African Safari Diaries : Dave’s Safari and Beach Holiday in Kenya

In this edition of ‘African Safari Diaries’ we spoke to Dave, who returned to Kenya after over 35 years, which was when he first visited with his children. He told us that he always promised to return, and it finally happened as his second wife’s 60th birthday treat.

Visiting Kenya was at the top of her ‘must do’ wish list. What made Kenya the final chosen destination for her celebrations was the ability to have the perfect combination of both a safari experience and a beach holiday. For this trip Dave booked one of our set itineraries, the Cheetah Safari, as well as a bespoke safari.

 

The Itinerary

Dave’s itinerary was a 12-night safari split in two parts with an overnight stay in Nairobi between the 7-night Cheetah Safari and his own 5-night bespoke safari (still booked with Somak) followed by a week’s R&R by the beach at the Leopard Beach Resort.

The Accommodation

Dave and his wife stayed at Aberdare Country Club, Ashnil Samburu Camp, Serena Mountain Lodge, (which was not their favourite location), Lake Naivasha Sopa Lodge, which they found very good, and Ashnil Mara Camp, as part of the Cheetah Safari.

They then spent one night at the Eka Hotel in Nairobi,  which they found to be an excellent hotel, followed by their bespoke itinerary which included a stay at Amboseli Serena Lodge, which was their favourite property from the trip, Kilaguni Serena Safari Lodge in Tsavo West and finally Ashnil Aruba Lodge in Tsavo East.

Highlights from the trip

Dave told us that the safari experience ticked all the right boxes. There was nothing on their wish list that they did not see or experience.

They opted for the journey by road in Somak jeeps which allows a ground level view of the real Kenya and its people. They found it illuminating, interesting and humbling with the bonus of exhilarating ‘off-road’ drives through the various safari parks and Kenya’s country roads. Seeing four sets of different leopards comes near the top of the list, but there were just so make breathtaking moments.

Dave’s advice

Dave’s tips are that you get what you pay for and Somak provided great value for money combined with their driver/guides who enhance the safari experience with their keen desire to ensure your Safari lives up to your hopes and dreams, but be flexible and have a sense of humour.

“It’s a safari and you are a guest in the animal kingdom. What you see and when you see can be a lottery – clearly we were lottery winners!”

If after reading Dave’s experience you would like to book a similar itinerary, here’s our Cheetah Safari.

Dave also stayed at The Leopard Beach Resort & Spa, as he paired a beach destination with his safari.

Mr & Mrs Pike travelled with Somak Holidays thanks to the assistance of Jake at their local travel agency, The Destination Lounge, in Ilfracombe.

We would love to work with you to plan the safari holiday of a lifetime. For more information on how our safari experts can help you, call Somak Holidays today on 020 8423 3000.

Please note all photos featured are credited to David Pike.