Kenya
Kenya, the original safari destination, is the best place on earth to see African wildlife, and we combine this with relaxing on the beach by the Indian Ocean.
As well as your reading guide, our Kenyan based host and camp staff will make sure you get the best experience on your holiday sharing their knowledge of the animals and their natural environment. After flying to Nairobi we will travel a short distance to Eka Hotel for some “down time” after the flights and before your safari experience commences. Expect to see buffalo, elephants, crocodiles and much more! Your adventure includes staying at the Voyager Ziawani tented camp, Kilaguni Serena Lodge and Ngutuni Lodge before travelling to Papillon Lagoon Reef Hotel to relax before journeying home.
The trip organiser is Paul Wright, and the host will be himself or one of his experienced team – With over six years of experience running large book clubs in Bristol and Exeter, Paul has cultivated a deep understanding of what makes a great gathering. Since 2023, he has organised Books in Places trips, blending his love of literature and travel. the focus for the trip is on creating relaxed and sociable experiences where like-minded people can connect over books they love.
This will be an exceptional trip and reading retreat for book lovers, providing a chance to connect with fellow readers and travellers who share your passions. The book we will focus on for this journey will be Out of Africa by Isak Dinesen (Karen Blixen).
Out of Africa is a lyrical and deeply moving memoir that captures the author’s years living on a coffee plantation in Kenya. Through her evocative storytelling, Dinesen paints a vivid picture of the African landscape—its beauty, people, and wildlife—while reflecting on themes of love, loss, and the profound connection between humanity and nature. The book invites readers to contemplate the complexities of cultural encounter, belonging, and the passage of time, making it a perfect literary companion for a journey that blends adventure with introspection.
As of January 2024 all travellers need to purchase an ‘Electronic Travel Authorisation.’ This is a quick and easy process and must be done online before you travel. We suggest it is arranged at least 3 to 4 weeks before departure.
British Airways business class flights and regional connections are available on all dates – ask for more details.
If you live in the USA or Canada – we have direct flights available to Kenya. Ask for further details and prices in dollars.
The Hotels
We commence our journey staying at the modern Eka Hotel Nairobi a short drive from the international airport.
Kilaguni Serena Lodge is a tranquil, hushed and cook property framed by Mount Kilimanjaro and the rolling volcanic landscapes of the deep green Chyulu Hills.
Voyager Ziwani tented camp is set in a private sanctuary on the edge of Tsavo West National Park, fully furnished and en-suite, with restaurant and rustic bar.
Ngutuni Lodge on Tsava East National Park, is en-suite with “makuti” rooms and overlooks the watering hole. A great spot for wildlife photographs of all of the animals drawn to there.
Our final hotel is the recently refurbished Papillon Lagoon Reef Hotel situated at Diani Beach on all inclusive.The facilities are modern and luxurious with a pool swim up bar, water sports centre and international restaurant.
Your Room
All of the rooms throughout your stay are for sole use and en-suite.
Hotel Facts
- Air con and ceiling fan
- Free WiFi
- Mosquito nets
- Bedroom fan
- Balcony room facing waterhole
- No wifi
- Private shower/WC
- Queen size bed
- Tea and coffee
- Wifi access
- Tea & coffee making facilities
- Balcony
Itinerary
Day 1
Fly from London Heathrow with British Airways on a morning flight and arrive into Nairobi in the evening (Kenya time). Regional connecting flights are available from Scotland, Ireland and Manchester. You land into Nairobi and then transfer to the Eka Hotel where you will meet the host and the group – then its time for a good nights sleep, in preparation for this amazing experience.
Day 2
After an early breakfast you will be collected by a car from Rhino Safaris and transferred to Nairobi SGR Railway Station in time to check in for an 0800/1050 train to Mtito Andei Railway station in a first class carriage. The journey allows time to relax and enjoy lovely views of the Kenyan savannah en route to Tsavo West National Park. On arrival, you will be met by a car from Rhino Safaris and transfer to Kilaguni Serena Lodge in Tsavo West (30km / 50 minutes). Check in and time to relax before lunch.
Later we will set out on an afternoon game drive in Tsavo West including a visit to Mzima Springs where we hope to see hippo ‘moon walking’ on the river bed in the crystal clear spring water.
Return to Lodge in time for dinner.
Day 3
After breakfast, depart Tsavo West and travel southwest towards Voyager Ziwani Camp, located on a former sisal plantation near the Tanzanian border. En route, enjoy additional game viewing (approximately 55 km / 2 hours). On arrival, check into the camp and take some time to relax before lunch.
The afternoon is at leisure to unwind and watch wildlife by the lake in front of the camp, or join an optional guided nature walk. If the weather is clear, you may also catch a glimpse of Mount Kilimanjaro.
Around dusk, set out on an exciting night game drive, with the chance to spot some of Africa’s nocturnal wildlife, including small cats, hyena, porcupine, and possibly even a leopard or grazing hippo. Return to the camp for dinner, then relax by the campfire and enjoy the sounds of the African night.
Day 4
After breakfast, enjoy a guided nature walk along the lake shore to a river pool, where we often get excellent views of the resident hippos. The walk lasts approximately one hour over easy terrain and requires no special footwear, though the ground can become muddy after rain.
We then continue to Ngutuni Lodge, located within a private game sanctuary surrounded on three sides by Tsavo East National Park (approx. 120 km / 2 hrs 45 mins). On arrival, check in and take some time to relax before lunch.
During your stay, you may spot elephants visiting the waterhole throughout the day and night, along with buffalo, lion, leopard, giraffe, zebra, and many other species. After lunch, set out on an afternoon game drive in the sanctuary before returning to the lodge around dusk in time for dinner.
Day 5
Enjoy morning and afternoon game drives in the Ngutuni Game Sanctuary, with lunch served at the lodge. The sanctuary is uniquely positioned between Tsavo East and Tsavo West National Parks and covers more than 10,000 acres. It is home to a wide variety of wildlife, including most of the Big Five (although rhino sightings are rare), as well as numerous bird species. As a private sanctuary, Ngutuni offers a more intimate and less crowded wildlife viewing experience compared to the larger national parks.
Dinner again tonight at Ngutuni Lodge.
Day 6
At dawn we will set out on a pre-breakfast game drive in the Sanctuary. This is often the best time of the day to see animals as they forage for food before it gets too warm. Return to the lodge for a leisurely breakfast overlooking the water hole before setting out for Mombasa (185km / 3 hrs). On arrival you will be dropped at Papillon Lagoon Reef Hotel in time for a late lunch. Remainder of the day at your leisure with dinner and drinks later in hotel restaurant.
Day 7-8
After a busy, action packed few days enjoy some relaxation at Papillon Lagoon Reef Hotel. Located on the coast enjoy the beach and hotel facilities on a all-inclusive basis.
Day 9
Your last day in Kenya. Enjoy the Papillon Lagoon Reef hotel facilites (including lunch and drinks) with a courtesy room for changing before a late afternoon transfer to Mombassa airport (45km). We take a flight to Nairobi airport and then check-in for our BA International flight to London Heathrow (overnight flight, arriving back in the UK on day 10).
Location
Nairobi is an eight and a half hour flight from Heathrow, with Mombasa an easy one hour flight from Nairobi. Kenya is only two hours ahead of the UK. Being close to the equator, there’s little difference between winter and summer temperatures. Tsavo national parks are at a higher altitude so a little cooler.
Helen and Karen from the UK office have both done this trip and had an amazing time! Give them a call with any queries or for more details.
Important Information
- Visa/Electronic travel authorisation – From January 2024 a Visa is no longer required to visit Kenya, but an online electronic travel authorisation is required. Apply here
- Currency – Kenyan Shillings, but US dollars widely accepted.
- Electrical Adapter – All properties have power available 24/7 and Kenya has the same 3 pin style sockets as the UK.
- Gratuities – We recommend tipping your guide approximately $5-$10 per day. We also recommend having some small notes for tipping of porters, housekeepers, waiting staff etc.
- Dress Code – Casual clothing and comfortable shoes or walking boots are recommended. Dressing in layers and waterproofs to allow for changes in the weather is recommended. Please bring some warm clothing for example a fleece and warm outer jacket for the evenings and early mornings. On safari, it is advisable to wear long sleeves and trousers to provide protection against insect bites. Beach wear will be required for stay at the all-inclusive resort.
- Transfers/Travel – We include a one way train journey which reduces many long dirves. Transfers and safari drives can be long, but regular refreshment breaks will be taken.
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