'Out of Africa' Wild Bush And Beach Safari

From the Masai Mara to the spice island of Zanzibar

ENLARGE MAP

Day 1 - Masai Mara

Arrive in Nairobi where you will be met by a representative from 'Nigel Archer Safaris' and transferred to the small Wilson airport for your short light aircraft flight to the Masai Mara - one of the world's most famous game reserves. Prior to boarding your light aircraft, get to know your safari guide over a casual lunch. Nigel Archer was born into the 'safari world' and his experience stems from his childhood, spent largely in the bush. He is a professional hunter and photographic guide and his skills and vast experience, his knowledge and patience combine with the expertise of anticipating animal behaviour and stalking game. His talents and delicate understanding of the bush ensure that your safari will be an alluring experience of a lifetime. Your 'Out of Africa' private mobile camp includes a large 'mess tent' with a comfortable sitting area, a full bar, dining area and verandah. In true 'luxurious safari style', crystal glasses and silverware are used. You will sleep in a spacious comfortable tent with a double bed, solar power and an ensuite hot shower and flush toilet. On safari with you, to ensure that all your needs are catered for, will be a team of around seven staff -including a chef, assistant chef, two Masai guards, a tent attendant, a professional guide and a camp manager. Travel is by open 4x4 land cruiser, especially modified for game viewing. From your small plane - look out over the open grassland dotted with flat topped Acacia trees - the quintessential romantic African vision. This wild rich land supports innumerable mammals all year round - but the explosive abundance of wildlife reaches its peak from July-August through to October when approximately two million wildebeest and zebra migrate through these vast plains. Settle in to your private tented camp and enjoy your favourite drink on ice in a crystal glass -welcome to the Masai Mara! (L,D)

Day 2 - 4 - Masai Mara

Wake up to the sights, sounds and unique smells of Africa. You will enjoy at least three game drives a day (this is 'Big Five' territory), starting with first light and ending with sundowners as the sky turns red and the nightly sounds of Africa draw in. 'The Big Five' embraces five of the biggest and 'most wanted' species in Africa - the African Elephant (the largest land mammal), the Rhino, Cape Buffalo, Lion and Leopard. You will also have the opportunity to meet the famous warriors of the Masai tribe and become acquainted with some of their traditional customs. When not on safari, the camp seating area has chairs, cushions and a mobile library filled with African books - and your tent has a private verandah where you can relax with a drink and enjoy the solitude and beauty of the African bush. The chef will prepare fresh and innovative safari meals, served with complimentary wine. (B,L,D)

Day 5 - Zanzibar

Return to Nairobi today to board your onward flight to the romantic and exotic island of Zanzibar and spend the afternoon exploring the legendary Stone Town - the old city and cultural heart of Zanzibar. Discover the town's 'life and soul' at the market where fish, fruit, vegetables and spices are sold seven days a week, visit the magnificent House of Wonders - Sultan Barghash's fabulous palace on the seafront, see the forts, cathedrals and the elegant Beit al Amaan museum. Stone Town boasts a colourful history - and in more recent years, was deservedly granted World Heritage status by UNESCO. Wander through the maze of bustling bazaars and winding alleyways, punctuated by wonderful carved doors and overhung by intricate Arabic balconies. Zanzibar is a fascinating blend of African, Arabic and European influences with a rich Swahili culture -a mesmerising fusion which has created a pace of life, a style of cuisine, a tapestry of architecture, heritage, myth and magic which is found nowhere else in the world. Zanzibar's atmosphere is vibrant but irresistibly 'laid-back'. Your charming oasis in the heart of Stone Town is the unique and characterful Emerson & Green Hotel - a ten room sanctuary just oozing with authenticity where each of the rooms boasts its own distinct Zanzibari charm. Once the residence of one of the richest men in the Swahili Empire (and the second tallest building in Stone Town), the hotel has been restored to its former glory and also boasts one of the most unusual dining outlets in the world - the renowned Tower Top Restaurant -an integral part of the skyline of Zanzibar. (B,D)

Day 6 - 9 - Zanzibar

Time to relax amidst the swaying palms and stunning white sands of Zanzibar. Spend the next 4 nights in a private villa at the island's newest exclusive retreat - The Palms - which is located on the peaceful south east coast of Zanzibar. All meals and selected beverages are included in your stay. (B,L,D)

Day 10 - Nairobi

Return to Nairobi today and spend the day in a small exclusive hotel, away from the city centre. There will be time to go exploring before your overnight international flight back to the UK. (B)

Best time for a Safari

The Masai Mara is wonderful all year round but August to October is obviously the best time to visit as this coincides with the annual Wildebeest Migration. March to May and November tend to bring Kenya's rains. This generally means that it rains from late afternoon and through the night but the following day is fresh and clear with a unique, earthy African smell in the air.