Day 1: Arrive in Nairobi, Airport Pick-up
Game Drive in Kenya Upon arrival, you will be warmly welcomed by our local safari representative at Nairobi Airport and then escorted to check into the hotel downtown. Useful Information:1. Yellow Fever Vaccine: It is suggested that travelers from countries with a risk of Yellow Fever receive a vaccination before departure, and those who will then leave Kenya for countries like Tanzania, South Africa, Australia, or China also need to get a yellow fever vaccination as customs require it. 2. SIM Card: We recommend you buy a SIM card from Safaricom which can provide a light network even in national parks and reserves, while other operators’ SIM cards may have no signals at all. You can buy one at the store near the airport exit or in the downtown area of Nairobi, opening from 8 am to 9 pm. It may cost you 7 USD for 7 GB of data, valid for 30 days. Free Time Suggestion: Visit Kenya’s National Museum & Snake Park Stepping into the museum, you will see the “Cradle of Human Kind” gallery, where detailed knowledge of early man and the tools used in the Stone Age, from 2.5 million years ago to 3300 BCE, will be introduced. In addition, you can also have a close look at the fossil of the hominin skull dating back to 3.2-3.6 million years ago. With deeper exploration, the specimens of more than 900 birds and fossils of various animals will make you shock. Leaving the exhibition hall, you can head to the snake park in the museum where many reptiles are raised, such as lizards, turtles, and crocodiles. In addition, you can watch a snake feeding demonstration, which will give you a better understanding of how snakes hunt. ► Tip: The museum opens from 8:30 am to 5:30 pm. We recommend you book the combined ticket for the museum and snake park, which costs 1,200 Ksh (10 USD) per person. You can book the ticket online and pay with eCitizen, Kenya’s official digital payment platform. Or buy at the entrance with a Visa card. Accommodation: Four Points by Sheraton Nairobi Hurlingham (4 stars) or similar
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Day 2: Head to Amboseli National Park, Enjoy an Afternoon Game Drive
Today, we will drive for 4 hours to Amboseli National Park situated at the border of Kenya and Tanzania. Thanks to its great location, the park is not only known as an elephant paradise but also one of the best places to admire Africa’s highest peak, Mount Kilimanjaro, with majestic snow-capped views. Take your chances to capture its most beautiful pictures, or the glacier on the mountain may be melting in the following years and even disappear in 2050 due to climate change. In the afternoon, we will take an exciting game drive in this wildlife paradise to look for hippos, buffalo, zebras, and various bird species. If lucky, you could capture the spectacular scenes of lions hunting. The sunset view on this boundless savanna is another highlight, which will leave you with an unforgettable memory. ★ Our Strength: Pop-up Roof Safari VehicleWe will provide you with a 4×4 pop-top roof land cruiser on safari, whose closed body with openable windows and top can protect you from the sun, wind, and dust and give you an elevated view while admiring animals. Compared to minivans offered by other operators, it is more spacious and comfortable, and has better performance to tackle rough road conditions in the savanna. Meals: Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner Accommodation: Amboseli Serena Lodge (4 stars)
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Day 3: Full-day Safari Tour in Amboseli National Park
After breakfast, we will begin today’s safari before sunrise. The sunlight at dawn shining through the mist turns light purple, which adds mystery to the savanna. As the sun gets higher, animals become active. This is the best time to explore the trail of elephants. Without the block of tall vegetation, you can easily see them on the grassland. Our guide will escort you to Observation Hill, a sightseeing platform where you can enjoy a panoramic view of the park. Safari Tips from Our Experts:1. Our vehicle is equipped with a water device that will provide drinking water to you, so remember to bring a water bottle. 2. It is better not to feed or startle animals as they may be scared off. 3. Please avoid leaning out the window or groveling on the car during game-driving in case of danger. 4. We suggest you take insect repellent as there may be mosquitoes in national parks and reserves. Meals: Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner Accommodation: Amboseli Serena Lodge (4 stars) Spot the Elephants
Buffaloes in Kenya
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Day 4: Head to Tsavo West National Park, Enjoy an Afternoon Game Drive
After breakfast, we will drive westward for around 2 to 3 hours to Tsavo National Park, the largest and one of the oldest national parks in Kenya. It is divided into two parts: Tsavo West, famous for the land of lava, springs, and magical sunset, and Tsavo East, known as the Theatre of the Wild. These two parks comprise a total area of 22,000 square kilometers (8,494 square miles). Today, you will be escorted to explore the western part that covers 9,065 square kilometers (3,500 square miles).
Upon arrival, you will first be escorted to check into the lodge and enjoy today's lunch. Then, in the afternoon, we will visit the Mzima Springs, which consist of four founts. The spring water comes from the distant mountains, flows through the underground, and finally bursts out of the dry lava fields. Our guide will accompany you to the main spring where the old paths and wooden staircases will lead you to an underwater viewing room. Through its glass, you will see the lurking crocodiles and other fishes in the spring. ► Tip: The path around the fount is covered by tephra and grit, so we recommend you wear closed shoes to avoid being hurt or soiled.
Meals: Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner Accommodation: Kilaguni Serena Lodge, Tsavo (4 stars)
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Day 5: Full-day Game Drive in Tsavo West
During the game drive today, you will enjoy the scenic landscape of this park and spot a number of unique animals in Africa, such as leopards, African elephants, lions, warthogs, dik-dik, rhinos, and various bird species. You may encounter lesser kudus here. The V-shaped white hair between the eyes is their distinctive feature. Female kudus are usually in a rufous “coat” with strips, while male kudus with beautiful spiral horns prefer gray. ★ Handpicked Lodge to Enhance Your Tsavo Experience:The lodge and camp we selected for you are respectively in the center of Tsavo West and East and near natural ponds. From the room, you can see animals such as elephants, zebras, and antelopes come for water. You may also have a chance to encounter monkeys and various birds closely. Animals may stray near the lodge at night, so we suggest you not leave the room alone. If you need to go outside, the hotel staff will accompany you. Meals: Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner Accommodation: Kilaguni Serena Lodge, Tsavo (4 stars)
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Day 6: Head to Taita Hills Wildlife Sanctuary, Enjoy an Afternoon Game Drive
Today, we will drive to Taita Hills Wildlife Sanctuary, a privately owned game sanctuary just next to Tsavo West. As a migrating corridor between Tsavo West and East, it is relatively smaller in size than other national reserves. But just because of its compact area, it's more likely to spot rare wild animals, including waterbucks and Thompson's Gazelles. Different from the dry Tsavo National Park, Taita Hills Wildlife Sanctuary is lush with green bushes, and you can admire the spectacular view of Mount Kilimanjaro, Pare, Uluguru Mountains, and the Taita Hills in the distance on sunny days.
Meals: Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner Accommodation: Sarova Salt Lick Game Lodge (5 stars)
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Day 7: Head to Tsavo East National Park, Enjoy an Afternoon Game Drive
After breakfast, we will drive for around 3 to 4 hours to Tsavo East National Park. In the afternoon, we will have a game drive to find the African Big Five (lions, leopards, elephants, buffalo, rhinoceroses) and other wildlife, such as crocodiles, hippos, and giraffes. On safari, you will be surprised by the unique red soil here, and you may encounter elephants wallowing and dusting in dust, which makes them appear brick-red. At dusk, you will see these gentle guys gather at the Galana River. Meals: Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner Accommodation: Satao Camp (4 stars)
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Day 8: Full-day Safari in Tsavo East
Today you will take a whole day game drive to travel through Tsavo East National Park. Despite the Big Five and red-dust elephants, Tsavo East is also famous for its maneless lions. Although they look less dignified than the image of the “king of the jungle” in our impression, their aggressiveness cannot be underestimated. These ferocious beasts are also known as Tsavo Man-Eaters, as they are said to have eaten 135 workers in the late 1800s. If you want, our guide will drive you to Mubanda Rock, a natural viewing platform in the park. The spring under it attracts many animals to come for water. Our guide can escort you to the top of the rock, where you can admire animals at a short distance. After the safari today, we will return to the camp for dinner.
Meals: Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner Accommodation: Satao Camp (4 stars)
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Day 9: Head to Diani Beach, Enjoy Some Leisure Time
Located 18 miles south of Mombasa, Diani Beach is a piece of "Wonderland on Earth" on the coast of the Indian Ocean, where the endless white sand, crystal blue sea, as well as swaying palm trees paint a bright and beautiful picture, making it one of the top beaches in Africa and even in the world. You can sunbathe on the beach, enjoy exhilarating kite surfing, and dive near the shore.
Upon arrival, you will check into the hotel, and your wonderful Kenya beach holiday will start here. The resort we booked for you is located within 80 acres of tropical gardens and stretches over 0.3 miles of golden beachfront, where you can enjoy ultimate beachfront bliss.
Meals: Breakfast, Lunch Accommodation: Baobab Beach Resort and Spa (4 stars)
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Day 10: Free Day at Diani Beach
Today, you can continue to enjoy Diani Beach on your own. In addition to taking part in various beach activities, Wasini Island, a 40-minute voyage from the beach, is worth a visit, where you can witness the ocean tides. The water here is clear, and different parts appear in different colors: hyaline near the shore, light blue at further part, and deeper blue in the distance. You can take a dhow or fiber boat to find the trail of dolphins near the island. These intelligent creatures are most active from July to October and January to February, as the sun is bright and the water is warm. If you visit from July to December, you may even have a chance to encounter the humpback. ► Tips: 1. The hotel and dive shops nearby usually provide boat renting services, which may cost around USD 40 per person. If you need us to arrange a day tour of the island, please contact our consultant ahead of time so we can better tailor the itinerary for you. 2. Remember to negotiate the price before getting on tuk-tuks near the beach. You can also ask the hotel staff for help to reserve a car. Meals: Breakfast Accommodation: Baobab Beach Resort and Spa (4 stars) Diani Beach
Enjoy the Water Scooter
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Day 11: Free Day at Diani Beach
Today is your last day at Diani Beach. Taking a camel ride along the beach will leave you an unforgettable memory. Some of these camels are not brown but white, which is very beautiful with red saddles. You can also participate in scuba diving to discover turtles, coral reefs, and various colorful sea fish underwater. Want something more thrilling? Try water scooter! You can drive yourself, which will bring you an utterly different experience.
► Recommended Restaurant: Ali Barbour's Cave is a unique restaurant with a 10-minute drive from your hotel. It was built in a coral cave formed 180 thousand years ago with no roof. The best time to dine is at dusk when you can not only enjoy the sunlight but also admire the lighted reef and starry sky as night comes. Located near the sea, it mainly provides fresh seafood. 1. As the restaurant has a minimum consumption requirement, diners are expected to order at least two dishes, including one staple food. It may cost 30-40 USD per person. You can pay with a credit card; cash is acceptable as well. 2. The restaurant opens at 17:30. You need to reserve ahead of time. It provides free hotel pickup after reservation. Hailing a car on Uber and Bolt is also convenient.
Meals: Breakfast Accommodation: Baobab Beach Resort and Spa (4 stars)
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Day 12: Fly Back to Nairobi, Departure from Kenya
Your Kenya safari and beach holiday will end today. After breakfast, you will be transferred to Diani Airport for a 1-hour flight to Nairobi Jomo Kenyatta International Airport, where you could make your own connection home. If it is in the peak season (Dec.-Mar. & Jul.-Oct.), the airport may be a little crowded, and checking luggage will take longer. So we suggest you book a return flight leaving Nairobi in the afternoon or evening to avoid missing it.
Want to continue exploring the African savanna? Tanzania awaits you! The grassland there is vaster and better protected and features animal migrations for more than ten months over the year. If you are interested in our Tanzania tour, please contact our consultant for more detailed information.
Meal: Breakfast
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