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020 7263 3000

A Safari Through Kenya + Diani Beach

Diani Beach, Kenya
Elephants, Masai Mara, Kenya
Cheetah, Masai Mara, Kenya
Elephant, Masai Mara, Kenya
Lake Nakuru, Kenya
Incl flights, accommodation & transfers
From   £4748 £4448
13 days

Holiday highlights

  • Spend time relaxing on the palm-fringed coastline of Diani Beach.
  • Tour Kenya in a four-wheel drive vehicle with a maximum of six people.
  • Witness dramatic wildlife interactions on safari in the Masai Mara.
  • Explore the Ol Pejeta Conservancy, one of the best places to spot rhinos.
  • Discover flamingo-filled lakes around the Rift Valley.

View this Itinerary in Photos

  • Fly from the UK to Nairobi, the capital of Kenya. Upon arrival at Nairobi Airport, you are met at the airport by your representative and transferred to your hotel in the city. Nairobi is the starting point for most holidays to Kenya, and has a good selection of bars, restaurants and various attractions, including an elephant orphanage and a giraffe centre dedicated to protecting Rothschild's giraffes. There are also some fascinating museums showcasing Kenya's past, such as the house of Baroness von Blixen (the Danish author who became famous for her novel ‘Out of Africa’) which is located in a neighbourhood bearing her name. Perhaps head out for dinner to try some traditional East African fare and a Kenyan beer.

    Meals included: Meal included on the international flight.

  • After breakfast, drive for around four hours in your safari vehicle on a good paved road to Ol Pejeta Conservancy. Before entering the conservancy, stop to visit the spinners and weavers at Nanyuki, a craft cooperative which was set up with the aim of empowering women to pursue sustainable lives. Founded in 1977 and now providing employment to over 100 women who were mostly poor, widowed and single, the women show you the process of spinning, cleaning and dying the wool, then you have the opportunity to browse the selection of rugs, shawls, bedspreads and carpets on sale in the gift shop, with half of the proceeds going directly to the spinners and weavers. There is no obligation to buy anything.

    Ol Pejeta Game Conservancy, spread over 90,000 acres, is home to Africa’s Big Five (lion, leopard, buffalo, elephant and rhino). Have lunch at your new safari camp, located within the conservancy, then in the afternoon head out on a game drive. Ol Pejeta is home to the largest population of black rhino in East Africa, and, sadly, the last two northern white rhinos in the world, which you may catch a glimpse of if you are lucky.

    Have dinner at your camp, with views of the water hole so you can indulge in locally sourced fare whilst gazing out at elephants and other species having a drink, with a majestic backdrop of Mount Kenya. For those craving something a little more exhilarating than an evening by the fire, there is an optional night game drive organised by the lodge, where you can see some of Kenya’s rare wildlife including the aardvark, white-tailed mongoose, caracal, bat-eared fox and even lions and leopards.  Return to camp and settle in next to the fireplace with a local beer or wine, sharing stories and recounting a successful day of wildlife viewing with the rest of your group.

    Meals included: Breakfast, lunch and dinner.

    *The duration of your trip you will be in a comfortable 4 wheel drive vehicle with a maximum of six passengers, plus your driver who will be your guide and accompany you for the duration of the tour, looking after your every need and filling you with interesting facts and anecdotes about the animals, scenery and culture. The vehicle is designed to ensure maximum wildlife spotting opportunities, with a pop-up roof and all passengers enjoying a window seat for unobstructed views of the game.

  • Head out into the Ol Pejeta Conservancy on an early morning game drive which will give you the best chances of spotting myriad species, as they hunt for food before it gets too hot.  The conservancy hold some of the highest predator densities in Kenya, with lion, cheetah, leopard and hyena all found within the park boundaries. If you are really lucky you may also see one of the two packs of African wild dogs which have been spotted in the conservancy since 2011. 

     After lunch head out on an afternoon  game drive, where you will have a chance to visit the Chimpanzee Sanctuary for a chance to learn about the day-to-day care of these amazing creatures, with access to feeding time and enrichment activities. Chimpanzees are not indigenous to Kenya, but the Jane Goodall Sanctuary opened its doors to these amazing animals when a rescue centre in Burundi had to be closed following the civil war outbreak in 1993. You also get to meet Baraka, a blind black rhino and a brave ambassador for his species. Overnight at the lodge. 

    Meals included: Breakfast, lunch and dinner.

  • Wake up to a stunning view of Mount Kenya, then after breakfast, drive to Lake Nakuru National Park, known for being home to vast flocks of flamingos, one of the greatest bird spectacles on earth. 

    Leaving the mountains and forests behind you, the picturesque journey to Lake Nakuru lasts around five hours and takes you through Kenya’s mid-west region, winding through agricultural landscapes dotted with local villages. Stop to stretch your legs at Nyahururu Falls (previously Thomson Falls), one of Kenya’s highest waterfalls at a height of 74 metres. Continue to the lake where you arrive in time for lunch. Over 400 species of birds can be spotted in the park, with the most famous being the pink flamingo, which flock here to feed on the algae in the lake’s alkaline waters, turning the landscape into a vibrant pink painting. Due to the water level rising, the flocks are not as large as in previous decades, but the sight is still magnificent. The area surrounding the lake is a 188-square-kilometre sanctuary which was established to protect giraffes and rhinos. This is Kenya’s first and largest rhino sanctuary, and you have excellent chances of seeing both black and white ones as well as plentiful waterbucks, warthogs, zebras, gazelles and buffalos grazing on the shoreline. The park also has its fair share of lions, Cape buffalo and a staggering array of birdlife such as spoonbills, eagles, starlings and herons.

    Explore Lake Nakuru National Park on an exciting afternoon game drive then return to your lodge before dusk, with time to relax and eat a delicious meal in your new surroundings. Situated within the national park, the lodge has plenty of spots where you can get unobstructed views of the lake and wildlife.

    Meals included: Breakfast, lunch and dinner.

  • After breakfast, get back on the road and continue your journey through Kenya as you head to one of Africa’s most iconic safari locations and the place that made the Masai people known throughout the world; the Masai Mara. Make your way south for five to six hours, getting an insight into the daily life of Kenyan people as you cross a beautiful part of the Great Rift Valley, passing through traditional villages, lakes, rocky highlands and farmlands on this stunning journey.

    Arrive for lunch with some time to freshen up and relax before an afternoon game drive. The area is famous for being the setting of the annual great migration. This amazing spectacle happens between June and September, when over a million wildebeest and zebras make their way across the crocodile-infested Mara River, which forms a natural border between Kenya and Tanzania, to reach the savannah. Those visiting outside this period will still get to experience some of the best game viewing in the world, with the Big Five as well as abundant cheetahs, giraffes, hyenas, hippos and over 450 bird species including ostriches, cranes, bustards and secretary birds. Have dinner at your lodge and reminisce about your day on safari in the Masai Mara.

    Meals included: Breakfast, lunch and dinner.

  • Today is a full day exploring the Masai Mara Game Reserve, taking in its spectacular scenery with endless plains dotted with acacia trees as far as the eye can see. Head out early for the best chances of seeing some of the Mara’s most iconic wildlife - elephants, black-maned lions, leopards, buffalos, cheetahs, zebras, buffalos and gazelles, accompanied by your expert guide who brings it all to life. Stop for a packed lunch in a scenic spot, before continuing your game drive though the rolling plains.

    Between June and October, the ‘greatest show on earth’ happens as over a million wildebeest, zebra and antelopes thunder across the vast plains in search of water and green pastures to graze on. During the annual movement, the animals make the way from the Serengeti in Tanzania to Kenya’s Masai Mara, and back again. Watching the animals cross the river is so intense that the ground tremors beneath your feet, creating dust clouds from the sheer volume of animals moving together. This is one of the most exhilarating safari experiences you can get and a genuine opportunity to witness the survival of the fittest and the gruelling realities of nature, as predators lurk under the water and around each corner to snap up the weaker animals.

    In the evening, have time to relax before sitting down to another hearty meal.

    Meals included: Breakfast, lunch and dinner.        

  • Although game drives are undoubtedly the main reason many people choose a safari holiday, there are also many unique opportunities to become involved in the local culture, experience the reality of rural life in Kenya and give back to the communities you are visiting. After an early breakfast, drive for around 20 minutes to a nearby town where you will visit a school built by local Masai guides to help better the children’s lives through education. The school has three classrooms and a staff room, all funded purely by donations from tourists visiting the Mara. During the visit, the school patrons will give you a tour of the classrooms to meet the pupils and their teachers. If you want to, you can bring gifts for the children including basic school supplies (pencils, notebooks, crayons, art books, pencil sharpeners and rubbers) or clothing, shoes, toys and footballs. Expensive toys, electronic items and food items are not recommended.

    After this enriching visit, return to the lodge and take your final game drive in the Masai Mara Game Reserve.  Cross rolling grasslands and wide-open savannahs, pausing to watch lions stalking through the long grass and leopards taking shade in the treetops. This is perhaps the only region left in Kenya where you can see animals in the same abundance as they existed a century ago. Return to the lodge for dinner and drink a toast to your final evening in the bush.

    Meals included: Breakfast, lunch and dinner.

  • Have your final breakfast at the lodge in the Masai Mara then check out around 7am for the five-hour drive back to the hustle and bustle of Nairobi, stopping for lunch at Mbogani House, the home of Karen Blixen, the famous Danish author best known Out of Africa, an account of her life while living in Kenya. The house, lived in by Blixen from 1917 until 1931, has been thoughtfully restored by the Danish Community of Kenya. Many of the author’s personal mementos are on display including several of her works and a cuckoo clock from the set of Out of Africa donated by the film crew. 

    You have lunch in the restaurant of the museum, then take a tour of the house, before continuing to your hotel near the airport.

    Meals included: Breakfast and lunch.

  • Transfer from your hotel to Wilson Airport on the outskirts of Nairobi for your flight to Ukunda Airport near Diani (the flight is around one and a quarter hours).* Kenya’s coastline is dotted with beautiful beach resorts offering the perfect place to relax and unwind after an action-packed safari of early starts and wildlife-filled days. You are met at the airport and transferred to your hotel on Diani Beach.

    Have the rest of the day to relax on the beach or try your hand at one of the many activities on offer including tennis, or you can arrange a water activity locally. Drink a toast to your final few days in Kenya and have a delicious meal in the restaurant overlooking the turquoise waters of the Indian Ocean.

    Meals included: Breakfast and dinner.

    The Diani Beach extension is usually 4 nights (3 nights on the Indian Ocean and 1 night in Nairobi). If you would like to extend your time on the beach, please ask us about additional nights.

    *For a supplement, you can fly directly from the Mara to the coast on the previous day.

  • Spend the day at leisure on Diani Beach. Surrounded by the crystal-clear Indian Ocean, fringed with white sandy beaches and lush greenery, Diani is the perfect place for a post-safari retreat.  With its beaches stretching for 17 kilometres, it has been awarded the best beach destination in Africa for five years running. Diving or snorkelling with sea turtles and dolphins in the marine national park is possible, or you can take out a traditional wooden sailing dhow to the coral reef. For the more daring, try kitesurfing or even skydiving which can be arranged locally. 

    Meals included: Breakfast, lunch and dinner.

  • Another free day to soak up the African sun, doing as much or as little as you fancy. Perhaps spend it reclining on a beach lounger, or taking refreshing dips in the pool and sipping cocktails by the bar, with time to unwind in the Jacuzzi too. And why not indulge in a massage in the spa for a special treat on your penultimate day? There are also some excellent restaurants and shops in the vicinity, if you want to pick up last-minute souvenirs before your flight the following day. Indulge in a superb meal and your favourite tipple from the bar for your final night. If you like the idea of spending longer on this fabulous coastline, let us know.

    Meals included: Breakfast, lunch and dinner.

  • Depending on your flight time, you may have a final chance this morning to relax on the gorgeous beach. Later, transfer to Mombasa, a two hour journey which involves the Likoni Ferry. The ferry ride takes less than ten minutes although there are sometimes queues to embark. Fly from Mombasa to Nairobi for your connecting flight to the UK.

    Meals included: Breakfast and meal on the international flight.

  • Your flight arrives in the UK.

Accommodation

Accommodation in Nairobi

Movenpick Hotel

Included
Swimming pool, Movenpick Hotel, Nairobi
Llama Travel Customer Rating
Overall
67%
67%
Service
75%
75%
Location
56%
56%

Standard Hotel: Located in the upmarket Westlands district of Nairobi, the Movenpick Hotel is a great base for exploring Kenya’s capital.  The hotel has impressive contemporary facilities including a 360-degree revolving restaurant, spa, gym, pool, bar and even a ballroom. All 276 rooms are spacious and decorated with African artwork.

Why stay here?  The variety of restaurants and quality of food at the Movenpick is excellent, ranging from authentic African specialities to international dishes. The 360-degree revolving restaurant is a unique experience where you can take in a panoramic view of Nairobi whilst trying delicious meals from around the world. There is also a chocolate hour in the hotel lobby and an elegant cocktail bar with an open terrace.

Hotel facilities

  • Free WiFi is available in all areas.

  • There are two restaurants, a bar, swimming pool, spa and health club, terrace, ballroom and exhibition hall.

  • The hotel offers a concierge service, luggage storage, tour desk, currency exchange, 24-hour front desk, daily housekeeping and laundry. 

About the room

All rooms have air conditioning, walk-in wardrobe, tea and coffee facilities, TV, en-suite bathroom with toiletries, laptop safe, desk and minibar.

Room types available 

Standard Room

Tamarind Tree Hotel

Included

Standard Hotel: A sleek and modern hotel, only a short distance from Wilson Airport, from which you will fly to Diani Beach. The Tamarind Tree is surrounded by spacious grounds, and the airy rooms have either pool or garden views. The hotel has two restaurants, a bar and a coffee shop. There is also an outdoor heated pool and a fitness centre.

Why stay here: The hotel’s proximity to the airport makes it the ideal place to stay before moving on to Diani Beach. The Tamarind Tree is also known for its “Carnivore Restaurant”, where meats are roasted on traditional Maasai swords over a charcoal pit. 

Hotel facilities 

• Free WiFi is available in all areas 

• There is a bar, two restaurants and a coffee shop.  

• There is an outdoor heated pool, kids pool, and gym. 

About the room 

All rooms have en-suite bathrooms, air conditioning, WiFi, a TV, a telephone, a coffee/tea maker, a safety deposit box, a hair dryer. 

Room types available 

Standard room 

Accommodation in Ol Pejeta Conservancy

Serena Sweetwaters Camp

Included
Exterior, Sweetwaters Serena Camp, Ol Pejeta, Kenya
Llama Travel Customer Rating
Overall
99%
99%
Service
99%
99%
Location
99%
99%

Standard Hotel: The oldest accommodation in the Ol Pejeta Conservancy, home to the Big Five and the last two female northern white rhinos in the world, Serena Sweetwaters Camp offers an incredible experience in the foothills of Mount Kenya. The camp’s own waterhole allows guests to enjoy wildlife-viewing throughout the day, whether out on a game drive or relaxing around the camp, with a breath-taking backdrop of Kenya’s highest mountain. The grounds are a maze of winding stone pathways within landscaped gardens, leading to the restaurant, bar and individual tents which have thatched roofs, solid floors and canvas interiors with charming wooden furnishings.

Why stay here? Staying within the Ol Pejeta Conservancy is a unique opportunity to learn about the amazing conservation work that takes place here, including meeting the world’s last remaining northern white rhinos and visiting the Jane Goodall Chimpanzee Sanctuary. There is also a night game drive for those interested in spotting some of Kenya’s more unusual species that cannot be seen during the day, from the white-tailed mongoose to the bat-eared fox, and even some big cats if you are lucky. The camp itself has the rugged, traditional feel of a colonial safari camp in tented accommodation whilst boasting excellent ‘glamping’ amenities, with views of Mount Kenya and the waterhole. There are several dining options, including a high-quality set evening menu in the main restaurant which was once the manager’s house on the old colonial farm. The waterhole bar has excellent views, so you can enjoy a glass of wine or beer whilst gazing out at the abundant wildlife, with Mount Kenya in the background.  

Hotel facilities

  • Free WiFi is available in all rooms and public areas.

  • There is a restaurant, bar, swimming pool, extensive grounds, gift shop, private waterhole and night viewing bar.

  • The hotel offers a daily housekeeping, laundry service, safety deposit box, room service, luggage storage, currency exchange and 24-hour front desk.  

About the room

Each spacious tent has an en-suite bathroom with toiletries, hair dryer, bathrobes and slippers, tea and coffee making facilities, desk, air conditioning, mosquito net, hot water bottle, flat-screen TV and a private balcony or veranda.

Room types available 

Standard Room

Accommodation in Lake Nakuru and The Great Rift Valley

Lake Nakuru Lodge

Included
Lake Nakuru Lodge & Pool, Kenya
Llama Travel Customer Rating
Overall
60%
60%
Service
53%
53%
Location
80%
80%

Standard Hotel: With unobstructed views of the lake and its wildlife, Lake Nakuru Lodge offers beautiful accommodation comprising of 95 individual rooms with terraces where you can relax and take in the wildlife and great views. There is an outdoor swimming pool overlooking the plains and a restaurant serving Indian, African and international dishes.

Why stay here? The lodge is in a prime setting for wildlife viewing, with lions, giraffes, zebras, waterbucks, rhinos and buffalos often spotted around the lake. Birdlife is also in abundance, with over 500 species recorded in the park including pelicans, eagles and the flamingos which the lake is famous for. In between morning and afternoon game drives, time can be spent by the swimming pool or in the spa, whilst in the evening there is traditional entertainment in the bar area.

Hotel facilities

  • Free WiFi is available in public areas.

  • There is a restaurant, bar, live entertainment, terrace, garden, swimming pool and spa.

  • The hotel offers luggage storage, currency exchange, air conditioning, 24-hour front desk, laundry service, safety deposit box and gift shop.  

About the room

All rooms have a TV, outdoor balcony or terrace with a lake or mountain or pool view, mosquito net, desk and an en-suite bathroom with toiletries and a hair dryer.

Room types available 

Standard Room (Lake or Mountain view, depending on availability)

Accommodation in Masai Mara

Mara Simba Lodge

Included

Standard Hotel: Located along the Talek River within the Masai Mara National Reserve, 10 kilometres east of the main gate, Mara Simba Lodge is a fantastic opportunity to stay in Africa’s prime safari destination. The lodge is constructed on a series of interconnecting decks under a thatched roof, and there is an outdoor swimming pool surrounded by sun loungers. There are exceptional dining options including a cosy restaurant with a stone fireplace and a bar from where hippos can be spotted. The 84 rooms are in safari tents and wooden lodges, well-appointed and full of character.

Why stay here? The lodge offers an excellent base for a safari in the Masai Mara, with good chances of spotting the Big Five. Rooms are beautifully decorated with African artwork, natural materials and wooden furnishings and the pool is a relaxing place to unwind during the hottest part of the day.  Wildlife can be spotted from the lodge including crocodiles and hippos in the river and some of the 500 bird species recorded in this region.

Hotel facilities

  • Free WiFi is available in all rooms and public areas.

  • There is a restaurant, bar, lounge, swimming pool, terrace and garden. 

  • The hotel offers a safety deposit box, luggage storage, laundry service, room service, gift shop, fans and currency exchange. 

About the room

All rooms have a private balcony, en-suite bathroom, mosquito net, desk, ceiling fan and tea and coffee making facilities.

Room types available 

Standard Room

 

*Depending on your departure date, you may be in the Sarova Mara Game Camp

Sarova Mara Game Camp

Included

Standard Hotel: Located in the heart of the Masai Mara National Reserve, the Sarova Mara Game Camp offers spacious, comfortable ‘tents’ with large windows, wooden flooring and permanent roofs. The grounds of the camp are beautiful, elevated between two streams with rolling manicured gardens filled with indigenous trees, a large pond, bird sanctuary and an adjoining Masai village. There are 73 tents in total, each with large wooden decks and loungers to soak up the sun and spectacular views. There are numerous outdoor areas to relax during the day including the swimming pool, bar and alfresco restaurant overlooking the pool and surrounding forest.  The food served throughout the day in the restaurant is excellent quality, and there are live cooking stations too.

Why stay here? The camp has a prime location on the migration path of wildebeest, gazelles and zebras during the migration months. There is a traditional boma so you can marvel at the African sunset over the savannah as you sip a cocktail by the bonfire. The camp is renowned for producing delicious meals in a remote and wild setting, supported by its own vegetable and herb garden. There is also a wellness tent with a full menu of treatments for a post-game drive treat.

Hotel facilities

  • Free WiFi is available in all rooms and public areas.

  • There is a restaurant, bar, swimming pool, garden, spa, boma, terrace and library.

  • The hotel offers a 24-hour front desk, room service, tour desk, daily maid service, laundry service and safety deposit box. 

About the room

All rooms have a wardrobe, desk, patio/balcony with safari chairs, tea and coffee making facilities, mosquito net, minibar, safety deposit box and en-suite bathroom with toiletries.

Room types available 

Standard Room

 

*Depending on your departure date, you may be in the Mara Simba Lodge

Accommodation in Diani Beach

Neptune Palm Beach Boutique Resort & Spa

Included

Standard Hotel: Located on the white sands of Galu Beach, with rooms set in makuti roofed cottages with four rooms per unit. The rooms are spacious with a terrace and a day bed. There is a large freshwater swimming pool with a poolside bar, and a restaurant serving a range of cuisines. There is also a main bar with a variety of fresh juices, cocktails, beers and soft drinks.

Why stay here: Guests have access tennis courts, volleyball courts and a golf course, as well as a water sports centre that offers windsurfing and scuba diving. 

Hotel facilities

• Free WiFi is available in all areas

• There is a restaurant, 2 bars, a spa and a swimming pool

• There are facilities for tennis, volleyball, golf, windsurfing and scuba diving

About the room

All rooms have en-suite bathrooms, air conditioning, WiFi, a TV, a telephone, a coffee/tea maker, a mini bar, a safety deposit box, and a hair dryer.

Room types available

Deluxe Garden Room

Excursions

Night Game Drive

£95
Night game drive, Ol Pejeta Conservancy, Kenya
Llama Travel Customer Rating
99%
99%

The night game drive is a fantastic opportunity to discover the Ol Pejeta Conservancy ‘after hours’, allowing you to experience it at its most raw. Sunset is a game changer in the African wilderness - this is when the truly weird and wonderful come out to play, from the bat-eared fox to curious aardvarks and even big cats including lions and leopards. 

Full Description:

After dinner, wrap up warm and head out in a safari vehicle with a maximum of six passengers. Your experienced guide from the Sweetwaters camp will traverse the conservancy, using a filtered spotlight to seek out the animals that are rarely spotted during the day, stopping so you can observe and photograph some of Kenya’s nocturnal creatures, including the aardvark, white-tailed mongoose, caracal and if you’re lucky, the bat-eared fox. Lions, usually seen sleeping during the day, are often sighted alert and active at night, and even on occasion, the more elusive leopard. Seeing one hunting its prey will stay in your memory long after you return home. The game drive lasts around two hours, and you are required to stay in the vehicle throughout the excursion. Return to the camp for drinks and tales by the campfire. 

2024

Tue 08 Oct - Sun 20 Oct Price £5148 SAVE £300 £4848 Single supplement Price £1170 Book Now
Tue 19 Nov - Sun 01 Dec Price £4898 SAVE £300 £4598 Single supplement Price £1570 Book Now

2025

Holiday Information

All the practical information you need regarding your trip is found here. From how to prepare before you leave and travelling to your destination, to advice on travelling within your country of choice.

About Your Holiday

  • Prices listed are per person and based on two persons sharing a room and include all flights from the UK and within destination, service of guides and reps (please note that tips are not included), accommodation and all transfers and excursions listed in the itinerary. Where applicable, entrance fees, taxes and charges are included in our prices at the rates advised to us at the time of preparation. An adjustment will be made to your price if any of these change before your holiday. UK airport taxes are included.

  • All the flight-inclusive holidays on this website are financially protected by the ATOL scheme. When you pay you will be supplied with an ATOL Certificate. Please ask for it and check to ensure that everything you booked (flights, hotels and other services) is listed on it. Please see our booking conditions for further information or for more information about financial protection and the ATOL Certificate go to: www.atol.org.uk/ATOLCertificate

    For holidays not including any flights, financial protection is provided through IPP: https://www.llamatravel.com/ipp-protection

  • In many cases, the best way to describe our holidays is flexible tours, so you can choose where to visit by combining different extensions and excursions, and which hotels to stay in. In most cases, you will be with other Llama Travellers, but not necessarily the same people throughout. This allows you to get to know like-minded people, but not have to spend all your time with the same group. If we don't have anyone else taking a particular part of a holiday, we will normally operate this just for you.

    In some cases, we operate more traditional tours, with the same Llama Travel group travelling together for the majority of the holiday, which allows land travel from one location to another, and in this case we may have a minimum number of travellers required to operate the group.

    Excursions are usually taken together with other Llama Travel customers in groups of no more than 18 people. If we have more than 18 booked, we operate two groups. These will usually be in English, although in some places, especially on wildlife excursions, the excursions may be operated by one of our local partners, so you may be with people other than Llama Travel customers and the group may be a mix of English and other languages. In these cases, group sizes can sometimes be larger. If you would like to know the likely situation for your holiday, please ask us and we will be able to check. Transfers may be with more than 18 people.

    We get a wide range of people taking our holidays, with probably the largest group being couples aged in their forties to sixties, or even older. However, we also have a large number of customers in their twenties and thirties, especially for some of the more active holidays. What unites everyone is a sense of curiosity and a desire to discover new cultures, landscapes and wildlife. Although most of our customers travel with friends or family, we also have quite a few single travellers who are happy to mix and match as described above.

    Group Size
    Most holidays can operate with a minimum of 2 passengers, but some holidays have a higher minimum group size. If we have fewer than the minimum number of passengers, we will let you know two months before departure. In this case, we will refund you any monies paid or offer you an alternative option. It may be possible to operate the trip for fewer than 4 passengers for an additional cost.

    Holidays in Europe usually have a minimum group size of 4 passengers.
    Holidays in Namibia or South Africa usually have a minimum group size of 6 passengers.
    Holidays in Kenya usually have a minimum group size of 4 passengers.
    Holidays in Asia usually have a minimum group size of 4 passengers.
    Holidays in Costa Rica and Mexico usually have a minimum group size of 4 passengers.

Booking Conditions

How To Book

  • To book a holiday or discuss your requirements, please call us on 020 7263 3000. We can usually confirm availability immediately, but may need to check with a supplier first.

  • You can pay your deposit by bank transfer, cheque, standard UK debit card or non-premium UK personal Visa / MasterCard credit card. Balance payments can be made by bank transfer or cheque. We do not accept cards for balance payments. We are unable to accept cash.

Before You Go

  • To issue some tickets, we require passport details and ages when you book. If you subsequently change your passport, please let us know as soon as possible.

    Latin America

    Visas are not required in advance for British citizens for any Llama Travel Latin American destination. For British passports endorsed in any way and all other passports, please ask the appropriate consulate.

    If you are flying via another country, especially the US, you need to comply with the appropriate immigration requirements. Please ask us for details.

    You need a full 10-year passport valid for 6 months after your return to the UK. If you renewed your current passport before the previous one expired, extra months may have been added to its expiry date. Any extra months on your passport over 10 years may not count towards the minimum period needed if you are transiting in Europe.

    There is an entry fee to enter Chile for citizens of Australia, the US, Canada and some other countries which must be paid upon arrival. There is also an entry fee for US and Canadian citizens visiting Argentina, which must be paid in advance online.

    If children are not travelling with both parents, some countries require a letter of consent to enter or depart. Please consult the appropriate consulate.

    Africa

    British nationals can enter Morocco, South Africa, Namibia, and Botswana for a visit of up to 90 days without a visa. For British passports endorsed in any way and all other passports, please ask the appropriate consulate. You need a passport valid for 6 months after your return to the UK. For South Africa, you need a passport with two blank pages.

    British nationals require a visa to enter Zimbabwe for Victoria Falls, which can be purchased upon entry. The Kaza Univisa allows you to cross the border between Zambia and Zimbabwe and also allows for day trips to Botswana (cost is approximately US$50). On occasions, the Zimbabwe border staff may not issue a Kaza Univisa, and you may need to purchase a Zimbabwe visa (single or double entry), which has a slightly higher cost. Citizens from other countries should consult the specific embassy to check entry requirements.

    Currently, no visa is required to visit Namibia, but the Namibian government has announced that it will introduce a visa upon entry in April 2025.

    British nationals to Kenya require an electronic travel authorisation, which must be obtained online in advance. You can apply for this on the eTA website. For more information, see the website of the Kenya High Commission. For British passports endorsed in any way and all other passports, please ask the Kenya consulate. You need a passport with two blank pages

    If children are not travelling with both parents, some countries require a letter of consent to enter or depart. Please consult the appropriate consulate. In South Africa and Namibia, children under 18 must also carry an unabridged birth certificate.

    You need a full 10-year passport valid for 6 months after your return to the UK. If you renewed your current passport before the previous one expired, extra months may have been added to its expiry date. Any extra months on your passport over 10 years may not count towards the minimum period needed if you are transiting in Europe.

    To issue some tickets, we require passport details and ages when you book. If you subsequently change your passport, please let us know as soon as possible.

    Asia & the Middle East

    To visit Jordan, you need a full 10 year passport valid for 6 months after your return to the UK. You will need a visa to enter Jordan. The Jordan visa is included in the price of your holiday. On arrival in Amman our representatives will meet you prior to immigration and this will be provided to you free of charge. For British passports endorsed in any way and all other passports, please ask the Jordanian consulate.

    All visitors to Sri Lanka, including British nationals, require an electronic Travel Authorisation (ETA), which must be obtained online in advance, and for which there is a cost. You can apply for single entry and transit visas on the ETA website. For more information, see the website of the Sri Lanka High Commission. For British passports endorsed in any way and all other passports, please ask the Sri Lanka consulate. You need a passport with two blank pages, valid for six months after your return to the UK.

    All visitors to India, including British nationals, require a visa, which can be obtained online in advance, and for which there is a cost. You can apply for single entry and transit visas on the e-visa website. For more information, see the website of the India High Commission. For British passports endorsed in any way and all other passports, please ask the Indian consulate. You need a passport with two blank pages, valid for six months after your return to the UK.

    Visitors from 13 countries, including the UK, can travel to Vietnam visa-free for stays up to 45 days. For stays longer than 45 days, a visa is required at a cost. This can be applied for online on the e-visa website. Stays longer than 90 days are not permitted. You need a full 10-year passport valid for 6 months after your return to the UK. For British passports endorsed in any way and all other passports, please ask the Vietnamese consulate.

    To visit Cambodia, a visa is required at a cost. This can be applied for online on the e-visa website. You need a full 10-year passport valid for 6 months after your return to the UK. For British passports endorsed in any way and all other passports, please ask the Cambodian consulate.

    To visit Laos, a visa is required at a cost. This can be applied for online on the e-visa website. You need a full 10-year passport valid for 6 months after your return to the UK. For British passports endorsed in any way and all other passports, please ask the Laotian consulate.

    If you are arranging a stopover in Singapore, you must complete an electronic SG Arrival Card up to three days before entry into Singapore.

    Europe

    You need a full 10 year passport valid for 6 months after your return to the UK. If you renewed your current passport before the previous one expired, extra months may have been added to its expiry date. Any extra months on your passport over 10 years may not count towards the minimum period needed.

     

  • In many destinations, you can arrange adventure activities, either through Llama Travel or through the local operator. If you are interested in taking any of these, please make sure you are covered by your travel insurance.

  • Some countries have strict regulations regarding the entry and exit of children under 18 when not travelling with both parents, or if the child has nationality of the country you are visiting. If you are travelling with children who are not entering or leaving the country with both parents, or if the child has nationality of the country you are visiting, please contact the consulate of the country you are visiting to check requirements.

    Countries in Africa have particularly strict requirements regarding children travelling, and in both South Africa and Namibia, children need to carry an unabridged birth certificate. Additionally, in Namibia, adults travelling with children where they are not the biological or legal guardians of those children, should be in possession of an affidavit statement from the child’s parents giving consent for their travel.

    Such requirements do change from time to time, and although we try to keep abreast of such changes and update this information, if you are travelling with children, we suggest you check current requirements carefully.

  • You will receive tickets approximately 10 days before departure, along with information on accommodation, transfers and excursions. Our agents in destination will give you final details for hotel and excursions when you arrive. Please check airline tickets carefully in case timings have changed after we issued your confirmation.

  • Cards are widely accepted in most hotel and restaurants, and cash machines are common in most destinations. However, when travelling to remote areas, it is advisable to take cash, as it is difficult to withdraw or change money. Travellers cheques are no longer widely used, so it may be inconvenient to take these.

    It is always recommended to inform your bank that you are travelling abroad and to which countries. This will allow them to authorise money withdrawals from your account when you are away. Some banks say that this is not necessary, however we would still recommend contact with your bank as in some cases people have had difficulty in withdrawing currency.

    More information on the situation regarding money, budgeting and tipping in specific countries is in the country information below.

  • Adequate travel insurance is essential. We do not sell or recommend any specific policy, but good medical insurance should cover medical evacuation and repatriation. If you are going to be taking part in any activity, please ensure your policy covers you for this, especially if this involves high-altitude trekking, such as the Inca Trail.

When Your Are Travelling

  • Most people who travel to the countries where Llama Travel operates experience no problems on holiday. However, as is the case anywhere in the world, crime can be a problem, especially in large cities. Tourists can appear attractive targets to criminals. To minimise the risk, use common sense. Do not display signs of wealth, such as expensive looking jewellery or cameras. Avoid empty streets, especially on your own. Take a taxi after dark. By taking sensible precautions, you should have a trouble-free holiday.

    Each country has its own standards for health and safety, but these are often not as good as in the UK. We take this into account when selecting hotels and request that they comply with all local regulations, but cannot guarantee that these are equivalent to British standards. Please take reasonable precautions to protect yourselves whilst on holiday, e.g. by locating fire exit routes.

    Please also check the Foreign Office travel advice for the countries you are visiting at www.fco.gov.uk.

  • Attitudes towards lesbian, gay, bisexual and transgender (LGBT) travellers around the world can be very different from those in the UK.

    In Latin America and Europe, attitudes can sometimes be more conservative than in the UK, but there are not usually problems.

    In some African countries, including Morocco, Zimbabwe and Kenya, same sex relationships are illegal and conservative attitudes prevail. However, hotels and lodges do not discriminate and same sex couples can share rooms. In much of Africa and the Middle East, public displays of affection may attract negative attention, especially with LGBT couples, although the majority of people are friendly to visitors, irrespective of gender and sexual orientation. In South Africa, the authorities have introduced legislation which bans any discrimination on the basis of sexual orientation.

    In most of Asia, attitudes to same sex relationships can be conservative, but there are not usually any problems. In Sri Lanka, same sex relationships are illegal, but hotels do not discriminate and same sex couples can share rooms.

    The UK Foreign Office has information LGBT travel on their travel advice for individual countries, found at www.fco.gov.uk.

  • For all wildlife excursions, please always follow the instructions of your guide, both for the animals’ welfare and for your safety. Staff are experienced at dealing with wildlife, but by their nature, excursions involving exposure to wild animals will always carry some risk.

    If you take a safari in Africa, you will be with an experienced guide at all times, who is usually unarmed. Staff are experienced at dealing with wildlife, but by their nature, game drives have exposure to wild animals, and there will always be some risk in this, which you accept by going on holiday. Game drives run according to a schedule, although unexpected delays can occur, which the guide will deal with as quickly and safely as possible. Being in the wilderness means that the environment is unpredictable, so the unexpected can happen, and off-road vehicles can occasionally break down or get stuck in the uneven terrain.

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Health & Fitness

  • Please consult your GP or a travel clinic about health and vaccination requirements. Advice for travellers is available at NaTHNaC  

    When travelling, stomach illnesses are not uncommon due to changes in diet. We suggest you only drink bottled water and avoid ice in drinks. If you are unsure if salads and fruit have been washed in purified water, it is best to avoid them.

    If you suffer from a disability or condition and are worried whether this will affect the enjoyment of a holiday, please call us. We will do our best to help. We recommend that you bring any medicines you require from the UK.

    If you have any health problems on holiday, please speak to our local agents or hotel staff. They will arrange for a doctor or hospital if necessary. If you do experience any problems, please seek appropriate medical attention.

    Outside of major cities, medical facilities can be basic, meaning a lengthy transfer if hospital attention is required.

    Latin America

    Yellow fever and / or malaria precautions are recommended for visiting the jungle, Iguazu Falls and some parts of Colombia, Guatemala, Costa Rica, Brazil, Peru and Ecuador. Yellow Fever certificates are sometimes required if you have recently visited a country with an infected area. Children under 6 require proof of vaccination against polio to enter Brazil. Some GPs do not recommend yellow fever vaccinations for travellers over 60 years old. If you are pregnant or planning on becoming pregnant, please speak to your GP about zika. Please seek medical advice before you travel.

    Parts of South America are at high altitude. Most visitors do not suffer major problems. However, shortness of breath is common and we advise you to take things calmly during your first day at altitude. If you suffer from a heart or lung condition, or think that you may suffer due to the altitude, please consult your GP.

    Africa

    Malaria precautions are highly recommended when visiting the Kruger National Park in South Africa, Victoria Falls in Zimbabwe, the north of Namibia, including Etosha, Botswana and Kenya. Yellow Fever vaccination is highly recommended for Kenya. Travellers entering many African countries, including South Africa and Kenya Africa, coming from a yellow fever zone must have a valid yellow fever vaccination certificate. Some GPs do not recommend yellow fever vaccinations for travellers over 60 years old.

    Asia

    Malaria tablets are not usually advised when visiting the areas that Llama Travel offers in Japan, India, Sri Lanka, Vietnam, Cambodia or Laos, although a low risk exists in south-east Asia, so general precautions are recommended. If you have visited a country with yellow fever recently, you will usually require a valid yellow fever certificate to enter. Please be aware that Shimla in the Himalayas in India is at a moderately high altitude, so we recommend you take things calmly during your first day at altitude. If you suffer from a heart of lung condition, or think you may suffer due to the altitude, please consult your GP.

  • For most of our holidays, age is not a concern. However, a reasonable level of fitness is required, as most holidays require some walking, sometimes on uneven ground. Even relatively mild activities can be strenuous at altitude. High altitude trekking is more strenuous than an equivalent length walk at low altitude.

Getting There

  • Depending on the route and the airline, if you would like to break your journey to or from your final destination, and add a stopover to your holiday, this may be possible. Please ask us for information.

  • If you are interested in arranging your own international flights, this is sometimes possible. Please ask us for details of this and any discount we can arrange for removing international flights. Please do not book your flights until we have reconfirmed all services with our suppliers and you have checked the confirmation invoice.

  • All people transiting in a third country need to make sure they comply with any immigration requirements for that country.

    This is especially the case when in transit in the US when flying to Latin America. In this case, you must comply with US immigration requirements. It is your responsibility to ensure that you comply with these requirements before you travel. Failure to do so may result in you being denied boarding on your flight to the US and, at best, a last-minute and probably expensive re-routing avoiding the US. It is important, therefore, that you follow these procedures carefully.

    If your flight to Latin America involves a stop in the US, you will be subject to US immigration control upon entry to the US. If you qualify for the US Visa Waiver Program, you are able to avoid the need to apply for a visa, but still need to enter your details online on the US State Department website. If you do not qualify for the US Visa Waiver Program, you must apply in person at a US embassy for a US visa. Please make sure that you do this in good time.

    If you are a UK citizen and have a UK passport, you may qualify for visa-free travel. You will require a machine readable passport to qualify for the ESTA Visa Waiver Program (so you do not require a visa to enter the US). A machine readable passport has the holder's personal details (name, date of birth, nationality and passport number) contained in two lines of text at the bottom of the photo page. This appears as two lines of letters, numbers and chevrons (">>>>>") printed across the long edge of the photo page. It must be also include an integrated circuit chip capable of storing the biographic information from the data page, a digitized photograph and other biometric information.

    Please note, holders of passports indicating that the bearer is a British Subject, a British Dependent Territories Citizen, British Overseas Citizen, British National (Overseas) Citizen or British Protected Person do not qualify for travel without a visa. A passport which states that the holder has Right of Abode or indefinite leave to remain in the UK does not quality for visa-free travel.

    If you have visited certain restricted countries, including Cuba, you may not qualify for visa-free travel.

    If you have been arrested, even if the arrest did not result in a criminal conviction, or if you have a criminal record, you will need a visa.

    If you have any doubts about whether you qualify for the Visa Waiver Program, please check with the US embassy. Full details can be found on the US embassy’s UK website at: http://london.usembassy.gov/vwp3.html

    Many European, Australian and New Zealand passport holders also qualify for the Visa Waiver Program as long as the passport is machine readable and complies with the relevant criteria. Please see the US embassy website for a list of countries which qualify for the Visa Waiver Program. It is important that you check the website of the US Embassy in the country of passport nationality for any further changes before you travel.

    Details of the ESTA Visa Waiver Program can be found on the US State Department website at

    https://esta.cbp.dhs.gov.

    In addition to the Visa Waiver Programme, the US Transportation Security Authority requires anybody flying through the United Sates to supply specific passenger information prior to their international flight.

  • Air fares vary from date to date and between airlines. Our holidays are scheduled to use the most advantageous air fare. You can choose which airline you prefer, we will let you know if a supplement is payable. Levels of onboard service and facilities, such as entertainment, vary by airline and route. Please ask us for details. Flights are sometimes operated by another airline in the appropriate airline alliance.

  • Air fares vary from date to date and between airlines. Our holidays are scheduled to use the most advantageous air fare. You can choose which airline you prefer, we will let you know if a supplement is payable. Levels of onboard service and facilities, such as entertainment, vary by airline and route. Please ask us for details. Flights are sometimes operated by another airline in the appropriate airline alliance.

  • Many airlines offer the option of flying from regional airports in the UK, avoiding the need to make your own way to London. Due to the timing of flights, in some cases this may involve an overnight stop in London or another intermediate airport. There is usually a supplement for regional departures. Please note that most of our flights depart from London.

  • You can upgrade to business class or premium economy on most airlines. Call us for prices for the route and airline you are interested in.

    Premium Economy

    Some airlines offer Premium Economy cabins, which provide more comfortable seats which recline further and have more legroom. There are better meals and a bar service.

    Other airlines offer standard economy class seats with extra legroom for an additional cost.

    Business Class

    Many airlines have long-haul business class cabins with seats that convert into full flat beds and often have a privacy screen.

    Business Class within Europe is often similar to economy class seating, but with better meals, and middle seats are often left empty.

  • Most scheduled airlines have a baggage allowance of 23kg per passenger for international flights, but internal flight allowances can be less. Exact limits can be found on airline webpages. Please bear this in mind when packing, as carrying excess baggage will normally incur an expensive additional cost payable at check in. Additionally, certain excursions have a limited baggage allowance. Where this is the case, we will advise you in advance. Llama Travel accepts no responsibility for the delay, loss or damage of luggage.

    There may be additional luggage restrictions for specific countries. In this case, details of this will be in the country information below.

  • Many airlines now charge a fee to select your seat prior to checking in for your flight, even when travelling in premium economy or business class. Alternatively, you may choose your preferred seat free of charge when online check-in opens 24 hours prior to departure or at the airport. Please ask us about the options available at time of booking.

    We all want a comfortable journey, particularly on long haul flights. If you would like a seat with some extra leg room or a larger recline please let us know. Airlines have introduced a range of “economy comfort” seats that may be purchased in advance. In some cases, these seats may only be purchased online directly with the airline once Llama Travel has issued your ticket approximately 30 days prior to departure.

    For internal flights, and for connecting flights in Europe, it is usually only possible to select seats when you check-in online or at the airport.

    It may not be possible to always use online check-in systems, especially when using a codeshare flight. On occasion, your preferred seat may be changed by the airline for operational reasons such as a change of aircraft or to facilitate a disabled passenger on the day you fly and as such, Llama Travel cannot guarantee specific seats.

Travelling in Kenya

  • The currency in Kenya is the Kenyan shilling. Credit and debit cards can be used in many shops and restaurants, and can also be used to withdraw money from cash machines in cities. Whilst on safari, all lodges used by Llama Travel take card, however in more remote places you will need cash (US dollars is widely accepted in Kenya) for tipping and buying souvenirs.

    It is always recommended to inform your bank that you are travelling abroad and to which countries. This will allow them to authorise money withdrawals from your account when you are away. Some banks say that this is not necessary, however we would still recommend contact with your bank as in some cases people have had difficulty in withdrawing currency.

  • Tipping in Kenya is standard practice. Tips can be given in US dollars or in Kenyan Shillings. We recommend changing some money to spend on safari for drinks/souvenirs etc. Restaurant staff are used to receiving around US$5 per meal, and the same for housekeeping staff in hotels. Whilst on safari, it is recommended to tip driver/guides US$10-20 per person per day and porters US$1-2 per piece of luggage per movement.

  • Whilst on safari, all meals are included and you certainly won’t go hungry. Meals at Kenya’s safari lodges are generally delicious and plentiful, with snacks in-between. Most dietary requirements can be catered for with advance notice. In Nairobi, there is a wide selection of eating options, from street food to fine dining restaurants. The large South Asian presence in East Africa means that there are a range of Indian restaurants in Nairobi and along the coast. Fresh fish and seafood is plentiful on the coast, and vegetarian options are usually available, although the choices will be more limited in smaller towns and rural areas. Goat is the most common meat, but you will also find mutton, chicken, beef and some game including ostrich and crocodile. Depending on the season, you can find a variety of exotic fruit in Kenya including mangoes, pineapples, passion fruit, guavas and coconuts. Tusker is a local beer and makes for a great sundowner after a day in the bush, whilst chai (sweet milky tea) is a popular choice with Kenyans. Local fare in Kenya is pretty basic and meat-based, generally consisting of a carbohydrate such as ugali (a thick maize porridge), rice, potatoes, bread or plantains and vegetables such as spinach. This is usually accompanied by meat, with the most famous Kenyan dish being nyama choma (Swahili for barbecued meat).

  • All hotels include breakfast, and all meals are included whilst on safari, although you will need money for extra drinks. Whilst in cities, we recommend budgeting approximately US$20-30 per person for a three-course meal, US$20-70 for a bottle of wine, depending on the brand, and US$0.5-1 for a 500ml bottle of soft drink. In lodges, a 500ml soft drink is around US$3 and a bottle of wine can vary from US$25-80. Throughout Kenya there are opportunities to shop for souvenirs and we advise setting aside some of your budget for this purpose. Credit cards are accepted in most places although Amex has more limited use.

  • Kenya has a tropical climate with sunny days and cooler nights, and you should be prepared for a variety of conditions. Average daily temperatures are around 22–27°C, depending on which region you visit. The dry season extends from June to October and there are two rainy seasons: the big one from April to May and the smaller one from late October to December. The wildebeest migration in the Masai Mara usually happens between June and October. During the day it is generally hot, so you should pack lightweight loose-fitting clothes in natural fabrics, such as linen or cotton. Long sleeved shirts and long trousers will protect you against mosquitoes at night. In the winter it gets chilly, so you should pack a warm jacket for morning game drives. On the coast, the climate is warm and tropical, with temperatures ranging from 20oC to 33oC throughout the year. The rainiest month is May, when the rain falls for around 19 days.  The sea is warm all year round, ranging from 25°C in July and August to 29°C in March and April.

    Electrical sockets in Kenya are 240 Volts. Sockets fit UK-style plugs.

    We recommend you carry a copy of your passport with you at all times.

    Please bring any medication you may require from the UK.