Samburu, Buffalo Springs and Shaba National Reserves

These three adjoining reserves are situated north of Mt Kenya and total around 535 sq km. Watered by the muddy Uaso Ngiro River and natural springs, this is classified as a lowland area, so generally hot, arid and dusty. It is also extremely scenic, with ravine areas dominated by acacia and doum palms. Also of interest are the volcanic rock cones and craggy hills, which spread through certain areas of the park. Large numbers of gerenuk make this area exciting but plenty of other species are also common. These include crocodile, hippo, gazelle, Beisa oryx, Grevy’s zebra, Somali ostrich, reticulated giraffe, elephant, vervet monkey, cheetah, leopard and lion that still roam its acacia woodlands, ravines and grasslands. There are also some amazing birds to spot in the reserves.

Meru National Park

Meru is in the northern frontier, east of Mount Kenya. It covers an area of 870 sq km and is still relatively untouched by tourism, which makes it alluring. The animals are found in good numbers, but are shy. This park is one of the driest in the country, though it is criss-crossed by numerous rivers and streams running off nearby mountains. The landscape is wild, blessed with dense ribbons of vegetation dominated by magnificent stands of baobab trees, doum and raphia palms which run through the dry valleys. The area is famous for Elsa, the orphaned lioness reared by Joy and George Adamson and eventually returned to the wilds of Meru.

Laikipia National Reserve

Covered by large privately-owned ranches, Laikipia is wild, sparsely populated and considered the gateway to Kenya’s northern territory. Linked with evolving community programmes, visitors to this region have some of the best opportunities to experience culture and farming, traditional home-stays, proactive conservation, and the flexibility of walking, camel, camping and cycling safaris. The 8,000 sq km reserve has also become a sanctuary for elephant, lion, leopard, buffalo, rhinoceros, chimpanzees and a wealth of plains game, including many endemic northern species. Game-viewing tends to be more intimate and adventurous here, where exploring is at your own pace.

Mount Kenya National Park

The park was created around Africa’s second-highest mountain. It straddles the equator and covers more than 715 sq km. Mount Kenya is seen as sacred by the Kikuyu people, as there is said to be a god who lives here. The mountain’s snow-capped peaks can be seen on clear days, but are often enclosed in low cloud cover. With altitudes ranging from 1,600m to 5,200m, there is a wide range of vegetation. It includes rich sub-alpine flora, low-lying forests and bamboo zones, as well as moorlands and tundra. Common species found are giant forest hog, tree hyrax, white-tailed mongoose, elephant, buffalo, suni, duiker, leopard, black rhino, bushbuck, bongo and a type of ‘golden cat’. Mountain buzzards, tinker birds and various louries are also fascinating spots.

Aberdare National Park

Slightly larger than Mount Kenya National Park, Aberdare National Park offers an eco-system that is fairly similar. Its mountain ranges climb to over 4,200m and consist mainly of tropical high-alpine vegetation, the park is about 766 sq km in size. In the lower-lying regions, you will find rain and bamboo forests, moorlands, waterfalls, rivers and dams filled with trout. The most common species include giant forest hog, black rhino, elephant, lion, leopard, serval cat and a variety of monkeys as well as spectacular birds.

Lake Baringo

About 100km north of Nakuru, this 170 sq km tranquil freshwater lake is host to some rare bird species seen nowhere else in Africa. Boat trips on the lake are popular to view the hippo, crocodiles and bird-life. One can also visit a local Njemps tribal village or watch the villagers fishing from their frail papyrus boats.

Lake Bogoria

Lying between Baringo and Nakuru, Bogoria was initially created to protect the greater kudu, found on the western Laikipia escarpment. Bushland and forest ravines surround the 30 sq km shallow soda lake, also a favourite nesting site for flamingo. Another fascinating attraction is a visit to the hot sulphur springs, which bubble and shoot hot jets of water from the ground.

Lake Nakuru National Park

The most famous of the Rift Valley lakes, Nakuru is a soda lake set within the 62 sq km park, renowned for its magnificent array of birdlife. It is the migratory flocks of thousands of greater and lesser flamingo that really create the attraction here, when the lake’s shallow waters turn pink. Black and white rhino, the rare Rothschild’s giraffe, a small herd of buffalo, dik dik, klipspringer, eland, the occasional leopard and many other plains game are also found here.

Lake Naivasha

A very picturesque freshwater lake and a favorite weekend haunt for Nairobi residents, who enjoy fishing and sailing on some 900 sq km of water. There are many boat trips or perhaps a visit to Crescent Island for a gentle walk. Nearby is the dramatic Hell’s Gate, overshadowed by the mysterious Mt Longonot.

Hell’s Gate National Park

Hell’s Gate covers an area of around 69 sq km and is situated close to Lake Naivasha, a short drive from Nairobi. The main characteristic of the park is its diverse topography and geological scenery, with some spectacular gorge walks, scenic landscape and hot springs to enjoy. It is also an important home to the lammergeyer vulture.

Lake Elmenteita

Most of this shallow 18 sq km soda lake is on private land and forms part of the Delamere Estate’s Soysambu property. There is some game in the bush around the lake, with flamingo and pelicans congregating along the shores. Some very pleasant escorted nature walks around the lake’s shores are available.

Lake Victoria

Being the world’s second-largest freshwater lake, Lake Victoria covers an area of nearly 70,000 sq km and is one of the chief sources of the Nile. Life here has not changed for centuries. The cultures are fascinating, people beautiful and scenery spectacular.

Masai Mara National Reserve

One of East Africa’s most famous reserves, the 1,600 sq km ‘Mara’ consists of undulating hills and great rolling grasslands that sustain some of the most varied wildlife in Africa, if not the world. There is always game in the ‘Mara’, however it changes its character dramatically with the seasons.

When the grass is fairly high in many areas, game-viewing is restricted, but the count ryside is incredibly green and at its most scenic. As the countryside dries out, game-viewing improves. Game concentrations are at their greatest from around July to the end of October, when the migrating herds filter across the Mara River from western Serengeti. During this period, you will find vast plains filled, as far as the eye can see, with wildebeest, zebra, gazelle, eland, Topi and hartebeest as well as the normal resident herds such as elephant, buffalo and giraffe. Naturally, these are all followed by great prides of lion, hyena, cheetah and the various other predators and scavengers.

Many animals do not survive these annual trips due to exhaustion or the treacherous river crossings, where some of the world’s largest crocodiles await their feast. Other highlight s of the ‘Mara’ include the early morning balloon safaris, walking in the community areas adjoining the main park and some of the lodges’ fascinating programs orientated towards children’s wildlife education.

Amboseli National Park

One of the most popular parks in Kenya, we think it is a real gem. Forming part of a massive eco-system, the park itself is only 392 sq km and is situated at the foot of Africa’s highest mountain, Kilimanjaro. This great mountain forms the backdrop to most photographers’ pictures and on a clear day, the snowy peak of Kibo is seen. Elephants abound in the forest and swamps, feeding on the lush papyrus and other grasses. Cheetah, lion and many hyena can also be seen on the salt flats or in the forests. Giraffe, zebra and wildebeest are always spotted on the open plains or congregating at the edge of the swamps.

Taita Hills Conservancy

Situated on the main Voi to Taita road, south of the Taita Hills, the Taita Hills Conservancy creates a game corridor to Tsavo West National Park. Formerly a sisal plantation, it has been transformed into a 113 sq km reserve with some interesting grasslands and woodlands. The area now attracts a good quantity of zebra, buffalo, elephant, waterbuck, reedbuck, impala, eland, gazelle and much more. The bird-life is also excellent. The park is home to two lodges – Taita Hills Safari Lodge and the popular Salt Lick Lodge that is elevated on stilts to give a panoramic view of the conservancy and wildlife.

Tsavo East and Tsavo West National Parks

This huge park is split into two by the main Nairobi to Mombasa highway and covers a total area of around 2,000 sq km. The park is quite arid with only two permanent rivers but its flat landscape is dotted with hills and baobab trees, making it extremely attractive. Tsavo is still famous for the legends of man-eating lion and its ‘red’ elephants, so called because of the red marram earth with which they spray themselves. Most game congregates among the acacia and raphia palms, which line the riverine areas. Common spots include elephant, buffalo, ostrich, gazelle, giraffe, zebra and the accompanying predatory cats. Less frequent sightings are gerenuk, fringe-eared oryx and Hunters hartebeest. Popular attractions in the park are the Lugard Falls, Yatta Plateau (which is the world’s longest lava flow) and Mzima Springs. Here there is an underground viewing platform to observe crocodile, hippo and the various fish under water.

Shimba Hills National Reserve

Shimba Hills runs parallel to the coast and is approximately one hour’s journey from Mombasa. Located at 500m above sea level, Shimba is covered by beautiful forest foliage and makes a refreshing break from the sticky humidity of the coast. There is not a great deal of big-game within the 310 sq. km reserve but common species include elephant, buffalo and giraffe and for the lucky few, the rare sable antelope.

The Kenyan Coast

Kenya offers 536 kilometers of coastline along the warm waters of the Indian Ocean. Much of the coastline remains undeveloped, however there is a range of developed areas starting from Lamu Island in the north and ending at Wasini Island in the south near the Tanzanian border. The coast is served by airstrips near Lamu, at Malindi and the Ukunda airport in Diani, the south coast of Mombasa. Moi International Airport is based in Mombasa where vis itors can access the Mombasa North Coast resorts following a short drive. Passengers arriving to Moi International can also transfer to the South Coast Diani resorts by road with a crossing on the Likoni Ferry – a brief trip bridging the half a kilometre gap between north and south coasts.

Lamu Island

This UNESCO World Heritage Site is one of the original settlements in Kenya, dating back to 1370. It is a site steeped in culture and history. It is known for offering comfortable accommodation.

Malindi

Travelling south from Lamu, we next arrive at Malindi. The area is also steeped in Swahili culture and offers a number of popular resorts. Malindi is 120 kilometers north of Mombasa and transfers can be provided by road from Mom basa or travelers may fly into the Malindi Airport. There are a number of popular resorts in the Malindi area.

Watamu

Just a few kilometres south of Malindi is Watamu. Here the exceptional beaches are protected by offshore coral providing an opportunity for swimming, snorkeling, SCUBA diving and deep-sea fishing. There are a range of resorts in Watamu including the five-star Hemingways Watamu Resort.

Kilifi

The next spot we arrive at on our journey south is Kilifi. Not widely known, Kilifi is 53 kilometers north of Mombasa and offers pristine beaches and a small selection of resorts.

Mombasa

Mombasa is generally split into three areas. The north and south coasts and the city centre. The city itself is an island, connected to the northwest by a bridge where the airport is located on the mainland. A bridge also connects the city to the north coast where a range of resorts can be found. A ferry connects the island to the south coast. Here you find a number of beaches including the popular Diani Beach, teeming with resorts of every size, standard and budget imaginable.

Diani

Diani is a luxurious beach town in Kenya normally referred to as Mombasa South Coast. Known for awesome Diani beach hotels, coral reefs, plush white sands, and verdant forests, Diani is a versatile area popular with people of all ages. In addition to fantastic surfing conditions, the intimate town is filled with exotic wildlife, elegant resort hotels, and a shopping center.

Itineraries

Our scheduled safaris combine like minded travelers for a shared experience. Travelling as a group offers the benefits of reduced cost and is a great way to make new friends who share an enthusiasm for Africa.

We offer a number of departures each week with varying itineraries and accommodation to fit schedules and budgets. All of our scheduled programs are also available on request as a private safari (at a slightly higher cost) and on a private basis, can operate on any date subject to availability of accommodation.

Some of our scheduled programs are components of longer safaris and even combine with a safari in Tanzania to create the East African Explorer. These safaris also operated with bi-lingual driver-guides and participants could be from all over the world. A great way to make friends from other lands and experience a fantastic safari. Some programs include an overnight in Nairobi at the beginning of the safari whilst others require an overnight to be added at an additional cost.

Terms & Conditions

NOTICE: Because we offer tours in numerous countries, which are operated by various tour suppliers, the terms of your particular tour may vary from our Standard Terms & Conditions below. If they do vary from the terms listed below, you will receive separate Terms & Conditions from the tour supplier operating your tour. If you believe you did not receive them or if you have any questions, please Contact us for an emailed copy.

Standard Terms & Conditions

Reservations, Payment & Pricing

A deposit of up to 50% of the total cost of your tour is required to hold your reservation and will be specified via email correspondence. The remaining balance for your tour is due in cash (USD or it’s equivalence in Euros, GBP, or local currency, whichever is agreed upon by email beforehand or specified in your particular tour supplier’s Terms & Conditions) upon pickup on the start date of your tour.

Travel to Africa Tours will cancel tours that are not paid in full upon pickup on the start date of your tour, in which case the deposit of up to 50% of the total tour price will be forfeited.

Travel to Africa Tours reserves the right to correct promotional or pricing errors at any time.

All taxes are included in your quoted price.

Cancellation & Refund Policy

If you must cancel your tour, you must do so in writing via email. We will not accept cancellations made by phone. In the event that you cancel, whether before or after the start date of your tour or if you fail to arrive on the start date, unless otherwise agreed to by us in writing, your full deposit will be forfeited and no refund will be given.

Travel to Africa Tours reserves the right to decline to accept or retain any passenger on any of its tours if, in its sole discretion, it deems retaining such passenger as being detrimental to the tour. In the event any passenger is removed from a tour which is already in progress, or leaves early for any reason, Travel to Africa Tours will not issue a partial refund for any unused services due to early departure.

Travel to Africa Tours reserves the right to alter, cancel or shorten a tour without notice, at Travel to Africa Tours’s sole discretion, as may be deemed necessary or advisable. In such event, your sole remedy shall be a prorated refund for any unused portion of the trip.

Payment of Your Deposit

We accept payment for your deposit by wire transfer or Western Union. Be aware that your bank and/or Western Union may charge you an additional fee.

Reservation Changes & Traveler Preferences

If you request to change your arrival or departure city, and Travel to Africa Tours approves your request, we reserve the right to increase the price of your tour accordingly, if we deem it will increase our expenses. If you request to extend your tour, and Travel to Africa Tours approves your request, we reserve the right to increase the price of your tour accordingly. If you are already on tour and wish to extend it, payment for any extra days will be immediately due in cash at that time.

All traveler requests, including preferred schedule, accommodations, and tribes visited are subject to availability and logistical and security constraints, and are not guaranteed.

Multiple Traveler Arrangements & Accommodations

We recommend a maximum of 3 people per tour vehicle for your comfort, as we must leave sufficient room for baggage, supplies, the driver/guide, and additional local guide as needed. A 2nd vehicle is mandatory for 5 or more people. A 3rd vehicle is mandatory for 9 or more people.

Standard accommodations are based on single or double-bedded rooms with private bath, and are subject to availability. Multiple rooms, tents or vehicles will result in additional fees.

Medical Issues

You must advise Travel to Africa Tours in writing via email, at or prior to booking, of any physical, emotional or mental condition which (a) may affect your ability to fully participate in the trip; (b) may require professional attention during the trip; or (c) may require the use of special equipment. If any such condition arises after the tour is booked, you must advise Travel to Africa Tours in writing via email, immediately.

Travel to Africa Tours reserves the right to decline or cancel your reservation, or to remove you from a tour in progress, if Travel to Africa Tours determines your condition would adversely affect the health, safety, or enjoyment of you or of other participants. If Travel to Africa Tours removes you from a tour in progress pursuant to this paragraph, you will not be entitled to any refund of your tour payment and Travel to Africa Tours shall have no further liability.

Most Travel to Africa Tours tours are not wheelchair-accessible, as wheelchair assistance or accessibility in our tour destinations cannot be guaranteed. If you require a wheelchair, you must provide Travel to Africa Tours with your requirements in advance and also may need to bring your own small, collapsible wheelchair.

If you are unable to travel without assistance, you must be accompanied by an able companion. If you have a condition which requires special equipment or treatment, you must bring and be responsible for all necessary items related to your condition. Travel to Africa Tours cannot accommodate motorized scooters of any kind. Travel to Africa Tours cannot accommodate women past their 6th month of pregnancy and cannot accommodate service animals.

If you have a condition as contemplated herein, you travel at your own risk. Travel to Africa Tours is not liable for any injuries or damages you may suffer relating to such a condition, including, without limitation, loss of special equipment, lack of assistance with or accommodation of special needs, and unavailability of medical assistance or treatment.

Travel to Africa Tours is not responsible for the costs of any medical treatment you may require during the trip. Under no circumstances is Travel to Africa Tours responsible for the quality of medical care, or lack thereof, you may receive while on the trip.

Air Transportation

Air transportation is not included and is your responsibility.

Luggage

Guests are urged to travel with only one medium-size suitcase. Luggage and personal effects are at owner’s risk throughout the tour.

Guides

Our tours cover many different areas with many different languages. Travel to Africa Tours partners with local tribal guides in some locations in lieu of a Travel to Africa Tours guide in order to provide more accurate interpretation and a better tour experience.

Not Included in Quoted Tour Rates

Cost of obtaining passports, visas, travel insurance, baggage charges, alcoholic drinks, laundry, communication expenses, international airport departure tax, deviations from the tour, and gratuities are not included.

Travel Insurance

Travel insurance, including medical and evacuation, which also provides protection against lost or damaged luggage, is highly recommended.

Photography

Travel to Africa Tours may take photographs or film of its tours and tour participants, and participant grants Travel to Africa Tours express permission to do so and for Travel to Africa Tours to use such for promotional or commercial use, unless agreed to otherwise in writing.

Responsibility

Travel to Africa Tours does not own or operate certain entities which provide goods or services for your tour, including, for example, lodging facilities, vehicle rental agencies, restaurants, and local guide associations.

As a result, Travel to Africa Tours is not responsible for any negligent or willful act or failure to act of any person or entity it does not own or control, nor for any act or inaction of any other third party not under its control.

Without limitation, Travel to Africa Tours is not liable for any direct, indirect, consequential, or incidental damage, injury, death, loss, accident, delay, inconvenience or irregularity of any kind which may be occasioned by reason of any act or omission beyond its control, including, without limitation any willful or negligent act or failure to act or breach of contract or violation of local law or regulation of any third party such as an airline, train, hotel, bus, taxi, van, tour operator or local guide whether or not it uses the Travel to Africa Tours name.

Similarly, Travel to Africa Tours is not responsible for any loss, injury, death or inconvenience due to delay or changes in schedule, overbooking of accommodation, default of any third party, attacks by animals, sickness, the lack of appropriate medical care, evacuation to same, if necessary, weather, strikes, acts of God or government, acts of terrorism, force majeure, war, quarantine, criminal activity, or any other cause beyond its control.