Kenya
Kenya presents some of the most astounding wildlife viewing in the world as well as opportunities to learn about the conservation projects across the land. Coupled with this, there is also a strong tribal aspect to any trip in this magical country, interacting with the traditions of the Maasai people in the open savannah. Round off your time on safari with the blue seas of the Indian Ocean on Kenya's beautiful coastline.
October 1 - 2, 2024, 1 night: Nairobi
October 2 - 5, 2024, 3 nights: Laikipia
October 5 - 8, 2024, 3 nights: Maasai Mara
October 8 - 11, 2024, 3 nights: Diani Beach
If you need any assistance while you are traveling, or if you would like to make any changes, reservations or cancellations during your time in Kenya you can contact the following who will be your local contacts during your trip:
Partners
- +27 21 686 3788 (Office Hours | 8am - 4pm Mon thru Fri)
- +27 83 822 1420 (After Hours)
Scenset
- Your Curator: will be provided | will be provided
- Scenset Emergency Line: will be provided
Important: Due to the time difference, for small day-to-day things like touring and dining reservations - or emergencies that need immediate assistance - it will be most efficient for you to use the local contacts as they are in the same time zone as you.
WhatsApp: If you don’t have WhatsApp on your phone, we strongly encourage downloading it for free as it makes contacting our local team easier.
Below is some important information for your review prior to departing on your trip. You may also check out our Kenya Destination Guide here.
For safari, we recommend layering your clothing. Game drives take place early morning and evenings and it can be cold before the sun rises and after it sets. The daytime temperatures can be warm and sunny and it can get warm. Light, natural fabrics like cotton and linen are recommended for during the day (shorts, t-shirts) and in the evenings, layer up with long trousers, long sleeve vests and a warm jacket. Formal wear is not required at any of our lodges – you are free to come straight from game drive into dinner.
We recommend neutral tones and light colors. Certain colors, like black and navy blue attract Tsetse flies in East Africa and dark colors attract the heat. Neutral colors are advised. Avoid white/bright colors for bush walks. Laundry is done complimentary at the lodges, so that is one less thing to worry about as well and will help with packing lightly.
- Long trousers or denim jeans
- Long sleeve vests/t-shirts
- Shorts, t-shirts, summer dresses
- A warm jacket, fleece or windbreaker
- Woolen hat/beanie, gloves and scarf for morning drives
- A good pair of walking shoes
- Longer socks to wear with walking shoes – especially if you plan on going on Bush Walks
- Sandals or flip-flops for during the day at the lodge and some closed shoes or sneakers for evenings
- Wide-brimmed sun hat, sunglasses and a good sunscreen
- Bathing suit
- Camera, video camera, binoculars, spare memory cards and charging equipment. Some lodges do provide spare sets of binoculars on game vehicles and at the lodges if you don’t have your own.
- A small flashlight or headlamp for walking around camp
- Anti-allergen medication such as Zyrtec
- Insect Repellent with DEET
- Lotions, tissues, moisturizers, chapstick
- Personal cosmetics, toiletries
- Money belt or fanny pack for cash and travel documents
- Power bank for charging of phone on safari drives
- A good book to read during down time at the safari lodge
- Passport
- Cash for personal expenses
Kenya
All visitors are required to obtain an electronic travel authorization before entering Kenya.
Additionally, you will also need:
- Passport with at least two blank pages, six months’ validity, and a Kenyan electronic travel authorization.
- You should have proof of yellow fever immunizations if arriving from an endemic country, or you may be denied entry.
Always check the most recent regulations before traveling. Further details are available on the U.S. State Department's website.
Malaria is prevalent in East Africa. We recommend checking with your doctor about taking anti-malarial tablets.
The most important defenses against malaria are:
- Apply insect repellent to exposed skin.
- Wear long-sleeved cotton clothing from dusk into the evening.
- Tabard and Peaceful Sleep are commonly used insect repellents.
Always check the latest recommendations with your travel clinic or doctor. We do not recommend drinking the tap water in East Africa and advise that you drink bottled water.
Check-in is 1 1⁄2 hours prior to departure for domestic flights and 3 hours prior to departure for international flights.
Some scheduled regional and inter-lodge flights may involve multiple stops before reaching the final destination. Many flights are operated as air shuttle transfers and therefore departure times may vary by up to one hour.
When traveling on normal scheduled international flights, the luggage limit is usually 20kgs (approx. 44 lbs.) per person.
On light aircraft transfers there is usually a 15kg (approx. 33 lbs.) per person limit on luggage. This is for safety and space reasons. Please note that this 15kg includes any cameras, camera bags and any associated equipment. For those carrying heavy personal equipment, it is possible to book an extra seat and which allows for an additional 80kg (approx. 176 lbs.) of baggage (up to three extra bags; max 32 kgs (approx. 70 lbs.) per bag).
Please remember:
- Only soft bags (no hard suitcases can be transported as they physically cannot fit into the aircraft) will be accepted. This includes camera equipment and hand luggage.
- The maximum dimensions of the soft bags which can be accommodated are as follows; 25cm (10 inches) wide x 30cm (12 inches) high x 62cm (24 inches) long.
Tipping during your holiday is not compulsory. If, however, you want to tip because you have received good service, we have enclosed a brief guideline to assist you:
Currency: We advise clients to take spending money in the form of US Dollar cash, as this is favored on most excursions for tips, drinks and curios. Credit cards are generally accepted at hotels, lodges and a few safari camps.
Transfers: We recommend about US$10 per transfer for the driver.
Safari Guides/Trackers at Game Lodges: We recommend US$40 per room per day for the guide and US$20 per room per day for the tracker.
Porterage: We recommend about US$5 per guest per movement.
Hotel/Guest House/Game Lodge Staff: We recommend about US$40 per room per day for hotel staff i.e. housekeeping, etc. In some instances where you are allocated a butler or dedicated waiter for the duration of your stay at a specific property, you could tip about UD$20 per room per day.
Restaurants/Hotels: 10 - 15% is customary on meal accounts if you are satisfied with the service.
On arrival into Nairobi Airport off a flight expected to arrive in the evening, an airport representative will meet you off the plane and assist you through passport control, immigration and help you with the collection of your luggage.
If you have any issues finding your airport representative, please call will be provided or will be provided.
Booked by Scenset
Your airport representative will then guide you out to the arrivals hall and hand you over to your driver, who will be waiting to transfer you to Tamarind Tree Hotel. This is a transfer of approximately 20 minutes.
If you have any issues finding your driver, please call will be provided or will be provided.
Booked by Scenset
Nairobi is the capital of Kenya and East Africa’s most cosmopolitan city, with a vibrant population of 4.5 million. Unique to the city is the proximity of Nairobi National Park, a true wilderness area juxtaposed against the larger urban metropolis. It is the only national park like it in the world and a real embodiment of the human-wildlife conflicts that challenge many African communities who must learn to cohabitate with wildlife on their doorstep.
Ideally located just 5 km southwest of the city within the spacious Carnivore grounds and its iconic Carnivore Restaurant, Tamarind Tree Hotel has easy access to Nairobi, its national park, and the country’s diverse attractions via the neighbouring Wilson Airport and Southern Bypass. The nearby Langata and Karen suburbs are among Nairobi's liveliest and most popular, with world-class shopping malls and excellent restaurants.
Standard Room
Inclusions: Breakfast
Booked by someone
After breakfast and check-out, meet your driver for a private road transfer to Wilson Airport for your onward flight. This is a transfer of approximately 10 minutes.
Meeting Point: Hotel lobby
Meeting Time: Morning
If you have any issues finding your driver, please call will be provided or will be provided.
Booked by Scenset
Please find your flight itinerary with Safarilink here.
Please be advised on notes regarding baggage allowance and intermediary stops during your safari flights.
Booked by Scenset
Please note that all times are estimates and depend on the final route on the actual day. Your flight may include stops at other airstrips before arriving at your destination.
Upon arrival at Loisaba Airstrip, meet your guide and driver for your safari transfer to your lodge. Get your cameras ready!
Booked by Scenset
On the threshold of Kenya’s beautiful northern rangelands, Laikipia covers 9,500km2 north of the Aberdares Mountain Range on a wide plateau stretching from the slopes of Mt Kenya in the south east to the edge of the Great Rift Valley in the west. The striking escarpments descend into the surrounding arid land with tributaries of the Ewaso Nyiro River cutting across the vast open plains. The habitats range from dry savannah and open woodland to spectacular canyons and low forested valleys.
Made up of vast community-owned ranches, private farms and wildlife conservancies, Laikipia supports the second highest density of wildlife in Kenya and is one of only few places in Africa where wildlife numbers are on the increase. It is one of Kenya’s most exciting wilderness areas with spectacular scenset and an abundance of wildlife, including many endangered species such as Grevy’s zebra, reticulated giraffe, Lelwel’s hartebeest and the patas monkey. Laikipia is also one of the best places to see wild dog.
Loisaba Conservancy lies on the edge of a sheer escarpment with views out over the Laikipia plateau. This thriving 230 km2 conservancy boasts rivers, forests, springs, valleys and open plains. Recently purchased by the Loisaba Community Trust, with the assistance of The Nature Conservancy, and partnered with the Space For Giants elephant foundation, Loisaba is becoming a hub for cutting-edge conservation efforts throughout Laikipia and Kenya.
Perched on the edge of an escarpment, Loisaba Tented Camp is designed to capitalize on unhindered views across Laikipia’s mottled landscape all the way to Mount Kenya. All accommodations and main areas enjoy a breathtaking vantage point over an expansive panorama.
Tent
Inclusions: All meals, drinks, laundry, game drives, walking safaris, and horse or camel riding
Booked by a person
Laikipia has the second largest population of elephant in Kenya and Loisaba is an important breeding area and migration route for the Laikipia elephants. Loisaba's abundant wildlife across a rolling landscape is truly wild. Loisaba is a corridor of an elephant migration route, and holds a healthy population of lion as well as notable northern species such as the Grevy zebra, Beisa oryx and Somali ostrich. Loisaba is also a home range for the rare and special wild dog.
Renowned for its beautiful landscape and rich wildlife, Loisaba offers a multitude of activities to enjoy them by - horse riding, camel safaris, mountain biking, night game drives, fishing, visits to the conservation head quarters - the list goes on!
Tent
Booked by someone
After a final morning game drive at Loisaba, take a safari transfer to Loisaba Airstrip.
The timing of your transfer this morning will be advised by your guide the night prior.
Booked by Scenset
Please find your flight itinerary with Air Kenya here.
Please be advised on notes regarding baggage allowance and intermediary stops during your safari flights.
Booked by Scenset
Upon arrival at Mara Airstrip, meet your guide and driver for a safari transfer to your accommodation.
Booked by Scenset
The Mara conservancies are Maasai owned group ranches that have combined to conserve a total area nearly the size of the Maasai Mara National Reserve itself, covering 1450 km2 (560 mi2) across fifteen conservancies. The wildlife in the conservancies can be comparable to the main Maasai Mara game reserve, and in fact some areas have higher densities of predators than in the central reserve. Because there are fewer camps, the conservancies can offer a more exclusive experience than in the central reserve, with generally fewer game viewing vehicles around sightings.
There are opportunities in some conservancies to do night drives, walking safaris, as well as visits to some of the villages of the local Maasai who own the land.
The conservancy approach is widely seen as the way forward for wildlife conservation and eco-tourism in Kenya, because it not only secures vital space for wildlife but includes the local population as custodians of their national heritage. This has been vital not only for conservation of the whole greater Mara but also wildlife corridors and the prosperity of many hundreds of Maasai families. Nearly forty tourist camps contribute to employment amongst the communities and provide a presence, alongside Maasai anti poaching units, for the protection of the wildlife.
Vintage luxury at its best, the award-winning Cottar’s 1920s Camp is situated on a 7608 acre private conservancy bordering the famous ‘seventh’ natural wonder of the world, the Masai Mara in Kenya and the Tanzania Serengeti game reserve. Owned and managed by the oldest established and continuing safari family in Africa, it extends an era of luxury and quality and returns to the scenset spirit and essence of 'safari.'
Cottar’s 1920s Camp provides the romance of safari under cream canvas tents, the style of the bygone era of the twenties, while at the same time supplying the amenities required by today’s modern world travellers.
Cottar's 1920s Camp
Honeymoon Tent
Inclusions: All meals and drinks and all safari activities
Booked By a person
The Cottar family provide genuinely stunning wildlife and wilderness experiences, engaging in the scenset spirit and essence of ‘safari’: an abundance of wildlife, a guarantee of privacy, and the highest standards of professional guiding, in a luxurious and authentic safari environment.
A balloon flight over the Maasai Mara is widely considered a bucketlist activity that offers a serene and spectacular experience floating over the vast, lush, and game filled plains.
A lift off in the early morning means you watch the sun rise as you head in a generally western direction. Flights usually last about an hour and depending on the take off spot you float over riverine woodlands, watching hippos return to their daytime refuges and crocodiles basking on sandbanks. Sometimes predators and large antelope herds can be spotted below, pointed out by your experienced captain.
After the flight you will be met by the trailing transfer vehicles and taken to a pre-prepared picnic breakfast, beautifully set up in an idyllic spot on the plains.
Exact timing of your hot air balloon safari will be provided locally at the camp.
Booked by Scenset
Cottar's 1920s Camp
Honeymoon Tent
Booked By a guest
After a final morning game drive and breakfast, you will be making your way to the paradise beaches of Kinondo Kwetu! At a time to be advised by camp management, you will start your journey there with a Cottar's camp safari transfer to Keekorok Airstrip, where you will board a scheduled charter flight to Ukunda Airport.
Booked by Scenset
Please find your flight itinerary with Mombasa Air here.
Please be advised on notes regarding baggage allowance and intermediary stops during your safari flights.
Booked by Scenset
After disembarking at Ukunda Airport, collect your luggage and make your way to the arrivals area, where a representative will be waiting to transfer you for your stay. The transfer is approximately 15 minutes.
If you have any issues finding your representative, please call will be provided.
Booked by Scenset
Many consider Diani Beach, and its extension Galu Beach, to be not only one of the most beautiful beaches in Africa, but likely in the world. It is about 17 km (10 mi) long, from the Kongo River in the north to Galu Beach in the south (the southern point of reference is an old Baobab tree). The coast's white sand and warm clear turquoise waters are protected by the continuous coral reef, making for very good fishing and snorkeling. Diani is a popular spot for kitesurfing and sky diving and is not far from the Shimba Hills National Reserve, which looks out over the Indian Ocean.
There are multiple shopping centers strewn along the main road, above which the local Colobus Trust has erected a number of “monkey bridges” to protect the local black and white colobus monkeys. The 16th century Kongo Mosque is the last remaining ancient Swahili structure in Diani, located at the northern tip of Diani Beach, where the Kongo River flows into the ocean. To the south of Diani, before the Tanzania border, are the famous slave caves of Shimoni and a world famous fishing outpost that serves as the starting point for day trips on sailing dhows to Kisite Island.
Kinondo Kwetu is often described as a ‘home away from home’ - a paradise for those wanting a more personal experience on the Kenyan coast. Located on a tranquil private beach on a 16 acre plot south of Diani Beach, distanced from residential neighbors by rocky cliffs and endless beach, Kinondo Kwetu is classified as a ‘Kaya’ area (protected by the National Museum) due to its surrounding holy forests and sacred land.
Every room and cottage has its own personalized charm, as it is furnished and decorated with Swahili culture handicraft and antiquities. Three course lunches and dinners are served daily in different spots across the property - by the beach under the shade of the trees or in the evening under the stars. All the fresh fruits and vegetables are locally grown and the fresh fish and seafood come from the lodge's own "backyard" - the Indian Ocean.
Kinondo Kwetu
Room in Mama Taa Villa
- Inclusions: All-inclusive accommodation. Soft drinks, beer, house wines and spirits. Yoga platform, gym, tennis (incl racket & balls). Wood fired sauna. Canoeing/Kayaking, snorkeling equipment, Wi-Fi, limited laundry
Booked By a person
Although Kinondo Kwetu is the ideal place for simply doing nothing at all, it offers exciting possibilities for all adventurers, big and small, from one spectrum to the other, from peaceful yoga to adrenaline sky diving. Some activities are seasonal, depending on winds and tides.
Optional Activities:
- Kite surfing (courses available off site but close by)
- Deep-sea fishing
- Wind surfing
- Water skiing
- SUP, Stand up paddelboard
- Boat Excursions to ‘Paradise Lost’ island
- Scuba diving (ranging from first PADI diving lesson to advanced reef dives and international diving ‘passport’)
- Snorkelling
- Sailing & Canoeing
- Wood-fired Sauna
- Yoga & exercise classes daily or on request
- Tennis
- Cultural visits to Kinondo village & Kinondo Kwetu Community works
- Golf
- Game drives within Shimba Hills National
- Shopping / sight-seeing trips to Ukunda or Mombasa
Read more about what's on offer here.
The Kinondo Kwetu Trust Fund has enabled the lodge to give back to the local community and village. The Trust founded the Kinondo Kwetu Health center, a clinic for medical treatment for the inhabitants of Kinondo, and the clinic was awarded "best clinic in the district," catering to over 100,000 patients annually and welcoming over 1,700 babies yearly. The Trust also supports the primary school in Kinondo village, created the “Kinondo Kwetu Sponsorship Programme," and sponsors the Whale Shark Trust and the Colobus Trust.
If you would like to contribute please sign up at: GoClimateNeutral.
Kinondo Kwetu
Room in Mama Taa Villa
Booked By someone
After breakfast and check-out, take your road transfer to Ukunda Airport for your flight back to Nairobi.
The departure time will be provided by the hotel staff locally.
Booked by Scenset
Upon arrival at Wilson Airport, you'll be met by your private driver who will be at your disposal this evening. He will transfer you to The Talisman for dinner and can store your luggage for you.
If you have any issues finding your driver, please call will be provided or will be provided.
Booked by Scenset
We've made a dinner reservation for you at The Talisman in Nairobi.
This reservation has been made by your ground representative in Nairobi. The timing of this reservation will be advised locally.
Booked by scenset; dinner at own cost.
After dinner, meet your driver to transfer to Nairobi International Airport to connect with your departure flight home.
If you have any issues finding your driver, please call will be provided or will be provided.
Booked by Scenset
Wishing you a safe journey home with memories of a beautiful trip!
Please refer to our Terms & Conditions here.