Kenyan Coast & 6-day Safari

From $880 pp

  • Duration

    10 days
  • Bookable From

    Year-round
  • Trip Style

    Privately Guided
  • Country

    Kenya
  • Physical Rating

    Easy

Overview

An adventure of a lifetime awaits on this Kenyan Coast & Safari tour that will take you on food tours through Mombasa, nature walks with giraffes, plenty of game drives, and more!

In this land of enchantment, the possibilities are as endless as the savannah. Architecture, food, animals, landscapes, history, Kenya has it all. Join us on this experience to discover the stunning turquoise coast and the awe-inspiring wildlife, all while embedded in the vibrant Kenyan culture.

Trip length is 10 days: 3 days in Mombasa on the Kenyan coast, a 6-day safari through three national parks, and a final day in Mombasa.

Highlights

Mombasa

  • Nature Walk with Giraffes
  • Dhow Ride Experience through the Mombasa Channel
  • Mombasa City Tour
  • Mombasa Food Tour

6-day Safari

  • Tsavo West, Amboseli, and Tsavo East National Parks
  • Game viewing drives
  • Scenic hills and valleys
  • Beautiful lodges and waterholes
  • Views of Mount Kilimanjaro
  • Observation Hill
  • A glimpse of African homesteads & cultures
  • The beautiful man-made Aruba Dam
  • Mudanda Rock

The journey begins with a rush of adrenaline as you acclimate in Mombasa. With our nature walk, you will get as close as you have ever come to giraffes, ostriches, and other unique species, so prepare for an adventurous experience. The day does not finish there, with a dhow ride through the Mombasa Channel, you will have the chance to lay back and relax amid the soothing sound of gently flowing water. After that, the vibrant city of Mombasa will welcome you with open arms. Explore the enchanting Old Town, where narrow alleys and intricately carved doors transport you to a bygone era of Arabian influence, and indulge in a tantalizing fusion of flavors at its bustling markets.

After some wonderful days in Mombasa, the beauty of Kenya's national parks awaits. Walk through the savannah to discover unique landscapes, observe wildlife in its natural environment, learn about local tribes, and see the impressive Mount Kilimanjaro - Africa's tallest mountain. With local guides assisting you, we make sure you make the most out of this experience.

Game drives throughout the parks will open your eyes to Africa's limitless expanses of the wild. You may see herds of dust-red elephants wallowing, rolling, or simply foraging; as well as lions, cheetahs, giraffes, buffalo, antelopes, warthogs, ostriches, baboons, birds, and more! In Amboseli National Park, you will visit swamps below Observation Hill, which host large herds of animals including elephants, buffalo, hippos, and a variety of waterfowls like the pelican and Egyptian goose. In Tsavo National Park, you'll see the beautiful man-made Aruba Dam located on the north bank of the seasonal Voi River. This dam is visited by thousands of animals and is a great game-viewing destination. You'll also visit the whale-backed Mudanda Rock which towers above a natural dam, and acts as a draw to thousands of elephants.

Seasonal Notes

Kenya has two distinct seasons, dry and wet. From December to March, the weather is hot and sunny, making it ideal for beach activities such as snorkeling, swimming, and sunbathing. As minimal rainfall is expected throughout the dry season, outdoor experiences are pleasant as well.

Another aspect that makes these months the most recommended for visiting Kenya is that it is the best time for wildlife viewing. With thinner vegetation and limited water sources, animals tend to gather around watering holes, making them easier to spot during safaris in national parks like Tsavo East and Tsavo West.

To make it even better, those are the months of the festive season, so Mombasa comes alive with different celebrations, cultural festivities, and vibrant street markets. The city offers a great opportunity to enjoy local traditions and immerse in Kenya's energetic culture.

Popular attractions tend to get quite crowded during the dry season. On festive occasions, such as Christmas and New Year, Mombasa is bustling with tourists. Tourist influxes diminish noticeably in the rainy season (April to May, and November), making it easier to enjoy popular attractions and walk throughout Mombasa in a laid-back rhythm. Choosing to travel in the rainy season contributes to tourism dispersal, creating a positive impact on the local community.

However, it is important to know that the weather is quite unpredictable in Kenya, so we suggest checking weather patterns in advance.

Itinerary

Day 1 Mombasa [Kenya] (arrival day)

After your flight, check-in and settle into your accommodation. Relax and prepare yourself for the adventure of the following day.

Day 2 Mombasa: Giraffe Nature Walk & Dhow Experience

Get comfortable shoes and don't forget your camera ready to get amazing pics! Discover an off-the-beaten animal haven at Bamburi, Mombasa. Upon arrival, you will be given a briefing on the Sanctuary by a specialized guide. After that, enjoy the company of free animals in a responsible way as you walk through lakes, indigenous plants, and rare beings.

Be prepared to get inches close to giraffes, ostriches, antelopes, and other species, as this sanctuary is one of the few places in the world that allows this without fencing. Giraffes are very friendly and roam freely within the public, so you can have a picnic near them while enjoying the beauty of the Kenyan landscapes.

After your experience on land, prepare for sailing through the Mombasa Channel on a handmade wooden dhow. With local captains guiding you, you will learn about the history and culture while hearing the soft splashing of the water. We suggest taking this dhow ride during the evening to enjoy the charm of the sunset on the river.

Day 3 Mombasa: City Tour & Food Tour

Today will be quite exciting, with two main activities in Mombasa:

CITY TOUR Meet your guide at Fort Jesus, a 16th-century building. Admire its beautiful mix of Portuguese, Arab, and Swahili styles. Learn about the captivating history of this UNESCO World Heritage Site.

After that, you will get on a tuk-tuk, a three-wheeled vehicle that is popular throughout the country. We will drive you through Old Town, for you to appreciate the cultural blend. Get familiarized with the architecture, narrow lanes, history, and cultural norms, all with the aid of an English-speaking guide. In the Town, the Old Town Market is a definite must, with its many vendors selling spices, fresh produce, and local handicrafts that showcase the essence of Mombasa's vibrant heritage. There, you can further immerse yourself in the local culture by practicing the traditional art of haggling.

Our next stop will be the famous Tusks, a pair of sizeable aluminum tusks that form an arch over Moi Avenue. Get a picture of this famous landmark that represents Mombasa's hospitality.

We will head toward the coast to visit the Mama Ngina Waterfront. With the Indian Ocean by your side, enjoy an idle stroll, buy food from the local vendors., and refresh yourself with the coastal breeze.

FOOD TOUR What better way to learn about the local culture than tasting its traditional cuisine? Our first stop will be for a Swahili coffee from a man who has been doing it for 20 years. There you can savor the drink with a gentle sea breeze caressing your face. After that, a sweet lady will share the story of how she began her business of selling snacks and will give you bites and sugarcane juice for you to sample. Relish in the variety of flavors that your mouth tastes.

Our last spot is Mama Ngina Drive, where you will get the chance to drink some coconut water and eat snacks with the soothing melody of the ocean in the background.

Day 4 Start Safari. Mombasa - Tsavo West

Onboard your private 4x4 Land Cruiser as you drive through lush terrains on the way to your safari of a lifetime! 

Day 5 Tsavo West

Today you will go to one of Kenya's most popular attractions among nature lovers. With its rocky hills and open savannahs, the Tsavo West National Park is home to an array of animal species. Elephants, lions, leopards, buffalos, giraffes, zebras, and numerous antelope species roam freely around the park, creating the perfect scene for wilderness enthusiasts.

Optional visit to the Mzima Springs and the Shetani Lava Flows.

Day 6 Tsavo West - Amboseli

Enroute to Amboseli, a spectacular national park, see if you can spot Mount Kilimanjaro!

Day 7 Amboseli

At the foot of the famous Mount Kilimanjaro, Amboseli Park is home to innumerable herds of elephants, as well as other species like buffalos, hippos, and waterfowls like Egyptian geese and pelicans. Not only can one spot unique wildlife at the park, but also witness the vibrant African homesteads and cultures.

The park's vast savannah plains stretch dotted with scattered acacia trees. The imposing Mount Kilimanjaro above the plains, coupled with the silhouettes of elephants contrasting against the vivid blue sky creates an unforgettable and majestic view.

Day 8 Amboseli - Tsavo East

Today we will be going to Tsavo East National Park, a wilderness that will sure captivate you with its breath-taking beauty and stunning animal species. Wander through the savannahs following rivers, seeing lava flows and encountering creatures like elephants, lions, giraffes, and birds. Enjoy the tranquility of the untouched lanscapes and get to know the Maasai people that live there.

Day 9 End Safari. Tsavo East - Mombasa

Squeeze in a morning game drive if you can! And then prepare for your drive back to Mombasa (approximately 4 hours).

Once you reach Mombasa, settle into your accommodation and take it easy. In the evening you can perhaps go for a beach walk, watch the sunset, visit the Maasai market or just relax.

Day 10 Mombasa (departure day)

Have a relaxing day until it's time for your departure!

Customization

If you prefer to do only the 6-day safari, contact us!

Inclusions & Exclusions

  • 9 nights' accommodation

  • All meals on the safari

  • Nature walk with giraffes, including transportation

  • Sunset dhow excursion

  • Mombasa city tour

  • Mombasa food tour

  • Private driver & guide

  • Private 4x4 Land Cruiser/Jeep transport (Days 4-9)

  • Unlimited game drives

  • Park fees

  • Flights to/from Kenya

  • Travel Insurance

  • Kenya visa

  • Tips

  • Some meals

Pricing

Prices exclude flights to/from the destination.

Prices are for double room occupancy unless indicated otherwise.

Pricing depends on accommodation style (budget, midrange, luxury), occupancy type (private or shared rooms), season, and group size. Contact us for more info.

  • Deposit per person

    40% of the trip price

  • Shared Room - sleeps 2 - price per person

    From $880

Sustainability

Environmental Initiatives

We believe in developing tourism in a way that respects and cares for nature. With that in mind, the giraffe walk takes place in a Nature Sanctuary, where animals are well looked after.

Sociocultural and Economic Intiatives
Your days in Kenya will help you understand the culture, the guides will be locals who can provide you with details and personal stories about life there. With a 10-day length, this will be slow travel. We will be exploring some of the country's national parks, as well as the city of Mombasa, and enjoying a traditional dhow ride. The pace will be relaxed so you can soak it all in. Other activities are also local-based, which provides opportunities for cultural knowledge transfers.

This trip takes you off the beaten path, meaning your tourism revenue goes farther here in supporting local people. If you want to be seeped in nature, immersed in the culture and have an eco-friendly vacation, this trip is for you.

The money you spend will be kept fairly in the hands of those on the ground, thereby promoting the local economy. We ensure everyone hired is local and we provide them with training to further empower them.

Health & Safety

Be sure you have traveler's insurance.

FAQs

What does the physical level of "Easy" mean?

No preparation is required for this trip, as it inlcudes cultural activities and safaris mainly

What are the accommodations like?

We have all options; budget, medium or luxury! Occupancy can be single, double, or family rooms if you are coming with kids. The Final trip price will depend on what accommodation style you prefer.

What should I bring for the nature walk with giraffes?

Wearing comfortable shoes such as trainers is a good idea. Bring a water bottle, sun protection and a device with a camera!

What is a dhow?

A dhow is a traditional sailing vessel that has been used for centuries along the coast of East Africa, the Arabian Peninsula, and the Indian Ocean. It is a type of wooden boat with a characteristic triangular sail, typically made from cotton or other natural fibers. They are designed to be sturdy and stable, with a low profile and shallow draft, making them suitable for navigating shallow waters.

In the Kenyan coastal region, dhows are a popular mode of transport for tourists, particularly for sunset cruises or day trips to nearby islands. They offer a unique and traditional way to explore the coastline and enjoy the beauty of the Indian Ocean.

Is there a toilet and shower on the dhow?

The day dhow you will be using does not have a toilet or shower.

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