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Your Adventure to 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.

Christian Gibney
Scenset travel curator
Sunday, 13 – Friday, 25 October, 2024 · 12 nights
Journey to Kenya
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Trip Overview

Oct 13 - 15, 2024: Nairobi (2 nights)


Oct 15 – 16, 2024: Nairobi (1 night)


Oct 16 – 19, 2024: Kalama Community Wildlife Conservancy (3 nights)


Oct 19 – 22, 2024: Lewa Conservancy (3 nights)


Oct 22 – 25, 2024: Maasai Mara (3 nights)

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Emergency Contacts

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
Livingston Safaris

  • +27 21 686 3788 (Office Hours | 7am - 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.

Pre-Departure Information:

Below is important information you should review prior to departure. We encourage you to also review our Kenya Destination Guide.

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Visa & Entry Requirements

All previous visa entry requirements for Kenya are now replaced by the requirements of ETAs. All Global travelers, including infants and children (except citizens of Kenya and Citizens of the East African Partner States) are required to apply for ETA online prior to their arrival.

All e-visas currently in process will be issued and travelers with existing e-visas will be granted access to Kenya within the validity period of 90 days, without the additional requirement of an ETA.

Apply for ETA online via https://www.etakenya.go.ke/en

Below are requirements for the ETA applications:

For all travelers,

  • Valid passport for at least six (6) month after your planned date of arrival into Kenya with at least one blank page
  • Passport-type photo
  • Contact information, will be provided
  • Details of your arrival and departure itinerary
  • Accommodation booking confirmation(s)
  • Credit card, debit card, Apple pay or other means of payment
  • Transportation booking (flight ticket,..)


Based on your country of residence and travel history the following may also be required:

  • Yellow fever certificate
  • Other vaccination(s) or test results certificates


Travelers are eligible to apply for eTA within 3 months of their arrival date in Kenya. Following the application, a confirmation will be sent to the email address submitted in the application. Upon arrival, the ETA will be sent to the same email address.

The standard processing time for ETAs is three (3) working days.

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Packing List

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
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Health Advisories

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.

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Luggage Restrictions

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.
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Tipping Guide

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.

Sunday, 13 October, 2024
Day 1: Welcome to Kenya!
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VIP Airport Arrival

On arrival into Nairobi International Airport off a flight expected to arrive late at night, you will be met by a representative who will assist you through passport control, immigration and collection of your luggage.

If you have any issues finding your airport representative, please call will be provided.

Booked by Scenset

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Private Transfer

Your airport representative will then guide you to the arrivals hall where a representative from Bush & Beyond will be waiting to meet, assist and transfer you to the Kwetu Nairobi hotel.

If you have any issues finding your driver, please call will be provided.

Booked by Scenset

Nairobi

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.

Your Stay: Kwetu Nairobi

Off Peponi Road, Kwetu is within five minutes of Karura Forest, offering horse riding, birdwatching, jogging, and cycling. Westlands — the city’s entertainment and retail hub — is four kilometers away. Enjoy forest views from their suites, an outdoor pool, and meeting space. Enjoy the hotel's restaurants and views from their rooftop bar.

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Kwetu Nairobi

Booked Independently

Monday, 14 October, 2024
Day 2: Nairobi

Enjoy today at leisure in Nairobi

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Nairobi National Park

The Nairobi National Park, despite its proximity to the capital city of Kenya, boasts a spectacular assortment of birds and wildlife, with over 400 species of bird recorded in one day. With an excellent possibility of spotting four of the Big Five, many Nairobi residents find the lodge a perfect antidote to the hustle and bustle of city life. By staying at The Emakoko you are directly contributing to the protection and conservation of Nairobi National Park and its wildlife.

Take a private game drive into one of the most unique game parks in the world, Nairobi National Park or visit the communities that border it. Otherwise an excursion into Nairobi to visit the David Sheldrick wildlife trust, the giraffe centre, or the local shops is also possible.

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Attractions around Nairobi

Nairobi National Park is one of the best places in Africa to see rhino and also has a healthy population of lion, leopard, cheetah, and plains game like giraffe and antelope. Other attractions include the Karen Blixen Museum, the Giraffe Center, Daphne Sheldrick’s Elephant Orphanage, a visit to a tea farm, and shopping for local crafts and trinkets. There are some great local and cross-cultural restaurants to explore, from roadside food stalls to local nyama choma (barbecue joints) to five-star dining establishments.

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Kwetu Nairobi

Booked Independently

Tuesday, 15 October, 2024
Day 3: Nairobi
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10:00am | Private Transfer

This morning after check-out, you will be collected from Kwetu Nairobi and assisted with a road transfer to Karen Gables for your overnight stay before your safari adventure begins! This is a transfer of approximately 30 minutes.

Meeting Point: Hotel lobby
Meeting Time: Late morning

If you have any issues finding your driver, please call will be provided.

Booked by Scenset

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Sheldrick Wildlife Trust

On your way to your stay, you will stop at Sheldrick Wildlife Trust for a visit.

Born from one family’s passion for Kenya and its wilderness, the Sheldrick Wildlife Trust was established 45 years ago and is best known for its Orphans' Project, the first and most successful elephant orphan rescue and rehabilitation program in the world. The Sheldrick Wildlife Trust is a pioneering conservation organisation, dedicated to the protection of wildlife and the preservation of habitats in East Africa.

Booked by Scenset

Your Stay: Karen Gables

Karen Gables is a characterful Cape Dutch style private home that sits peacefully off the road in its own verdant gardens. A true home from home, there are numerous private spots to sit and unwind.

The leafy and affluent suburb of [Suburb Name] sits to the South West of [City Name] towards the foot of the [Mountain Range Name]. [Suburb Name] still remains largely unspoilt by over-development or traffic jams and is an attractive and peaceful place to stay away from the city centre which is easily accessed via ever-improving ring roads and bypasses.

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A guest
2x Standard Rooms

Comfortable, characterful and homely rooms with an average size of 18m2. All rooms are equipped with air conditioning, mosquito nets, safe boxes, writing desks, smoke detectors and en suite bathrooms.

Inclusions: Daily breakfast

Booked by a user

Wednesday, 16 October, 2024
Day 4: Off on Safari
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8:30am | Private Transfer

This morning after breakfast and check-out, you will be collected from Karen Gables and transferred to Wilson Airport in time for your shared charter flight to Samburu Kalama Airstrip. This is a transfer of approximately 30 minutes.

Meeting Point: Hotel lobby
Meeting Time: Around 8:30am

If you have any issues finding your driver, please call will be provided.

Booked by Scenset

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Safarilink

Please find your flight itinerary with Safarilink here.

Please be advised on notes regarding baggage allowance and intermediary stops during your safari flights.

Safarilink Contact: will be provided | will be provided

Booked by Scenset

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Safari Flight Notice

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.

Kalama Community Wildlife Conservancy

Northern Kenya is one of Africa’s last true wilderness areas. The absence of fences makes it one of the few places left that allows for the free movement of wildlife across a vast area. A red landscape dominated by acacia-grassland mosaic, with dramatic dry upland/montane forests rising from its plains, it is home to a wide diversity of species. Inhabited by pastoral tribes with rich traditional histories that are collectively striving both to protect its ecological integrity and their own livelihoods there is no better way for visitors to experience the real Africa.

A location in northern Kenya lies in an area of 95,000 hectares of Girgir Group Ranch in Samburu land, west of Archer’s Post. With a population of only 2,000, the main livelihood in the area is livestock, mostly camels and goats. Centered around a core conservation area of 3,150 hectares, this location represents a crucial migratory corridor between northern and southern conservation areas of this spectacular region of Kenya. Large herds of elephants cross this location in their migratory routes between the different conservancies that are under the NRT umbrella.

Your Stay: Saruni Samburu

Saruni Samburu’s six luxury, eco-chic villas are open and spacious, heralding spectacular views over Kalama Conservancy and Mount Kenya. As the only lodge in over 200,000 acres of unspoiled wilderness teeming with wildlife to explore exclusively, and guided by local warriors passionate about their land and culture, the safari experience at Saruni Samburu is intimate and truly exceptional. Saruni Samburu is located inside Kalama Community Wildlife Conservancy, a large, privately-owned reserve bordering with Samburu National Reserve (‘SNR’). Since the lodge is only 7 km away from the border between Kalama and SNR, safaris cover both reserves.

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Saruni Samburu
1x Villa (Double Occupancy)
1x Villa (Single Occupancy)

The Villa is comprised of an en-suite bedroom with a spacious living area and verandah, all with very unique character and style, blending beautifully into the surroundings. A romantic refuge for a honeymoon couple, or an adventurous escape for a family of three – the outdoor shower, private dining area and interesting design will make for an exciting and memorable stay.

Inclusions: Full board accommodation & limited laundry service. Soft drinks, house wines, beers & select non-luxury spirits. Shared day & night safari drives in 4x4 vehicles and guided bush walks. Bush meals, sundowner & picnic excursions. One complimentary Back & Neck massage (30 min.) per room per stay, return airstrip transfers

Booked by a guest

Thursday, 17 – Friday, 18 October, 2024 · 1 night
Days 5-6: Saruni Samburu
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Activities at Saruni Samburu

At Saruni Samburu you can participate in a wide range of diverse activities appealing to all tastes and all ages. The activities have been developed in celebration of the great wilderness right on our doorstep and the unique people who call it their home. You can enjoy morning, afternoon and all-day game drives through renowned and teeming conservation areas, Kalama Conservancy and Samburu National Reserve, two fantastic habitats for African wildlife. Night game drives in Kalama Conservancy are highly recommended, when nocturnal species can be encountered, and is a unique activity not permitted in the National Reserve.

There are two beautiful swimming pools at Saruni Samburu, as well as a fabulous and unique photographic hide. You can also enjoy guided bush walks and hikes, walks to caves to learn about Samburu Rock Art, spa treatments at the beautiful Samburu Wellbeing Space, local community visits, the Reteti Elephant Sanctuary, helicopter excursions and scenic flights, traditional wedding ceremonies and blessings, picnics, bush meals, and sundowners, stargazing, birdwatching, the Warrior's Academy, scorpion safari, and an excursion to trek a sacred mountain (additional costs may apply).

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Guest Names
1x Villa (Double Occupancy)
https://saruni.com/saruni-samburu-villas/
1x Villa (Single Occupancy)
https://saruni.com/saruni-samburu-villas/

Inclusions: Full board accommodation & limited laundry service. Soft drinks, house wines, beers & select non-luxury spirits. Shared day & night safari drives in 4x4 vehicles and guided bush walks. Bush meals, sundowner & picnic excursions. One complimentary Back & Neck massage (30 min.) per room per stay, return airstrip transfers

Booked by Scenset

Saturday, 19 October, 2024
Day 7: Kalama - Lewa
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Road Transfer to Lewa Conservancy

Your adventure continues with a private transfer from Saruni Samburu to the enchanting Lewa House. Management will confirm your pick-up time the day prior, ensuring a smooth and effortless transition between these two destinations. The journey typically takes around three hours, though travel time may vary as you navigate the stunning landscapes of the African wilderness. As you traverse rolling savannahs and rugged terrain, each turn offers the promise of discovery, making this transfer more than just a ride—it’s part of your adventure!

If you have any issues finding your driver, please call will be provided.

Booked by Scenset

Lewa Conservancy

Lewa is a large private game ranch located 30 miles north of the equator at the foothills of Mt. Kenya, and is home to the world famous Lewa Wildlife Conservancy. There are very few private houses and camps on the reserve so game viewing is as exclusive as it can get. The area is probably one of the best in Africa for viewing rhinos. The reserve not only has Big 5 but the largest population of the rare Grevy’s zebra as well other rare northern species. There are many activities to engage in, including horseback riding, scenic flights, night drives, walking safaris, camel riding, and photographic hides.

The conservancy is a groundbreaking example of conservation in action and community participation. The family who started it has been instrumental in educating and assisting local communities about the value and benefit of securing land for wildlife. Their approach has included community support projects such as schools, clinics, and water management. Lewa is also the setting for the Lewa Marathon, a notorious run on dirt trails amongst herds of wild animals.

Your Stay: Lewa House

Lewa House is set on top of a hill with an engaging panoramic view of the rolling landscape of the Conservancy, and overlooks the luggas (valleys) and hills, with the horizon rising to the eye-catching views of the Mathews Range and the sacred mountain of the Samburu, Ol Lolokwe. The property features three family cottages (two adjoining ensuite rooms - one double and one twin, not interconnected) and four individual Earthpods with ensuite bathrooms. A maximum of 18 guests are on property, and children of all ages are welcome.

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Lewa House
Family Room

These charming cottages are part of the scenset house. They are built using the traditional Lewa architecture of rough stone walls and thatched roofs and are furnished with beautiful rough-hewn hardwood furniture. The cottages consist of a double and twin room, each with an en-suite bathroom. Adjoining the two bedrooms is a large verandah where a family can sit and enjoy.

Inclusions: Full board accommodation, soft drinks, local beers, non-premium wines and spirits, laundry and Lewa airstrip transfers. Activities included are day and night shared safari drives, guided walks, pre-historic site visits, bush breakfasts, picnic lunches, sundowners, visit to the Lewa Wildlife Conservancy HQ (educational talks, school or project visits), visit to Il’Ngwesi cultural boma (entrance fees extra and payable direct), 1 visit to Ngare Ndare forest with canopy walkway and swim in the water-falls OR one horse/camel trek (afternoons only) in a 3 night stay. Horse rides and camel treks are subject to availability

Booked by someone

Sunday, 20 – Monday, 21 October, 2024 · 1 night
Days 8-9: On the Lewa Conservancy
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Activities at Lewa House

Activities and experiences include: day and night shared game drives, guided walks, pre-historic site visits, bush breakfasts, picnic lunches, sundowners, visit to a wildlife conservancy HQ, visits to a cultural boma (entrance fees extra and payable direct), a visit to a forest with canopy walkway and swim in the waterfalls. Horse rides and camel treks are subject to availability.

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Lewa House
Family Room

Inclusions: Full board accommodation, soft drinks, local beers, non-premium wines and spirits, laundry and Lewa airstrip transfers. Activities included are day and night shared safari drives, guided walks, pre-historic site visits, bush breakfasts, picnic lunches, sundowners, visit to the Lewa Wildlife Conservancy HQ (educational talks, school or project visits), visit to Il’Ngwesi cultural boma (entrance fees extra and payable direct), 1 visit to Ngare Ndare forest with canopy walkway and swim in the water-falls OR one horse/camel trek (afternoons only) in a 3 night stay. Horse rides and camel treks are subject to availability

Booked by a guest

Tuesday, 22 October, 2024
Day 10: Lewa - Maasai Mara
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Transfer to Airstrip

At a time to be advised by lodge management you will be assisted with a safari transfer to Lewa Downs Airstrip in time for your next charter flight to Mara Musiara Airstrip with Safarilink.

Booked by Scenset

Maasai Mara

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.

Your Stay: Tangulia Mara

Tangulia Mara camp is a rustic and cozy tented bush camp perched on a leafy hill overlooking the Olotulo-Murt salt lick, by the Mara River. It is located on private land and has an emphasis on authentic safari and African experiences. Tangulia is the Swahili word meaning “to lead.”

Tangulia Mara camp is located on the Mara River on the edge of the Mara Reserve, north of Musiara marsh. The area is rich in biodiversity and offers prime wildlife and big cat viewing, and, during the migration, ready access to some of the main river crossing points.

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Tanguila Mara
Family Tent

Featuring two bedrooms, the family tent is suitable for four guests, with a king bed and two twin beds, an en-suite, and an outdoor verandah.

Inclusions: Full board accommodation, soft drinks, local beers, non-premium wines and spirits, laundry, airstrip transfers (Musiara airstrip), activities: shared day safari drives in the Mara Reserve and the Mara Triangle, bush breakfasts and lunches, guided walks on the escarpment, Masai village visit

Booked by a client

Wednesday, 23 – Thursday, 24 October, 2024 · 1 night
Days 11 - 12: In the Maasai Mara
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Your Time at Tangulia Mara

Activities include shared game drives in the Mara Reserve and the Mara Triangle, bush breakfasts and lunches, guided walks on the escarpment, and visits to Maasai villages.

Tangulia Mara Camp is situated on private land on the western boundary of the Mara Reserve, allowing easy access to game drives around the Musiara Marsh, the short grass plains, and Rhino Ridge, in the reserve or across the Mara River bridge into the Mara Triangle west of the river. Both areas have rich biodiversity and offer prime wildlife and big cat viewing and, during the migration, ready access to some of the main river-crossing places. Guided walks on the slopes of the escarpment outside the reserve, and experiencing the warmth and hospitality of the nearby villages are great attractions for guests.

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Tanguila Mara
Family Tent

Inclusions: Full board accommodation, soft drinks, local beers, non-premium wines and spirits, laundry, airstrip transfers (Musiara airstrip), activities: shared day safari drives in the Mara Reserve and the Mara Triangle, bush breakfasts and lunches, guided walks on the escarpment, Masai village visit

Booked by a client

Friday, 25 October, 2024
Day 13: Farewell
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Transfer to Airstrip

As your time in the bush comes to an end, you will be transferred from camp back to the Mara Musiara Airstrip in time for your scheduled charter flight to Wilson Airport with Safarilink. Your guide will advise of your departure time this morning the night before.

Booked by Scenset

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Vehicle at Disposal in Nairobi

Upon arrival at Wilson Airport, collect your luggage and make your way to the arrivals hall where a representative from Bush & Beyond will be waiting for you. Enjoy the freedom and convenience of a private vehicle at your disposal to explore Nairobi before transferring to the luxurious Hyatt Westlands, where you'll settle in for your stay under your own arrangements.

If you have any issues finding your driver, please call will be provided.

Booked by Scenset

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Day Room Access

Enjoy your day room access at the Hyatt Westlands prior to your international flight home.

Booked Independently