Accommodation during the first part of your holiday is in a twin shared room at the well appointed Ashnil Aruba lodge at Aruba Dam in the Tsavo East National Park. You will be paired up with another Just You traveller of the same sex. Each single storey unit has its own bathroom and a balcony overlooking the Aruba Dam, a watering hole for the incredible wildlife. Surrounded by landscaped gardens in the Tsavo East National Park, the lodge includes a restaurant, bar, outdoor swimming pool, special game viewing areas and souvenir shop.
For the second part of your tour, you will stay in your own room at the four star Travellers Beach Hotel, beside the Indian Ocean at Bamburi Beach. This familyowned hotel has much to offer its visitors. Whether you want to relax in the sauna, Jacuzzi and massage parlour; soak up the sunshine by one of the pools; work out in the gym; play a game of tennis or squash; or take part in water sports, you can do it all here. You can also enjoy a selection of optional excursions. The restaurants at the hotel serve a choice of local and international cuisine and the comfortable bedrooms each have a balcony, private facilities, air-conditioning, satellite TV, telephone and safety deposit box.
Please note: Safari routings and /or lodge may vary from that stated for operational reasons.
WEDNESDAY 22nd DECEMBER UK/Mombasa
Meet your travelling companions in the executive lounge prior to your overnight scheduled flight to Mombasa.
THURSDAY 23rd Tsavo East National Park
On arrival, we transfer to the Tsavo East National Park for a three night stay at the Ashnil Aruba Lodge, overlooking the watering hole for the fantastic wildlife, which has been created by the Aruba Dam. We include an introductory game drive en route, a welcome drink on arrival before lunch at the lodge followed by a short orientation walk to acquaint us with the wildlife and local customs. You can spend the late afternoon relaxing, or exploring the lodge’s excellent facilities before dinner this evening.
CHRISTMAS EVE Tsavo East National Park
The Tsavo East National Park is Kenya’s largest reserve, covering an area of 8,000 square miles, and is home to lions, leopards, cheetahs, zebra, buffalo and elephants. This morning, after an early breakfast we include a game drive in the park – remember your camera, it’s a real photographers’ paradise. Besides the Galana River lies the Yatta Plateau and you will visit Crocodile Point panoramic view area high above the plains.
CHRISTMAS DAY Tsavo East National Park
After a leisurely breakfast at the lodge, take the chance to observe the wildlife at the Dam. After an included lunch we have another wonderful chance to experience the amazing wildlife on an afternoon game drive followed by a relaxing barbecue dinner in the evening.
BOXING DAY Mombasa
We enjoy a final included early morning game drive before returning for breakfast. We head to Mombasa, enjoying lunch on arrival at the Tamarind restaurant overlooking the old town of Mombasa and the old harbour. We stay for the next six nights at the Travellers Beach Hotel in Mombasa.
MONDAY 27th - NEW YEARS EVE Mombasa
You are free to relax on the beautiful white powder beaches, shaded by swaying palms and lapped by the warm tropical waters of the Indian Ocean. And you’ll find a wide variety of facilities to enjoy at our hotel which allows you to make the most of this paradise setting. Whilst in Mombasa, we offer a superb range of optional excursions to help you get the best of your time here:
Mombasa City Tour - Our half day tour will introduce you to the city of Mombasa, which is essentially an island joined to the mainland by two causeways and a bridge. An historic and multicultural city, sights we will see on our tour include the Old Town, with its narrow lanes and souvenir shops, and the imposing Fort Jesus, built in the late 16th century.
Dolphin Dhow - Take a trip aboard a traditional sailing boat known as a dhow, in the company of dolphin experts. We will go in search of these graceful sea mammals, enjoying lunch aboard the dhow, as well as complimentary wine, beer and soft drinks.
Tamarind & Ngomongo or Haller Park - This full day excursion includes a trip aboard the Tamarind Dhow before heading to either the village of Ngomongo for a taste of traditional life, or Haller Park, a haven for wildlife transformed from a former quarry (weather permitting).
NEW YEARS’S DAY Mombasa
On our last evening, we will meet up for an included dinner on the Tamarind Dhow – a fitting finale to a truly magical experience in Kenya. We will board an authentic Arab dhow for a cruise around Tudor Creek, to the north of Mombasa Island, from where there are fine views of Mombasa’s Old Town and Fort Jesus.
SUNDAY 2nd & MONDAY 3rd JANUARY 2011 Mombasa/UK
Transfer to Mombasa airport for your return flight to the UK, arriving the next day.