Day 1: Arrival Nairobi

Upon arrival in the Kenyan capital, we’ll be met by Hallmark Travel Planners representative and driven to Hemingways Hotel, Nairobi, a lush contemporary hotel with rooms that blend elegant European and Pan-African furnishings with modern touches.

Day 2: Fly from Nairobi to Masai Mara

After a sumptuous breakfast, we collect you from your Hotel and transfer you to the domestic Wilson airport, where you have to report 45 mins to one hour prior to your flight. Board your mid-morning flight to Masai Mara National reserve – flying time approximately 1 hour.

Upon arrival in Masai Mara at the airstrip, you will be received and transferred to your overnight lodge by the Driver-guide sent by the lodge.

Your overnight lodge is an acclaimed property which offers beautiful views of the Mara reserve. Proceed for lunch [ in case of a morning flight arrival] and enjoy leisure time at the lodge. Experience your first Safari game drive late afternoon [typically 3.30pm] during which you explore the surrounding parts of the Mara and see its amazing wildlife. (The safari vehicle may carry other guests from the lodge).

Overnight at andBeyond Bateluer Camp – see reviews here

Comprised of just 2 intimate camps of 9 Luxury Tents each and a Luxury Family Tent; each with its own private butler and housekeeper reflects the ambiance and glamour of Kenyan explorers of old. Slip into a world of hardwood floors, polished silver and copper bathtubs juxtaposed against the romance of the open Mara plains, with their abundant herds of wildlife. Beautifully handcrafted artefacts, fine antiques, leather buttoned Chesterfield sofas, books, and crystal and candlelight adorn the comfortable sitting and dining areas.

Refreshing lap pools in each camp provide cool comfort in between captivating game drives. Delectable cuisine is served in a memorable setting beneath the stars and bush breakfasts and romantic sun-downers offer an unforgettable African experience.

Adventures at Bateleur Camp include twice-daily game drives, including spot-lit night drives. The camp also offers a range of additional activities such as bush walks, hot air balloon safaris, community excursions, a well- equipped gym and wellness treatments in the massage sala.

Day 3 & 4: Luxury Safaris in Masai Mara

The Masai Mara features a stunning kaleidoscope of wild and rugged landscapes, warm and welcoming people and an exciting array of creatures – big and small. World famous for hosting the epic Great Migration, the Masai Mara welcomes 1,5 million wildebeests onto its sprawling savannahs each July through October. The Masai Mara National Reserve and conservancies are brimming with life and offer safari travellers a wide variety of activities to choose from. Whether you take to the skies for a high-flying hot-air balloon adventure at sunrise or hit the road for a 4×4 safari, you’re sure to leave the Masai Mara with unforgettable experiences and lifelong memories.

Day 5: Charter Flight to Nairobi. Flight to Zanzibar

Today you bid farewell to Masai Mara. After a relaxed breakfast and check out, you will be transferred to the nearby airstrip for your 10.30am flight back to Nairobi. Upon arrival in Nairobi, we’ll have our Driver-guide waiting for you at Wilson Airport for onward transfer to the International airport in Nairobi.

From the JKIA, connect A Flight to Zanzibar.

The Zanzibar Archipelago’s sat off the eastern coast of Africa, 20 miles into the Indian Ocean from mainland Tanzania. A lot of people think Zanzibar’s one big tropical island, but there are actually more than 40 spread throughout the entire archipelago.

Here, island hopping’s not just a holiday pastime, it’s a way of life. You can get out and explore what each island has to offer, before returning to your hotel on the main island, Unguja, which is where all our holidays are based.

Upon arrival at Zanzibar Airport, you are met by Hallmark Travel Planners rep who will lead you on to Mnemba Island.

After you are collected at Zanzibar International, one takes a road transfer of approximately 90 minutes, with the last 20 minutes or so being on unpaved, bumpy roads. This, however, is a stunning journey through fruit and spice plantations, providing a real insight into the life of Zanzibarians.

Arriving at the water’s edge at the crossing point, clients will leave their vehicle and wade a little to board the open ski boat for the short 15-minute transfer to Mnemba Island where you will be met by the friendly team.  There are no jetties on the mainland, or on Mnemba Island itself and so departures and landings are directly to and from the beach.

Days 6 to 9 Enjoy The Mnemba Island Magic

Mnemba Island is an exclusive, miniscule island forming part of the Zanzibar Archipelago. The resort sits atop Mnemba atoll, surrounded by an unspoiled coral reef and is perfect for snorkelling right off the beach.  It lies approximately 3 km off the north east coast of Zanzibar and is accessible only to guests and the staff taking care of them.   See what other people say about Nnemba Island Lodge here

What sort of accommodation is available at Mnemba Island?

Built with the notion of creating an unpretentious paradise in mind, Mnemba Island is a tranquil retreat which exudes an air of romance and relaxation.  The island features 12 beachside bandas set on the fringes of a tropical forest, overlooking the ocean and the white sands of the Mnemba atoll. Each banda is a private sanctuary offering beautiful views, luxury accommodation and utmost comfort. The bandas appear tucked away, in harmony with the environment.

The bandas feature energy-efficient thatched roofs, canvas, and sandstone walls with locally made wood carvings and headboards. Each of the villas is generously appointed with king-size bed draped in an exquisite mosquito net, twin vanity bathroom, roof thatched with palm fronds, secluded rainfall shower featuring an intricate glass bead curtain, oversized sunken bathtub, a fully stocked personal bar, ceiling fans, Wi-Fi internet, an outdoor shower.

Outside the bandas have their own expansive private decks, with comfortable armchairs from which to admire the endless views. You can enjoy meals or snacks al fresco on the deck, enjoy the sunset from your private vantage point. Private sun loungers are only a few meters away, equipped with a thatch shelter should you need to escape the heat of the sun.

 Beachside Bandas at Mnemba Island

There are 11 one-bedroom beach bandas and one 2-bedroom family banda with an interleading passage.

The bandas are set directly on the wide sandy beach, peeping out from the delicate casuarina pine forest. Each banda affords stunning views of the ocean, and the utmost in privacy and luxury.

The bandas are 89 square metres in size, and open plan allowing the sea breeze to fill the spacious rooms. Outside the deck has a table and chairs, as well as comfortable seating where you can find a cosy corner to relax.

The resort features a sumptuous bar and lounge area, with incredibly comfortable sofas just made to recline into and low tables on which to rest your favourite drinks and snacks. The décor very much reflects the rustic, but luxurious feel of the island, and local fabrics are a nod to the East African location.

Dining on Mnemba Island is a lavish affair, where one is spoilt with fresh seafood, caught that day by the chefs and landed in front of your eyes. The local spices and flavours are often reflected in the cuisine, and the offerings are simply delicious.

Day 10: Flight to Nairobi – Depart

Say good bye to the magic of East Africa wild and beach magical splendour. You make your way back to Zanzibar airport, fly to Nairobi and connect your flight our of East Africa.