MASAI MARA & LAMU ISLAND

A superb combination offering some of the best wildlife viewing in Africa along with Africa's finest beaches. The safari starts with a flight to our own luxury tented camp - Kicheche Mara Camp on the plains of the Masai Mara.

Wildlife viewing starts from the camp itself as the area is surrounded with a vast array of plains game and predators. There are also escorted bush walks available from the camp. Leave the Mara in the morning on day 4 and in order to connect with the early afternoon flight to Lamu Island off the Kenyan Coast.

Lamu Island is a beautiful tropical island steeped in history located off the north Kenya Coast. The beaches are outstanding and the water crystal clear. There are no roads on the island and transport is by dhow (traditional sailing boat) or on foot. Lamu has a rich Arabic heritage and a visit to the old town or the ruins is culturally very rewarding.

Day 1 Transfer from your hotel or JKIA International airport to Wilson Airport for your 10am flight to the Masai Mara Game Reserve. The scenic flight takes just under an hour and you will be met at the airstrip by your Kicheche Camp guide.

Game drive en-route to the camp where you can sit down to enjoy an al-fresco lunch whilst gazing over the plains of the Masai Mara. Relax at camp until afternoon tea then set off for a game drive until sundown. Overnight at Kicheche Mara Camp Kicheche Mara Camp is a luxury bush camp hidden away in a grove of trees on the Aitong plains of the Masai Mara.

There are a maximum of 20 guests, all staying under canvas in this intimate camp situated in prime wildlife habitat The Masai Mara Game Reserve, is probably the most famous in Africa. Rising grassland nearly 2000m above sea level, watered by the Mara river and covering an area of 1500 sq. km. The Mara is well known for the part it plays in the seasonal (June/Sept) migration from the Serengeti of 200,000 Zebra, 300,000 Thomson Gazelle and 1.3 million Wildebeest following the annual rains. The Mara region however provides for wonderful game viewing year round. In all 95 mammal, amphibian and reptile species plus 485 flying species excluding insects inhabit the Mara eco-system.

Days 2 & 3 Two full days to explore this incredible area and witness the interaction of wildlife on the plains. Each day you'll be woken up just before dawn with a hot drink brought to your tent. Set off on a game drive just as the sun rises and animal activity is at it's highest. We stop out on the plains to have a light breakfast and we return to camp mid-morning for a hearty brunch. The next 4-5 hours are at leisure to relax around camp. There is always plenty of bird life to observe around camp whilst relaxing in a hammock. You may wish to spend time in the Nyati Tent, our wildlife library and relaxation zone. Visits to the local Masai manyattas (villages) are available for those with an interest in Masai culture. The afternoon game drive will start around 4pm until sundown.

Upon returning to camp you may wish to freshen up before joining us for an aperitif around the campfire. Dinner is served under the stars with the tables and surrounding trees being illuminated by candles and hurricane lamps. Overnight at Kicheche Mara Camp.

Day 4 Another early morning game drive followed by breakfast back at camp.You will then be driven to the airstrip to take the 11am flight to Nairobi which connects to the Lamu flight departing at 1.15pm. Arrive in Lamu at 15:00 where you will be met by a Kijani representative and transferred by boat to Kijani House in the Shela area of Lamu.

Kijani House is a small exclusive hotel overlooking the entrance to Shela harbour. The rooms are beautifully furnished with coastal antiques and overlook the gardens, swimming pool and harbour beyond. The Kijani restaurant serves a selection of exotic sea food, Swahili dishes and a touch of Italian cuisine.

Days 5 & 6 Two free days to relax on this tropical island. You may wish to hire a dhow to Manda Island, visit the old town or just wander around Shela village and spend time on the adjacent beach. Overnight Kijani House

Day 7 Your flight back to Nairobi departs at 15:45 and arrives in Nairobi 17:15. You will be met in Nairobi and transferred to connect with your International flight.

Price Guide

Masai Mara & Lamu Island
Safari starts and finishes in Nairobi.
Includes: Full board accommodation , Half board accommodation at Kijani, all game drives in 4WD vehicles, Nairobi, Mara & Lamu airstrip transfers, Nairobi - Masai Mara & Nairobi - Lamu return flights and Reserve entrance fees.

Excludes: Visas, airport taxes, tips and items of a personal nature.

Safari Costs from £1,095.00 Per Person
based on 2 people travelling together

(Excluding all flights to and from Africa)
Safaris subject to availability and prices

To check availability for this safari, please contact us on
UK - 01995 679 776International - 44 1995 679 776
Priority is given to people who call us, due to the number of e-mails we receive.
holidays@safari-africa.co.uk

The Kicheche Mara Camp is closed during the
Rainy Season of April and May.

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Pictures in this column were taken in Kenya and Tanzania.

To make a booking please contact us with a depature date that you would like. We will then check availablility for you.

Flights to, from and many within Africa are not included in the cost of the safari, you can check flight prices On-Line by going to our Flights page or by contacting your local travel agent or flight specialist.

If you need any help please contact us, by phone, e-mail or pop-in to see us in person.