Things to do in Kenya

The Tsavo night drive

On recent night drives I’ve seen civet cats, owls, elephants and even three leopards in just one evening…

By Lakshmi Moolraj

Chief Operating Officer at Finch Hattons

Join one of our expert guides for a night drive to discover what Tsavo National Park is like after dark. Finch Hattons is built around natural springs which draw wildlife, so at night there’s plenty of hippos and crocodiles to spot – in fact, we even had a serval cat drinking from the camp’s pool recently! There have been multiple times when we’re sitting around the dining table and a guide will say they’ve spotted a leopard – guests will immediately abandon their dinner to hop in the vehicle and see them.

Depending on your luck, you might encounter nocturnal creatures like mongooses, porcupines and leopards on your night drive. The first thing you’ll notice is those glowing eyes in the darkness, then your guide will shine a torch to reveal an animal staring back at you. On recent night drives I’ve seen civet cats, owls, elephants and even three leopards in just one evening. I’d recommend the experience because you get to see Tsavo’s wildlife and landscape through a completely different lens.

Available in these itineraries…

Itinerary

Amboseli, Tsavo and Beach
by Daniel Heatly

Length11 Days

Price range£5,795 - £7,725pp

Alfred & Lakshmi Moolraj

Lakshmi Moolraj has spent the last 20 years working in hospitality throughout East Africa and now lives in Nairobi. Having travelled extensively, she's passionate about culture, people and food and has been fortunate enough to work with some of the best hospitality teams in the world. Lakshmi is a firm believer that nothing should be taken too seriously, laughter is the best medicine and it's the people that make the place.

Lakshmi Moolraj, Chief Operating Officer at Finch Hattons

Plan your holiday withAlfred&

Your journey will start with one of our UK team – someone like Becky, who's travelled extensively in Kenya. They’ll shape your ideas into the trip of a lifetime. But they won't do it alone. They'll draw on the expertise of our contacts on the ground, connecting you to the people who'll make your holiday one you'll always remember - the rangers who'll ensure you'll spot the best wildlife in the Mara, the village chiefs who'll give you a genuine insight into local life and the camp managers who can recommend the very best spot for your sundowner.

Becky Souissi

Alfred& Tailormade Expert

With over 20 years of experience, Becky’s passion for travel has taken her across the globe from the patterned promenades of Rio de Janeiro to the lakes of Vietnam. You’ll most likely find her in Africa where she travelled the continent trying and testing over 40 game drives. One of her favourite places in the world is the picturesque Maasai Mara for its early morning balloon rides and exceptional game viewing. It’s when among the local communities though where she feels most inspired.
Mohamed Iribo

Safari Guide at Elewana Loisaba Tented Camp

Mohamed Iribo is a passionate safari guide who has worked across Kenya, including in Samburu National Reserve, the Maasai Mara and Meru National Park. Mohamed grew up at Ol Pejeta Conservancy, where his father was a game ranger, so conservation is in his blood. Having worked with the Elewana Collection for eight years, the last four of those at Loisaba, he offers expert insight on animal behaviour and has an engaging sense of humour that guests love.
Janine Anjarwalla

Director of Sales and Marketing, Mara Engai Lodge

Janine Anjarwalla was born and raised in East Africa and has been working in the luxury hotel market for over a decade. She's passionate about promoting the region's culture, experiences and rich heritage to guests from all over the world and has proudly worked with Mara Engai Lodge since its inception. Janine loves to explore on safari and appreciates a good steak.
Mohanjeet Brar

Managing Director, Porini Camps

Mohanjeet Brar grew up in the forests of the Kenyan highlands, so he has a close connection with the country’s wild landscapes and local people. He’s a keen naturalist and conservationist with a doctorate degree in Plant Science, as well as a certified safari guide. Mohanjeet is now the Managing Director of Porini Safari Camps and is married with two kids who love going on safari.
Jonathan and Angela Scott

Big cat writers, photographers and filmmakers

Jonathan and Angela Scott are award-winning wildlife photographers, TV presenters, authors and conservationists. The couple live in Nairobi and have a permanent base at Governors’ Camp in the Maasai Mara, where they’ve been documenting the lives of the area’s lions, leopards and cheetahs for over 40 years. Jonathan and Angela famously filmed the BBC’s Big Cat Diaries in the Maasai Mara for 12 years and have continued this legacy with Big Cat Tales on Animal Planet.
Christine Macharia

Sales & Marketing Executive at GoVacation, Alfred&’s partner in Kenya

Christine Macharia was born in Laikipia, Kenya. After working in hospitality, Christine transitioned to the tourism industry in 2018 and currently works as a Sales and Marketing Executive at GoVacation. She loves showing off all the wonderful destinations East Africa has to offer and is passionate about offering outstanding tour experiences that touch the soul.