15 Days Love Nest & Paradise Island

Pamper your spouse with a thrilling honeymoon safari experience from game drives to guided bush walks, cozying up in your secluded tent to savoring a hot air balloon ride, champagne breakfast at dawn to tucking into a candlelit dinner serenaded by the birds and animals that roam the African night. Should you need a break from the wildness then fly to Chale Island for romance, beauty and remoteness all in one location!

  • Overview
  • Itinerary
  • Price
  • Before You Go

Itinerary at a Glance

Day 1

Arrival

Day 2

Transfer to Volcanoes National Park

Day 3

Gorilla Trekking

Day 4

Transfer To Kigali And Fly To Kenya

Day 5

Day 5-7: Loisaba Conservancy

Day 8

Fly to Masai Mara

Day 9

Hot Air Balloon And Private Sundowner

Day 10

Fly To The Sand At Chale-Diani Beach

Day 11

Fly to Zanzibar

Day 12

DAY 12-14: Leisure

Day 15

Departure

Day 1

Arrival

On your arrival at Kigali International Airport, you’ll be greeted at the airport and transferred to The Retreat, the finest luxury stay in the city that offers the perfect combination of leafy tranquility, Rwandan flair, and contemporary buzz. Go for massage and rejuvenate in the salt pool after your flight to Rwanda. Dine at a Fusion Restaurant perched beside The Retreat’s glorious saltwater pool, rock gardens and native planting. The restaurant merges culinary traditions from around the world with Rwandan ingredients and blends them into a single harmonious offer.

Dinner
Day 2

Transfer to Volcanoes National Park

Sip bold, sustainable java at Question Coffee Café and after proceed to the north, weaving through beautiful terraced hillsides, culminates at the base of the awe-inspiring Virunga massif. Check in at Singita Kwitonda Lodge.  In the evening, visit the Conservation Room, where a lodge manager and Singita conservationist will explain various aspects of the trekking experience. This includes more details about the area and general outline of the trekking day.
Day 3

Gorilla Trekking

After an early breakfast, drive from the lodge to Kinigi Headquarters where you’ll register for the gorilla trekking experience. Once you’ve been divided into parties of 8, assigned a group and have had a briefing from your guide you will be driven to the trailhead where you will start the walk to reach your mountain gorilla group. Your experienced trackers use their knowledge of the gorillas’ habits to locate their whereabouts. Upon sighting the gorillas, you stay with them for a magical hour, admire the behavior of the gorillas as they go about their daily lives feeding, youngster playing and picking open fruit and throwing it through the air, resting and raising their young. Occasionally one, often a playful youngster, will approach you with curiosity, sometimes coming so close that you’ll have to move away. After such a thrilling experience, you will head to the lodge for relaxation.

BreakfastLunchDinner
Day 4

Transfer To Kigali And Fly To Kenya

Have a leisurely breakfast and later carry on with your journey to Kigali where you will have a stop for lunch and then transfer at the airport for your flight to Kenya. You will be welcomed at Jomo Kenyatta International Airport by Luxury Africa representative and drive to the hotel. Check in at Hemingway’s

BreakfastLunchDinner
Day 5

Day 5-7: Loisaba Conservancy

After breakfast, you will transfer to the Wilson Airport to catch a morning flight to Loisaba Airstrip, meet your drive guide and drive to the Lodge. Check in at Loisaba Lodo Springs for an ultra-private experience

Loisaba Conservancy is meant for adventure; you have a complete freedom to choose how you spend your time in the conservancy. As a haven for over 260 bird and 50 mammal species, you can spend time with towers of endangered reticulated giraffes, herds of elephants and endangered Grevy’s zebra, prides of lions, cheetahs and elusive leopards and African wild dogs. Or View Loisaba on foot accompanied by your guide as well as a ranger or Experience the unique exhilaration of riding on the plains with a herd of zebra, walking gently through a graceful tower of giraffes or past a herd of elephants. For a unique cultural experience, spend an afternoon down at the traditional Masai village; a great experience see how the Masai live, watch them dance and view some of their beadwork.

BreakfastLunchDinner
Day 8

Fly to Masai Mara

Rise to a hearty breakfast overlooking the lake before transferring to the Loisaba airstrip for your flight to the Mara. Arrive in time for lunch, and then spend the afternoon exploring the Masai Mara’s vast wilderness on a game drive. The quintessential Masai Mara safari delivers many attractions, as the reserve is home to an excellent year-round concentration of game, including the more than two million wildebeest, zebras and other antelopes that make up the famous Great Migration. The reserve is a photographer’s and naturalist’s paradise, with abundant elephant, buffalo, giraffe, lion and cheetah alongside the migratory wildebeest and zebra. Leopards are frequently encountered, endangered black rhino hide in the dense thickets and large rafts of hippo and enormous crocodiles are found in the Mara River. The park is also home to over 450 bird species. A campfire and delicious dinner await you on return to camp in the evening.

BreakfastLunchDinner
Day 9

Hot Air Balloon And Private Sundowner

Imagine a balloon, framed against the rising sun, overlooking vast herds across Africa’s wide horizons. To share such a transformative moment, you’ll leave Mara Bushtops in the early hours, so as to be airborne as dawn breaks. As you level out over the Masai Mara, a panoramic view touches the heart and quickens the senses, Soar silently with 360 degrees of spectacular savannah lasting approximately one hour, depending on wind conditions. After roving the skies, you land for a Bush champagne breakfast, before heading off for a short game drive as your drive back to the lodge. In the evening, go for a private sundowner; a classic moment, immortalized in films, fantasies and a million great safari adventures: watching the sun set over the African bush. There’s simply nothing like it, for reconnecting with nature, as day turns to night.

BreakfastLunchDinner
Day 10

Fly To The Sand At Chale-Diani Beach

After breakfast, relax at the lodge in a total privacy and exclusivity. After an early lunch, you’ll travel to Mara North Airstrip for your scheduled flight to Diani. Upon arrival at Diani airstrip, transfer by boat to The Chale Island where you will stay for 3 nights on full board basis.  Go to the Spa and enjoy pure relaxation after magical safari. Dinner and overnight at Chale Island

BreakfastLunchDinner
Day 11

Fly to Zanzibar

After breakfast, relax at the lodge in a total privacy and exclusivity. After an early lunch, you will fly to Zanzibar. Upon arrival, you will be met at the airport and drive an hour to The Palms.

BreakfastLunchDinner
Day 12

DAY 12-14: Leisure

Savor your days in this tropical paradise, a magical fusion of nature and comfort with elegance and romance. Dine barefoot on the beach in the spectacular light of the Full Moon as it sashays and shimmers across the Indian Ocean, Celebrate in style and enjoy a private dining experience to be remembered. Work with the team to create your dream meal.

BreakfastLunchDinner
Day 15

Departure

After a breakfast, you will travel by boat and meet your drive on the shore. He will transfer you to Diani Airstrip for your scheduled flight to Jomo kenyatta International Airport and connect with your international flight

 

Breakfast

Prices are in USD, per person, based on double occupancy

USD 31,320
per person based on two people

Tour Includes

AMREF Flying Doctor Insurance: A Flying doctor Insurance to Air transfers you before dark from the nearest airstrip to hospital during Emergency
4X4 Custom built – Toyota Land cruiser: Pop-up Roof, Opening Sliding windows, Seat Belts, Heavy duty wheels, and Extra Fuel tanks. Refrigerator for cooling drinks, one pair of binoculars per couple, Eco-friendly Trash Bag. Wi-Fi onboard during the safari, Charging Outlets type Plug G for charging Cameras and smartphones.
Professional English-Speaking Driver guide: A Friendly, Experienced and Passionate Driver Guide expert at a wide variety of skills: Flora and Fauna, the country’s cultural and natural history.
All park entrance fees to include government taxes mentioned in the itinerary
High-end accommodations and all meals ((As specified in the day-by-day section)
Soft drinks, Coffee/tea and Water during game drives
A bottle of champagne
Daily valet laundry service.
Complimentary return airport transfers in case you desire after the trip
VIP Lounge access at the airport
Local Flights mentioned in the itinerary
Expert trip planning
24x7 support during your trip
Covid-19 whilst on the safari
Hot air balloon
A Gorilla permit of $1500

Tour Excludes

Covid-19 Test upon arrival at the airport
Tips for Guides, Rangers and hotel staff
Other personal expenses like souvenirs, alcoholic drinks and cigars
All kinds of hard drinks
Activities not included in the program
Medical Insurance
Travel Insurance

Getting here

Airlines servicing Kigali International Airport are: RwandAir, Kenya Airways, Ethiopian Airlines, Brussels Airlines, KLM, Qatar Airways and Turkish Airlines. Scheduled helicopter transfers within Rwanda are available through Akagera Aviation.

Passport and visas

Applicants should have a valid passport or another acceptable travel document. The document must have a validity of at least six months on the day of entry into Rwanda. As of 1st January 2018, nationals of all countries receive a visa on arrival at Kigali International Airport and all land borders. Visas can be applied for before departure, by submitting an application online, with the option to pay online or upon arrival.

Vaccinations

Travelers should ensure they are up to date with vaccinations, following the advice of their local healthcare provider. A certificate of yellow fever vaccination is required. At least 8 weeks before your trip, check the latest country-specific health advice from the National Travel Health Network and Centre (NaTHNaC) on the TravelHealthPro website. https://travelhealthpro.org.uk/country/187/rwanda, each country-specific page has information on vaccine recommendations, any current health risks or outbreaks, and factsheets with information on staying healthy abroad.

The greatest health risks in Rwanda are accidents and malaria. Much of Rwanda lies at too high an elevation for malaria to be a major concern, but the disease is present and prophylactic drugs are recommended. Travellers should seek professional medical advice on taking anti-malarial medicines and take precautions to avoid mosquito bites, especially between dawn and dusk.

COVID-19 Requirements

All travellers must provide printed, documented proof of a negative COVID-19 RT-PCR test, taken within 72 hours of boarding your flight to Rwanda, immediately upon arrival.

Note: The negative RT-PCR test result will be the only type accepted. Other tests, such as Rapid Diagnostics Test (RDTs), are not accepted.

All travellers are required to complete and submit a “Rwanda Passenger Locator Form” to assist in contact tracing. To access this form, please https://travel.rbc.gov.rw/travel/.

You must provide printed, documented proof of a negative COVID-19 RT-PCR test each time they visit Volcanoes and Nyungwe National Parks.  Rapid Diagnosis Test (RDTs) is accepted for check-in at any hotel or lodge and in Akagera National park

Note: all passengers arriving from or have traveled to India and Uganda in last 7 days are required to complete 7 days in mandatory quarantine upon arrival at the designated hotels. Please visit https://rbc.gov.rw/index.php?id=188 for an up-to-date list of approved. This quarantine requirement does not apply to transit passengers.

Note: COVID rules and regulations are subject to change from time to time. Get in touch with us for accurate new rules before travel.

Climate

Fractionally south of the Equator and with much of the country lying at altitude, Rwanda enjoys an agreeable tropical highland climate. Peak temperatures rarely exceed 30°C (86°F) in the daytime or drop below 15°C (59°F) at night. Akagera is generally the warmest and the Virunga Mountains the coolest and the average daily temperature in Kigali is 21°C (70°F). There are two rainy seasons in a year, from mid-February to May and mid-September to mid-December. The dry season, from June to mid-September, sees light cloud cover and occasional light rainfall. The roads and paths tend to be easier to navigate in this period

Money

The Rwandan franc (Rfw) is the principal currency, although US dollars are widely accepted. Expect to pay for local services in cash, in Rwandan francs. Dollar series of 2006 below are note accepted in national park and for exchange they have a lesser exchange value together with smaller notes below 50$. A growing number of places accept credit and debit cards, with Visa being more widely accepted than Mastercard. It’s best to check when making a booking. Cash can be exchanged at banks and private forex bureaux (bureau de change) but Both are closed on Sundays and public holidays. ATMs can be found in Kigali and nearly all major cities. It may be impossible to exchange traveler’s cheques away from the capital. Western Union facilities are common.

Electricity:  230v 50Hz

Time:  GMT + 2:00

Telephone:  International telephone code +250

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Getting there

All international flights only have safe landing at Entebbe International Airport which is the only international airport in the country. Direct flights are available from London by British Airways, Brussels by Brussels Airlines, Istanbul by Turkish Airlines, and Amsterdam by KLM Royal Dutch Airlines. There are direct flights from Doha by Qatar Airways, Dubai by Emirates Airlines. Inter-Africa airlines include; Ethiopian Airlines, South African Airways, Egypt Air, Air Tanzania, Air Uganda, Kenya Airways, Rwandair Express, Fly 540, and Precision Airlines.

Passport and Visas

To enter Uganda, a passport valid for at least 6 months from the date of entry is required by all nationalities.  All persons intending to come to Uganda for holiday, tourism, business, study, visit, medical are required to apply and obtain a visa online. https://visas.immigration.go.ug/#/apply.  You can also apply for an East African Tourist Visa. This is valid for 90 days and allows multiple entry into Kenya, Rwanda and Uganda. Please be aware that E-Visas are valid for 90 days after issuance. Therefore, do not apply for your E-Visa too far in advance.

NOTE: Applicants are required to upload a copy of their International Certificate of YELLOW FEVER Vaccination when applying for their Uganda tourist visa. If

Vaccinations

At least 8 weeks before your trip, check the latest country-specific health advice from the National Travel Health Network and Centre (NaTHNaC) on the TravelHealthPro website. https://travelhealthpro.org.uk/country/231/uganda , each country-specific page has information on vaccine recommendations, any current health risks or outbreaks, and factsheets with information on staying healthy abroad.

A yellow fever vaccination is currently required of ALL travellers in order to enter Uganda. The vaccine must be administered at least 10 days prior to your arrival, and you must carry an International Certificate of Vaccination provided by your physician; without it, you may be denied entry.

COVID-19 requirement

All travelers entering Uganda via Entebbe International Airport must provide printed, documented proof of a negative COVID-19 RT-PCR test taken within 72 hours of boarding their flight to Uganda. Any person failing to present a negative COVID-19 PCR test result will not be allowed to enter the country. • All travelers must take an additional COVID-19 RT-PCR on arrival. The testing is performed at a facility near Entebbe International Airport and guests must wait (approximately 2-4 hours) for their result. If the result is negative, guests may continue with their scheduled journey.

Note: COVID rules and regulations are subject to change from time to time. Get in touch with us for accurate new rules before travel.

Climate

It is sunny and green all year round with two distinct rainy seasons stretching from March to May and September to November. However, rain can occur at any time. The temperature average is 27C with the highest being 31C in the Karamoja and Kasese regions and the lowest being 15C in Kabale.

Money

American Express, Discover Cards and Mastercard’s are rarely accepted, except in few places. Visa Cards are readily accepted. Some large hotels, restaurants, travel agencies and shops in the urban areas accept credit cards. Traveler’s cheques are not widely accepted outside Kampala.

Time zone:  GMT +3:00

Electricity:  Uganda operates on a 240V supply voltage and 50Hz. the associated plug type is G, which is the plug that has three rectangular pins in a triangular pattern.

Telephone:  International telephone code +256

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Getting Here

Most major European and African airlines—including Kenya Airways—fly into Jomo Kenyatta International Airport in Nairobi, which is Kenya’s main airport. Kenya Airways also flies nonstop from the U.S (New York). The fastest routes to Nairobi are usually two nonstop legs routed through London or another European city such as Amsterdam, Frankfurt or Paris. Other possible connections are available through the Middle East, Qatar and Dubai; and via Asia, Kenya Airways has flights between Nairobi and Bangkok, Hanoi, Hong Kong and Guangzhou in China.

 Airports in Kenya:

  • Jomo Kenyatta International Airport (JKIA), Nairobi.
  • Moi International Airport, Mombasa.
  • Wilson Airport, Nairobi.

Passport and Visa

To enter Kenya a valid passport and must be valid for six months after the return of your journey and should also have sufficient blank visa pages for entry and exit stamps. Please note that it is the guest’s sole responsibility to acquire the appropriate valid travel documents. If you do not have the proper documentation, you may be denied boarding or entry without a refund. You can apply for your e-Visa online fast and safely – anywhere and anytime and get it within 48 hours www.evisa.go.ke. You must produce a printed copy of the e-visa at check-in or you won’t be allowed to travel. The e-visa is valid for 90 days from the date of approval – not from the date of arrival in Kenya – which can take up to seven days.

Vaccination

A Yellow vaccination certificate is required ONLY if you are travelling from The CDC and WHO each provide a current list of all affected countries. If vaccination for yellow fever is necessary, you must carry an International Certificate of Vaccination provided by your physician; you may be denied entry without it. If your physician advises against receiving the vaccination because of your personal medical history, he or she can provide you with the necessary documentation for the country/countries you are visiting.

At least 8 weeks before your trip, check the latest country-specific health advice from the National Travel Health Network and Centre (NaTHNaC) on the TravelHealthPro website. https://travelhealthpro.org.uk/country/117/kenya, each country-specific page has information on vaccine recommendations, any current health risks or outbreaks, and factsheets with information on staying healthy abroad.

COVID Test requirements for arriving passengers

Passengers must have a negative PCR based Covid-19 certificate carried out within 96 hours prior to the departure date. The mandatory Ministry of Health Travellers Health Surveillance online Form must be filled out and submitted prior to travel. The online form should be accessed from the Ministry of Health website: https://ears.health.go.ke/airline_registration/. After submitting the travel surveillance form, Passengers are advised to download the QR code. Passengers will be required to display the received QR codes to port health officials on arrival for them to be allowed to proceed to arrival immigration. Arriving passengers will be required to undergo a 14-day quarantine except if they are coming from the exempted countries. COVID rules and regulations are subject to change from time to time. Get in touch with us for accurate new rules before travel.

Getting around in Kenya

The entry point into Kenya is usually via the capital city, Nairobi. Most safari and domestic flights leave from Wilson Airport, 6 km south of the city. Some parks are easy to get to by road, whereas others are best accessed by air.

Climate

The cost is always hot with an average daytime temperature of 27-31 degrees centigrade whilst the average daytime temperature in Nairobi is 21-26 degrees centigrade. Temperatures elsewhere depend on altitude. July and August mark the Kenya winter. Typically, January-February is dry, March-May is wet, June-September is dry, and October-December is wet.

Time

GMT +3 all year-round. Kenya maintains an almost constant 12 hours of daylight, sun-up and sun-down being at around 6.30 and 18.45 daily, and varying only by 30 minutes during the year.

Currency

Kenya has a cash-based economy. Cash transactions can be made in U.S. dollars or local currency (Kenyan Shillings), U.S. dollars should be recently issued bills in smaller denominations. Access to ATM machines is available in Nairobi but limited in rural areas. All major international cards are accepted.

Language

English (official), Kiswahili (national), multiple ethnic language (Bantu, Cushitic and Nilotic language group).

Electricity:  220-220 volts, with standard 13-amp square three-pin plugs

Telephone:  International telephone code +254

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