Mombasa Safari on Madaraka Express (Tour)

Introductions

Mombasa Safari on Madaraka Express

Travel by the Madaraka Express train to join this 2 night introductory safari - the ideal option to bolt on to a beach holiday in Mombasa.

2 nights

from £1999

Description

Travel by train from your Mombasa beach hotel to join this short 2 night safari which travels through Tsavo East, Amboseli National Park and Taita Hills Game Sanctuary. It is a compact trip but provides an excellent opportunity to view a diverse variety of wildlife and the overshadowing snow-capped peaks of Mount Kilimanjaro. Can be combined with any Mombasa beach hotel plus other destinations too. Extra nights can be added too.

Highlights

Pick and return to your Mombasa beach hotel.
Travel by train in 1st classs to join the safari.
Safari sector will be in a lodge safari bus with an English-speaking driver-guide.
Visit the Artefacts Museum.
Enjoy 4 game drives.
Go in search of giraffes, lions, elephants, cheetahs, buffalos, rhinos plus more.
Upgrade option to a Waterhole View Room.

Additional Information

Departs daily

2 nights / 3 day duration.

Pick up at approx 8 am and returns at approximately 2.30 pm. Guests will be collected from and returned to their chosen North/South Mombasa beach hotel.

Cost Includes:-
Meet and greet services.
All transport and game drives on the safari sector will be in a lodge safari bus with an English-speaking driver-guide on a shared basis.
1st Class train tickets (train times are subject to change)
Meals and accommodation as specified.
All park fees and government taxes.
Filtered water will be provided in the safari vehicles but guests are asked to bring their own reusable water bottle that can be refilled in the vehicle during the safari.

Cost Excludes:-
Visas and international flights.
Airport taxes (clients pay direct).
Driver-guide gratuities.
Drinks, dining rooms tips and porterage.
Personal travel, baggage and medical insurance.
Telephone bill, laundry and any items of a personal nature.
Mombasa accommodation.

Please note:-

Due to limited luggage space in vehicles, suitcases are unsuitable for scheduled road safaris. We recommend luggage packed in inexpensive barrel/sausage bags or soft sided bags not exceeding 30kgs and 1.6m in height, width and depth. Excess luggage can be handed over to your Mombasa hotel to store (usually at no additional cost) whilst you depart on safari.
Customers are not allowed to bring alcoholic beverages into the train stations or onboard the train.
The itinerary may have to be re-routed or accommodated in similar lodges in case of non-availability.
Upgrade to a water hole view room at Salt Lick Lodge from £15pp.

Pricing

Sep 2024

Images

Contact

Jessica Allen

Jessica.allen.1993@gmail.com

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Highlights
Additional Info
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Pricing

Description

Mombasa - Taita Hills

Early this morning you are met at your North or South Coast Hotel for a transfer to the train station for Madaraka Express train to rail journey to Voi Station ETD 0800hrs ETA 0940hrs. On arrival you will be met by the lodge vehicle for the transfer to Salt Lick Safari Lodge. Lunch is provided at Taita Hills Safari Lodge followed by a visit to the inhouse Artefacts Museum housing articles from World war 1. Here, sit in on a brief talk that gives an insight on Taita Taveta’s role in World War 1. Later depart on an afternoon game drive in the sanctuary. Rest of the day is at leisure viewing game from the lodge
balcony or underground hide.

Overnight Salt Lick Safari Lodge on full board basis in Parkview room (excludes laundry and drinks)

Sarova Salt Lick Game Lodge

For decades Sarova Salt Lick Game Lodge has been one of Kenya's flagship lodges, famed for being among the World's Most Photographed Lodges. A favourite amongst travellers in search of luxury accommodation, Sarova Salt Lick Game Lodge is a luxurious safari escape set in the heart of the Taita Hills Wildlife Sanctuary overlooking a waterhole and the vast Tsavo plains.

Meals Included: Meals as per Tour Itinerary

DESTINATION

Taitta Hills Game Sanctuary

The sanctuary covers an area of 28,000 acres (110 km2), and is adjacent to Tsavo West National Park and the LUMO Community Wildlife Sanctuary. It hosts cape buffalo, African bush elephant, leopard, lion, cheetah, Masai giraffe, zebra, hartebeest, impala, waterbuck, Thomson's gazelle, lesser kudu, dik-dik, and other smaller animals, including a diversity of birdlife.

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Game Drive

Following breakfast depart on a morning game drive. Spend the rest of the morning at leisure
viewing game from the lodge balcony which overlooks a watering hotel and saltlick. In the
afternoon depart on another game drive.

Overnight Salt Lick Safari Lodge on full board basis in Parkview room (excludes laundry and drinks)

Sarova Salt Lick Game Lodge

Meals Included: Meals as per Tour Itinerary

DESTINATION

Taitta Hills Game Sanctuary

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Taita Hills - Mombasa

Following an early morning game drive and breakfast, transfer to Voi Station by lodge vehicle to catch the train to Mombasa (Mritini) ETD 1230hrs ETA 1415hrs. On arrival you are transferred to your North or Southcoast beach hotel for onward arrangements (hotel booked by clients). End of Services

DESTINATION

Mombasa

Mombasa is a tropical paradise located on the Kenyan coast of the Indian Ocean. This vibrant city offers a mix of history, culture, and natural beauty that makes it a must-visit travel destination.

One of the main attractions in Mombasa is its rich history. The city has been inhabited for thousands of years and has served as an important trading hub for cultures as diverse as the Portuguese, Arabs, and the British. Visitors can explore the historic Fort Jesus, which was built by the Portuguese in the 16th century, or wander through the old town and see the influence of different cultures in the architecture and street life.

The city's stunning natural beauty is another reason to visit Mombasa. With its miles of pristine beaches, crystal-clear waters, and abundant marine life, Mombasa is a perfect destination for water sports and beach activities. From scuba diving and snorkeling to kayaking and fishing, there's something for everyone in this tropical paradise.

For those interested in wildlife, Mombasa is a great starting point for a safari. The city is located just a few hours away from some of Kenya's top wildlife reserves, including the Maasai Mara and the Tsavo National Park. Visitors can witness the Great Migration, where over a million wildebeests, zebras, and gazelles make their way across the Serengeti and Maasai Mara, in search of fresh grass and water.

In addition to its history and natural beauty, Mombasa is also known for its vibrant culture. The city is home to a diverse population of people from different ethnic and religious backgrounds, who come together to celebrate in the markets, festivals, and cultural events that take place throughout the year. From the colorful Mombasa Carnival to the traditional Swahili dances, visitors can immerse themselves in the local culture and experience the unique spirit of the city.

Whether you're looking for a relaxing beach holiday, a cultural experience, or a wildlife adventure, Mombasa has something to offer everyone. With its warm weather, friendly locals, and affordable prices, this tropical city is a perfect travel destination for any budget. So why not plan your trip to Mombasa today and discover all that this amazing city has to offer?

Overview

Port cities always attract the most eccentric of visitors and holidays to Mombasa are no different. The port of Mombasa brings in people from all around the world, giving the city an international feeling and sense of tension that might boil over at any moment. Every moment is exciting with the electric mix of Arabia, India and Africa in the sights and sounds of this unique destination.

Destination: Sand, sun and ports of call

As a coastal city, holidays in Mombasa are known for white sand beaches that are described as having the texture of baking flour. The clear green water is the perfect place to dip in your toes and stay cool in the sun or just jump in for a swim. Being a coastal city also means that Mombasa is a heavily used port of call for trading. On your Mombasa holiday, be sure to stop by Mama Ngina Drive to watch the ships coming in and out of the harbour. If you get there early, you might even catch a glimpse of the fabulous sunrise before visiting one of the local restaurants for a great meal or grabbing some cassava chips from a street vendor. Whether you choose to explore the city, watch the ships come in to port or just sit with your feet in the water whilst enjoying the sun, you’re guaranteed to have a great time on your holiday in Mombasa.

Destination: Market madness

Shopping in Mombasa is a completely different experience than the shopping malls you are accustomed to in the west. Much of the shopping done by locals in Mombasa is from outdoor markets, one of which ironically takes place in the parking lot of an indoor shopping mall. If you’re interested in trying the local fruits and vegetables of Kenya, be sure to stop by the Marikiti Market where you can get a cup of rich Kenyan coffee or a glass of sugarcane juice freshly squeezed right in front of you. Every Wednesday and Thursday you can visit the Maasai Market for handmade goods and souvenirs to take home to your loved ones. If your feet are up for even more walking, be sure to visit the Spice Market along Nehru and Langoni Roads to smell the scents of cardamom, pepper, turmeric and curry powders hanging in the air.

Destination: Hunger quenching and inexpensive

The cuisine in Mombasa is known for being filling and inexpensive. The staple foods of Kenya are maize and other cereals or grains, such as millet and sorghum. These heavy grains are nutrient rich, easy to cook and inexpensive to buy. One of the most common meals you’ll see while on holiday in Mombasa is ugali which is made from cornmeal boiled in water that creates a dense, dough-like, grainy-textured meal. The ugali is sometimes mixed with whatever vegetables are on hand at the time. Kenyan pilau is another local favourite that’s made of rice cooked with flavourful spices such as cumin, cardamom, cinnamon and cloves. Kenyan’s like to eat their pilau with stew or fresh tomatoes. One of the more famous vegetable dishes that you’ll experience while on holiday in Mombasa is sukuma wiki, which is made of collard greens cooked in oil, often with fresh tomatoes. Locals love to add their favourite spice, known as Mchuzi Mix, which is basically just MSG and salt. No matter what dish you choose to eat, be sure to try the local food while on holiday in Mombasa.

Destination: Salt spray, sunscreen and white sand

The best time of year to visit the beaches of Mombasa is during the warm season from December to April. March is the warmest month and that’s the best time to swim if you don’t like chilly water as the sea temperature gets up to 30 degrees. The average high temperature during this period is 28 degrees, meaning it’s the perfect time to be outside. The warm part of the year is a great time to explore the outdoor markets or beaches while on your holidays to Mombasa. If you’re looking for a great beach to relax, check out Nyali and Bamburi beaches. If you’re looking to mingle with other people, enjoy drinks and dancing, be sure to check out Pirates Public beach.

Destination: You call this the cold season?

The “cold” season in Mombasa will likely seem downright warm to most travellers. From June to September you will experience the cold season while on holiday in Mombasa. The average low temperature during this time is 20 to 23 degrees. With weather this fantastic year round, there’s no excuse to not holiday in Mombasa. The coldest month of the year is June when the temperature can dip down below 25 degrees but the sun is still most likely shining. If you’re willing to brave the cool weather, try a tour of Nguuni Nature Sanctuary and get to know the giraffes and ostriches or just enjoy the bird watching. If you’re looking for a simpler outdoor adventure, visit Haller Park to enjoy the lush forests surrounded by a game sanctuary, reptile park and butterfly sanctuary. The natural elements of the parks will keep your holidays to Mombasa feeling fresh.

Destination: Rainy Days

Mombasa does experience a wet season, though it’s very short. The rainiest months of the year are April and May, with May getting an average of 260 millimetres of rain. Though the rainy days are few and far between, if your holidays take you to Mombasa during the wetter months, be prepared with some indoor activities to keep you entertained. If you find yourself in Mombasa on a rainy day, that’s the perfect time to visit its World Heritage Site known as the Jesus Fort, which was built in 1593. First built by the Portuguese, this building was later used by the Arabs for torture rooms and prison cells where slaves were kept in captivity. The Jesus Fort is open every day and you can tour for just a small fee. Though the museum hasn’t been properly curated, you’re bound to learn something about Swahili, even if just from the frescoed walls, European graffiti, Arabic inscriptions and Swahili embellishments left by centuries of residents and visitors. As Mombasa’s number one tourist attraction, a tour of the Fort Jesus is not to be missed.

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