Safari and hike in Kenya, and rest on the white beaches of Zanzibar
July to September
14 days / 13 nights – from £ 4,190 per person
Safari and beach retreat
Immerse yourself in two of the most fascinating ecosystems in East Africa: the Maasai Mara National Reserve, at the period of the great migration of the wildebeests, and the Loita Hills, and the Island of Zanzibar with its sandy beaches and turquoise sea.
The highlights of this safari are to:
– live at the rhythm of the African savannah immersed in one of the most remarkable ecosystems of Kenya during the periods when it has the highest density of animals
– hike for several days from the Loita Hills to the Sanctuary of Shompole, a protected area that allows discovery of the breathtaking surroundings and the authentic Maasai culture
– soak up the unspoiled and peaceful tropical setting of one of the most beautiful beaches on the Island of Zanzibar, which will allow you to relax under the palm trees while enjoying a gentle sea breeze
– benefit from an accommodation that allows a real immersion experience in the wide expanses of Kenya
– choose your ideal departure and return dates without worrying about the constitution of a group, as this safari is available for individual travellers, couples and families
– appreciate the possibility to tailor the program to your wishes
An exceptional trip to East Africa !
“The Great Migration: wildebeests and topis crossing the Mara River” by Gesser Images
Day 1: Arrival at Nairobi
Arrival at Nairobi – Jomo Kenyatta International Airport, greet and transfer to Roussel House for overnight. Bed & Breakfast.
Day 2: From Nairobi to the National Reserve of the Maasai Mara
After your breakfast, departure by road to the National Reserve of the Maasai Mara.
Lunch « en route » and arrival in the afternoon on a private campsite where your camp is set.
Afternoon of game drive.
Night in private camping. Full board & game drives included.
Day 3: National Reserve of the Maasai Mara
This day will be dedicated to wildlife viewing and photography with morning and afternoon game drives in the Reserve.
Night in private camping. Full board & game drives included.
Day 4: Hiking– From the National Reserve of the Maasai Mara to Olasur
Departure from camp by a small track and drive to the heart of the Loita Hills region.
Meeting with the traditional Maasai guides who will accompany you during the next four days of hike through their territory, which includes clearing a peak of 2,200 m altitude.
On average, hiking days include distances of 12 km, you are usually walking for 5-6 hours with many stops to admire the wild, open landscapes and the wildlife. The average daily ascent or descent is 400 to 600 m with the except of day 8, where the descent amounts to 900 m.
These days are hikes in autonomy in the pure Maasai tradition with donkeys carrying your luggage and camping gear. You will have nothing to carry except a small personal backpack that we recommend you take for your camera, sunscreen and drink.
Start of your hike, night in private camping. Full board.
Day 5: Hiking – From Olasur to Engare Nanyuki
Day of hiking, passing Maasai villages and a dense forest where black and white colobus monkeys may be observed, as well as many birds and huge trees covered with moss and wild orchids. This environment also hosts many buffalos and elephants, as evidenced by the numerous traces, but the chance to meet them is low.
Arrive late afternoon at a hilltop with panoramic views towards the escarpment Nguruman.
Night in mobile private camp. Full board.
Day 6: Hiking – From Engare Nanyuki to Tiamanagen
Day hiking along the Nguruman forest along the Tanzanian border. Gradually, the forest gives way to Maasai villages with warmly welcoming locals. This is an opportunity to meet shepherds and Maasai warriors and to stop for friendly and instructive discussions about their lifestyle.
Night in mobile private camp. Full board.
Day 7: Hiking – From Tiamanagen to Oljoro Oibor
Day hiking to the limits of the Rift Valley, passing several small streams and sparse vegetation zones.
The path taken is traditionally followed by the Maasai shepherds when they lead their herds to Lake Magadi and Lake Natron.
Arrival in the afternoon at the top of the Nguruman escarpment, which has an exceptional view of the Rift Valley, the entire Shompole sanctuary and the famous Lake Natron.
Night in mobile private camp. Full board.
Day 8: Hike – From Oljoro Oibor to the Sanctuary of Shompole
After a wake at sunrise that will perhaps allow you see Mount Kilimanjaro, an early start will get you down to the floor of the Rift Valley enjoying favourable temperatures. This hike will take place on a rocky path that leads to a desert plain, which must be crossed to reach the shade of trees growing on the banks of the River Pakase.
This is where you will leave the Maasai team with whom you hiked and you will be transferred by car to the shores of Lake Magadi for a last night of camping with a spectacular view on the lake and the groups of resident flamingos.
Night in mobile private camp. Full board.
Day 9: From the Sanctuary of Shompole to Nairobi and to the Island of Zanzibar
Early morning walk along the lake viewing flamingos, pelicans and many other bird species.
Departure from the lodge, crossing the semi-desert plains of Lake Natron and short game drive “en-route” to admire the scenery and wildlife.
This route passes by Lake Magadi, which is the home of thousands of flamingos and many birds, such as pelicans, who appreciate these shallow alkaline waters.
The road then climbs out of the Rift Valley and allows you to return to Nairobi and Karen.
Lunch “free” and visit of the Giraffe Centre.
Around mid afternoon, transfer to Nairobi – Jomo Kenyatta International Airport for your flight (lasting 1 hour 15 minutes to 1 hour 40 minutes) to the Island of Zanzibar where you will be greeted by a representative of the Pongwe Beach Hotel who will transfer to you to the hotel.
Stay at Pongwe Beach Hotel. Half board & some activities included.
Day 10 to Day 13: Island of Zanzibar
These days will be dedicated to resting and relaxing while enjoying the complementary sea-side activities (kayaking, mountain biking, snorkelling)
Stay at Pongwe Beach Hotel. Half board & some activities included.
Day 14: From the Island of Zanzibar to Nairobi
You will enjoy the beach and the facilities of the lodge until early afternoon when you will be driven to Zanzibar airport for your flight to Nairobi, from where you will transit to board your place to fly back to Europe.
Indicative price: from £ 4,190 / person on the basis of 4 participants sharing two twin/double rooms or tents.
Subject to availability at the time of booking.
The final budget will be communicated after establishing a personalised quotation that will depend on the exchange rates at the time.
– All airport transfers at Nairobi and at Zanzibar
– The transportation by road from Nairobi to Maasai Mara and return from the Sanctuary of Shompole
– The game drives in the Maasai Mara National Reserve and the Sanctuary of Shompole in a 4×4 vehicle driven by a specialised driver-guide
– The regular flight Nairobi JKIA -> Zanzibar and return. Luggage allowance for flights 15kg per passenger inclusive of hand luggage
– All Park Fees and Conservation Fees (subject to possible changes)
– 1 night at Nairobi at Roussel House (guest house 2**) or equivalent. Bed & breakfast
– 7 nights in the Maasai Mara national Reserve, in the Loita Hills and in the Sanctuary of Shompole in Private Camping. Full Board.
– 5 nights in Zanzibar at Pongwe Beach Hotel in a “Garden View” room with bathroom en-suite and private terrace. Half Board.
– The activities of kayaking, mountain biking or snorkelling at Pongwe Beach Hotel
– AAR Flying Doctors Emergency Evacuation insurance
– International flights to Kenya – Jomo Kenyatta International Airport and return
– Travel or Insurances (cancellation, repatriation, luggage, other risks and any additional insurance)
– Cost of the tourism visa
– Activities at Pongwe Beach Hotel other than the ones mentioned
– Meals not mentioned or mentioned as “free” in the itinerary (e.g. dinner the 9th day)
– Drinks (beer, wine, spirits) other than the ones mentioned
– Any extras of personal nature, tips, laundry and drinks not mentioned in the program, etc.
Additional day of camping and game drives in the National Reserve of the Maasai Mara: please consult us.
Upgrade of standard camping to comfort en-suite camping (larger tents and bedframes provided, and en-suite private toilet and shower): £ 270 per person
Additional day at Pongwe Beach Hotel: £ 180 per person
Upgrade for “Sea View” room: £ 300 per person (for 5 nights)
Other options: please consult us.
