Kenyan Wildlife & Coastal ExplorerSolo Escorted Tour, Africa

Journey with fellow adventurers through the African wilderness, both inland across famed national parks and along the pristine stretches of untouched coastline.

The ultimate safari holiday and beachside escape adapted with a solo traveller in mind, ensuring a rich and incredibly varied experience, enhanced by high levels of comfort, guidance and support throughout. Game drives into the heart of two national parks provide plenty of opportunities to spot rare wildlife roaming amongst the foothills of Mount Kilimanjaro, and time spent on the shores of the Indian Ocean promises a tranquil and tropical break.

Beginning in Nairobi, the tour travels to Amboseli before venturing to Tsvavo West, covering the most desirable safari destinations in the country while based at authentic and luxury lodges. The second half sees you substituting the savannah for the sea, as the north coast of Mombasa, with its unspoilt beaches, serves as your final base. With a local tour manager at the helm and plenty of chances to link up with other nature lovers in a group setting, this will be an effortless and unforgettable trip of discovery and connection.

TOUR HIGHLIGHTS

Witness Africa's highest mountain and a dormant volcano, towering Mount Kilimanjaro

Visit the underwater hides of Mzima Springs, which are known for crystal-clear water and home to hippos

Experience a full day exploring the wonders of Tsavo West National Park, with morning and afternoon game drives

Bask in the beauty of the northern coast scenery with a stay at an all-inclusive beachside resort

Set off on morning and afternoon game drives through Amboseli National Park, keeping your eyes peeled for the majestic elephant herds, cheetahs and lions

Embark on morning and afternoon game drives into Tsavo West National Park, traversing the park's diverse terrain of volcanic cones, rocky outcrops, and lava flows

Enhance your itinerary with a selection of unique, optional activities, like a bubbly sundowner, a visit to a Masai village, and a dhow dinner cruise

Take a dip in the warm Indian Ocean, sunbathe on the stretches of white sand, and dabble in a variety of aquatic activities

WHAT'S INCLUDED

Eight nights' full-board accommodation at Amboseli Sopa Lodge, Kilaguni Serena Safari Lodge, and Voyager Beach Resort plus one night on an aircraft

Six breakfasts, eight lunches and eight dinners, including welcome and farewell dinners

A welcome cocktail upon arrival

Three game drives in Amboseli National Park

Three game drives in Tsavo West National Park

A visit to Mzima Springs and a viewing of hippos from an underwater hide

Return flights to Nairobi and from Mombasa

Comfortable, air-conditioned coach travel and transfers throughout

Fully escorted by a friendly, experienced tour manager

ITINERARY

Day One – Fly to Kenya

You’ll fly overnight to Nairobi, Kenya’s capital and largest city.

Day Two – Transfer to Amboseli National Park and welcome dinner as well as an optional bubbly sundowner at Observation Hill

Your African adventure begins with a warm welcome at Nairobi airport by your local tour manager. You’ll then take a scenic drive into the Amboseli National Park, located at the base of the iconic Mount Kilimanjaro.

Upon arrival at the Amboseli Sopa Lodge, you’ll check in and enjoy lunch before embarking on an afternoon game drive into the park. This is an exciting opportunity to see a wide range of wildlife, such as lions, cheetahs, elephants, giraffes, and zebras in their natural habitat.

Your experienced tour manager will ensure the safety and comfort of the group while sharing their local knowledge and answering any questions.

After the game drive, you’ll return to the lodge for a welcome cocktail and dinner – a perfect opportunity to get to know your fellow travellers before the rest of the trip.

You can further enhance your itinerary today by adding an optional game drive with a sundowner as the sun sets – and age-old safari tradition! You’ll take a short evening game drive ending at Observation Hill to enjoy a glass of bubbly as the sky transforms into golden pink hues.

Day Three – Included afternoon game drive into Amboseli National Park and an optional visit to a Masai village

Following breakfast, you’ll set off on a morning game drive, traversing different parts of the park, each with unique landscape and wildlife. Keep a look out for herds of elephants or prides of lions wandering through the sprawling savannah or reclining in the shade.

The group will then return to the lodge for lunch and some time to rest, and then the afternoon involves another game drive. As the sun sets, you may catch a glimpse of some nocturnal animals, like hyenas and leopards.

Today, you can also opt to join an optional visit to a nearby Masai village to meet the local people and observe this famous East African tribe’s way of life for an hour.

Dinner will be enjoyed back at the lodge and perhaps followed by a drink at one of the three bars with some of the other travellers, where you can share stories and sightings of the day.

Day Four – Included game drive in Tsavo West National Park and visit to Mzima Springs

Rise, tuck into an early breakfast and check out of the lodge before transferring, on a picturesque route, to the popular Tsavo West National Park, backed by the Chyulu Hills, one of the youngest volcanic mountain ranges in the world.

This reserve is known for the Mzima Springs, a natural pool of fresh spring water, a unique oasis in the arid savannah, and a vital source of water for wildlife in the area. Your guide will stop at these springs, and you’ll have a chance to possibly view the resident hippos from an underwater hide.

The tour will continue to Kilaguni Serena Safari Lodge, and you’ll check in, have lunch, and then head out on an afternoon game drive. With your guide at the helm, you’ll navigate the park of rocky terrain, lava flows, and grasslands, home to cheetahs, leopards, elephants, giraffes, buffalos, zebras, and various antelopes.

Later in the afternoon, you’ll journey back to the lodge, perhaps having a sundowner at the bar, which overlooks a waterhole.

Day Five – Included morning and afternoon game drives in Tsavo West National Park as well as an optional breakfast on Lion Rock

Have breakfast at the lodge or opt for a special breakfast on the neighbouring Lion Rock, an immense embankment of volcanic rock, which towers over the sprawling plains and boasts beautiful views. This destination is so-called because it used to be a favourite lion haunt, including the famous man-eating lions of Tsavo. Travelling early in the morning, you’ll enjoy a gentle game drive and arrive to a full English breakfast laid out on its summit. You can then tuck into your meal while taking in the vista.

Then you can prepare for another day of wildlife-spotting, starting with a morning game drive, covering a section of the reserve. Look out for some of the more unique inhabitants, like the gerenuk, a long-necked antelope that stands on its hind legs to reach leaves from trees.

Lunch will be served back at the lodge, and perhaps followed by a dip in the swimming pool. The afternoon will then see you travel on a final game drive, during which you can hopefully tick off any remaining animals off your safari wish-list. This park is also a birdwatcher’s paradise with over 600 species recorded, and your guide will be on hand to provide the best viewing points.

Experience a final dinner in the bush and drinks on the terrace.

Day Six – Transfer to Mombasa North

As you reach the halfway point of your trip, you’ll be swapping safaris for the sun and sand of the African coast. After enjoying breakfast at the lodge, you’ll depart for the beaches of Mombasa North, embraced by the warm waters of the Indian Ocean.

This transfer will take you via Mombasa, the second-largest city in Kenya, known for its rich history and diverse blend of cultures.

Once you’ve arrived at the Voyager Beach Resort, set right on the shore, you’ll be able to enjoy a late lunch and the rest of the afternoon will be free to unwind.

As well as an ideal oceanside location, the resort also offers a range of activities and amenities, including water sports, a swimming pool, and a spa.

Dinner will be served in the evening.

Days Seven to Nine – At leisure and farewell dinner and optional half-day village tour as well as a Tamarind dhow dinner cruise

The next three days are for complete relaxation, and with everything included at the resort, you can focus solely on doing as little or as much as you like. A programme of organised activities will be available, ranging from beach volleyball to water aerobics and yoga classes. Alternatively, you can just lounge by the pool or beach, with a cocktail in hand, taking in the view.

Those wanting to go beyond the resort, can discover the coastal region and the old town of Mombasa, a UNESCO World Heritage Site, with its winding streets and historic buildings dating back to the 16th century. A trip to the Shimba Hills National Reserve, teeming with wildlife, is another option, as well as a guided tour of a local spice farm to learn about the different spices that are grown here. This area also encompasses some of the best diving and snorkelling sites in Kenya, and you can opt to venture on an excursion to see the colourful marine life and coral reefs.

On day seven, you can choose to venture on a half-day tour to a traditional African village, leaving in the morning. During this visit, you’ll have the opportunity to observe the local people dancing and meet with a medicine man, as well as an African family.

During the evening of day eight, you can opt for a dhow dinner cruise aboard a traditional type of sailing boat. This experience allows you to sip on cocktails and sample Swahili snacks while gliding past the old town of Mombasa to watch the sunset. A five-course dinner will then be served before the charcoal grills are moved away to create a dance floor with a live band.

During the evening of the final day, a farewell dinner will be enjoyed, and you can reflect on the week with your newfound friends.

Day 10 – Travel to airport and flight back to UK

It’s an early morning check out today, with packed breakfast provided, to return to Mombasa’s international airport for your flight back to the UK, arriving later the same day.

Kenyan Wildlife & Coastal Explorer is located in Solo Escorted Tour, Africa. Accommodation rating is the operators own rating and may not be the official rating. Hotel details correct at 12/10/2023