Charlie's Travels Africa

5.0/5 – 35 Reviews

$6,630 to $7,293 pp (USD)
This tour is offered in EUR. Show rate in EUR

2 travelers   on   Start date
Request a Quote

Your request will be sent directly to the operator

If preferred, you can contact the operator directly

Breakdown of Costs
1 Available
1 Unavailable
Start Date
Age at the end of the tour
*This tour does not accept children under 4.
Travelers

Arrival (See Getting There for more details)

Arrival (See Getting There for more details)

  • You'll be collected from the airport.
  • Accommodation before the tour starts can be arranged for an extra cost.

Day 1

Arrival in Nairobi & Rest at Karen Oasis

Arrival in Nairobi & Rest at Karen Oasis

Welcome to Kenya, the beating heart of East Africa! Upon landing at Jomo Kenyatta International Airport in Nairobi, your private transfer driver will warmly welcome you and drive you to your quiet hotel. Settle in at Karen Gables, a beautiful and characterful private home built in Cape Dutch style, nestled in lush green gardens in the peaceful suburb of Karen. This elegant property is the perfect sanctuary to escape the city's noise and recover from your flight.

You can spend your afternoon lounging by the solar-heated swimming pool, enjoying a fresh drink in the tropical gardens, or exploring the nearby Karen Blixen Museum. In the evening, relax in your stylish room and fall asleep to the gentle sounds of nature, getting ready for the great adventure ahead.

Main Destination:
Nairobi (City)
Accommodation:
Karen Gables
  • Luxury guest house located in Nairobi (City)
Meals & Drinks:
  • Breakfast (Lunch & dinner not included)
  • Drinks not included

Day 2

Explore Booming Nairobi & Local Culture

Explore Booming Nairobi & Local Culture

Enjoy a delicious breakfast before setting off on an incredibly unique and eye-opening urban adventure. Today you will join the famous Nai Nami city tour, exploring the bustling streets of downtown Nairobi accompanied by ex-street children Kissmart, Donga, and Cheddaz. Having grown up in Mathare, one of Nairobi's largest slums, these young men spent their youth surviving on the streets of the Central Business District.

Now, they share their streetskills and inspiring life stories with you on a safe, guided walking tour. They will show you where they slept as kids, explain their secret police escape routes, and tell you about their time in prison. Prepare for powerful stories, fascinating local encounters, plenty of high-fives, and a lot of fun. Return to your peaceful Karen oasis for a relaxing evening at Karen Gables.

Main Destination:
Nairobi (City)
Accommodation:
Karen Gables
  • Luxury guest house located in Nairobi (City)
Meals & Drinks:
  • Breakfast (Lunch & dinner not included)
  • Drinks not included

Day 3

Journey from Nairobi to Meru National Park

Journey from Nairobi to Meru National Park

Today, your spectacular road trip begins! Board your robust private extended 4x4 Landcruiser, the ultimate safari vehicle with a custom pop-up roof for 360-degree wildlife viewing. Your expert driver-guide will steer you north on a scenic five-hour drive towards Meru National Park. Known as Kenya's hidden wilderness, Meru is an untamed paradise of green hills, flowing rivers, and open plains with very few tourists.

Arrive at Elsa's Kopje, a breathtaking luxury lodge built directly into the side of a rocky hill. Check into your private cottage, featuring an elegant open-front design with sweeping views over the vast savannah below. In the afternoon, set off on your first exciting game drive to search for lions, leopards, and elephants before returning to the lodge for a gourmet dinner and a swim in the infinity pool under the stars.

Main Destination:
Meru National Park
Best Time To Visit June to October (Little to no rainfall)
High Season December to March and July to October (Not busy)
Best Weather June to September (Little to no rainfall)

Wildlife in Meru NP

ElephantCommon
GiraffeCommon
BuffaloCommon
ZebraCommon
HippoCommon
Show more
LionOccasional
LeopardOccasional
HyenaOccasional
WildebeestVery Rare
Wild DogRare to None
Accommodation:
Elewana Elsa's Kopje Meru
  • Luxury lodge located inside Meru NP
Meals & Drinks:
  • All meals included
  • Drinks not included

Day 4

Full-Day Safari in Meru National Park

Full-Day Safari in Meru National Park

Spend a spectacular full day exploring the diverse habitats of Meru National Park. With its combination of lush riverine forests, hidden springs, and golden grasslands, this park is home to an extraordinary abundance of wildlife. Drive along the park's multiple winding streams to spot snorting hippos and crocodiles, and visit the park's highly successful rhino sanctuary to see both black and white rhinos up close. Keep your binoculars ready to spot some of the 400 colourful bird species, herds of buffaloes, and elegant giraffes.

Your driver-guide will find a picturesque spot under a shady acacia tree for a delightful picnic lunch in the wild savannah. After another exciting afternoon game drive, return to Elsa's Kopje to relax with a sundowner drink on your private viewing deck.

Main Destination:
Meru National Park
Accommodation:
Elewana Elsa's Kopje Meru
  • Luxury lodge located inside Meru NP
Meals & Drinks:
  • All meals included
  • Drinks not included

Day 5

Drive to Mount Ololokwe & Hiking Expedition

Drive to Mount Ololokwe & Hiking Expedition

Depart Meru this morning and drive north for two hours through the rugged landscapes of the Samburu region to the foot of Mount Ololokwe, the sacred flat-topped mountain of the Samburu people. Today, leave the vehicle behind and lace up your hiking boots. Accompanied by local Samburu guides and porters, embark on an active trek up the mountain. Winding up the ancient elephant paths, climb through unique montane vegetation, spotting colorful birds and rare flora. Reach the high summit plateau in time to witness a spectacular sunset over the northern frontier.

Your staff will set up your cozy campsite with Charlie's clean camping gear, including tents, mattresses, and sleeping bags. Savor a hot campfire dinner under a brilliant canopy of stars.

Main Destination:
Mount Ololokwe
Accommodation:
Budget camping
Meals & Drinks:
  • All meals included
  • Drinks not included

Day 6

Descent from Mount Ololokwe to Sabache Eco Camp

Descent from Mount Ololokwe to Sabache Eco Camp

Wake up early to catch a breathtaking sunrise over the vast desert plains below, feeling the crisp morning air of the high plateau. After a hot breakfast prepared by your camp chef, pack your gear and start your descent down the mountain. The downward trek offers fabulous views and another chance to learn about Samburu folklore from your guides.

Arrive at the base and check into Sabache Eco Camp. Settle into a comfortable safari tent and enjoy a well-deserved hot shower. In the afternoon, you can choose to visit the nearby Reteti Elephant Sanctuary to see rescued baby elephants being bottle-fed, or simply relax at the camp's lounge area, watching the changing colors of the massive rock face of Mount Ololokwe as the afternoon sun fades. Enjoy a fresh dinner by the campfire.

Main Destination:
Mount Ololokwe
Accommodation:
Sabache Camp
  • Mid-range tented camp bordering Samburu NR without fences
Meals & Drinks:
  • All meals included
  • Drinks not included

Day 7

Drive to Samburu & Search for the Samburu Special Five

Drive to Samburu & Search for the Samburu Special Five

Today, leave Sabache Camp and drive into the arid, beautiful plains of the Samburu National Reserve. This unique semi-desert habitat is famous for its striking landscapes and rare wildlife species found nowhere else in Kenya, known as the Samburu Special Five: the long-necked gerenuk, Grevy's zebra, reticulated giraffe, Beisa oryx, and Somali ostrich.

Settle into Ashnil Samburu Camp, a luxury property set on the banks of the Ewaso Nyiro River, shaded by doum palms. In the afternoon, set off on an exciting game drive in your private Landcruiser with its custom pop-up roof. Search the riverbanks for thirsty herds of elephants, lions, and leopards resting in the shady trees. Return to the camp for a delicious dinner and a fresh drink, watching the sunset over the flowing river.

Main Destination:
Samburu National Reserve
Best Time To Visit June to September and January to February
High Season December to March and July to October (Busy)
Best Weather June and December (Cool and fresh after rain)

Wildlife in Samburu NR

ElephantAbundant
GiraffeCommon
ZebraCommon
LionOccasional
LeopardOccasional
BuffaloOccasional
Show more
HippoOccasional
HyenaOccasional
Accommodation:
Ashnil Samburu Camp
  • Luxury tented camp bordering Samburu NR without fences
Meals & Drinks:
  • All meals included
  • Drinks not included

Day 8

Samburu Wilderness Safari & Drive back to Nairobi

Samburu Wilderness Safari & Drive back to Nairobi

Wake up early for a final short morning game drive in Samburu as the sun rises over the arid plains, catching the predators at their most active. Afterward, return to the camp for a hearty breakfast and pack your bags. Today, you set off on your return journey to Nairobi. This is a long but highly scenic seven-hour drive that takes you past colorful local markets, bustling trading centers, and the lush, green highland farms bordering Mount Kenya.

Your driver-guide will ensure a comfortable ride with scheduled stops for coffee and lunch along the way. Arrive in Nairobi in the late afternoon and check into the comfortable Argyle Grand Hotel, located conveniently close to the airport. Settle in, take a refreshing dip in the hotel swimming pool, and enjoy a relaxed dinner as you unwind from the road trip.

Main Destination:
Nairobi (City)
Accommodation:
Argyle Grand Hotel Nairobi Airport
  • Luxury hotel located in Nairobi (City)
Meals & Drinks:
  • Breakfast (Lunch & dinner not included)
  • Drinks not included

Day 9

Fly to the Mystica Island of Lamu

Fly to the Mystica Island of Lamu

Leave the busy capital behind today as you take a private transfer to the airport for a quick domestic flight to the Swahili coast. Peer out your window before landing to catch a beautiful view of the Lamu archipelago's mangrove channels and turquoise lagoons. Upon landing on Manda Island, step into a traditional wooden motorboat for a scenic transfer across the water to Shela Village on Lamu Island, where cars are non-existent and life moves on foot or donkey.

Check into Fatuma's Tower, a historic and beautifully restored Swahili house filled with unique antiques and peaceful gardens. Spend your afternoon wandering through the narrow, sandy lanes of Shela, feeling the relaxed coastal vibe and enjoying a walk on the pristine beach before dinner.

Main Destination:
Lamu (Town & Beach)
Accommodation:
Fatuma's Tower
  • Luxury hotel
Meals & Drinks:
  • Breakfast (Lunch & dinner not included)
  • Drinks not included

Day 10-11

Swahili Coast Dhow Sailing & Lamu Old Town

Swahili Coast Dhow Sailing & Lamu Old Town

These two days are dedicated to enjoying the ultimate Swahili island vibe at Shela. On one of the days, step aboard a traditional wooden dhow sailboat with your local captain and crew. Feel the tropical sea breeze as you sail across the calm waters, passing quiet mangrove forests and secluded sandy bays. Jump into the warm, crystal clear water for a spectacular snorkeling session among tropical fish and sea turtles. In the late afternoon, enjoy a peaceful sail back as the setting sun paints the sky in shades of gold and purple.

The other day is yours to explore Shela at your own pace, relax on the endless white sands of Shela Beach, or take a short boat ride to Lamu Old Town. This UNESCO World Heritage site is the oldest continuously inhabited Swahili settlement, where you can admire ancient stone buildings and beautifully carved wooden doors before returning to Fatuma's Tower.

Main Destination:
Lamu (Town & Beach)
Accommodation:
Fatuma's Tower
  • Luxury hotel
Meals & Drinks:
  • Breakfast (Lunch & dinner not included)
  • Drinks not included

Day 12

Return to Nairobi

Return to Nairobi

Your magical Kenyan adventure comes to an end today. After a final relaxed breakfast in the garden of Fatuma's Tower, pack your bags and board your private boat to Manda Airstrip. Take your domestic flight back to Nairobi. Upon arrival at the domestic terminal, a private driver will transfer you to Jomo Kenyatta International Airport in time to check in for your international flight back home.

As your plane takes off, look down at the beautiful landscapes of Kenya below. Take home a heart full of lifelong memories of roaring lions in Meru, camping under the stars on Mount Ololokwe, and the gentle rhythm of the Swahili breeze in Lamu. Welcome home, enriched with unforgettable stories!

Main Destination:
No major destination visited
Accommodation:
No accommodation (End of tour)
Meals & Drinks:
  • Breakfast (Lunch & dinner not included)
  • Drinks not included

End of tour (See Getting There for more details)

End of tour (See Getting There for more details)

  • Additional accommodation can be arranged for an extra cost.
  • You'll be dropped off at the airport.

Interested in This Tour?

Request a Quote

  • We advise requesting quotes from 3 operators (Learn why)
  • Requests are sent directly to the tour operator
  • If preferred, you can contact the tour operator directly
Next: Overview Next: Day by Day Next: Rates Next: Inclusions Next: Getting There Next: Offered By

Best price guarantee

Your request will be sent directly to the operator

If preferred, you can contact the operator directly

Next: Request a Quote

Disclaimer

  • This tour is offered by Charlie's Travels Africa, not SafariBookings.
  • This operator reserves the right to change rates advertised on SafariBookings.
  • If you request changes to this tour, the advertised rates will likely change.
  • Rates include a fixed budget for flights during this tour. If flights cost more, your quote will reflect this.
  • The exact order, contents and rates of this tour are subject to availability.
  • If an accommodation is fully booked, the operator will suggest a comparable alternative.
  • This tour is subject to the terms & conditions of Charlie's Travels Africa.