A short eleven day holiday packed with safaris and wildlife viewing opportunities, this group tour takes you to three of east Africa’s most well-known national parks and conservation areas. Home to the annual wildebeest migration which takes place around the Mara River between July and September, these national parks are packed with predators and prey and are your best chance at seeing the big five in action.
Your joining location is:
Corat Hotel
Bogani East Road
Karen
Nairobi
Ensure you have your onward flight ticket, tour voucher and travel itinerary on your person when arriving at immigration. We recommend that you obtain some Kenyan Shillings at Nairobi International Airport. There is a Barclays bank and ATM on your left hand side as you exit the arrivals area. The ATM is available 24 hours and Barclays are open 6am-10pm. There is also the Taipan FX bureau which gives a better rate if you are changing cash or travellers cheques; they are open 8am-5pm daily. At both Barclays and the Taipan you will need your purchase receipt if you are changing traveller’s cheques.
Airport transfers are not included in the tour price and must be booked separately in advance through Tucan Travel. If you have booked an airport/hotel transfer with us, please look out for someone with a sign which has your name, Tucan Travel, or both after exiting the customs hall.
If you have booked an arrival transfer with us and you are going to be delayed by more than two hours, you must advise us of the delay at least six hours before arrival. If we are advised in time, we will make every effort to reschedule your transfer and your driver will be asked to wait for two hours after your new expected arrival time. However, if we are not made aware of any change, the driver will only wait for two hours after the original scheduled arrival time and after this point it will be up to you to arrange transport to your hotel at your own expense. Please contact us on the emergency contact address below if you are likely to be delayed.
If you would prefer to make your own way to and from the joining hotel, you can book transport though them and they will provide a transfer for between US$20 and US$40 for up to six people. Airport taxis in Nairobi can work out to be expensive.
One of the exciting elements of travelling in Africa, is the different styles of accommodation stayed in whilst on tour. You can find a breakdown of your accommodation in the “About this Tour” section.
Where possible Tucan Travel try and use local accommodation on the majority of tours. The accommodation is picked based on their location to the main sites.
Travelling in Africa is about the experience. Many of the countries we travel through are still developing and therefore accommodation is likely to differ to what you may be used to. In remote locations, many lodges and camps rely on generators for electricity and power shortages are not uncommon. All of the accommodation we use includes bedding and real beds – so you do not need to bring a sleeping bag at any point of this tour. Please note, that some accommodation includes a shared bathroom and shower facilities. WI-FI is available in most locations however it can be very unreliable, especially in the national parks. Expect to be offline for a few days and if you are able to connect – it’s a bonus!
Permanent Tents – This tour includes stays in permanent tents which will be equipped with beds and mosquito nets. In some locations the tents will have an en-suite bathroom whilst others have a shared bathroom.
Rondavels – Rondavels are round, African-style huts which make for wonderfully unique accommodation. They have real beds and basins in the huts, however toilets and showers are shared in near-by abolition blocks.
Lodges – Lodges will vary depending on the location.
The type of accommodation indicated in the trip notes is a guideline. If for any reason, we need to change the accommodation listed on the itinerary, a similar standard of accommodation will be used instead. You can find the list of hotels or similar used on your itinerary under each day.
Accommodation on this trip is mostly on a twin share basis unless you have upgraded to a single occupancy room. If you are a solo passenger you will be sharing a room with another group member of the same sex. If you are travelling with a partner and wish to book a double bed, please advise your Adventure Specialist upon booking.
Although we endeavour to have hotel rooms ready in time for arrival, sometimes this is not possible especially if we arrive early in the morning. In this instance we will store our luggage and enjoy the destination before checking in later in the day.
This tour uses a mixture of flights, private vehicles and the Tucan Travel Overland Truck. You can read more about them here. The overland truck is a Mercedes-Benz custom built for us! Each is named after a past Tucan Travel colleague and they are some of the biggest and brightest overland vehicles on the road. Each truck tackles tough Africa terrain in its stride, and towers above the ground. They are equipped with big windows to open – perfect for wildlife spotting.
The truck is equipped with the following features.
It is your responsibility to carry luggage on and off transport. Please limit yourself to one piece of luggage per person plus one smaller day bag.
The below information provides approximate travel times and modes of transport for your tour. Please note that modes of transport may be subject to change depending on the group size and timings may vary depending on the season and border crossings on the day. This is especially apt for Africa and we like to think it’s all part of the adventure!
Unless otherwise specified, the transport below will be on the Overland Truck.
Please consider which season you are travelling in and pack appropriately. All clothes should be lightweight, durable and easily washable. Please do not bring any military or camouflage-style clothing as it can be dangerous to wear and occasionally illegal. Nights can be cold, so it is a good idea to bring at least one pair of warm trousers or jeans plus several thinner sweaters / fleeces which you can layer. Colours are important if you are embarking on a safari drive. Opt for muted colours that will blend into the bush – such as browns, khaki and beige. Remember that the roads are dusty and you’re clothing might get dirty so don’t take expensive items.
What essential items should I bring to Africa?
Clothing
Electronics
Toiletries
Other
Documents
Laundry
Depending on the time spent in each destination, your Tour Leader will be able to advise on laundromats or laundry services in or near our hotels. Hotel services can be pretty costly however your tour leader will be able to recommend cheaper options. If you wash clothes yourself take care not to be too obvious where you hang them as most hotels do not like guests washing and drying their clothes in the hotel rooms.
On a Tucan Travel tour you will experience a huge variety of amazing food in each location. Meals included are listed on the day to day itinerary and the “about this tour” section. On this trip, most breakfasts are included and lunch and dinner may be included on long travel days. Your tour leader will suggest restaurants in each location, and arrange evening group meals for those who wish to join. In the majority of African cities, there is a decent choice of both local and international restaurants.
If you have a specific dietary requirement it is important you advise us at the booking stage. We also recommend re-iterating this information to your tour leader on day 1. While we endeavour to assist as much as possible, it is ultimately your responsibility to research and arrange meals that suit your dietary preferences.
Breakfast varies from extensive buffets to simple local spreads. For early departures, you may be provided with a breakfast box. Breakfasts on this tour vary greatly. Depending on the location, you can find anything from a well put together western buffet to a continental breakfast or a smaller offering of local food.
Below are the currencies which are used on this tour:
As you travel through Africa you will be able to exchange either USD or other African currencies so you do not need to bring local currency for each destination before the tour.
Most optional excursions are listed in US dollar. While many of the more expensive excursions, such as hot air ballooning, can be paid in USD you will need local currency for most excursions.
The majority of our tours are divided into two separate payments. The tour price is paid directly to your travel consultant when you book and before you depart for your tour and the second amount is the Local Payment, which is paid locally when you join the tour.
The Local Payment ensures your Tour Leader has a supply of cash to run some of the tour if access to banking facilities is limited or nonexistent. This helps to save operational and administrative costs, which in turn helps to keep the cost of our tours competitive so we can pass the savings on to you. The Local Payment also helps us get cash directly into local businesses to provide communities with an immediate economic benefit.
The Local Payment is a portion of the total tour cost and must be paid directly to your Tour Leader in the currency as indicated on your tour vouchers. The Local Payment is not optional and failure to pay this money in cash may result in you being excluded from starting the tour. It must be paid in high denomination notes only (100s, 50s, 20s). The notes must be crisp with no tears or markings and should be no older than 2013.
The majority of shops, restaurants, hotels and other establishments in larger cities will accept credit and debit cards. American Express is not as widely accepted, so do not rely on this as your primary card. In more remote locations, you should always ensure you have a supply of cash.
We know how easy it is to lose track of your spending on holiday! That’s why it’s essential to thoroughly read your trip notes so that you understand what is and what isn’t included on each day. Most lunches and dinners are at your own cost, which gives you the flexibility to spend as little or as much as you like. On long travel days, lunch will sometimes be served by your tour leader from the truck. Details of this can be found in the itinerary. Remember to budget for things like laundry, tipping, souvenirs and optional activities.
Take note of how long you will be spending in each country and don’t take out or exchange too much money. Unless you’re a big spender, you won’t need thousands just for two days in a country! We recommend checking your international withdrawal and exchange fees with your bank, as sometimes it is cheaper to withdraw money in your location rather than exchanging it beforehand.
Tipping is generally a part of life in Africa. While it is not compulsory, if you have enjoyed the service it is appropriate and highly appreciated. You should add 10% to your bill in restaurants (make sure service isn’t already included), round up taxi fares and tip local excursion guides.
Your budget should include additional meals, transport within cities, optional excursions, shopping and an emergency fund.
Travel can be unpredictable. While we endeavour to plan for every situation there are some instances where it is out of our control, such as severe weather, strikes, civil unrest or natural disasters. If these result in unavoidable itinerary changes, you should have access to enough funds for you to return home unexpectedly.
If you require urgent assistance prior to meeting your tour please call (+263) 77225 2457.
Africa is a vast continent and crime does exist in many areas. However, it is generally not as bad as the reputation it is perceived to have and most travellers enjoy trouble free visits. Here are a few precautions which you should always take.
The safety of our travellers is a number one priority when operating our tours. As a British registered company the lead is taken from the Foreign & Commonwealth Office Advice Service (FCO). Tucan Travel reserves the right to cancel, amend or continue the operation of a tour based on, but not solely restricted to, the advice of the FCO.
Travel insurance is compulsory on all Tucan Travel tours. Your tour leader will request your travel insurance details at the pre departure meeting which are immediately submitted to the office. Failure to produce these details will mean you cannot join the tour.
A medical kit is handy for minor wounds and ailments. In areas with limited or dubious medical facilities, an emergency medical kit containing sterile syringes is also advisable. By law our staff are not allowed to administer first aid or give drugs to travellers, so please be prepared with your own supplies. If you are taking medication, please ensure you bring an adequate supply and a letter from your doctor to avoid potential issues at border crossings.
It is important to consult your doctor or travel clinic in good time before your tour departs to determine what vaccinations you require. You may need several vaccinations and/or malaria tablets and you should be aware that some vaccinations require more than one visit and can take several weeks to administer. Always carry your International Certificate of Vaccination with your passport. For areas with malaria, make sure you pack sufficient prophylactics for the duration of your tour and the incubation period after. Most countries in Africa prevent entry for travellers without a valid Yellow Fever certificate. This must be acquired before departure and takes ten days for your body to build up a resistance. This certificate must be taken with you on your tour with a photocopy stored somewhere safe.
All clients wishing to participate in horse riding or similar activities, whether included or optional, acknowledge that the availability of protective headgear can vary or be non-existent. Therefore Tucan Travel cannot guarantee that headgear will be provided or will be to the same standard as those available in the UK or your home country. Any client intending to partake in these activities should bring their own protective headgear and other protective equipment with them.
Our tours are perfectly designed for those aged between 18 and 65 years old. They are fast-paced and sometimes tiring, while packed with adventure, new experiences and feel-good moments. With customers from around the world, of different ages, backgrounds and nationalities, some groups can be more boisterous than others. As a result, we ask that anyone wanting to travel under the age of 18 or over 65 carefully consider whether a group tour is right for them. We may ask that you fill in our tour suitability form found here to guarantee your enjoyment of the trip. Please read through our Tour Suitability page or contact a member of our Reservations Team if in doubt. Please note that we do not accept children under the age of 16 on our group tours. If you are travelling with children please contact our tailor-made team for a bespoke holiday.
You can find out further information on our availability and departures of tours by clicking here.
Welcome to Nairobi and the start of your adventure! Kenya’s capital city is a hub for business and culture with an inner population of around 3.5 million.
You are free to arrive today at your leisure. If you wish to go exploring, we recommend seeking local advice from the hotel about where is safe to walk. Petty theft is unfortunately common in Nairobi and you should remain vigilant at all times.
There will be a pre departure meeting tonight to meet your tour leader and fellow travellers. Please look out for information on reception.
The Flip Flop Recycling Company – free (excluding transportation) • Karen Blixen Museum coffee garden & cottages – KES2000 and free entrance to the bar (excluding transportation).
1 night(s) in hotels at Corat Hotel or similar 
Today we head to Lake Naivasha where we will spend two nights. After a short three hour journey you will have a full free afternoon to explore the area and choose from many of the optional activities on offer.
Due to our location at Lake Naivasha you may awake to some unusual sound effects in the morning as the wildlife roam.
1 night(s) in hotels at Fish Eagle Inn or similar
1 Breakfast(s), 1 Dinner(s)
Today is another free day to enjoy the area. We recommend exploring the nearby Hell's Gate National Park on foot or by bicycle on a half day tour. With no predators present this is one of the few parks in Africa where you can enter on foot and walk beside wildlife such as giraffes, zebra, gazelle and warthogs, to mention a few, while taking in the amazing scenery that surrounds you. Don’t miss a walk through the beautiful and impressive Hell’s Gate Gorge and see why it inspired the stampede scene in Disney’s Lion King.
You can also visit Elsamere, the former home of the late Joy Adamson, who became famous for her relationship with the lioness Elsa in the film Born Free.
Lake Naivasha boat trip – KES6000 (price dependent on number of passengers) • Elsamere visit – US$10 (transport not included) • Green crater lake hike half day – US$45 • Hells Gate National Park bicycle tour– US$55. The national park has no animals dangerous to man making it a safe place to go hiking rock climbing and cycling.
1 night(s) in hotels at Fish Eagle Inn or similar
1 Breakfast(s), 1 Dinner(s)
We depart Naivasha early and head to the Masai Mara Nature Reserve. On arrival at the lodge we will enjoy lunch before we get straight into our first game drive in one of the world's most famous and expansive wildlife reserves.
Covering over 1,500 square kilometres and providing habitat for thousands of animals, the Masai Mara Nature Reserve is deservedly one of Kenya’s most popular safari spots. Animals present in the reserve include the big five (lions, elephants, Cape buffaloes, leopards and rhinoceros), various grazing mammals which attract carnivores such as cheetahs, hyenas and jackals, and over 500 recorded species of birds.
Afternoon Game Drive in the Masai Mara Nature Reserve
1 night(s) in tented camps at AA Masai Mara Lodge or similar
1 Breakfast(s), 1 Lunch(es), 1 Dinner(s)
This morning we leave camp early for a second game drive, which will last the full day, visiting the mighty Mara River and other corners of the reserve. During the annual Great Migration, this is the setting for the thunderous display of thousands of wildebeest crossing the river while canny crocodiles lie in wait. At any time of year, the river is vitally important to the ecosystem and a good spot to view animals. You will also have the opportunity to visit a local Masai village, learning about the vibrant, semi-nomadic herders’ way of life and join them in a local dance.
Full Day Game Drive in the Masai Mara Nature Reserve,Visit to a local Masai Village
Hot air balloon over the Masai Mara National Reserve – US$450 per person
1 night(s) in tented camps at AA Masai Mara Lodge or similar
1 Breakfast(s), 1 Lunch(es), 1 Dinner(s)
Today we leave the incredible Masai Mara behind and head back to Nairobi where you have the rest of the day free at your leisure.
The Flip Flop Recycling Company – free (excluding transportation) • Karen Blixen Museum coffee garden & cottages – KES2000 and free entrance to the bar (excluding transportation).
1 night(s) in hotels at Corat Hotel or similar
1 Breakfast(s), 1 Lunch(es)
This morning we travel onto Karatu - a town in northern Tanzania which makes for the perfect base to explore the Serengeti Nature Reserve and Ngorongoro Crater. Upon arrival you are free to relax before the exciting game drives tomorrow. Karatu is a charming small town that’s bursting with safari vehicles and keen safari goers. There is a great selection of restaurants and bars to spend the evening in too.
1 night(s) in lodges at Farm Of Dreams Lodge or similar
1 Breakfast(s)
A place that needs no introduction, the Serengeti National Park is the most famous safari destination in Africa. We’re picked up after breakfast and taken by 4WD to the national park.
The afternoon is spent game driving to our lodge, located inside the national park to maximise our time and wildlife viewing opportunities.
Afternoon Game Drive in the Serengeti National Park
1 night(s) in lodges at Seronera Wildlife Lodge or similar
1 Breakfast(s), 1 Lunch(es), 1 Dinner(s)
Our second day in the park is a full morning of game driving, trying to spot the more elusive members of the animal kingdom before heading back to Karatu.
Every safari is unique and you will never know what’s in store for you until you arrive. Among the hundreds of species in the park, you may encounter zebra, giraffe, wildebeest, buffalo, lion, cheetah, leopard, hippopotamus, hyena, elephant, vulture, monkey, warthog, gazelle and impala. Each season offers a different highlight.
Full Day Game Drive in the Serengeti National Park
Olduuvai Gorge – 27000TS or US$18 • Hot Air Ballooning with champagne breakfast – US$650 (cash payment) or US$685 (credit card payment)
1 night(s) in lodges at Farm Of Dreams Lodge or similar
1 Breakfast(s), 1 Lunch(es)
This morning we will experience the stunning vista overlooking the Ngorongoro Crater, the largest unbroken, unflooded caldera in the world. The vast 300 square kilometre crater stretches out in front of you in a kaleidoscope of blues and greens and it’s not until you spot the barely discernible grey speck of an elephant that you truly grasp its scale. We will also enjoy a game drive within the crater itself before continuing onto Arusha.
Morning Game Drive in the Ngorongoro Crater
1 night(s) in hotels at Lush Garden Hotel or similar
1 Breakfast(s)
Your adventure of a lifetime comes to an end today. If you have a late flight or have lengthened your stay by adding post tour accommodation you will have more time to explore the sights.
1 Breakfast(s)
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| Min - Max (Persons) | Adult Price |
|---|---|
| 3 - 30 | £9.00 |
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