An African safari touches something deep within all of us, for it is an experience that will never be forgotten. This adventure takes you to some of the most dramatic landscapes on the planet in search of wildlife. The driver-guides are all very experienced and will certainly make this safari feel special. This is a compact safari trip that provides an excellent opportunity to view a diverse variety of wildlife.
TOUR HIGHLIGHTS
Shimba Hills National Park: set high in the hills above the South Coast, this small Park is best known for the herds of rare Sable antelope which graze in the rolling hills. Elephants live in the pockets of rainforest and giraffe, zebra and ostrich (all introduced in recent years) may be seen. There are a great variety of birds and butterflies to be seen. The air at this elevation is clean and cool and it is a beautiful area in which to take a break from the hot and steamy temperatures of the coast.
Taita Hills Wildlife Sanctuary: visit this compact park where you can head straight to the action in search of 50 mammal species. A good mix of pretty landscapes, good birdwatching and decent mammal populations, also where lions and elephants are frequently sighted.
Ngutuni Sanctuary: is best known for its fantastic variety of wildlife including lion, cheetah, elephant, buffalo as well as a huge variety of plains game and birdlife.
Day 1: MOMBASA – SHIMBA HILLS (50km – 2hrs)
Morning pick-up from your hotel and drive to Shimba Hills, starting with a short game drive in the park proceeding to the Sheldrick Falls (the pick-up is in Mombasa at 06:55 am for South Coast hotels and at 06:00 am for North Coast hotels). Deep in the river valley of the National Reserve is the spectacular 82 foot Sheldrick Falls with a natural plunge pool at the foot. A shower in the cool clean waters of the falls or a dip in the pool is quite refreshing after the walk (The walk up from Sheldrick Falls can be taxing for the elderly and should only be undertaken by clients who are physically fit. Clients who prefer to give the walk a miss will proceed on a short game drive). After the walk, a game drive in the park proceeding to the Lodge for a late lunch (included). In the afternoon, relax at the Lodge and enjoy a spectacular African sunset sinking behind the serene silhouette of the Usambara Mountains in neighbouring Tanzania. Below is the Mwaluganje Elephant Sanctuary, one can see elephants at a distance. Savour dinner at the lodge.
Overnight at the Shimba Hills.
Day 2: SHIMBA HILLS – TAITA HILLS SANCTUARY (200km – 4hrs)
After an early breakfast at the lodge, drive North, along the scenic route via Kinango joining the main highway at Samburu towards Nairobi, following the route of the railway line built by the British, late in the nineteenth century. Climbing steadily, the vast plains of Tsavo become visible in the distance, with the rolling Taita Hills on the horizon. Enter Ngutuni Sanctuary for a game drive which borders with Tsavo East National Park. Lunch at Ngutuni Lodge, overlooking a waterhole (included). Afternoon proceeds to the Taita Hills Sanctuary arriving at the Salt Lick Lodge, built on stilts overlooking a waterhole where animals come to drink. Ar around 04:00 pm, proceed on a game drive that beholds captivating views of the Taita Hills. The Sanctuary hosts varied species of birds and animals that include Lions, Elephants, Giraffe and Zebras returning to the lodge. Savour dinner at the lodge. Alternatively, you can choose to go on the following Optional Tour (not included):
Night game drive: Proceed for an hour-long night game drive in the sanctuary where you can see nocturnal animals amongst other wildlife. You will experience the sounds of the African jungle which can be quite exhilarating.
Overnight in Taita Hills Wildlife Sanctuary.
Day 3: TAITA HILLS SANCTURARY – MOMBASA (200km – 4hrs)
Early morning game drive in the Sanctuary (around 06:30 am). On a clear day, the imposing magnificence of the snowcapped Mount Kilimanjaro crystallizes your morning drive returning to the Resort for breakfast. At around 09:30 am, after breakfast, proceed on a short game drive in the Sanctuary arriving at the Taita Hills Lodge for lunch (included). Afternoon drive to Mombasa and onward to your hotel in Mombasa, arriving in the evening (06:00 pm for South Coast hotels and at 05:00 pm for North Coast hotels).
Passengers should bring only soft-sided bags on safari. Passengers arriving to Kenya may be asked to present a valid Yellow Fever Vaccination Certificate. Travellers’ cheques are generally not accepted in east Africa. US banknotes cannot be older than 2004 and must have the latest security markings (large portrait of the president). Sun protection, sunglasses, a hat and mosquito repellent can be very useful during your stay.
