We hope that this example holiday will give you give some inspiration to help you begin to plan your own dream holiday to Africa.
The next couple of pages show a summary of the itinerary, followed by a detailed page on each destination.
Important travel information for visitors to Kenya and Seychelles is included at the back of this document.
All the holidays we offer to our clients are tailor-made so we can adjust this trip to fit in with your travel dates, interests, preferred accommodation...and of course your budget.
All our travel consultants have extensive knowledge of travel throughout Southern and East Africa, and our strong relationships with suppliers mean that our rates to you will always be competitive.
Let us take the hard work out of planning your trip: you can get in touch either by giving us a call on +44 (0) 1483 266725, completing the Enquiry Form on our website or emailing us at info@travelbutlers.com.
We look forward to hearing from you!
The Travel Butlers Team
Holiday Title: Big Cat Safari and White Sand Beaches
Holiday Destination: Holiday to Kenya and Seychelles for 11 nights
Passengers: 2 Adults
*Excludes international flights from your home country - please ask us if you would like us to include these for you.
All monies paid by UK customers for the air package holiday shown are ATOL protected by the Civil Aviation Authority. Our ATOL number is 10245.
When you buy an ATOL protected flight or flight inclusive holiday from us you will receive an ATOL Certificate. This lists what is financially protected, where you can get information on what this means for you and who to contact if things go wrong.
Arrive into Nairobi's Jomo Kenyatta Airport.
You will be met once you disembark from the plane and assisted through Immigration (including help if required with visa application and processing), luggage collection and Customs (luggage screening). You will then be accompanied to meet up with your driver/Customer Services representative.
You will be transferred to Wilson Airport where you will check in for your light aircraft flight to the Masai Mara Reserve.
Safarilink 01 (Light Aircraft): Fly from Wilson Airport (WIL) departing at 10:00 to Ol Kiombo Airstrip, arriving at 11:00
You will be met at the airstrip and transferred to Mara Intrepids. Each tent is furnished in the classic style of the grand African safaris, with large four-poster beds and handsome reproduction furniture.
Masai Mara
After breakfast you will be transferred back to the airstrip where you will board your flight back to Nairobi.
Safarilink 02 (Light Aircraft): Fly from Ol Kiombo Airstrip departing at 11:00 to Wilson Airport (WIL), arriving at 12:15
You will be met and transferred to your Nairobi hotel where you can relax for the rest of the day.
After breakfast you will be collected and transferred back to Jomo Kenyatta Airport where you will check in for your flight to Seychelles.
Kenya Airways KQ250 (Economy Class): Fly from Jomo Kenyatta International Airport (NBO) departing at 12:30 to Seychelles International Airport (SEZ), arriving at 16:45
Go through Immigration, collect your luggage and clear Customs, then make your way into the Arrivals Hall to the Welcome Kiosk of our representative in Seychelles. Here, you will be welcomed to the island and then transferred to your hotel.
Carana Beach is a luxury boutique hotel that has a vibrancy and energy that comes from the passion of the staff here, who work devotedly to create an authentic Seychellois experience for all their guests.
You will need to check out of your room this morning but you can remain at the hotel and use all the facilities until you are collected for your transfer back to the airport. Alternatively, if you have an evening flight, the hotel may be able to arrange a late check out for you (additional cost and payable directly to the hotel) subject to the availability of the room.
Mara Intrepids is situated in one of the most spectacular locations in the world's best-known safari wilderness. The camp overlooks the Talek River and is just a short drive from the Mara River, where over a million wildebeest and zebra make their perilous migration crossing every year.
Outside of the migration period, the camp still offers some of the finest game viewing, with large local populations of plains game including, elephant, rhino, buffalo and all the big cats. Game viewing drives in open-sided safari jeeps are available daily, and as this part of the reserve receives fewer visitors than the eastern part it is possible to drive long periods without seeing another vehicle. Guests can also take advantage of other activities (at an additional cost) offered by the camp, including hot air balloon safaris, bush dining, nature walks and cultural visits to the local Maasai villages.
The camp is divided into four distinct areas, each with its own open-air dining area and ‘mess tent’ where private meals and functions can be arranged. Dinner is usually served in a large dining room under a traditional makuti thatch roof, while breakfast and lunch are hosted on a breezy terrace beside the riverfront swimming pool. Beside the main bar is a fully equipped conference room where the Maasai naturalists deliver evening slide shows on the local culture and wildlife.
Mara Intrepids has 30 luxurious tents that are widely spread across a large riverside site to ensure guests have privacy and peace. Each tent is furnished in the classic style of the grand African safaris, with large 4 poster beds and reproduction furniture and modern en-suite bathrooms. Each tent sits on a shady raised platform with sweeping views over the riverbanks where a large variety of animals come to drink.
There is also one family tent which can comfortably accommodation 2 adults and 2 children under 12 years.
The camp is run on strict eco-principles, with hot water generated by burning used coffee husks and biodegradable waste mulched for compost.
Nights: | 3 Nights | ||
Adults: | 2 | Children: | 0 |
Room: | 1 x Safari Tent | ||
Includes: | Game Package: Mara Reserve fees; all meals; airstrip transfers; guided nature walk; and daily shared game drives with a Mara Intrepids guide are included. Please Note: As the animals are wild, it is not possible to guarantee what you will see during your safari. |
Nairobi is the capital of Kenya, and is the country's largest city, and is the arrival point for many visitors into the country. The main airport is Jomo Kenyatta International, located 15 km out of the centre of town, but many itineraries will also include flights into and out of Wilson Airport, located 11 km outside of the city centre, as this is the domestic hub for both scheduled and chartered domestic air traffic.
The capital city is not wholly separated from the great African wilderness that most people come to Kenya to enjoy. Just outside the city is the Nairobi National Park, 113 square km of plains, cliffs and forest. The Park is home to large herds of zebra, wildebeest, buffalo, giraffe, rhino, cheetah and a large number of lions - all living wild within 20 minutes of the busy city.
Other wildlife attractions of the city include the Elephant Orphanage, where visitors have the unique opportunity to experience the feeding of baby orphaned elephants and rhinos up close, or the Giraffe Centre where visitors can feed the resident giraffes.
You can also visit the Karen Blixen Museum, Karen Blixen's former home and which was donated by the Danish government to Kenya. Karen Blixen, also known by her pseudonym Isak Dinesen, is famous for her memoir, Out of Africa. The trained and knowledgeable guides at the museum are on hand to answer any questions on the history of the museum and on Karen Blixen's life.
Set amongst the lush-green abundance of extensive tropical gardens, looking out over the gentle green avenues of Central Park and commanding a panoramic view of the glittering towers of downtown Nairobi, the Serena Hotel enjoys one of the finest locations in the city.
The comfortable rooms are traditional in style with air conditioning and city or garden views. A range of suites are also available.
The interior decor reflects an entirely pan-African theme featuring art and inspiration from Ethiopia, the Maghreb, West Africa and East Africa. Offering a range of dining experiences, the hotel is renowned for its 'Mandhari' fine-dining restaurant, which is rated as one of the Kenya's finest. The Nairobi Serena also offers the exclusive 'Maisha' Health Club and Spa.
Nights: | 1 Night | ||
Adults: | 2 | Children: | 0 |
Room: | 1 x Deluxe Room | ||
Includes: | Breakfast is included. |
Undoubtedly, Seychelles is rated as one of the most sought-after tropical destinations. This Indian Ocean archipelago is made up of 115 individual islands, of which Mahé is the largest.
Mahé offers a myriad of stunning beaches, lush tropical forests and complete tranquility, plus a plethora of activities to choose from if you want to be more active. Whether you are looking for a romantic getaway or a family holiday, there is something for everyone here.
The island has an exceptional mix of African, European and even Asian influences. Local art, music and architecture are different from what you will find anywhere else in the world. The Creole cuisine is an explosion of different flavours just waiting to be tasted and enjoyed - the local food is one of the highlights of a stay here.
With year-round warm and balmy weather, Mahé is the perfect destination no matter when you plan to travel. The water of the Indian Ocean is perfect for swimming and for almost any water activity imaginable.
Carana Beach Hotel, on the north coast of the island, has an ethos and spirit of its own for every guest to discover. When you come here you come to uncover the true island experience, where the Seychelles spirit awaits you. The hotel has been designed to accentuate the wild nature of this unique location, with the view from every room spilling out onto striking blue seas framed by lush jungle, massive granite pillars and its white sand beach.
Modern twists on traditional island architecture, contemporary ocean-themed decor and a home-grown culture of genuine Seychelles hospitality all feed into a casual yet chic ambiance for guests to dine, unwind and recharge.
The 40 spacious chalets all offer incredible sea views and are all positioned within a few steps from the beach. Guests can choose from Ocean View Chalets or Ocean View Pool Chalets which have their own private plunge pool overlooking the ocean.
There is a bar and a lounge for guests use, as well as a main beach front swimming pool.
Nights: | 7 Nights | ||
Adults: | 2 | Children: | 0 |
Room: | 1 x Oceanview Chalet (Early Bird 10% discount offer and Long Stay 10% discount offer applied - selected periods only) | ||
Includes: | Half Board Package: Breakfast and dinner are included. PLEASE NOTE: The Environmental Sustainability Levy is not included and is payable in Seychelles Rupees direct to the hotel on check in/out. The Early Bird discount is only applicable for bookings made between certain dates and 120 days prior to travel. The Long Stay discount offer is only applicable for stays of 5+ nights. |
Latest Travel Updates
For up-to-date travel information from the UK government, please check:
UK Government Advice: www.gov.uk/foreign-travel-advice/kenya
As of 4th January 2024 Kenya is now visa free but visitors need to apply and pay for an electronic Travel Authorisation (eTA) in advance of travel - please follow this link to make your online application:
All passengers in transit through Kenya arriving and leaving by the same aircraft or transferring to another aircraft and who do not leave the precincts of airports in Kenya are exempt from this requirement.
Some other exemptions apply and can be found in full on the website of the Kenyan Civil Aviation Authority.
Travellers who currently hold a valid visa can continue to travel using their visa until its expiry.
Your passport should also be valid for a minimum period of 6 months from the date of entry into Kenya. Make sure you have 2 blank pages in your passport on arrival.
Please note: We do NOT advise getting the East Africa Tourist Visa if your trip also includes Rwanda and/or Uganda as this can cause problems at point of entry.
PLEASE NOTE: Countries can change their entry requirements at any time. Travel Butlers try to ensure that the information displayed here is correct, but the onus remains with the traveller to verify the information with the relevant High Commission or Embassy and ensure that they can comply with the applicable entry requirements.
You are advised to contact your doctor or clinic around 4-8 weeks before your trip to check whether you need any vaccinations and to get their professional medical advice regarding travel to Kenya.
To help prevent diarrhoea, avoid tap water – drink only bottled water and use bottled water for tooth brushing, and avoid ice made with tap water – and only eat fruit or vegetables that are cooked or can be peeled.
To help avoid heatstroke, drink plenty of bottled water/fluids, and keep out of the midday sun.
There is a risk of malaria in all areas of Kenya, except Nairobi and the highlands - check with your doctor about suitable antimalarial tablets. Dengue fever can also be transmitted via mosquito bites. Try to avoid mosquito bites wherever possible - wear loose long-sleeved clothing and trousers, and use a repellent on clothing and exposed skin.
Kenya falls into the yellow fever region in Africa. There is only a low potential for exposure to yellow fever in Nairobi, Mombasa, Lamu, Malindi and Shimba Hills National Park, but in the rest of the country there is a higher risk. It is therefore advisable for all travellers aged 9 months and older to obtain a yellow fever vaccination no less than 10 days prior to travel, but depending on the rest of your travel plans and country of origin, it is not compulsory:
Travellers from the UK who are only travelling directly to and from Kenya are currently not required to produce a vaccination certificate upon their return to the UK but this can change with no notice so do please check with your doctor and take their advice
If you are arriving into Kenya from a country which has any risk of yellow fever transmission you will be required to provide a certificate of your vaccination upon entry into Kenya. Also, certain countries including South Africa and Tanzania will deny entry if you are arriving from Kenya without the vaccination. It is up to the traveller to check the full list of countries here to ensure that you comply with these guidelines: https://nathnacyfzone.org.uk/factsheet/60/yellow-fever-maps
If your doctor advises that it is not safe for you to have the vaccination then you should obtain a medical waiver and travel with this instead.
English is the common commercial language, therefore it is spoken in the major towns and at all lodges and hotels. There are 52 tribes in Kenya, each with their own tribal language. The national language in Kenya is Swahili.
We would ask that all travellers are respectful of the local culture as follows:
Showing anger is not acceptable – Kenyan people pride themselves on their emotional control and expect the same in others. Try to remain patient, polite and friendly, even if the situation is very frustrating. Pointing with your finger at someone is considered very rude and is deemed to be an obscene gesture.
The coastal areas are predominantly Muslim so it is important to dress conservatively out of respect for the Muslim culture. On the beaches and within the confines of hotels, normal swimwear is acceptable but nudity/topless sunbathing is not. Away from beach resorts (especially in Mombasa, during the holy month of Ramadan or if you visit religious areas), women should avoid walking around in public areas displaying their legs and upper arms/shoulders - ‘short’ shorts, mini skirts, vests and tank tops may be frowned upon and viewed as a sign of disrespect. Long, loose hair is also seen as very provocative, so to avoid unwanted attention ladies may wish to tie their hair back or wear a headscarf.
Homosexuality is illegal in Kenya. Whilst everyone is of course entitled to their own sexual preferences and gender identity, we would advise all clients of the LGBT+ community to refrain from public displays of affection (including kissing and holding hands) and to be as discrete as possible about their relationship.
It is against the law for civilians to wear full military style clothing/attire (ie made from camouflage material).
You should always ask permission before taking anyone’s photograph. Taking photographs of official buildings, including Embassies, can lead to detention. If in any doubt, don’t photograph or film around them. Photography is also prohibited at airports.
Smoking in all public places (except in designated areas) is prohibited. Offenders can face a fine or imprisonment.
You must carry a form of ID with you at all times. A copy of your passport is normally acceptable, but recently some police officers have been insisting on the original document.
Latest Travel Updates
For up-to-date travel information from the UK government, please check:
UK Government Advice: www.gov.uk/foreign-travel-advice/seychelles
Normally, irrespective of the nationality of the visitor and his or her family members (with some exceptions* - see below), there are NO VISA requirements to enter Seychelles. However, the following documents must be shown in order to obtain immigration clearance at the Seychelles International Airport:
A passport valid on the date of entry to and exit from Seychelles
Return or onward ticket
Proof of accommodation including contact details
Sufficient funds for the duration of the stay
Presentation of all of the above documents will grant you a Visitor’s Permit that will be issued upon arrival by the Seychelles Department of Immigration. The Visitor’s Permit is initially valid for the period of visit of up to one month.
Your passport should be valid for a minimum period of 6 months from the date of entry into Seychelles and have sufficient blank pages for the Seychelles entry/exit stamps (at least 2).
* If you are a passport holder from certain African countries, please contact your local Seychelles High Commission or Embassy for up-to-date visa requirements, as nationals from certain countries are required to obtain temporary visas before travelling to Seychelles.
Please note that if you are applying to the Embassy for your visa, some visas can take a long time to be processed so please do take this into consideration, as it is your responsibility to ensure you have the correct visa in place before you travel.
IMPORTANT: The Seychelles Government have implemented a new Environmental Sustainability Levy. This Environmental Sustainability Levy has been introduced to generate funds which will be invested back into preserving and enhancing the natural environment of Seychelles by investing in green, renewable energy, and environmental conservation. Under the newly introduced levy, all travellers arriving in Seychelles from the 01 August 2023 will be required to contribute based on a per person/per night basis. The payment is made in-destination, in Seychelles Rupees, and payable directly to the respective hotel upon check in or check out. The levy will be charged based on the size of the hotel as follows (children under 12, airline company staff, and Seychellois citizens are exempt from the levy):
Small Hotels (1 to24 rooms) - SCR 25 per person per night
Medium-sized hotels (25 to 50 rooms) - SCR 75 per person per night
Large hotels (51+ rooms, island resorts*, yachts) - SCR 100 per person per night
* Island resorts relate to establishments based on any island other than Mahe, Praslin, La Digue or Cerf Island.
PLEASE NOTE: Countries can change their entry requirements at any time. Travel Butlers try to ensure that the information displayed here is correct, but the onus remains with the traveller to verify the information with the relevant High Commission or Embassy and ensure that they can comply with the applicable entry requirements.
You are advised to contact your doctor or clinic around 4-8 weeks before your trip to check whether you need any vaccinations and to get their professional medical advice regarding travel to Seychelles.
To help avoid heatstroke, drink plenty of bottled water/fluids and keep out of the midday sun.
Tap water meets W.H.O. (World Health Organization) specifications and is safe to drink nationwide. Because tap water is chlorinated, however, visitors are advised to drink bottled water but there is no imperative to avoid soft drinks, alcoholic drinks and ice. If you are in any way concerned about drinking water, bottled water is widely available in shops, restaurants and hotel bars.
There is NO risk of contracting malaria in Seychelles as the anopheles mosquito does not exist in Seychelles. However, some cases of dengue fever transmitted by mosquitoes have been reported. Try to avoid mosquito bites wherever possible - wear loose long-sleeved clothing and trousers and use a repellent on clothing and exposed skin.
There is no risk of yellow fever in Seychelles, so a yellow fever vaccination is NOT required for travellers whose sole destination is Seychelles. However, in accordance with International Health Regulations, Seychelles requires all travellers over one year of age arriving from a yellow fever risk country, or having been in transit longer than 12 hours at the airport of such a country, to have a yellow fever certificate. These countries include Kenya and Uganda but it is up to the traveller to check the full list here https://nathnacyfzone.org.uk/factsheet/60/yellow-fever-maps
There are 3 official languages in Seychelles: Creole (a lilting, French-based patois), English and French. Many Seychellois also speak fluent Italian or German.
We would ask that all travellers are respectful of the local culture as follows:
Topless sunbathing is uncommon and not tolerated on some beaches. Nudism is not acceptable.
Homosexuality is not illegal in Seychelles. However, local attitudes do and can vary, so whilst everyone is of course entitled to their own sexual preferences and gender identity, we would advise all clients of the LGBT+ community to refrain from public displays of affection (including kissing and holding hands) and to be as discrete as possible about their relationship.
Please resist the urge to collect seashells along the beaches as many are used as habitation by hermit crabs. Collecting shells is prohibited in nature reserves, marine parks and reserves in Seychelles. The unique and unusual tropical flora is beautiful and for it to remain so, it is important that you admire it, but leave it for others to enjoy.
Be considerate towards the fauna and sensitive to its sometimes fragile nature. Please walk carefully on the reefs and do not feed sea birds, mammals, turtles or tortoises or disturb them or their nesting grounds.
Travel Butlers have 20 years experience of booking travel to Africa and the Indian Ocean for clients from all around the world. In this time we have supported clients through disruptions caused by numerous unexpected events including natural disasters, localised disease outbreaks and airline cancellations. Nobody can be certain exactly what will happen in the future, however Travel Butlers can offer you peace of mind and flexibility to ensure that you feel confident booking a holiday with us.
Our team are specialists in travel to Africa and the Indian Ocean, and we are constantly monitoring the changing situation regarding travel to the region. If your trip cannot go ahead due to specific travel restrictions related to Covid-19 then we will get in touch to offer you the choice of the following:
The specific Covid-19 travel restrictions are defined as follows:
We would not normally be able to confirm that your trip cannot proceed due to travel restrictions until a couple of weeks before the start of your trip, however should you want to look at postponing or altering your trip before then we would aim to be as flexible as possible.
If we confirm that your trip is unable to proceed due to Covid-19 travel restrictions, then we will not charge you an amendment fee if you choose to postpone your trip or move it to another destination. We may need to adjust the cost of your trip to reflect the new dates, particularly if those coincide with a more expensive season of travel or higher grade of accommodation. Equally, if the cost of your postponed trip is less, we will reduce the cost accordingly.
You should still take out travel insurance that includes Covid-19 to cover you in the event that your trip can go ahead but you are unable to travel due to illness or a change in your personal circumstances. If there are no travel restrictions in place that mean your trip could not go ahead but you need to cancel due to illness or a change in your personal circumstances then our normal terms and conditions would apply. You should ensure that your travel insurance provides adequate cover for cancelling due to illness, including Covid-19, and you may be able to make a claim against your travel insurance depending on the cover offered by your policy.
We offer 24/7 telephone assistance to all our clients whilst they are away, and also have partners in each country that are able to assist with any PCR tests or other issues that might arise during your trip.
If you fall ill whilst you are away, or if your trip is disrupted due to Covid-19 whilst you are travelling, then our experienced team will be on hand to assist you in whatever way you need. You would need to pay any additional costs incurred due to illness or travel disruption whilst you are away, however you may be able reclaim these expenses on your travel insurance depending on the cover offered by your policy. Travel Butlers will be able to assist by providing supporting documentation for your claim.
All of the holidays we sell are 100% financially protected through our ATOL and ABTOT bonding so your money is in safe hands when you book a Travel Butlers holiday. Furthermore, our business is well positioned to navigate through the challenges which the travel industry is currently facing.
Please read our Terms and Conditions for more information.
You can now get insurance that offers cover for disruption related to Covid-19, and these policies could include cover for:
Not all policies offer this kind of cover, not necessarily even all policies from the same provider, so you should ensure you check the policy details carefully before buying your insurance.
You can read more about choosing suitable travel insurance in the FCDO guide to travel insurance.