Kenya's Samburu, Mara & Seychelles

Itinerary information

Set the scene for a fortnight of bliss with a night spent in a beautiful estate on the edge of Nairobi National Park. A driver will meet you at Jomo Kenyatta International Airport to take you to Ololo Safari Lodge where you'll spend the night and unwind after your long-haul journey.

Settle into your spacious thatched tented cottage and relax on your private terrace overlooking the National Park to get into a relaxed holiday mood, before a tasty meal at the lodge's restaurant – The Kitchen at Ololo. There is Wi-Fi so you can let the folks back home know you've arrived safely in East Africa. Depending on your arrival time, you might decide to head out on a game drive to get a taste of what awaits you in Samburu and Masai Mara.

Itinerary information

Today is a good day for an adventure among the rocky cliffs of the Kalama Conservancy, far removed from roads, buildings or crowds of people. After breakfast at Ololo, a driver will take you to Wilson Airport for your scheduled light aircraft flight to Saruni Samburu.

On arrival, sit on your deck or cool down in the swimming pool while watching elephant, giraffe and zebra are drink from the resident waterhole. Saruni Samburu is a breath-taking property that is spread out at altitude, with ample distances between communal areas, the rooms, the spa, the swimming pools and reception – making it an ideal lodge if you're looking for some privacy.

As well as the Samburu National Reserve's herds of elephant, expect to see lion, leopard and cheetah and the Samburu Special 5: the Beisa oryx, reticulated giraffe, Grevy's zebra, gerenuk antelope and Somali ostrich.

You can also discover the traditions and way of life of the Samburu people, unchanged for generations, with Saruni's local guides. The lodge is especially welcoming for children and the guides will teach them bush lore, perhaps how to make a traditional bow and arrow or a toothbrush from the ‘toothbrush tree'.

Itinerary information

Bid farewell to the spectacular Samburu and head back to the airstrip for an air transfer to the Masai Mara. Stay at Saruni Mara, in the Mara North Conservancy on the northern edge of the mighty Masai Mara. This is the alluring land of the Great Migration and the lodge is perched above the rolling plains, a perfect look-out point for game watching.

Enjoy exciting game drives with morning coffee stops and evening sundowners. Be sure to go on guided walks; the Masaai guides know where to find the best stories and you may even catch sight of an elusive leopard slumbering the boughs of a tree. Included in this trip is an early morning hot-air balloon safari, a serene and unmissable experience and the most incredible way to spot the reserve's abundant wildlife.

After a hard day's adventure, relax the Maasai Wellbeing Space, a well-appointed spa offering a combination of Western and local Maasai treatments.

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Time to head back to Nairobi for an overnight stay at Eka Hotel, your post-safari stopover before jetting off to a tropical island idyll. This might be the ideal time to visit the Karen Blixen Museum, Giraffe Centre or Daphne Sheldrick Elephant Orphanage (chat to our experts about pre-booking this activity). Or simply unwind and get pampered in the hotel spa or relax at the swimming pool.

Itinerary information

A driver will meet you at Eka Hotel reception to drive you to the airport. From Kenya to the Seychelles, you begin your week in tropical island bliss on Mahé. As the largest island in the archipelago, visitors can experience both a quintessential tropical beach vacation, as well as a taste of the local Creole culture. A driver will meet you at airport arrivals to take you through to your home for the next three nights, Carana Beach Hotel, a beautiful beachfront boutique hotel.

Unwind by the beach-facing swimming pool, complete with loungers for soaking up the sun. Each chalet features a private plunge pool and stunning sea views, offering a personal oasis of relaxation. Indulge in a massage or treatment at the Sens Spa, dive into the azure waters to snorkel or kayak among vibrant marine life and savour dining experiences at a variety of on-site restaurants. When adventure calls, explore the island's enchanting landscapes and local culture.

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As your time on Mahé comes to an end, your island bliss is certainly not over yet. After another delicious breakfast spread, you head back to Seychelles International Airport for a short flight to Denis Private Island's private airstrip.

Prepare to be spellbound as you discover a hidden gem in the Indian Ocean, Denis Private Island Lodge. The ultra-luxurious, eco-conscious resort features exquisite villas and cottages on a private island. A paradise for romantic and magical holidays, Denis Private Island Lodge invites you to swim in the crystal-clear water, unwind at the hilltop spa, or lounge in your own private pool as you take in the wonders of the Seychelles.

Itinerary information

This morning, wake up one last time to the sound of the gently lapping waves and the bustling of the island birds. Soak in the balmy air as you sip on your coffee or fresh smoothie and indulge in a last breakfast before popping over to the airstrip for your flight back to Seychelles International Airport, where you'll continue your journey onward.