Bush and Beach: Kenya and Seychelles

Itinerary Highlights

Kenya is often considered the birthplace of safari, with exceptional national parks throughout the country. The landscapes in Kenya are diverse, ranging from savanna plains to mountains and cloud forests, all offering incredible wildlife experiences. This itinerary takes you to three renowned safari lodges in three distinct regions. These properties ensure a diverse and unmatched luxury safari experience, perfect for both first-time visitors and seasoned African enthusiasts. After your time in the bush, you'll have the opportunity to unwind and relax in the breathtaking Seychelles Islands.

Your journey through three award-winning safari properties begins at Finch Hattons in Tsavo West National Park, the iconic setting of the novel and film "Out of Africa". Tsavo West is home to a population of over 12,000 elephants and the rest of the Big Five. The park also offers hikes through mountains and cloud forests. Next, you'll visit Segera Retreat in the Laikipia Plateau. With a view of snow-capped Mount Kenya, Segera Retreat is located in the savanna grasslands of Laikipia, which boasts the second-highest density of wildlife in Kenya. Game drives, nature walks, and cultural activities allow you to fully immerse yourself in the environment, while the accommodations offer a five-star experience with local art. Finally, your last stop in Kenya is at Mara Plains in Olare Motorogi Conservancy, Maasai Mara. This renowned property, part of the Great Plains Conservation, provides an opulent safari experience in this lush private concession.

After your incredible wildlife experience, you'll head to Mahé, the Seychelles largest island. Spend five days at Four Seasons Seychelles in a private Villa, enjoying breathtaking views of the sea. The villa also features its own private pool. Relax at the beach or by the pool, or explore the archipelago's natural beauty through activities like scuba diving or volcano hiking.

Lodges described in the itinerary are recommended by Craft Travel but there are numerous options in each destination and we will customize your itinerary based upon your preferences. With your feedback, we will similarly customize suggested activities, time spent in each location and trip extensions to additional destinations of interest nearby.

See “Expert Notes & Customization” section below.

Explore the Ngulia Rhino Sanctuary, hike through the cloud forest with a view of Mt Kilimanjaro or visit a local Maasai community at this one-of-a-kind camp in Tsavo West National Park. For the next few days, you are invited to explore the rich and varied landscape by going on game drives and bush walks with one of Finch Hattons’ experienced guides. They’ll tell you all about the area’s geological history, its diverse fauna and flora, and you experience the Tsavo’s iconic red tusker elephants!

You might also choose to relax at the infinity pool, attend one of the yoga classes or indulge in a spa treatment at the world class Chyulu Spa. Meals include sumptuous breakfasts, lunches, dinners, high teas and spectacular sundowners that cater specifically to each guests preferences and requirements. These culinary delights can be enjoyed at a variety of locations in the camp or in the bush.

Overnight at Finch Hattons Luxury Tented Camp (Breakfast, Lunch & Dinner)

On your third day, you will fly to Segera Retreat in the Laikipia Plateau, which is flanked by Mount Kenya to the east and the Great Rift Valley to the west. Suffice to say, the views have to be seen to be believed. The Laikipia region boasts woodlands, grasslands, fertile riverbeds, and a cascading waterfall that feeds the lush valley around Kiseregai Creek. These water sources attract herds of elephant, buffalo, giraffe, warthog and many other species throughout the year.

Game drives, guided walks, spa treatments and sundowners deep in the bush are all on the agenda during your stay. You may also wish to pay a visit to the original yellow plane from the award-winning film, Out of Africa, which is housed in a hangar at Segera, or to visit a local women’s beading group where you can learn to bead and purchase handmade jewellery. Weather permitting, you might consider sleeping beneath the stars on one of Segera’s outdoor swing beds.

Overnight at Segera Retreat (Breakfast, Lunch & Dinner)

Mara Plains, located in the Olare Motorogi Conservancy of the Masai Mara, offers an awe-inspiring experience. Led by expert guides, you may have frequent encounters with one of the largest lion populations in the entire Masai Mara. The captivating game sightings, breathtaking views, and tranquil atmosphere will define your time at Mara Plains. Only vehicles from conservancy partners are allowed within its boundaries, ensuring a sense of exclusivity. Additionally, your Maasai guide can provide insights into the Maasai way of life or teach you traditional skills like spear-throwing and archery. Visiting the nearby Maasai communities also supports their village trust fund.

Stay overnight at Mara Plains (Breakfast, Lunch & Dinner).

Following your final morning in the Kenyan bush, you will depart to Nairobi and board your direct flight to Mahe, the largest island of Seychelles as well as the capital. Upon arrival, a private car will take you to your hotel (about a 38 minute ride from SEZ International Airport)

Four Seasons Seychelles is comprised of 67 private luxury hillside villas & suites, each boasting its own private plunge pool and sprawling outdoor terrace with views of pure azure ocean and lush emerald foliage found in every room. There are also 2 private residences on site if you are traveling with family or friends. Each private residence comes with a dedicated host that will help keep your home running smoothly.

Four Seasons is set on Petite Anse bay home to a pristine, white sand coastline ideal for relaxation, outstanding water activities, and local culture. Easily get to know local Seychellois culture at nearby Victoria Market, Takamaka Rum Distillery or Jardin du Roi Spice Garden, or venture by boat for guided day trips to other remote islands such as Praslin or La Digue. Water activities such as scuba diving will have both experienced scuba divers and those requiring PADI certification mesmerized by the aquatic life found throughout the archipelago.

The property’s dining options are exceptional and diverse, celebrating local Creole cuisine while pleasing palates with internationally-inspired gourmet dishes. An array of spa services at Le Syel Spa redefine pampering, and the fitness activities can include sunrise jogs, yoga and Pilates practice, and rejuvenating beachside stretching sessions.

At the end of your trip, you’ll return to Mahe (SEZ) for your departing flight home.

Overnight at Four Seasons Seychelles (Breakfast)

• 10 nights accommodation in double/twin sharing occupancy

• Full board at all Kenya lodges, including non-premium wine and alcohol

• Daily breakfast at Four Seasons Seychelles

• All transfers to and from the hotels/lodges/camps

• All domestic flights on Safarilink and Tropic Air on scheduled service

• All game drives in 4X4 safari vehicles with the assistance of English-speaking certified ranger guides

• Current park fees at Finch Hattons and Conservancy fees at both Mara Plains and Segera Retreat

• *Not included: one-way commercial flight Nairobi/Mahe, gratuities, visas (if applicable), international flights, activities not described in itinerary, items of a personal nature

This particular itinerary in Kenya is a program marketed in conjunction with the three lodges and thus provides a favorable rate. We can also offer a promotional 7-night itinerary featuring only Finch Hattons and Mara Plains. We can of course consider alternate properties in any of the three locations and/or add an additional safari destination such as Amboseli. Depending on flights from Nairobi to Mahe (Seychelles), an additional night may be required in either Nairobi and/or Mahe. In Nairobi, a 1-2 night stay at Giraffe Manor would perfectly complement the rest of the experience (assuming we can find availability!).

In Seychelles, Four Seasons is just one of many exceptional accommodation experiences found on the nation’s various islands. For a remote, barefoot luxury experience ripe with water activities including fly fishing, we love Cosmoledo Eco Camp. For a private island experience, we love Fregate or North Island. For deluxe accommodations and wellness, we suggest Six Senses Zil Pasyon.