Travel Butlers Ltd
Astra House
The Common, Cranleigh
Surrey GU6 8RZ, United Kingdom
tel: +44 (0)1483 266725


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Unspoilt Wilderness and Beach

Example holiday

Unspoilt Wilderness and Beach

We hope that this example holiday will give you give some inspiration to help you begin to plan your own dream holiday to Africa.

The next couple of pages show a summary of the itinerary, followed by a detailed page on each destination.

Important travel information for visitors to Kenya is included at the back of this document.

All the holidays we offer to our clients are tailor-made so we can adjust this trip to fit in with your travel dates, interests, preferred accommodation...and of course your budget.

All our travel consultants have extensive knowledge of travel throughout Southern and East Africa, and our strong relationships with suppliers mean that our rates to you will always be competitive.

Let us take the hard work out of planning your trip: you can get in touch either by giving us a call on +44 (0) 1483 266725, completing the Enquiry Form on our website or emailing us at info@travelbutlers.com.

We look forward to hearing from you!

The Travel Butlers Team

Travel Butlers Ltd
Astra House
The Common, Cranleigh
Surrey GU6 8RZ, United Kingdom
tel: +44 (0)1483 266725


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Unspoilt Wilderness and Beach

Example Itinerary

TB-1826-1 / 16143

Example Cost

Holiday Title: Unspoilt Wilderness and Beach

Holiday Destination: Holiday to Kenya for 10 nights

Passengers: 2 Adults

Example Cost for 2 Adults: * per person sharing.

*Excludes international flights from your home country - please ask us if you would like us to include these for you.

All monies paid by UK customers for the air package holiday shown are ATOL protected by the Civil Aviation Authority. Our ATOL number is 10245.

When you buy an ATOL protected flight or flight inclusive holiday from us you will receive an ATOL Certificate. This lists what is financially protected, where you can get information on what this means for you and who to contact if things go wrong.

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Travel Butlers Ltd
Astra House
The Common, Cranleigh
Surrey GU6 8RZ, United Kingdom
tel: +44 (0)1483 266725


Page 

Summary Of The Itinerary

Printable Version

Holiday Title: Unspoilt Wilderness and Beach

Passengers: 2 Adults

Day 1

Arrive into Nairobi's Jomo Kenyatta Airport. You will be met once you disembark from the plane and assisted through Immigration (including help if required with visa application and processing), luggage collection and Customs (luggage screening). You will then be accompanied to meet up with your driver/Customer Services representative.

You will then be transferred to Wilson Airport, where you will check in and board your flight to Samburu.

Safarilink 23 (Light Aircraft): Fly from Wilson Airport (WIL) departing at 10:20 to Samburu/Lewa Downs Airstrip, arriving at 11:30

You will be met at the airstrip, and transferred to the lodge for lunch, after which you will go out on your first afternoon game drive on the Kalama Conservancy. As the only lodge in over 200,000 acres of unspoiled wilderness teeming with wildlife to explore exclusively, and guided by Samburu warriors passionate about their land and culture, the safari experience at Saruni Samburu is intimate and truly exceptional.

Samburu Eco-System

3 nights at Saruni Samburu


Day 4

After an early breakfast, you will be transferred back to the airstrip.

Safarilink 31 (Light Aircraft): Fly from Samburu/Lewa Downs Airstrip departing at 09:30 to Ngerende Airstrip, arriving at 11:00

You will be met at the airstrip, and either taken on a game drive with a picnic lunch to enjoy under an acacia tree, or you can head to Saruni Mara for some rest and an exclusive game drive later in the afternoon in Mara North Conservancy - over 30,000 acres of plentiful, protected land bordering the Masai Mara National Reserve. Enjoy a completely different and less-explored corner of the Mara eco-system in total privacy, brimming with wildlife.


Day 7

After lunch at the camp, you will be transferred back to the airstrip.

Mombasa Air 002 (Light Aircraft): Fly from Ngerende Airstrip departing at 14:00 to Diani/Ukunda Airstrip, arriving at 16:00

continues on next page...
Travel Butlers Ltd
Astra House
The Common, Cranleigh
Surrey GU6 8RZ, United Kingdom
tel: +44 (0)1483 266725


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...continued from previous page.

You will be met and transferred to The Ocean Spa Lodge.

The Ocean Spa Lodge is an idyllic hideaway blissfully set on a pristine private beach on Kenya's South Coast and the ultimate barefoot luxury experience.


Day 11

You will depart in the afternoon for your transfer back to the airstrip.

Safarilink 56 (Light Aircraft): Fly from Diani Airport departing at 15:30 to Wilson Airport (WIL), arriving at 17:10

You will be met and transferred to Ole Sereni for dinner (own account) after which you will be transferred back to Jomo Kenyatta Airport, where you will check in for your flight home.

 
Travel Butlers Ltd
Astra House
The Common, Cranleigh
Surrey GU6 8RZ, United Kingdom
tel: +44 (0)1483 266725


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Saruni Samburu

Samburu Eco-System: 3 Nights

Saruni Samburu is the only lodge in Kalama Conservancy, bordering Samburu National Reserve, with over 200,000 acres of unspoiled wilderness teeming with wildlife to explore exclusively. Guided by Samburu warriors passionate about their land and culture, you learn first-hand about their fascinating customs and gain ancient, local knowledge about the land and animals - a truly authentic safari experience.

The area around Saruni Samburu is teeming with wildlife - from the giant herds of Samburu elephant coming to drink at the waterholes, leopard making their lairs on rocky outcrops nearby, to endangered packs of African wild dog seen traversing the plains below the lodge. The area is also home to rare endemic species, the Samburu Five - Grevy’s zebra, reticulated giraffe, Beisa oryx, Somali ostrich and genenuk.

Guests can enjoy exciting, relaxing and unusal activities. Game drives and night drives, guided bush walks and visits to the local caves, lounging at the infinity pools or having a massage, picnic breakfasts by the Ewaso Niro River or bush dinners in a dry river bed with firelight and Samburu dancers, star-gazing visiting the local village or browsing around the Saruni shop…days spent at Saruni Samburu are as peaceful or adventurous as you desire.

Saruni Samburu’s 6 luxury villas are open and spacious, heralding spectacular views over Kenya’s Northern Frontier District and Mount Kenya. The lodge is celebrated for its innovative, eco-chic design as well as its Italian-inspired cuisine. Guests can enjoy the vast panoramas from the dining and lounge area, the 2 infinity pools and spa. The warm hospitality makes for an intimate and exceptional experience.

Example Details For Saruni Samburu

Nights: 3 Nights
Adults: 2 Children: 0
Room: 1 x Standard Villa
Includes: All meals; soft drinks, beer, house wine and non to luxury spirits; Kalama and Buffalo airstrip transfers; Conservancy/Park fees; day and night game drives with a Saruni Samburu guide; guided bush walks; transfers for cultural visits; bush meals; sundowners; and a limited laundry service are included.

Please Note: As the animals are wild, it is not possible to guarantee what you will see during your safari.

Location

Saruni Samburu Location Map
Travel Butlers Ltd
Astra House
The Common, Cranleigh
Surrey GU6 8RZ, United Kingdom
tel: +44 (0)1483 266725


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Saruni Mara Camp

Masai Mara: 3 Nights

Saruni Mara is an eco-friendly, small boutique safari lodge located in the private Mara North Conservancy, which borders the world-renowned Masai Mara National Reserve. The safari experience in the conservancy is the same as being in the Masai Mara Reserve but without the minibuses - so exactly as the first hunters and explorers discovered it.

Daily game drives, accompanied by a professional guide and tracker, depart early in the morning or in the late afternoon, when the wildlife is most active. The drives explore secluded areas where no other tourists go, so the only other people that you will meet will be the Maasai, armed only with a spear and bow and arrows, who are guarding their herds of cattle. On the morning safari drive, the light is perfect for photography so make sure your camera battery is fully charged!  On the afternoon drive, just before sunset, you will stop in the bush for a sundowner and listen to the sounds of nature as you sip your drink.

On a game walk you will walk with the Maasai warriors into the African bush and learn how they use the berries and the leaves, about their traditions and their life, and about the animal tracks you come across.

The huge fireplace is the focal point of life at Saruni and it is here that guests exchange memories of their day on safari. Guests may also be treated to a mealtime in a 'secret spot', providing the thrilling experience of a gourmet meal in the middle of the bush.

The Maasai Wellbeing Space offers a range of massage and wellness treatments - a lovely way to relax in between the safari activities of the day.

The 5 cottages are each decorated to a unique theme with a luxurious, classic safari feel. From your large veranda you can enjoy views of the plains and the wildlife dotted about. The Family Villa has 2 large en-suite bedrooms, a large lounge complete with dining area and a welcoming fireplace, and a veranda.

Nyati House is a beautiful, private wilderness home, with 2 bedrooms, 2 bathrooms, a lounge and dining room, kitchen and large veranda. It is booked exclusively and is located a 5 minute drive away from the main camp, in its own secluded valley. Perfect for groups or families looking for privacy and wanting to experience a safari on their own schedule, a stay here comes with your own safari vehicle and guide, and with meals served in your own dining room.

Example Details For Saruni Mara Camp

Nights: 3 Nights
Adults: 2 Children: 0
Room: 1 x Cottage
Includes: Game Package: All meals (including lunch on the day of departure); soft drinks, beer; house wine and non-luxury spirits; shared game drives; guided bush walks on the Conservancy; Conservancy fees; transfers to cultural visits; bush meals and sundowners; airstrip transfers; a limited laundry service; and one complimentary 30 minute massage per cottage are included.

Please Note: As the animals are wild, it is not possible to guarantee what you will see during your safari.

Location

Saruni Mara Camp Location Map
Travel Butlers Ltd
Astra House
The Common, Cranleigh
Surrey GU6 8RZ, United Kingdom
tel: +44 (0)1483 266725


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The Ocean Spa Lodge

The Kenyan Coast: 4 Nights

Kenya may well be one of the safari capitals of the world, but everyone also needs time to relax and recharge either as soon as they step off the plane in Nairobi, or after time on safari in search of Africa's big game over the dusty savannas. And what better way to do this than on one of Kenya's many beautiful white sandy beaches, which are fringed by swaying palm trees one one side, and the warm Indian Ocean on the other.

The shoreline is lined with coral reefs, making Kenya also a superb destination for watersport and diving enthusiasts alike. The offshore reefs are alive with colourful fish, sea turtles and dolphins. Big game fishing is also a popular sport and past-time.

Windsurfing, water ski-ing, kite-surfing, kayaking and snorkelling can all be enjoyed in the clear waters. Romantic sunset dhow trips are synonymous with the Kenya coast, the dhows having being built and sailed here for over 500 years.

The Ocean Spa Lodge is an intimate property set on Kenya's secluded south coast in magical Msambweni - the perfect beach escape for honeymooners, couples and families and a fantastic beginning or end to any safari adventure. The white sands and turquoise warm waters on the pristine 6 km long beach welcome guests as soon as they arrive.

During your stay here, there is an onsite water sports activity centre offering a wide range of activities which can all be booked and paid for locally. In addition, the spa and wellness centre includes a fitness area, rainforest showers and a hydro massage pool, and a yoga studio too. There is also a large infinity pool with spectacular views and plenty of sun loungers. Gourmet meals made from the freshest seafood and local ingredients are served in a variety of locations, adding to the dining experience.

The accommodation consists of 6 luxury villas housing 14 private suites, on either the upper or lower floor. Each suite has a separate entrance, a bedroom, a bathroom, a spacious lounge area, a garden and a verandah with ocean views.

Example Details For The Ocean Spa Lodge

Nights: 4 Nights
Adults: 2 Children: 0
Room: 1 x Suite
Includes: All Inclusive Package: All meals; soft drinks, high quality house wines and spirits; return transfers to Diani airport; water sport activities; complimentary scheduled yoga classes; one complimentary Back and Neck massage (30 mins); and a laundry service are included.

Location

The Ocean Spa Lodge Location Map
Travel Butlers Ltd
Astra House
The Common, Cranleigh
Surrey GU6 8RZ, United Kingdom
tel: +44 (0)1483 266725


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Important Travel Information For Kenya

Passport, Visa and Entry Requirements

Latest Travel Updates

For up-to-date travel information from the UK government, please check:

UK Government Advice: www.gov.uk/foreign-travel-advice/kenya

 

As of 4th January 2024 Kenya is now visa free but visitors need to apply and pay for an electronic Travel Authorisation (eTA) in advance of travel - please follow this link to make your online application:

https://www.etakenya.go.ke/en

All passengers in transit through Kenya arriving and leaving by the same aircraft or transferring to another aircraft and who do not leave the precincts of airports in Kenya are exempt from this requirement.

Some other exemptions apply and can be found in full on the website of the Kenyan Civil Aviation Authority.

Travellers who currently hold a valid visa can continue to travel using their visa until its expiry.

Your passport should also be valid for a minimum period of 6 months from the date of entry into Kenya. Make sure you have 2 blank pages in your passport on arrival.

Please note:  We do NOT advise getting the East Africa Tourist Visa if your trip also includes Rwanda and/or Uganda as this can cause problems at point of entry.

IMPORTANT:  Plastic bags are banned in Kenya. Arriving visitors are requested to avoid bring plastic bags into the country and being in possession of a plastic bag is an offence and offenders could be penalised.

Visitors are advised to avoid packing any plastic bags in their suitcases or in carry-on hand luggage before flying to Kenya. Items purchased at the airport before boarding the aircraft should be removed from plastic bags.

Travellers coming into Kenya with plastic duty-free shop bags will also be required to leave them at the airport. Please check hand luggage before disembarking and any plastic bags (including the transparent ziplock plastic bags that some airlines require passengers to use for keeping liquids, cosmetics, toiletries etc) should be left in the plane. This does not apply to people in transit.

All single use plastics, such as plastic water bottles and straws, are banned in all National Parks, forests, beaches and conservation areas.

PLEASE NOTE: Countries can change their entry requirements at any time. Travel Butlers try to ensure that the information displayed here is correct, but the onus remains with the traveller to verify the information with the relevant High Commission or Embassy and ensure that they can comply with the applicable entry requirements.

Travel Butlers Ltd
Astra House
The Common, Cranleigh
Surrey GU6 8RZ, United Kingdom
tel: +44 (0)1483 266725


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Important Travel Information For Kenya

Continued

Medical

You are advised to contact your doctor or clinic around 4-8 weeks before your trip to check whether you need any vaccinations and to get their professional medical advice regarding travel to Kenya.

To help prevent diarrhoea, avoid tap water – drink only bottled water and use bottled water for tooth brushing, and avoid ice made with tap water – and only eat fruit or vegetables that are cooked or can be peeled.

To help avoid heatstroke, drink plenty of bottled water/fluids, and keep out of the midday sun.

There is a risk of malaria in all areas of Kenya, except Nairobi and the highlands - check with your doctor about suitable antimalarial tablets. Dengue fever can also be transmitted via mosquito bites. Try to avoid mosquito bites wherever possible - wear loose long-sleeved clothing and trousers, and use a repellent on clothing and exposed skin.

Kenya falls into the yellow fever region in Africa. There is only a low potential for exposure to yellow fever in Nairobi, Mombasa, Lamu, Malindi and Shimba Hills National Park, but in the rest of the country there is a higher risk. It is therefore advisable for all travellers aged 9 months and older to obtain a yellow fever vaccination no less than 10 days prior to travel, but depending on the rest of your travel plans and country of origin, it is not compulsory:

Travellers from the UK who are only travelling directly to and from Kenya are currently not required to produce a vaccination certificate upon their return to the UK but this can change with no notice so do please check with your doctor and take their advice

If you are arriving into Kenya from a country which has any risk of yellow fever transmission you will be required to provide a certificate of your vaccination upon entry into Kenya. Also, certain countries including South Africa and Tanzania will deny entry if you are arriving from Kenya without the vaccination. It is up to the traveller to check the full list of countries here to ensure that you comply with these guidelines: https://nathnacyfzone.org.uk/factsheet/60/yellow-fever-maps

If your doctor advises that it is not safe for you to have the vaccination then you should obtain a medical waiver and travel with this instead.

Languages And Culture

English is the common commercial language, therefore it is spoken in the major towns and at all lodges and hotels. There are 52 tribes in Kenya, each with their own tribal language. The national language in Kenya is Swahili.

We would ask that all travellers are respectful of the local culture as follows:

Showing anger is not acceptable – Kenyan people pride themselves on their emotional control and expect the same in others. Try to remain patient, polite and friendly, even if the situation is very frustrating. Pointing with your finger at someone is considered very rude and is deemed to be an obscene gesture.

The coastal areas are predominantly Muslim so it is important to dress conservatively out of respect for the Muslim culture. On the beaches and within the confines of hotels, normal swimwear is acceptable but nudity/topless sunbathing is not. Away from beach resorts (especially in Mombasa, during the holy month of Ramadan or if you visit religious areas), women should avoid walking around in public areas displaying their legs and upper arms/shoulders - ‘short’ shorts, mini skirts, vests and tank tops may be frowned upon and viewed as a sign of disrespect. Long, loose hair is also seen as very provocative, so to avoid unwanted attention ladies may wish to tie their hair back or wear a headscarf.

Homosexuality is illegal in Kenya. Whilst everyone is of course entitled to their own sexual preferences and gender identity, we would advise all clients of the LGBT+ community to refrain from public displays of affection (including kissing and holding hands) and to be as discrete as possible about their relationship.

It is against the law for civilians to wear full military style clothing/attire (ie made from camouflage material).

You should always ask permission before taking anyone’s photograph. Taking photographs of official buildings, including Embassies, can lead to detention. If in any doubt, don’t photograph or film around them. Photography is also prohibited at airports.

Smoking in all public places (except in designated areas) is prohibited. Offenders can face a fine or imprisonment.

You must carry a form of ID with you at all times. A copy of your passport is normally acceptable, but recently some police officers have been insisting on the original document.

Travel Butlers Ltd
Astra House
The Common, Cranleigh
Surrey GU6 8RZ, United Kingdom
tel: +44 (0)1483 266725


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Book With Confidence

Travel Butlers have 20 years experience of booking travel to Africa and the Indian Ocean for clients from all around the world.  In this time we have supported clients through disruptions caused by numerous unexpected events including natural disasters, localised disease outbreaks and airline cancellations. Nobody can be certain exactly what will happen in the future, however Travel Butlers can offer you peace of mind and flexibility to ensure that you feel confident booking a holiday with us.

Flexibility and peace of mind before you travel

Our team are specialists in travel to Africa and the Indian Ocean, and we are constantly monitoring the changing situation regarding travel to the region. If your trip cannot go ahead due to specific travel restrictions related to Covid-19 then we will get in touch to offer you the choice of the following:

The specific Covid-19 travel restrictions are defined as follows:

We would not normally be able to confirm that your trip cannot proceed due to travel restrictions until a couple of weeks before the start of your trip, however should you want to look at postponing or altering your trip before then we would aim to be as flexible as possible.

If we confirm that your trip is unable to proceed due to Covid-19 travel restrictions, then we will not charge you an amendment fee if you choose to postpone your trip or move it to another destination. We may need to adjust the cost of your trip to reflect the new dates, particularly if those coincide with a more expensive season of travel or higher grade of accommodation. Equally, if the cost of your postponed trip is less, we will reduce the cost accordingly.

You should still take out travel insurance that includes Covid-19  to cover you in the event that your trip can go ahead but you are unable to travel due to illness or a change in your personal circumstances. If there are no travel restrictions in place that mean your trip could not go ahead but you need to cancel due to illness or a change in your personal circumstances then our normal terms and conditions would apply. You should ensure that your travel insurance provides adequate cover for cancelling due to illness, including Covid-19, and you may be able to make a claim against your travel insurance depending on the cover offered by your policy.

Support whilst you are away

We offer 24/7 telephone assistance to all our clients whilst they are away, and also have partners in each country that are able to assist with any PCR tests or other issues that might arise during your trip.

If you fall ill whilst you are away, or if your trip is disrupted due to Covid-19 whilst you are travelling, then our experienced team will be on hand to assist you in whatever way you need.  You would need to pay any additional costs incurred due to illness or travel disruption whilst you are away, however you may be able reclaim these expenses on your travel insurance depending on the cover offered by your policy.  Travel Butlers will be able to assist by providing supporting documentation for your claim.

Financial protection for your Travel Butlers holiday

All of the holidays we sell are 100% financially protected through our ATOL and ABTOT bonding so your money is in safe hands when you book a Travel Butlers holiday. Furthermore, our business is well positioned to navigate through the challenges which the travel industry is currently facing.

Please read our Terms and Conditions for more information.

Finding suitable travel insurance that covers Covid-19

You can now get insurance that offers cover for disruption related to Covid-19, and these policies could include cover for:

Not all policies offer this kind of cover, not necessarily even all policies from the same provider, so you should ensure you check the policy details carefully before buying your insurance. 

You can read more about choosing suitable travel insurance in the FCDO guide to travel insurance.