Safari & Sand - Mara to Mombasa

Itinerary

• Kenya

  Kenya is the regional hub for the quintessential safari experience, featuring top game parks of Masai Mara, Samburu, Amboseli, and the beaches of Mombasa and Lamu. The country has the most modern infrastructure in the region and excellent flight connections to other countries in Africa. The "Big Five" animals of Africa can also be found in Kenya: the lion, leopard, buffalo, rhinoceros and elephant. It is also famous for the annual migration, when millions of wildebeest head north to find fresh grass during the dry season. The migration varies yearly based on the rains, but tends to peak between mid-July to mid-September (in other months the migration moves around the Serengeti park in Tanzania.

• Masai Mara

  Masai Mara is the northernmost portion of the larger Serengeti ecosystem and features the best game viewing in the region. The small size funnels animals into a tight space, and park rules allow for off-road driving which means that guests can venture into plains covered with hundreds or even thousands of animals. Take an optional hot air balloon ride over the plains, with the opportunity for amazing pictures of the animal herds below.

• Mombasa

  Mombasa is the second largest city in Kenya, lying on the Indian Ocean. It has a major port and an international airport. The city is the centre of the coastal tourism industry. Known for spectacular and economical beaches, Mombasa has long been a get-away destination. A terrific value option to relax after a safari. Sign up for optional activities including; deep sea fishing, boat excursions, scuba diving. There are several places to visit in Mombasa, including Fort Jesus, built by the Portuguese, and the Old Town, which has old Islamic architecture.

• Nairobi

  Nairobiis the least expensive arrival city for flights with a full range of hotels and local attractions. Dubbed the “Safari Capital of the World,” cool, clear and cosmopolitanNairobiis the natural departure point for most safari itineraries. A city of contrasts, it is simultaneously the largest, the youngest, the most modern, the highest (1700m) and the fastest growing city inEast Africa. High-altitudeNairobienjoys a pleasant tropical climate all year round. There are ATMs and banks to stock up on cash, great restaurants, and malls where you can purchase any forgotten items.

• • Nairobi
  • Serena Hotel Poolside

  Day 1: Nairobi

  In the event of serious illness, all travellers are covered by Flying Doctors Insurance. This covers the cost of emergency air evacuation service needed to fly back to Nairobi for treatment. This insurance does not cover the cost of medical treatment.

  You will receive a private airport transfer to/from the airport.

  Accommodation: Serena

  The Nairobi Serena Hotel is a member of the Leading Hotels of the World, excelling in quality, service, and comfort beyond expectations. Its vibrant tropical gardens and skyline offer a range of views from its 184 rooms and suites, each decked with pan-African themed influences. Two stylish restaurants, offer both a la carte and/or buffet, and serve an international selection of fine cuisine amidst mesmerizing settings. Take advantage of the local attractions and, following a demanding full day, relax in the hands of an expert masseuse at the Maisha Serena Health Club. Gym, spa & pool at the hotel.

• • Masai
  • Mara West Outdoor Dining

  Day 2: Nairobi - Masai Mara

  This morning you'll meet up with your guide and head off to the Masai Mara. The drive will be about 5 to 6 hours.

  This afternoon's game viewing will be exciting as you are searching for game with your private guide and driver. The leopard is difficult to see as it moves fast and is very shy. If you're lucky there is a good chance to spot them around water holes or up in a tree after a long, hot day.

  Accommodation: Kensington Mara West

  Kensington Mara West Camp has been revamped and relocated to what is surely one of the best views in East Africa. Perched elegantly on the Ololoolo escarpment, forming the western boundary of the Masai Mara Reserve itself. This is the authentic Out of Africa experience where much of the original film itself was filmed & produced. The camp borders the remote and beautiful western edge of Masai Mara National Reserve. Kensington Mara West provides nature lovers with deluxe accommodations while experiencing the sights and sounds of an unforgettable African safari. Tents offer rustic charm surrounded by grassy fields. Chalets are perched in secluded spots on an escarpment edge overlooking the vast plains of the Masai Mara Game Reserve, giving tremendous views and a sense of private exclusion.

• • Lion

  Day 3: Masai Mara

  Today as you set on the early morning game drive with your expert guide. The Masai Mara Park will offer you a diverse range of animals. The park is home to the Big Five (Lion, Rhino, Elephant, Buffalo and Leopard) and numerous other antelopes including Thomson's and Grant's Gazelles, Impalas, Topics, Hartebeest, Zebra and Masai Giraffe. It's also home to over 450 species of birdlife among these are vultures, marabou storks, secretary birds, hornbills, crowned cranes, ostriches, long-crested eagles and African pygmy-falcons.

  On today’s afternoon game drive the choice is up to you: search for the Big 5 or expand your horizons to discover something different. Masai Mara not only has a rich mix of animals – it also has an incredible array of bird life with almost 450 different species.

  Accommodation: Kensington Mara West
• • Hippo

  Day 4: Masai Mara

  Masai Mara is named after the traditional inhabitants (Maasai) and the Mara River. At some point during your stay in the Mara, you'll drive by the river, which is a great place to spot wildlife. This area is a photographer's delight where with any luck you'll be able to take amazing pictures of the hippos and elephants in the water.

  This afternoon you'll meet up with your guide and head out on your game drive. Mara is one of the few places you could spot the rare rhino. Stay alert as you track these elusive lumbering giants.

  Accommodation: Kensington Mara West
• • Migration River Crossing

  Day 5: Masai Mara

  Today you'll set out early on your morning game drive with your private guide and vehicle. The Mara is most famous for its exceptional population of game and the annual migration of zebra, Thomson's gazelle and the wildebeest from the Serengeti every year from July to October.

  This afternoon's game viewing will be exciting as you are searching for game with your private guide and driver. The leopard is difficult to see as it moves fast and is very shy. If you're lucky there is a good chance to spot them around water holes or up in a tree after a long, hot day.

  Accommodation: Kensington Mara West
• • Mombasa
  • Msambweni Beach House & Private Villa

  Day 6: Masai Mara - Mombasa

  If time allows, your expert guide will be fitting in one more game drive before dropping you off at the airstrip. It will be your last chance to see the Masai Mara’s vast plains & its diverse range of birds and animals.

  Take your flight from Masai Mara to Mombasa today. The flight duration is approximately 1hr 45mins.

  Airport transfer with private vehicle and guide.

  Accommodation: Msambweni Beach House & Private Villa

  Msambweni means the land of Sable Antelope on Kenya's South coast. Msambweni house is in a quiet, unspoilt, unique setting on the beach surrounded by 28 acres of natural land. The house offers 700 feet of private beach along a tropical 4 mile white, sandy coastline with palm trees where guests can really feel at one with nature. It stands on a 40 feet high cliff and is safely surrounded by a typical coral wall. Msambweni house is luxury uncompromising. It's a family owned and run exclusive house with three spacious and luxurious suites in the main house, one villa and a luxury tent. The house has probably the best infinite pool ever and its winding jetty ends in a perfect sun downer spot on a cliff overlooking the big Indian Ocean, the ideal location where guests can enjoy pre-dinner cocktails under the African sky and the sound of lapping waves.

• • Mombasa Windsailing

  Day 7: Mombasa

  Sign up for optional activities at your resort (not included in tour price); deep sea fishing, boat excursions, scuba diving, or other.

  Accommodation: Msambweni Beach House & Private Villa

• Day 8: Mombasa

  Sign up for optional activities at your resort (not included in tour price); deep sea fishing, boat excursions, scuba diving, or other.

  Accommodation: Msambweni Beach House & Private Villa

• Day 9: Mombasa

  Sign up for optional activities at your resort (not included in tour price); deep sea fishing, boat excursions, scuba diving, or other.

  Accommodation: Msambweni Beach House & Private Villa
• • Masai Market, Nairobi

  Day 10: Mombasa - Nairobi

  Airport transfer with private vehicle and guide.

  Take your flight from Mombasa to Wilson Airport, Nairobi today. The flight duration is approximately 1 hour.

  You will receive a private airport transfer to/from the airport.

  Includes opportunity to visit local handicraft markets to shop for souvenirs.

  Accommodation: Depart

  Depart from Nairobi international airport - end of itinerary.

Accommodation

• Wildlife Encounters

  The leopard is an agile and graceful predator. Although smaller than the other members of Panthera, the leopard is still able to take large prey given a massive skull that well utilizes powerful jaw muscles. One of many spotted cats, a leopard may be mistaken for a cheetah or a jaguar. The leopard has rosette rather than cheetah's simple spots, but they lack internal spots, unlike the jaguar. The leopard is larger and less lanky than the cheetah but smaller than the jaguar. The leopard's black, irregular rosettes serve as camouflage. They are circular in East Africa but tend to be square in southern Africa.

• Culinary Delights

  Just because you are on safari doesn't mean that you have to sacrifice your palate. Enjoy a fusion of exotic and classic dishes such as traditional African and Cape Malay delicacies, fresh seafood served on the beach, Pan-African cuisine and authentic Indian curries.

• Pampered Indulgence

  After a hectic day of game drives, gourmet picnics, and leopard sightings, pull up a canvass chair around the fire, put your feet up on the old tree-stump stool in front of you, and indulge in the great old African tradition of the 'sundowner'. A sundowner consists of having a cocktail of your choice usually perched on a raised area (e.g., an escarpment, hill, rocky outcropping of rocks) as you marvel at the amazing African sunset.

• • Serena Hotel Poolside

  Serena

  The Nairobi Serena Hotel is a member of the Leading Hotels of the World, excelling in quality, service, and comfort beyond expectations. Its vibrant tropical gardens and skyline offer a range of views from its 184 rooms and suites, each decked with pan-African themed influences. Two stylish restaurants, offer both a la carte and/or buffet, and serve an international selection of fine cuisine amidst mesmerizing settings. Take advantage of the local attractions and, following a demanding full day, relax in the hands of an expert masseuse at the Maisha Serena Health Club. Gym, spa & pool at the hotel.

  • More information
• • Mara West Outdoor Dining
  • Mara West Chalet View

  Kensington Mara West

  Kensington Mara West Camp has been revamped and relocated to what is surely one of the best views in East Africa. Perched elegantly on the Ololoolo escarpment, forming the western boundary of the Masai Mara Reserve itself. This is the authentic Out of Africa experience where much of the original film itself was filmed & produced. The camp borders the remote and beautiful western edge of Masai Mara National Reserve. Kensington Mara West provides nature lovers with deluxe accommodations while experiencing the sights and sounds of an unforgettable African safari. Tents offer rustic charm surrounded by grassy fields. Chalets are perched in secluded spots on an escarpment edge overlooking the vast plains of the Masai Mara Game Reserve, giving tremendous views and a sense of private exclusion.

  • More information

• Kensington Mara West

  Kensington Mara West Camp has been revamped and relocated to what is surely one of the best views in East Africa. Perched elegantly on the Ololoolo escarpment, forming the western boundary of the Masai Mara Reserve itself. This is the authentic Out of Africa experience where much of the original film itself was filmed & produced. The camp borders the remote and beautiful western edge of Masai Mara National Reserve. Kensington Mara West provides nature lovers with deluxe accommodations while experiencing the sights and sounds of an unforgettable African safari. Tents offer rustic charm surrounded by grassy fields. Chalets are perched in secluded spots on an escarpment edge overlooking the vast plains of the Masai Mara Game Reserve, giving tremendous views and a sense of private exclusion.

  • More information
• • Msambweni Beach House & Private Villa
  • Bedroom

  Msambweni Beach House & Private Villa

  Msambweni means the land of Sable Antelope on Kenya's South coast. Msambweni house is in a quiet, unspoilt, unique setting on the beach surrounded by 28 acres of natural land. The house offers 700 feet of private beach along a tropical 4 mile white, sandy coastline with palm trees where guests can really feel at one with nature. It stands on a 40 feet high cliff and is safely surrounded by a typical coral wall. Msambweni house is luxury uncompromising. It's a family owned and run exclusive house with three spacious and luxurious suites in the main house, one villa and a luxury tent. The house has probably the best infinite pool ever and its winding jetty ends in a perfect sun downer spot on a cliff overlooking the big Indian Ocean, the ideal location where guests can enjoy pre-dinner cocktails under the African sky and the sound of lapping waves.

  • More information

The Fine Print

• Trip Operator

  Horizon & Co. (founded in 1963), is a privately-owned leading boutique travel company. Horizon designs and stages authentic and deeply personal travel experiences that are carefully choreographed to induce a life-long memory. In addition to offering published trips on seven continents, Horizon builds private custom trips for discerning individuals and small groups.

• Contact Information

  Horizon & Co.
  Tel: 1-800-387-2977
  Email: admin@horizon-co.com
  Web: www.horizon-co.com

• What's Included:

  • Guaranteed departure - Accommodation, Activities, Transfers, Meals, Fees where indicated as per the itinerary - Local and international traveler assistance during your tour - Specialised and personalised services

• What's not Included:

  • Tips - Laundry - Soft drinks and alcoholic beverages unless explicitly noted - Optional activities/extras – Visas (unless noted) - Vacation insurance

• Trip Terms & Conditions

  • Your deposit is due immediately on booking (30% of program price, minimum $250). The balance is due 90 days prior to departure. We accept payment via credit card, certified check, wire transfer or money order.
  • Tour quotes do not include airfare to/from the trip start point unless noted on the itinerary
  • Cost increases in currency exchange, government fees, taxes, surcharges or hotel/lodge tariff increases between quote date and start date are payable by the client.
  • Availability cannot be guaranteed until booked. We will exercise best efforts to book hotels per the itinerary, however, in busy seasons and with client bookings made within 90 days of tour date we may be forced to offer substitutes.
  • Cancellations of confirmed bookings 90 days or more prior to departure will receive full refund minus a $350 (per person) administrative fee and any non-refundable paid fees (e.g. non-refundable airfare, cruise or hotel deposits). 60-89 days will be subject to loss of deposit. 30-59 days will be subject to loss of 50% of program price. 29 days or less will be subject to 100% of program price.
  • Payment of the program price constitutes your acceptance of the terms and conditions set out at www.horizon-co.com/terms-and-conditions
  • Living Standards and practices at destination may differ from those in North America with respect to provisions of utilities, services and accommodation.

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