6 Days Elephant Watch Safari

On arrival, transfer to the Sarova Stanley hotel to relax ahead of your safari. From the moment the hotel opened its doors in 1902, it has welcomed illustrious guests from Grace Kelly to Sinatra to Hemingway – who wrote here and mentions the hotel in his works. Stepping through the century-old revolving doors, away from the bustle of vibrant Nairobi, to be greeted with rich Victorian décor and walls adorned with ancient clocks and faded photographs, feels like stepping back in time. Stay: Sarova Stanley.

On arrival in Nairobi, depart south-east straight for 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. Enjoy views of Kilimanjaro and a tranquil atmosphere, and 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. Tonight there’ll be a welcome dinner for you and your group. Approx. journey time: 6½ hours. Stay: Voyager Ziwani Tented Camp.

Head out on three game drives in historic Tsavo West spotting its dust red elephants! Voyager Ziwani’s location allows for some other interesting sightseeing. Once the site for the German Schutztruppe garrison in the First World War, there are World War I and II battle sites nearby. Climb the Roaring Rocks for breathtaking views over the park and listen to the wind whistling up the escarpment, hike the volcanic Chaimu crater nature trail, and visit popular Mzima Springs – a series of pools fed by underground streams. Stay: Voyager Ziwani Tented Camp..

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’ – more so even than in Tanzania. 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. Other wildlife inhabiting the grasslands includes cheetah, rhino, waterbuck, zebra and warthog amongst others. Though largely dry and dusty, Amboseli is also home to swamplands, fed by underwater springs from the meltwaters of Mount Kilimanjaro. These lush green 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 Ol Tukai Lodge in time for lunch. Ol Tukai has one of the best spots inside Amboseli, backed by Mount Kilimanjaro. Monkeys and baboons roam the grounds and the rooms are chalet-style with wonderful views of the wetlands or Kilimanjaro. After refuelling and refreshing, enjoy an afternoon game drive in Amboseli, spotting some of its many elephants and perhaps catching sight of buffalo, lions and hippo in the open savannah and swamplands. Approx. journey time: 5½ hours. Stay: Ol Tukai Lodge.

Today you’ll head out on early morning, mid-morning and afternoon game drives in Amboseli’s often arid plains. You will hopefully see buffalo and some of the big cats, with plenty of time to also enjoy the facilities at the lodge. Stay: Ol Tukai Lodge.

Depart Amboseli after breakfast and return to Nairobi. Approx. journey time: 4 hours. In Nairobi you’ll have the option to enjoy the use of a day room until you transfer to the airport for your return flight. B.

After an early morning game drive, head for Breakfast Later on check out, transfer to the airstrip for your flight back to Nairobi. Meals included: Breakfast