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: Safari and Seychelles Getaway
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 Musiara Airstrip, arriving at 11:00
You will be met at the airstrip and transferred to Governors Main Camp, nestled in the forest along the winding banks of the Mara River in the heart of the reserve. The entire camp is under canvas with all the comforts of a luxury hotel. All the spacious en-suite have a private verandah - some with views across the sweeping plains of the Masai Mara while others look over the banks of the meandering Mara River.
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 Musiara 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.
House of Waine was originally built in the 1970s as a private home. It was acquired by a local family and carefully refurbished over 2 years resulting in a unique boutique property that still retains the charm of a family home. This 11 bedroomed property blends the elegance of gracious living with the spirit of modern living in an exclusive and serene setting within 2.5 acres of grounds. Upon entering the gates you are immediately transported to another place - one with a gentler, quieter pace compared with the outside world.
Nairobi
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.
Constance Ephelia enjoys a unique location set within 120 hectares of land with luxuriant vegetation. Feast on delicious dishes and cocktails while marvelling at the deep blue of the Indian Ocean with a private dinner on the beach or in one of the restaurants. For a truly pampering moment, choose from a canopy of treatments at the Constance Spa.
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.
Governors' Camp sets new standards in luxury for a tented camp, and is today still one of Africa's best.
The setting is magical. Governors' Camp nestles in the forest along the winding banks of the Mara River, it's waters teeming with bird-life, hippo and crocodile. Some of the tents line the riverbank, with uninterrupted views over the Mara River, and others have views across the sweeping plains.
Guests here can enjoy twice daily game viewing excursions per day with experienced driver guides inside the Masai Mara National Park. Daily bush walks can also be arranged in a private concession area adjacent to the Masai Mara, accompanied by one of the Masai Scouts, who provide a wealth of information on the traditional medicinal uses of plants and Masai folklore while you track game on foot.
Or why not marvel at the game teeming on the Mara plains from the advantage point of a hot air balloon. For an additional charge, take to the skies at dawn for an hours flight, followed by a champagne bush breakfast and game viewing on return to camp.
The 21 spacious and luxurious en-suite safari tents are entirely under canvas, and each have their own private verandah. You can watch and listen to birds, and you may even see larger animals which wander into camp. It is quite possible to wake up to the sound of hippo feeding on the grass outside your tent. Gas and paraffin lamps are used for lighting. There are also 8 family tents available for those people travelling with young children plus a honeymoon suite for those looking for privacy and romance .
The dining tent and the bar tent are the centre of the camp. A traditional campfire is lit at sunset every evening and after dinner clients enjoy sitting around the campfire, reminiscing about their safari in its evocative light.
The camp has also been awarded a Silver Eco Rating from Eco-Tourism Kenya due to its sustainable tourism practices in place in camp.
Nights: | 3 Nights | ||
Adults: | 2 | Children: | 0 |
Room: | 1 x Luxury Safari Tent | ||
Includes: | Mara Reserve fees; airstrip transfers; all meals; house wine, beers, soft drinks, local spirits and drinking water; shared daily safari activities with a Governor's Main Camp guide; excursions to local villages; and a laundry service are included. Children under the age of 12 years are not allowed to participate in walking safaris. 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.
House of Waine is a small boutique hotel situated in Karen, a leafy and quiet suburb of Nairobi at the foot of the Ngong Hills. Just 10 km south-west of the bustling city centre a stay here is ideal for day trips to the Nairobi National Park and visits to the Daphne Sheldrick Elephant Orphanage, the Giraffe Centre and the Karen Blixen Museum. It is also very near to Wilson Airport - just a 20 minute drive.
The property was originally built in the 1970s as a private home, and was acquired by a local family and carefully refurbished without losing the charm of a family home, and blends the elegance of gracious living with the spirit of modern living. Set in 2.5 acres of serene and peaceful gardens, the spacious communal areas include a heated swimming pool, a relaxing lounge area, a bar and a dining room.
The 10 rooms and one suite are all themed and decorated differently, and boast spacious bathrooms. There is also a separate 2 bedroomed cottage situated in the gardens - an ideal option for families.
Nights: | 1 Night | ||
Adults: | 2 | Children: | 0 |
Room: | 1 x Standard Room | ||
Includes: | Half Board Package: Breakfast and dinner are 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.
Situated on two of the most beautiful beaches on the island of Mahé, overlooking the marine National Park of Port Launay, Constance Ephelia enjoys a unique location set within 120 hectares of land with luxuriant and rare vegetation.
The Indian Ocean offers excellent weather for outdoor activities and the endless options for sports and activities will please those who enjoy a more active break, including pedal boats, catamarans, windsurfing, kayaking, diving, tennis and squash, wall climbing, zip lining, and bicycle hire.
Feast on delicious dishes and cocktails while marvelling at the deep blue of the Indian Ocean with a private dinner on the beach or in one of the 5 restaurants. For a truly pampering moment, choose from a range of treatments at the Constance Spa while your kids are having their share of adventures and fun at the Constance Kids Club.
For your accommodation, you have a wide choice to find one that perfectly suits your needs - whether it is one of the Tropical Garden View Rooms, the magnificent Junior or Senior Suites, a Beach or Hillside Villa, or even the unique Presidential Villa. All suites and villas are spaciously designed and stylishly decorated with breathtaking views on either the luxuriant garden or partial view of the Indian Ocean.
Nights: | 7 Nights | ||
Adults: | 2 | Children: | 0 |
Room: | 1 x Junior Suite (25% Early Booking discount applied - selected periods only) | ||
Includes: | 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 Booking discount (CEBB03) includes a 25% providing the booking is confirmed 60 days prior to arrival. |
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.