirements.
Itinerary
- Mombasa: 1 night
- Shimba Hills: 1 night
- Tsavo East: 1 night
- Amboseli : 1 night
- Tsavo West : 1 night
- Mombasa: 2 nights
Day 1 London/Nairobi
Depart Gatwick, flying Monarch Airlines overnight direct to Mombasa.
Day 2 Mombasa
Transfer to Kole Kole (standard option) on the Diani Coast for one night on All Inclusive, or Serena Beach (deluxe option) including breakfast and dinner.
Day 3 Mombasa/Shimba
Mid morning pick up from your hotel and proceed to Shimba Hills. Located in the Shimba Hills National Reserve, just 45 minutes inland and an emerald gem of lush green coastal rainforest, home to an array of birdlife, and elephant are seen regularly. Enjoy lunch and in your afternoon game drive look out for giraffe, buffalo and Sable antelope. The Treelodge is constructed of natural woods on the edge of a floodlit watering hole where Monkeys play in the trees, often right outside your balcony or on the wooden walkway which winds its way into the trees. Dinner overnight here, where rooms are basic but comfortable and the bathrooms shared.
Day 4 Shimba/Tsavo East
After breakfast depart for the grassy savannahs of Tsavo East National Park, spotting game as you go, and reach Voi Wildlife Lodge (standard option) in time for lunch. Blending unassumingly into the surroundings, it boasts a waterhole that regularly attracts elephant, lion and buffalo. The deluxe option here is Galdessa Camp, where a cluster of semi thatched tented bandas nestle along the river. The unfenced camp epitomises rustic luxury with cuisine and service of an exceptional standard. Enjoy an afternoon game drive on the lookout for the ‘big five’ as well as crocodile, zebra and some of the 500 species of bird endemic here. The park is laos renowned for its large herds of elephants. Dinner and overnight Voi Wildlife Lodge or Galdessa Camp.
Day 5 Tsavo East/Amboseli
After breakfast head northwest passing through villages and countryside to Amboseli National Park, home to a wealth of wildlife but particularly known for its huge troops of elephants. By lunchtime you will have passed open plains striking yellow barked acacia woodlands and swampy marshland to reach your Lodge. This afternoon settle at your camp, Ol Tukai (standard option) or Amboseli Serena (deluxe option) a magnificently set lodge boasting a swimming pool and authentic African murals. Enjoy an afternoon game drive from your camp before dinner and overnight.
Day 6 Amboseli/Tsavo West
Early morning game drive to capture the breathtaking park at the prime time of day, when the clouds usually lift to unveil the snow capped peak of Kilimanjaro and the game are set against pink hues of the African skies. Return to camp for breakfast and then proceed to Tsavo West, driving across the spectacular Shetani lava flow - a reminder of the molten outpouring that spilled down the nearby Chyulu Hills over the last three centuries. Spotting game as you go, by lunchtime you'll reach Kilaguni Lodge (standard option) home to a myriad of birdlife, an actively visited waterhole and your home for the night . Alternatively the deluxe option is Finch Hattons, an exclusive, charming and elegant tented camp surrounding freshwater pools, home to hippopotamus and with swimming pool and exceptional cuisine. Enjoy lunch then an afternoon game drive. Tsavo West has volcanic cones, rocky outcrops and lava flows, and is home to the Taita and Masai people. On your game drive from Kilaguni you will visit Mikma Springs, which gush out 50 million gallons of water a day. Dinner and overnight Kilaguni Lodge or Finch Hattons.
Day 7 Amboseli/Tsavo West
Leave after breakfast, heading out on an early morning game drive through Tsavo West to the park gate. You'll then cross the Taru Desert until you reach Mariakani, where the scrub bush gives way to palm groves. Return to your coastal hotel for two nights.
Day 9 Tsavo West/Mombasa/London
Monarch Airlines flight direct to Gatwick
Mauritius Extension
Southern Plains: 7 nights
Mauritius: 4 nights
Day 8 Mombasa/Nairobi/Mauritius
Tranfers from Kole Kole or Serena Beach after one night for the night flight to Mauritius via Nairobi with Kenya Airways.
Day 9 Mauritius
Transfer to the Veranda Grand Baie (standard option) or Heritage Golf & Spa Resort (deluxe option) for four nights.
Day 13 Mauritius/London
Southern Plains - Deluxe Option
For the deluxe option of the tour shown above please use this tour reference and the deluxe option + Mauritius extension, please use 'SA8043'
