Sarova Horizons Safari

Day 1 – Nairobi

Arrival at Jomo Kenyatta Airport met and assisted by Msafiri Africa representative. Transfer to your hotel. Rest of the day is spent at leisure in Nairobi. Overnight at the Stanley Hotel BB

Day 2 – Samburu & Buffalo Springs National Reserve

Drive north via Nanyuki and Mt Kenya to the Samburu National Reserve. Rugged and remote, this wildlife reserve provides some the best and most colorful game viewing in the country. Lunch at your lodge. Afternoon game drive en route to the lodge. Meals and overnight at Sarova Shaba Lodge LDBB

Day 3 – Samburu & Buffalo Springs National Reserve

Full day in Samburu with early morning and afternoon game drives. Meals and overnight at Sarova Shaba (LDBB)

Day 4 – Lake Nakuru

Breakfast in your lodge then take your day’s drive taking you past the Aberdares mountain range to the floor of the Great Rift Valley, destination Lake Nakuru National Park. After lunch proceed on an afternoon game drive. This park was originally declared a national park because of a superbly diverse bird population, which includes many migrants; the park is also a favourite place for travellers who seek the rare black rhino. All meals and overnight at Sarova Lionhill Lodge (LDBB)

Day 5 – Maasai Mara National Game Reserve

After breakfast drive to the Maasai Mara National Reserve offering wonderful scenery and plenty of game. It is perhaps the only region left in Kenya where the visitor may see animals in the same super-abundance as existed a century ago. Arrive for lunch at your camp. Afternoon game drive until sunset. Meals and overnight at Sarova Mara camp (LDBB)

Day 6 – Maasai Mara National Game Reserve

{Early morning optional balloon ride with champagne-style breakfast at extra cost}.
Whole day in Maasai Mara with early morning and afternoon game drives. Meals and overnight at Sarova Mara camp (LDBB)

Day 7 – Maasai Mara National Game Reserve

Whole day in Maasai Mara with early morning and afternoon game drives. Meals and overnight at Sarova Mara camp (LDBB)

Day 8 – Mombasa

Breakfast in your camp. This morning you will drive back to Nairobi arriving in time for lunch on own arrangements. After lunch transfer to Jomo Kenyatta airport for your flight to Mombasa (Cost of flight is not included). On arrival at Moi Airport, you will be transferred to your beach hotel. Dinner and overnight at Sarova Whitesands Hotel (HB)

Day 9 – 10 Mombasa

A further 02 days in Mombasa with, whole day spend at leisure in your hotel. Meals and overnight on half board basis. Sarova Whitesands Hotel (HB)

Day 11 – Depart

After breakfast, fly to Nairobi and transfer to Jomo Kenyatta Airport for your departure flight back home 9cost of flight not included) Msafiri Africa representative will re-confirm your onward flight, and assist you at check-in.

Zanzibar Excursions

JOZANI FOREST (Half Day)
Visit the Jozani Forest which is the last natural jungle on the island and a stronghold for the endangered Red Colobus Monkey. You may have the opportunity to see birdlife such as Bee-eaters, Flycatchers and Tambourine Doves, small antelopes – Blue Duiker and the little Suni. (Lunch is not included).

PRISON ISLAND (Half Day)
This is also known as the Changu Island and is situated to the west of Zanzibar Town. (30 minutes by motorboat). The island was formerly used by a slave owner as a private detention place for disobedient slaves. General Mathews bought over this island to construct a jail in 1893 and hence the name – Prison Island. It was however never used as such but it still stands. One can walk around to see the Giant Land Tortoise, some of which are over 100 years old. It has a beautiful beach where you can swim or snorkel. (Lunch is not included).

SPICE TOUR (Half Day)

Drive into the hinterland to visit one of the spice plantations. Soak up the smells of vanilla, cloves, cardamom and a myriad of other spices and exotic fruits. Clove trees were introduced in Zanzibar in 1818 which formed the main trade for the island, becoming known as the ‘gold’ of Zanzibar. You will see endless rows of coconut palms. Along the route you can visit the Maruhubi Palace, built by Sultan Bargash in 1880, to house his harem.

ZANZIBAR CITY TOUR (Half Day)

Starting with the market where local fruits and vegetables are sold. Continue to see the Anglican Church, a site of the old slave market, the State House and the Zanzibar Museum (opened in 1925). Finally visit the historic stone town, famous for its narrow winding alleyways and unique architecture ranging from the 16th century Portuguese Fort to the colonial mansions.

CITY & SPICE TOUR (Full Day)

A panoramic tour of the historical Stone Town, with its small bazaars and curio shops, will take you to Christ Church Cathedral which now stands where the slave market used to be. Spice Trade is the mainstay of the economy and Zanzibar was until recently the world’s biggest producer of cloves. (Lunch is not included)

CITY TOUR & PRISON ISLAND (Full Day)

This tour is a combination of a City Tour and Prison Island (lunch is not included in the cost).

PRISON ISLAND & JOZANI FOREST (Full Day)

This tour is a combination of a Prison Island and Jozani Forest (lunch is not included in the cost).

Tanzania Excursions

ARUSHA NATIONAL PARK (Half Day / Full day)

In the morning, you will be picked up from your hotel and driven to Arusha National Park. This park boasts impressive natural features such as Ngurdoto crater, which is 20 km wide and 100 meters deep, the Momella Lakes located 10 km north of Ngurdoto Crater, believed to have been formed around 250,000 years ago, and the stunning ash-cone of Mount Meru. The park is home to a variety of animals, including the Colobus monkey, Bushbuck, Cape Buffalo, Hippo, Reedbuck, Warthog, and many more. You will have lunch at Momella Lodge or a similar establishment. If you are on a half-day excursion, you will be driven back to your hotel after lunch. However, if you have booked a full-day excursion, you will continue with an afternoon game drive.

LAKE MANYARA EXCURSIONS
NATURE WALK (01 Hour)

You can depart from Lake Manyara Serena Lodge and take a nature walk on the edge of the Great Rift Valley, which offers stunning views of Lake Manyara and the National Park below. This walk provides an excellent chance to learn about various plants, insects, birds, and small mammals from a well-informed guide. The departure time for the walk can be anytime between 6:30 AM and 5:00 PM.

VILLAGE WALK (03 hrs)

Leaving from Lake Manyara Serena Lodge, take a tour to Mto Wa Mbu village for an authentic cultural encounter guided by a knowledgeable English-speaking guide who was raised in the village. Explore local farms, schools, a kindergarten, homes, the market, and milling machines. The tour is available daily and can be scheduled anytime between 06:30 and 15:00.

NIGHT GAME DRIVES & BUSH DINNER (Evening)

In the evening, you will go on a drive to Lake Manyara National Park for a unique bush dinner beside the park entrance, which starts between 19:00 and 20:00. Afterward, you will embark on a night game drive in the park, which is a first for Tanzanian national parks, and observe nocturnal animals such as leopards, hippos, porcupines, genets, civets, bush babies, and more from an open game drive vehicle. The night game drive is an experience for your senses, as you will hear the sounds of the night and learn about African stars. Your group will be the only one in the park since only one company is allowed to conduct night game drives in Lake Manyara National Park! Finally, you will be transferred to your lodge.

DAR ES SALAAM CITY TOUR (Half Day)

Raised from the humble surroundings of a Fishing Village just over a century ago, Dar Es Salaam blossomed into one of the most beautiful sea-side capitals. Many beautiful and unspoilt beaches are within easy reach of Dar Es Salaam, literally translated as “The Heaven of Peace”. The tour will take you to Mnazi moja park, kariakoo market which has an interesting local colour and a diversity of peoples as well as exotic fruits, fresh fish, food products, handicrafts, local textile material and many other locally made products. The University which is superbly laid out amidst lawns and gardens on the Ubungo Observation Hill, some 14 km away from the city. The hill offers magnicent open view of Dar Es Salaam city, the State House and the National Museum.

BAGAMOYO DAY TRIP (Full Day + Lunch)

You will be picked up from your hotel and taken to Bagamoyo, a town located 75 kilometers north of Dar es Salaam. Bagamoyo is known for being the starting point of the slave caravan routes and the end of the white missionaries’ journey. While there, you can visit the Kaole Ruins, which date back to the early 15th century, and the first Roman Catholic Church in Tanganyika, built by the Germans in the 1880s. Additionally, you can explore the museum, which houses many historical artifacts. Bagamoyo was established in the late 18th century as a small port trading in dried fish, gum, cobalt, and salt. It also served as a caravan entry port for traders from as far as Morogoro and Usambara. In the 19th century, it became more important due to the increased use of the town for ivory and slave trade. In the afternoon, you will drive back to Dar es Salaam and be dropped off at your hotel.

Mombasa Safaris – By Road

SHIMBA HILLS NATIONAL PARK (1½ days – Half Board)

Day 1 – In the afternoon, you will be picked up from your hotel and taken on a drive to Shimba Hills National Park. This eco-friendly park is nestled deep within a lush, cool, and green tropical rainforest, only 50 km away from the busy and bustling city of Mombasa, and the sweltering heat of the tropical coast. During your visit, you will have the opportunity to go on an initial game drive and explore the habitats of rare creatures such as sable antelopes, elephants, and buffalos. Before dinner, you can enjoy a refreshing cocktail at the viewing bar located on the raised walkway. Dinner will be served on a terrace that overlooks a floodlit water hole where elephants often come to visit. You will spend the night at Shimba Hill Lodge, where your accommodations and half-board meals will be provided.

Day 2 – An early morning game, followed by a hearty breakfast at the lodge. The Shimba hills are a dissected plateau that rises steeply from the coastal plains 30 kilometers south-west of Mombasa, just south of Kwale town. You will return to your coastal hotel after breakfast.

 

TSAVO EAST/WEST NATIONAL PARKS (2 days / 1 night – Full Board + extra Lunch)

Day 1 – As you head towards Nairobi, you will enter the famous Tsavo National Park, known for its unique “Red Elephants” that get their name from the reddish color of the earth that covers their hides. During your journey, you will have the opportunity to observe wildlife while en route to Voi Wildlife Lodge, where you will enjoy a delicious lunch. Later in the day, you can embark on an afternoon game drive and return to your accommodations at Voi Wildlife Lodge, where you will spend the night with full board provided.

Day 2 – You will have the chance to go on a game drive in the morning, followed by lunch at your lodge. Afterward, you can take a relaxed drive back to Mombasa and be dropped off at your hotel.

 

TSAVO EAST/ SALT LICK (2 days / 1 night – Full Board + extra Lunch)

Day 1 – You will be collected from your hotel and taken on a drive to Tsavo East National Park. During the journey, you will have the opportunity to see wildlife as you head to Voi Wildlife Lodge, where you will have lunch. Later in the day, you can embark on an afternoon game drive while heading towards Taita Hills Game Sanctuary. Upon arriving in the evening, you can unwind and observe the wildlife from the balcony of Salt Lick Lodge in this amazing wildlife sanctuary. You will spend the night at Salt Lick Lodge with full board provided.

Day 2 – After having breakfast, you can spend the day at your leisure, observing the wildlife from the balcony of your lodge. Later on, you can enjoy a delicious lunch at the lodge before taking a drive back to Mombasa and being dropped off at your hotel.

 

TSAVO WEST / AMBOSELI (3 Days / 2 nights + Extra Lunch)

Day 1 – You will be collected from your hotel and driven to Amboseli. Upon arrival, you will check in at Amboseli Serena Lodge and have lunch. After lunch, you can unwind by the pool. Later in the day, you can embark on an afternoon game drive in Amboseli National Park. Afterwards, you will return to Amboseli Serena Lodge for dinner and spend the night there.

Day 2- You will be collected from your hotel and driven to Amboseli. Upon arrival, you will check in at Amboseli Serena Lodge and have lunch. After lunch, you can unwind by the pool. Later in the day, you can embark on an afternoon game drive in Amboseli National Park. Afterwards, you will return to Amboseli Serena Lodge for dinner and spend the night there.

Day 3 – You will depart for an early morning game drive, and then return to your accommodation for breakfast. Following this, you can go on a mid-morning game drive before returning to the lodge for lunch. After lunch, you will take a drive back to Mombasa.

 

MASAI MARA – HOT AIR BALLOON FLIGHT

As you soar above the grazing animals in a hot air balloon during the serene early morning hours, you have countless opportunities to capture unique and striking photographs. It’s hard to imagine anything more exhilarating than embarking on a morning safari in Africa while suspended in the air. As you observe the stunning African sunrise, you’ll be able to witness a multitude of wildlife wandering about the earth below you. Upon concluding your flight, you’ll touch down on the plains and be welcomed by a delightful champagne breakfast amidst the enchanting savannah landscape. The tantalizing scent of sausages, eggs, and bacon sizzling over an open flame will undoubtedly make your mouth water. On your leisurely journey back to your lodge, you can take your time and enjoy the scenery while looking out for any animals you may have missed on your earlier flight.

Excursions from Mombasa

MOMBASA CITY TOUR (Half Day)
Tour the picturesque island city of Mombasa, a colorful blend of traditional and modern. You will visit the Akamba wood carvers at work, the Hindu Temple, Fort Jesus built by the Portuguese in 1593 which is now a museum and finally the old town with its narrow winding streets. This also includes a seafront drive along Mama Ngina Drive.

NGOMONGO CULTURAL TOUR (Half Day)
Visit the Ngomongo Villages, a desolate exhausted quarry reclaimed into a lush tropical forest and the rural setting of 11 most colorful Kenyan tribes such as the Mkamba – woodcarvers, Luo – fisherman, Rendile, El Molo, Masai and others. Includes an African lunch.

TAMARIND DHOW CRUISE (Evening)
A superb seafood dinner on board a romantic dhow and a cruise round the Tudor Creek with “ne views of Mombasa’s Old Town and Fort Jesus. Dance to the resident band.

LIGHT AND SOUND WITH DINNER (Son et Lumiere -evening)
A romantic Dhow Sundowner Cruise along the shores of the picturesque island of Mombasa, starts o$ an enchanting evening not to be missed. As darkness sets we dock and proceed to Fort Jesus for a Sound and Light presentation of the turbulent hisory of the East African Coast. Dinner will be served within the Fortress before being transferred back to your hotel.

DOLPHIN TOUR (Full Day)
Transfer from your hotel to shimoni where you will be escorted by Dolphin experts, which makes this more than a dhow trip. Our knowledge makes a meeting with the friendly local dolphins a real probability. It is in their coral garden where we will snorkel and marvel at the prolific marine life. A traditional lunch on board ensures maximum time for dolphin spotting. Island exploring provides good vantage points overlooking the dolphin’s playgrounds and leisurely sailing provides tranquil silence to listen out for dolphin whistles blowing o$ the sea. As with any wild animal safari, sightings cannot be absolutely guaranteed, however, a most enjoyable day can! Don’t forget to bring swimwear, a hat, rubber or canvas shoes mask and snorkel (if owned) and money for souvenirs

MALINDI & GEDI RUINS (Full Day)
Depart from the hotel at 07:00hrs , and drive to Malindi (125kms) north of Mombasa, a popular holiday resort consisting of hotels and a local fishing Village with markets and shops in Arab/African style. En-route visit Gede Ruins, an ancient ruined city that was mysteriously abandoned in the 13th century. You embark on a glass bottom boat for a tour in the marine park to view the colorful tropical fishes and corals ( remember to bring swimming suits and beach shoes). Lunch at a specially selected restaurant. Then a short drive out of town to a giriama village to watch the performance of a tribal dancing. Return to your hotel late afternoon

WASINI ISLAND (Full Day)
Sail by dhow to the marine reserve, Kisite Mpunguti for snorkeling before sailing to Wasini Island for “swahili seafood lunch” at Wasini Island Restaurant. Visit the local village. (Vegetarian Dishes are also available).

TSAVO EAST NATIONAL PARK (Full Day)
Depart from Mombasa by sunrise, A drive of about 115 Kms in the direction of Nairobi, taking you into ‘Bachuma gate’ where you enter the East section of the Tsavo National Park- Kenya’s Largest game sanctuary, famed for it’s huge herds of elephants. It is also the home of Lions, Rhinos, Giraffe, Zebra and as well as a variety of other game. You will see water birds at the Aruba Dam on the way to Voi Safari Lodge where lunch will be served. Opportunity for good photographs on animals and birds that come to the water hole in front of the Lodge. After Lunch , a game drive through the park returning to Mombasa in the afternoon.

SHIMBA HILLS NATIONAL PARK (Full Day)
Early start from your Hotel / Resort and drive to Shimba Hills National Park buried deep in the cool and green tropical rainforest at the heat of the tropical coast. The Shimba Hills Park was gazetted as a National Forest in 1903, grassland areas were incorporated in 1924 and several subsequent extensions took place to bring the Reserve to its present size. In 1968 most of the Reserve was double gazetted as the Shimba Hills National Reserve. game drive in this home of the rare sable antelope, elephant and bu$alo. Lunch at the Shimba Hills Lodge. Afternoon game drive enroute to your Hotel / Resort.