Arrival in Nairobi
Welcome to Kenya. Upon arrival in Nairobi, a local representative will be waiting at the airport to transfer you to your comfortable hotel. The rest of the day is free to relax ahead of your safari adventure. Overnight at Fairmont The Norfolk.
Things to do:
Meet orphaned elephants at the Sheldrick Wildlife Trust
Visit endangered Rothschild’s giraffes
Nairobi & Amboseli
After breakfast, depart Nairobi on a 5-hour drive to Amboseli National Park, close to the Tanzanian border. Amboseli is a photographer’s paradise boasting unparalleled views of snow-capped Mount Kilimanjaro and some of the most spectacular sunrises and sunsets you’re likely to see anywhere. After refreshing at your award-winning eco lodge, enjoy an al fresco lunch with superb views of Africa’s highest peak, then head out on an afternoon game drive in the national park. Overnight at Tawi Lodge.
Things to do:
Tawi: the Amboseli eco-lodge
Discover Amboseli, a photographer’s paradise
Dine with a Kilimanjaro view at Tawi Lodge
Amboseli
Today, enjoy two game drives in Amboseli. The national park has a large concentration of wildlife including over 1,000 elephants. You’ll hopefully get to see them taking a dip in the snowmelt-fed swamps. As well as the huge herds, you may catch sight of buffalo and lion in the rolling hills and open savannah. Another great option is a guided bush walk through the community-run Kilitome Conservancy. Back at camp enjoy a swim in the large pool or take in the views of the watering hole where wildlife including zebra, giraffe, and warthogs come to drink. Overnight at Tawi Lodge.
Things to do:
Tawi: the Amboseli eco-lodge
Explore on foot with a Maasai guide at Tawi Lodge
The Amboseli hot air balloon adventure
Amboseli & Tsavo
After breakfast, drive for 2-hours to Tsavo West National Park. The landscape here is spectacularly varied, with semi-arid plains, open grasslands, dense woodlands, rocky outcrops and lava flows. Your base for the next 2-nights is a luxury tented camp with a natural spring, home to a resident pod of hippos, crocodiles and various birdlife. You’ll spend the afternoon on a game drive, in search of the spectacular herds of ‘red elephants' that the park is famous for. Their unusual colouring stems from the rich red dust and soil that they cover themselves in. Return to camp for a gourmet dinner and an evening of stargazing from the observation deck. Overnight at Finch Hattons.
Things to do:
The luxury Finch Hattons safari experience
Visit Tsavo, Kenya’s largest national park
The Tsavo night drive
Tsavo
Head out on a full-day game drive in historic Tsavo West. As well as its dust red elephants, the park is home to an abundance of other wildlife including rhino, buffalo, leopard, lion, waterbuck, lesser kudu, giraffe and the rare gerenuk. You’ll also visit the popular Mzima Springs, a series of sparkling pools fed by underground streams. An underwater viewing chamber offers the chance to observe hippos and crocodiles beneath the surface of these wildlife-rich pools. Back at camp you can swim in the infinity pool, visit the largest spa in East Africa, or try a yoga class in the bush. There’s also the option of a thrilling night game drive. Overnight at Finch Hattons.
Things to do:
The luxury Finch Hattons safari experience
Stargazing in Tsavo
Yoga in the bush at Finch Hattons
Tsavo & Watamu
With your safari completed it’s time for some well-earned R&R. After breakfast you’ll drive for 5 hours to Watamu Marine National Park on Kenya’s coast. Here you’ll spend the next 5 nights in an elegant retreat, fronting a white-sand beach and backed by the Mida Creek Mangrove Forest. Choose from luxury hotel rooms or 2 and 4-bedroom apartments. Overnight at Hemingways Watamu.
Things to do:
Hemingways Watamu: the boutique beach hotel in a UNESCO reserve
Diamonds Dream of Africa: sustainability behind the fabulous suites
Watamu
With over 600 species of fish flitting among corals, the Watamu Marine National Park is a veritable paradise for diving and snorkelling. Both can be arranged from the hotel, as well as a wide selection of other water sports including stand-up paddleboarding, kitesurfing, water-skiing and wakeboarding. You may also spot turtles swimming ashore to bury their eggs in the sand, or even humpback whales during July and August. The mangrove forest surrounding the hotel is also rich in birdlife. Overnight at Hemingways Watamu.
Things to do:
Hemingways Watamu: the boutique beach hotel in a UNESCO reserve
Relax by the ocean in Watamu and Malindi
Watamu
The nearby town of Malindi is well worth a visit to explore the crumbling Gedi Ruins. Dating back to the early 13th century, this once-grand Swahili town is UNESCO-listed. Tree roots tangle with stone walls and branches overhang grand arches, as the remains are slowly reclaimed by primeval forest. Known as ‘Little Italy’ due to its population of Italian expats, Malindi’s streets are filled with gelato shops and pizzerias that are perfect for a sea-front feast. Overnight at Hemingways Watamu.
Things to do:
Hemingways Watamu: the boutique beach hotel in a UNESCO reserve
Relax by the ocean in Watamu and Malindi
Watamu
Overnight at Hemingways Watamu.
Things to do:
Hemingways Watamu: the boutique beach hotel in a UNESCO reserve
Watamu
Overnight at Hemingways Watamu.
Things to do:
Hemingways Watamu: the boutique beach hotel in a UNESCO reserve
Watamu & Departure
After breakfast, drive to Malindi or Mombasa Airport for your onward travel.
