Ideally suited to those staying in Mombasa, embark on a memorable odyssey through south eastern Kenya’s majestic wildlife parks, coming face to face with the mammals and birds that roam these endless savannahs, beginning and ending your journey in Mombasa on the shores of the Indian Ocean. Over four unforgettable days, this comprehensive safari visits diverse wilderness areas, from the lakes of the Great Rift Valley and open plains of the Mara to the undulating hills of Tsavo and on to the Mombasa coast. This is a compact safari trip but provides an excellent opportunity to view a diverse variety of wildlife and the overshadowing snow-capped peaks of Mount Kilimanjaro.
TOUR HIGHLIGHTS
Amboseli National Park: crowned by Mount Kilimanjaro, Africa's highest peak, the Amboseli National Parks is one of Kenya's finest parks. Amboseli is also nature a photograph lover. On your game drives on Amboseli’s great horizons, you can spot wildebeest, zebra, buffalo, gazelle and of course, cheetahs and lions.
Taita Hills Wildlife Sanctuary: visit this compact park where you can head straight to the action in search of 50 mammal species. A good mix of pretty landscapes, good birdwatching and decent mammal populations, also where lions and elephants are frequently sighted.
Tsavo East National Park: the elegant wild animals are easy to spot congregating by the reservoir created by a dam in the park. The park forms the largest protected area in Kenya and is home to most of the larger mammals: red elephant, Rhino, buffalo, lion, leopard, pods of hippo, crocodile, waterbucks, lesser Kudu, gerenuk and prolific birdlife.
Day 1: MOMBASA – TSAVO EAST NATIONAL PARK (200km - 4 hr)
Start the day early with a pick-up from Moi Airport or your North/South coast beach hotel (travellers are suggested to arrive in Mombasa the day before to reach the tour on time). Drive north, along the main highway towards Nairobi, following the route of the railway line built by the British late in the nineteenth century. The road passes through the warehouses and workshops on the outskirts of Mombasa, climbing steadily and soon the vast plains of Tsavo become visible in the distance, with the rolling Taita Hills on the horizon. Enter Tsavo East National Park at Buchuma Gate; here the driver will open the roof of your vehicle, so you can stand up with the wind in your hair. Welcome to Africa, the safari has begun! Tsavo is the largest National Park in Kenya split into East and West by the highway. You will arrive at your lodge in time for lunch and later enjoy time for relaxation before setting off back into the park for your afternoon game drive. Return to the lodge as the sun sets. The 40 deluxe rooms each have a terrace overlooking the plains or the Aruba dam. Each room is designed to provide utmost comfort ensuring a pleasant stay. The rooms also contain an ensuite toilet and shower facility with bathroom accessories. A variety of room types are available double rooms, triple rooms, rooms for the physically challenged and adjoining rooms, making it family-friendly. In the evening, wrap the day up with dinner at the lodge.
Overnight in Tsavo East.
Day 2: TSAVO EAST – AMBOSELI NATIONAL PARK (245km - 4.5hr)
After an early breakfast, depart to Amboseli. Join the main highway and continue northwards, passing Hunters Lodge, the sight of the infamous ‘Man eaters of Tsavo’ incident where lions attacked the workers building the railway, made famous in a Hollywood movie. Reach the township of Emali, you will leave the main road and head south towards Amboseli national park. If the weather is clear, you will catch sight of the majestic Mount Kilimanjaro directly ahead, arriving at your camp in time for lunch. After some time for relaxation or a dip in the inviting swimming pool, set out into the national park for a game drive. Taking you across this vast lakebed often dry, but still very swampy in areas. Amboseli best known for its great herds of elephant you will often find many of them standing knee deep in the water, spraying themselves to keep cool. However, there is a lot of other game here too cheetah, buffalo, giraffe, many types of gazelle and other plains game and it is all set against the amazing backdrop of majestic Mount Kilimanjaro. Return to the camp as the sun sets.In the evening, wrap the day up with dinner at the lodge. Sentrim Amboseli is located on the border of Amboseli National Park, right near Kimana gate. The entirely new 60 luxurious and comfortable deluxe ensuite tents are evenly spread out with fantastic view of Mt Kilimanjaro. The main guest area consists of reception, lounge area, restaurant and bar lounge and gift shop. Finish the day with dinner at the camp.
Overnight at Amboseli.
Day 3: AMBOSELI – TAITA HILLS WILDLILFE SANCTUARY (200km - 4.5 hr)
Following an early morning game drive and breakfast, depart east to Taita Hills, arriving in time for lunch followed by an afternoon game drive in the Sanctuary, returning to the lodge as the sun sets. After dinner set out on a night game drive, this time with an opportunity to view nocturnal wildlife in their habitat. Salt Lick Safari Lodge is located in the heart of a private Wildlife Sanctuary which lies adjacent to Tsavo National Park, therefore playing an increasingly important role in the protection and conservation of Kenya's wildlife heritage. The entire lodge is raised on stilts, providing 24-hour game viewing opportunities from any corner of the lodge.
Overnight in Taita Hills.
Day 4: TAITA HILLS – DEPARTURE MOMBASA (230km – 4hr)
After breakfast enjoy one last early morning game drive in the sanctuary, returning to the lodge for lunch. Then, continue your journey to the Mombasa Hotel in the North/South coast beach area (not included), aiming to reach your beach hotel early evening.
Passengers should bring only soft-sided bags on safari. Passengers arriving to Kenya may be asked to present a valid Yellow Fever Vaccination Certificate. Travellers’ cheques are generally not accepted in east Africa. US banknotes cannot be older than 2012 and must have the latest security markings (large portrait of the president). Sun protection, sunglasses, a hat and mosquito repellent can be very useful during your stay.
