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Great Rift Valley Safari
10 DAYS FROM £1410
Our safari driver was Nicolas, very knowledgeable and he made the tour interesting and fun (even when we got stuck!). I went thinking that I would see a few wild animals but was I wrong. Looking out of my bedroom window I could see zebra, baboons and gazelle. One night I heard a munching noise and when I looked out a Zebra was eating the lawn outside the patio! I saw everything and more.
However the lasting memory I have of Kenya is the welcome I received from the people. Kenya will stay with me for a very long time. A visit to a school is a must. Also go on the balloon trip if you get the opportunity. I will return and next time I will take the pens and pencils with me because it cost £57 to send it from here.
Here are some of the 420 photos I took!
Could it possibly be as good? We had after all chosen the exact same package, so there would be no surprises during our stay other than those provided by the enigmatic denizens of wild Kenya.
Our timing was different though, the end of the wet season had every chance of yielding new experiences and our arrival at Samburu confirmed just that: the Samburu river was nowhere to be seen! Only a dusty, baked expanse of orangey-brown earth snaking through the terrain gave evidence of the river's existence.
Surprised? Absolutely! A barren wasteland hardly promised a rich flurry of activity, made more disappointing given Samburu Lodge's location right on the river bank! We soon learned however that the dry spell meant many different species of animals were forced to seek out the river with its' tiny pockets of water. These meagre pools drew in elephants, buffalo, antelope and even a Greater Kudu - an animal we saw nothing of last time.
This pattern was to continue with ever increasing varieties of game providing richer spoils than we had thought possible. From lions to cheetahs, elephants and gazelles, they were all here in abundance - even a glimpse of the agile but shy Serval. There are a vast array of bird species on offer too for those who take an interest, much like our excellent driver and guide, Francis. Friendly, knowledgeable and courteous, words that aptly describe everyone we met.
The thrill of seeing wild animals in their natural habitats never diminished and the accommodation too is second to none; luxurious lodges and the timeless eccentricity of the Treetops Lodge in Aberdare (with animals queuing up to drink at a waterhole scant metres from the windows) putting most holiday packages to shame.
The highlight had to be the Masai Mara with herds of thousands of wilder beast, zebra and impala dotting the landscape for as far as the eye could see.
Would we return to Kenya again? Yes, I think we could be persuaded!
In 2006 my husband and I went to China, it was such a wonderful magical trip, hotels were of a very good standard and each one so different. The trips were full of interesting information and it was an experience to try the Chinese food. Our voyage on the Yangtze River cruise ship again was of a very good standard and the views were amazing. We particularly enjoyed the boat trip down the lesser river. In all it was a wonderful holiday, so in 2007 we decided to book a safari in Kenya with you for my husband's 60th birthday. Again you did us proud. The lodges were of a very high standard each one so different, beautifully decorated, spacious and each one had great views of either the river or reserve.
The safaris themselves were fantastic and our guide was so good, his knowledge of the wildlife and plants was excellent. We saw every animal except the hippo, but we did so enjoy the fun racing around trying to hunt them down. On the actual day of my husband's 60th birthday we were in the Masai Mara reserve. I had ordered a cake to be presented at the table, not only that arrived but Masai warriors surrounded our table. My husband was thrilled and that memory will live with him for ever.
Now in 2008 we will celebrate our Ruby anniversary in the August and we can't think of anyone better than Archers to spend this special time with. The only problem is which wonderful holiday do we choose?
Many, many thanks for making such wonderful memories.
holiday. It was our first safari and hopefully it will not be our last.
After our briefing at the Jacaranda hotel we were able to visit the orphaned elephant sanctuary just outside Nairobi. The next day we embarked on our safari to the Samburu reserve where we encountered giraffe, a leopard and many elephants.
I with 3 other members of our party visited a Samburu village with Joseph showing us around and explaining their way of life and joining in with their dancing. The Great Rift Valley was beautiful and the views from our room were wonderful. We could just see the lake.
We were then taken on an evening game drive to see the flamingos, rhino with baby and even 2 hyenas. We went to treetops and what wildlife came to the waterhole. The Maasai Mara was something else with the lions even jackals.
The trip was made all the better with our brilliant driver/guide Jonah. Thank you again.
Our 1st holiday with Archers was the great rift valley in Kenya, blown away with the whole experience we were looking for a trip in February what better that a Nile cruise and stay in Luxury, we though we could not better the safari but had a wonderful time in Egypt, meeting a great bunch of fun loving people and making a host of new friends .
We hope that if the china trip is anything like the other 2 then we shall have a holiday to remember.
We are no spring chickens but have decided to live as much as we can before the bus pass is sent for, like lots of like minded people we think life is for living and we are trying to fit everything from our wish list in as soon as possible, thanks to Archers we have the opportunity to see the world the easy way. Thank you
We shared our safari with 6 total strangers, but by the end of our holiday we were all good friends. We split after the safari, not all going to the same beach resort, but we were delighted to be re-united for the flight home, having bonded so well during our venture into the Great Rift Valley. We had something else in common, an appreciation that we had experienced something very special and so much was owed to the expertise of the organisers of the holiday and the helpfulness and knowledge of the staff who guided us daily with patience and good humour. Their driving skills were exceptional, equalled only by their ability to find lots of photographic opportunities for us. I think we saw just about every animal we could expect to find in the areas visited.
I have been on several other holidays with Archers including Thailand, Sri Lanka, New York, Washington and Niagara, the Wonderful Sights and Sounds of the South (USA) and some others, but this has been the best yet.
Anyone giving thought to a Safari holiday should not hesitate. Get it booked, you won't be disappointed. Thanks from my husband and I.
All the safari lodges we stayed at were wonderful; the rooms were spotlessly clean, the food was excellent and nothing was too much trouble for any of the staff. The same must be said about our beach resort and the cruise ship theme added to the enjoyment of the week. The game drives in the safari parks were brilliant; we had seen The Big Five well before we even arrived at the Masai Mara Game Reservie, which was where we had been told was the place to see them all. One of the highlights was the family of giraffes we saw, mum, dad and four babies; a sight not to have missed. Another unforgettable moment was our stay at Treetops.
Unfortunately, there were not many animals around the night we were there but the experience of having dinner there more than made up for this; it was truly amazing. Even the morning when we were on our way to the Masai Mara and our safari van got stuck in the mud was something that we have never experienced before and probably never will again. We all had to get our of the van and wait on the roadside until Jimmy, our driver, got the van on the move again.
Our week relaxing at The Voyager Beach was very welcoming after those early morning starts on safari and the entertainment in the evening was varied and enjoyable. Since our arrival back home, we have already booked a holiday for next year with Archers Direct. Keep up the good work and we are sure we shall be travelling several more time with you in the future.
Our latest trip to the Great Rift Valley in Kenya, however, was absolutely fantastic! We had a really friendly and informative guide, who found The Big Five for us, plus many, many more animals, he also arranged for us to visit tribal villages, where we were very warmly welcomed.
We did expect that on safari we may well have to "rough" it but we were very pleasantly surprised - the accommodation and food at the lodges were first class.
We will never forget the sight of sitting having our coffee after our evening meal in Samburu on our first evening, the sun setting over the river with Crocodiles only yards away, elephants drinking and bathing and a Leopard up a tree! Little did we realise what sights we were to see over the rest of the week. Lions, with their cubs, eating their kills - Leopards, Wildebeest, Giraffes, Elephants, Hippos, Rhinos, Zebra, vultures, Flamingos, etc etc the list goes on. After all this, to finish with a fabulous, relaxing, all inclusive week at Nyali Beach on the Mombasa Coast - it was paradise.
Overall, we found the Kenyans to be very friendly and hospitable.
This holiday will remain in our memory for the rest of our lives as one of the high lights. We have highly recommended this tour, and Archers to all of our friends an family.
Hopefully, next year we will visit China and the Yangtze river - with Archers, of course.
Nothing can truly prepare you for a Safari. We read books and researched the Internet from the moment we booked until the day that we left for the airport, however, the reality completely surpassed our expectations. How can you prepare for monkeys on your patio (Samburu and Keekorok), being woken by Lions roaring (Samburu), the sight of 1 million + Flamingos (Lake Nakuru) and Hippos on your lawn (Keekorok).
We booked an optional balloon safari in the Maasai Mara. This was one of many highlights of the holiday and was a breathtaking experience and the Champagne breakfast afterwards made for a truly remarkable day.
We have tried to pick our ultimate highlight of the holiday, but every time we talk about it, one of us thinks of something else, which exceeds the previous highlight.
We were not fortunate to spot all of the Big Five, although all five were spotted during our Safari. This gives us another reason to return.
We all thought that a Safari would be something that we would only want to do once. I have always wanted to go on Safari, just to experience it once. My wife was sceptical about how many animals we would actually see and whether the children would like it. The children were not convinced that they would enjoy a holiday with no beach and little time around the pool. We are all in agreement (and were from about Lake Nakuru), that we want to go on Safari again next year.
If you are considering a Safari, don't delay. You won't be disappointed.
Our first holiday with Archers has been an unforgettable one and will be the first of many.
Thank you.
Kenya's winning combination of stunning wildlife parks, fantastic game lodges and laid-back beach life make for a memorable holiday.
Safari Highlights
Samburu Game Reserve Game drive
Aberdare National Park Game drive
Lake Nakuru Game drive
Masai Mara Game drive
Your Price Includes
Flights: UK - Nairobi; Nairobi or Mombasa - UK
Accommodation on safari in safari lodges with private facilities
Meals as shown in safari itinerary
Travel on tour in safari minibus
English speaking guide/driver on safari and local representatives in resort
Transfers between overseas airports and hotels
All local and airport taxes/service charges
Holiday Itinerary
DAY 1: Depart UK.
DAY 2: Arrive Nairobi.
On arrival in Nairobi you will be met by our representative and transferred to your hotel for an overnight stay.
DAY 3: Nairobi - Samburu Game Reserve.
We head towards the Equator and the magnificent Samburu National Reserve. After lunch, there's a game drive providing the chance to see Grevy's Zebra, Reticulated Giraffe, lion, crocodile and the blue-legged Somali Ostrich. (B, L, D)
DAY 4: Samburu Game Reserve.
We begin the day with an early morning game drive, arriving back at the lodge for breakfast. The rest of the morning is yours to relax. In the evening, enjoy another game drive. (B, L, D)
DAY 5: Samburu Game Reserve - Aberdare National Park.
After an early breakfast, we head for the highlands and the Aberdare National Park, part of the Aberdare mountain range, with peaks rising to 14,000 feet. It is here that you may see the endangered Black Rhino, along with elephant and buffalo. Your luggage will be stored at the Outspan Hotel where we will have lunch. Afterwards we continue with an overnight bag to the famous Treetops lodge. (B, L, D)
DAY 6: Aberdare National Park - Lake Nakuru.
We travel to Lake Nakuru. This beautiful lake measures 40 square kilometres and is set just north of the Masai Mara Game Reserve. Teeming with birdlife, it is home to pink flamingos and in the surrounding wetlands, you may spot white and black rhinos, buffalo, leopards and zebra. In the late afternoon enjoy another game drive. (B, L, D)
DAY 7: Lake Nakuru - Masai Mara.
After an early breakfast, we descend the Rift Valley into the renowned Masai Mara Game Reserve, arriving in time for lunch. In the afternoon, you'll enjoy a game drive around this amazing reserve, one of Africa's oldest, largest and most impressive. Comprising over 1,672 square kilometres of acacia-spotted savannah and rolling hill country, it is home to a splendid array of wildlife including lion, cheetah, leopard, elephant, buffalo and zebra. In the autumn, you may be lucky enough to witness one of the world's great natural spectacles, the migration of thousands of wildebeest. (B, L, D)
DAY 8: Masai Mara.
After another early morning game drive, you'll arrive back at the lodge for breakfast and have the rest of the morning and afternoon at leisure, before enjoying another game drive in the evening. (B, L, D)
DAY 9: Masai Mara - Nairobi - UK.
Return to Nairobi for your flight to the UK. (B)
DAY 10: Home landing in the UK.
Check prices and availability for this holiday
Accommodation on Tour
Nairobi: Jacaranda; Samburu Game Reserve: Samburu Lodge; Aberdare National Park: Treetops Lodge; Lake Nakuru: Lake Nakuru Lodge; Masai Mara: Keekorok Lodge.
Note: Safari hotels will be as specified or alternatives of a similar standard.
Safari Information
On our safaris there is a maximum of seven passengers per safari bus and the vehicle is specially designed so that you have the best possible view from each seat.
You will stay in excellent Safari Lodges which will be as specified or similar. Occasionally it may be necessary to accommodate guests in 'Tented Camps', which offer similar standards and facilities as the Safari Lodges.
We recommend that you take comfortable clothing and sensible shoes, binoculars and a good camera.
It may occasionally be necessary to amend itineraries due to adverse weather conditions.
Note: You may take only one piece of small luggage on safari, as there is insufficient room in safari vehicles to carry all luggage. If you have booked a Mombasa beach stay at the end of your safari, any extra luggage must be in a locked suitcase that will be stored in Nairobi whilst you are on safari.
Visa Requirements
A visa is required for Kenya, this can be obtained prior to your departure from the Kenyan High Commission or on arrival in Kenya. The cost per person is US$50 and this can only be paid for in US dollars as sterling is no longer accepted. Please ensure you have the correct currency if you plan to purchase your visa on arrival.
Holiday Extensions
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View Holiday PhotosGreat Rift Valley Safari + Mombasa Beach - 7 EXTRA NIGHTS FROM £256
At the end of your safari why not add a week to relax on the Kenya Coast? On day 9, fly to Mombasa and transfer to your chosen resort.
Accommodation on Extensions
Great Rift Valley Safari + Mombasa Beach - 7 EXTRA NIGHTS FROM £256
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View Holiday PhotosVoyager Resort
plusRestyled to reflect a nautical theme, with guest rooms arranged in wings spread out amongst 25 acres of lush gardens.
Location: The hotel has direct access on to the white sands of Nyali Beach and lies 7 kilometres to the north of Mombasa.
Facilities: 3 swimming pools; pool bar; 3 restaurants; 3 bars; cyber café; PADI 5 star diving school.
Meals: Most meals are buffet service or table d'hôte; à la carte (extra charge).
Entertainment: Daytime entertainment including aerobics, nature visits and beach games; nightly folklore shows.
Price includes: All inclusive in cabin rooms with twin beds; shower and wc; air-conditioning; balcony or terrace; safe (charge); fridge on request (charge).
Options: Single room; sea view room.
Official category: 4 star.ALL THIS INCLUDED
Meals: Full board buffet meals with snacks from 10am-6pm; 50% discount in Smugglers Cove.
Drinks: Selected local drinks including beers, wine, spirits, soft drinks and fruit juice served by the glass from 10am-midnight.
Activities: Non-motorised watersports; glass bottom boat trips (entry fee payable for marine park); introductory scuba-diving lesson in pool; volleyball; fitness room. -
View Holiday PhotosSun 'n' Sand Beach Resort
plusSituated beside the beach there is a modern, elegant feel to this hotel which is complimented by 18 acres of beautifully landscaped gardens.
Location: On the beach, 28 kilometres from Mombasa.
Facilities: 3 swimming pools (2 seawater); sunbeds and parasols; swim-up pool bar; Lounge Lamu bar; Msafiri cocktail bar; Safina bar serving snacks; gift shop; laundry service; internet access; beauty salon.
Meals: 5 restaurants including à la carte, Italian and Chinese. Dress code: men must wear long trousers to dinner.
Activities: 2 floodlit tennis courts; motorised watersports; deep-sea fishing; massage; PADI approved scuba-diving; regular day and evening entertainment.
Price includes: Queen-size or twin beds; satellite TV; safe (charge); mini-fridge; tea/coffee-making facilities; bath, shower and wc; hairdryer; balcony; fan; air-conditioning.
Official category: 5 star.ALL THIS INCLUDED
Meals: Full board, dinner in speciality restaurants and snacks 10am-6pm.
Drinks: Local beer, wine, spirits, cocktails, juices, soft drinks and purified water (time restrictions may apply).
Activities: Tennis; badminton; beach volleyball; beach soccer; table tennis; billiards; darts; games room; watersports - 1 trial dive in pool per person per stay; crazy golf; pitch 'n'putt; gym.
View My Holiday Photos
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NO HIDDEN EXTRAS: All
prices shown include ALL compulsory charges (Fuel Supplement,
Air Passenger Duty & Flight Supplement where applicable)
Book with confidence: We are members of ABTA and all our holidays are financially protected by the Civil Aviation Authority under the ATOL scheme. |
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