5 Nights Nature Trail Expedition
The 5 Nights Nature Trail Expedition is a short, value-for-money itinerary ideal for first timers or those with time constraints. You’ll get to visit the wilderness of Tsavo West on a full-day game drive followed by Amboseli National Park, with its dramatic backdrop of Mount Kilimanjaro and with its charasteristic large herds of elephants, a perfect destination to explore the big five and a bird watching haven.
Detailed trip itinerary
Day 1: Arrive Nairobi, Transfer Giraffe Manor
Arrive in Nairobi, and then transfer to your luxurious accommodations in one of Kenya’s most famous hotels - the Giraffe Manor - an exclusive boutique hotel, owned by The Safari Collection. The historic manor house has extraordinary appeal, that harks back to the 1930s when visitors first flocked to East Africa to enjoy safaris. With its stately façade, elegant interior, verdant green gardens, sunny terraces and delightful courtyards, guests often remark that it’s like walking into the film Out of Africa: indeed, one of its twelve rooms is named after the author Karen Blixen. Stay: Giraffe Manor.
- Breakfast with Giraffes
- Stroll to Giraffe Center
- Afternoon Tea with Giraffes
- Adopt an elephant at the David Shedricks elephant orphanage
- Visit Nairobi Art Gallery
- Spa Treatments
Giraffe Manor is an exclusive boutique hotel, owned by The Safari Collection. Often referred to as one of the most instagrammed properties in the world, Giraffe Manor is set in 12 acres of private land within 140 acres of indigenous forest in the Langata suburb of Nairobi. Giraffe Manor is one of Nairobi’s most iconic buildings. The historic manor house has extraordinary appeal, that harks back to the 1930s when visitors first flocked to East Africa to enjoy safaris. With its stately façade, elegant interior, verdant green gardens, sunny terraces and delightful courtyards, guests often remark that it’s like walking into the film Out of Africa: indeed, one of its twelve rooms is named after the author Karen Blixen.
One of the most fascinating things about Giraffe Manor is its resident herd of Rothschild’s giraffes who may visit morning and evening, poking their long necks into the windows in the hope of a treat, before retreating to their forest sanctuary. Giraffe Manor can be booked for the night or as part of a complete tailor-made Kenya safari with The Safari Collection.
Days 2 - 3: Tsavo West National Park
Set off to Tsavo West National Park, located in the Coast province in south-east Kenya. The landscape of Tsavo West is spectacularly varied, with semi-arid plains, open grasslands, dense woodlands, rocky outcrops and lava flows. The soil is rich and red in colour and this creates the illusion of magnificent red elephants – which are actually covered in dust from the soil. The park is also home to wildlife including rhino, buffalo, leopard, lion, waterbuck, lesser kudu, giraffe and gerenuk. Arrive in time for lunch with your group at Voyager Ziwani Tented Camp. Situated on a private sanctuary at the western edge of Tsavo, the camp sits on a secluded dam on the Sante River, which is home to crocodile and hippo. Stay in one of the 25 classic safari tents. Each canvas tent has a protective thatched roof, en-suite bathroom and deck overlooking the river. Stay: 2 nights at Voyager Ziwani Tented Camp
- Restaurant
- Bar Lounge
- Jetties over Sante dam
- Bush meals
- Sun Downers
- Nature Walks
- Swimming Pool
- Boating on Ziwani dam
- Trips to the twin volcanic lakes of Chala and Jipe
With a spectacular view of mystical Mount Kilimanjaro, and easy access to the wild attractions of Tsavo West National Park, Voyager Ziwani offers a tranquil retreat in one of the wildest places left on Earth. Located on a private sanctuary on the western edge of Tsavo, the camp sits on a secluded dam on the Sante River – home to turtles, crocodiles and hundreds of basking hippos.
Once the site for the German Schutztruppe garrison in the First World War, Voyager Ziwani is today famous for being in ‘big game country’ that is one of the biggest national parks in the world, Tsavo West. Filled with a rich tapestry of volcanic upheavals like the Roaring Rocks and the volcanic rubble heap that is Chaimu, the land is as diverse as its wildlife – the red elephants of Tsavo and descendents of the infamous man-eating lions share the savanna grasslands with the Fringe-eared orxy of the thorn filled scrub while the crocodiles and hippos while away time in the cool waters of the crystal clear Mzima springs and the rivers that course through.
Accommodation Highlights:
- Newly renovated tents, with en-suite facilities and private verandahs
- Located in a game rich private sanctuary which affords night game drives
- Easy access by road from either Nairobi, Tsavo East or Mombasa
- Many World War 1 & 2 battle sites nearby
- The best kids clubs in the region for cultural and wildlife edutainment
Days 4 - 5: Amboseli National Park
Leave Tsavo and head to Amboseli National Park at the foot of snowcapped Mount Kilimanjaro. Located in the Rift Valley province of southern Kenya, close to the Tanzanian border, Amboseli has some of the most dramatic views of ‘Kili’. Sunrise and sunset are spectacular in many national parks, but here, over Mount Kilimanjaro, are some of the best. The park has a large concentration of wildlife, particularly in the dry season. There are over 1000 elephants, including some of the largest in Africa. As well as the huge herds, catch sight of buffalo and lions in the open savannah, rolling hills and swamplands. Though largely dry and dusty, Amboseli is also home to swamplands, fed by underwater springs from the meltwaters of Mount Kilimanjaro. These lush swamplands attract wallowing elephants and hippo, as well as buffalo and birdlife. More than 400 species of bird can be found, including the rare Taita falcon and the southern banded harrier eagle. You’ll arrive at Tawi Lodge in time for lunch. Spend your day on exciting game drives, looking for lions and cheetahs as they hide from the heat or amble out to hunt. See the warm, golden sun set over the grasslands and mighty mountain from atop prehistoric Observation Hill. Stay: 2 nights at Tawi Lodge
- Game Drives
- Sundowners
- Guided bush walks
- Bush meals
- Camel rides
- Cultural Visits
- Hot air balloon rides
Tawi lodge is a private oasis A world away, in the shadows of Mt. Kilimanjaro, succulent rich gardens, interspersed with crystal clear springs and large shady Tortilis Acacia trees. Over 150 species of birds will serenade you on arrival. Beyond the bustling waterhole - look up! Mt. Kilimanjaro welcomes you. Set in the heart of its own 3,000 acre private conservancy and in one of the richest game areas in Kenya. Tawi Lodge is an eco award winning lodge, combining unpretentious comfort with subtle accents of style coupled with traditional East African hospitality.
The lodge and cottages sprawl along the edge of dry acacia woodland with Mount Kilimanjaro standing proudly above. Elephants often pass right closeby, gently allowing close absorption into their secret lives, from the comfort of the cottage decks. Each of the “elegantly rustic” cottages are richly appointed, most with incredible views looking out over the mountain, the cottages have spacious bedrooms, private decks, en-suite bathrooms, with both bathtub and shower each cottage has large, snug 4-poster beds.
Inspired by the exotic ingredients and vibrant colours of East Africa, the team of chefs concoct innovative and tasty meals of fresh locally available ingredients. Delicious candle-lit dinners are served by the warmth of the fireplace, or under the stars, Kilimanjaro presiding as the backdrop. We aim to please at Tawi and we love experimenting with new dishes, presentations, always aiming to create fresh, novel meals for any dietary requirements.
Fresh organic home grown veggies and greens are picked daily from our luscious lodge gardens. Everything we can make from the lodge kitchen we do, from yoghurts, fresh juices, breads and our breakfast cereals.
Day 6: Depart, Transfer Nairobi
After an early breakfast, you’ll begin the long drive back to Nairobi. You will arrive in time for a late lunch and thereafter transfer to the airport for your return flight home. Here, we will wave a fond farewell to you and your family as your once-in-a-lifetime Kenyan safari comes to an end.
Tour Inclusions
Accommodation as specified in itinerary- Meals as indicated on itinerary
- Meet and Greet at airport during entry and exit
- Transportation in a 4X4 safari landcruiser
- Schedule flights as indicated on the itinerary
- Park entry fees
- Airstrip Transfers
- Emergency medical evacuation insurance
- Activities in camps / lodges
- Shared vehicles driven by English speaking driver guides
Tour Exclusions
All international flights and taxes- Gratuities and all items of a personal nature
- Meals and drinks not specified in the itinerary
- Premium Drinks, Cigars
- Visa fees (if required)
- Premium Drinks, Cigars
- Visa fees (if required)
