Mombasa Rendezvous

Start the day early with a pick-up from your North/South coast beach hotel (travellers are suggested to arrive in Mombasa the day before to reach the tour on time). The safari will continue without clients that have not arrived by the departure time and additional costs incurred to arrange for the clients to meet up with the safari group will need to be borne directly by the client on the ground.). Drive north, towards Nairobi, following the route of the railway line built by the British late in the 19th century. The road passes through the warehouses and workshops on the outskirts of Mombasa, climbing steadily. 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 the Buchuma Gate. Welcome to Africa, the safari has begun! Tsavo is the largest national park in Kenya and it is split into East and West by the highway. Arrive at the Ashnil Aruba Lodge in time for lunch. Then, relax for a while before going back into the park for an afternoon game drive, returning to the lodge as the sun sets. Each room at the family-friendly Ashnil Aruba Lodge is designed to provide utmost comfort ensuring a pleasant stay, with en-suite bathrooms and terraces overlooking the plains or the Aruba Dam across the River Voi. This and other nearby watering holes are favourites for large mammals, especially the herds of elephants that are often dramatically coloured red from the soil. You may also see zebras, giraffes, impala, gazelles, lesser kudu and the reserved but sometimes bad-tempered Cape buffalos. Lions, cheetah and the occasional leopards and a myriad species of birds are also residents of the park. In the evening, enjoy dinner at the lodge. Overnight in hotel in Tsavo East.

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 Kenya-Uganda Railway, made famous in the Hollywood movie, The Ghost and the Darkness. Reach the township of Emali and leave the main road heading south towards Amboseli National Park. If the weather is clear, you will catch sight of the majestic Mount Kilimanjaro. Arrive at the camp in time for lunch. After unwinding for a while or spending time at the inviting swimming pool, go to the national park for a game drive. Amboseli is best known for its great herds of elephants against the amazing backdrop of majestic Mount Kilimanjaro, the highest mountain in Africa, and considered one of the best spots for viewing elephants at close range. Return to the camp as the sun sets. Sentrim Amboseli Camp provides a luxurious yet rugged base from which to explore the park and take some great photos of this stunning snow-capped mountain. Each protected tent has its own private veranda on which to relax, sunbathe and take in the views. All rooms are en-suite, modern, spacious and comfortable. There is also a superb pool area framed by Kilimanjaro, a restaurant and bar. In the evening, wrap the day up with dinner at the lodge. Overnight at Amboseli.

Following an early morning game drive and breakfast, depart heading towards Taita Hills. Arrive 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 natural habitat. The Sarova Salt Lick Game Lodge is located in the heart of the private sanctuary, which is adjacent to Tsavo West National Park. All rooms are built in two-storey blocks from a central pod and linked together by elevated platforms that overlook a salt lick and a small waterhole, which is floodlit at night. Rooms are spacious and have all the necessary modern conveniences. The restaurant, bar and main balconies have views over the waterhole and salt lick, which are constantly in use by the park’s wildlife. There is also an underground bunker with ground-level windows, allowing for unbelievably close but safe encounters. In the evening, dinner will be served at the lodge. Overnight in Taita Hills.