Ruaridh Nicoll is the world’s biggest ponce. Besides contriving to drive from Stamford to Melton through Quorn and Bourne, which suggests he employed David Blunkett as a map-reader, he asks (via) “what good has ever come from Leicestershire?”
Apart from parliamentary democracy, the English language, multi-celled life, selective breeding, the theory of evolution, the abolition of the slave trade, the Whig view of history, the Greatest Living Englishman, tourism, the Quakers, the state of Connecticut, DADGAD, anaesthetics, Stilton cheese, pork pies, crisps, Blue Peter, Monty Python, BBC 2, Match of the Day, televised snooker, The Queen, Brighton Rock, Gandhi, extreme ironing, Philip Larkin, Adrian Mole, Inspector Morse, Loot, DNA profiling, England’s most capped footballer, captain of England’s rugby world cup-winning team and Carla Connor, we have also given the world a sexual technique. Next time your good lady is giving you oral relief, ask her to say “Showaddywaddy.”
Never march on China or Moscow, never brazenly attack Leicestershire.
Posted by: jameshigham | December 08, 2008 at 02:32 PM
Oral relief.. is that not talking to you?
Posted by: kinglear | December 08, 2008 at 02:41 PM
As well as being a ponce, half-pint drinker Ruaridh Nicoll is the travel writer equivalent of Jay Rayner. As for Lestasha, I'm quite fond of it myself.
Posted by: Francis Sedgemore | December 08, 2008 at 02:58 PM
You missed: translation of the Bible into English, Lucky Jim, Laurie Taylor, lizard conspiracy theory, Colin Wilson, CP Snow, Gordon Banks, Ladybird books, JT Edson, Stephen Frears, Simon Hoggart, Daniel Lambert (see Stilton cheese, pork pies and crisps), Julian Barnes, Thomas the Tank Engine (work that one out).
Anthony Burgess briefly lived in Leicester and wrote about this watering hole:
http://www.everards.co.uk/pubs/black_horse_15/
Posted by: Charlieman | December 08, 2008 at 08:42 PM
You overlooked a few: according to Geoffrey of Monmouth, the original King Lear came from Leicester.
Leicestershire has been at several epoch-changing turning points of history: Richard III was killed in 1485 at the Battle of Bosworth, which is just outside Leicester, and that ended the Wars of the Roses and started the illustrious Tudor Dynasty.
In the civil war in mid 17th century, the City of Leicester was for Parliament while Nottingham, to the north, was for the King. The critical Battle of Naseby 1645 was fought just south of the Northamptonshire border with Leicestershire.
Leicester has a long history of enterprise. Thomas Cook, the ubiquitous travel agent, launched the first railway excursion there in 1841 and Halford's also started in Leicester, as did Jessop's, the photographic equipment chain the head office of which is still in Leicester. And then there is the extraordinary story of Cooke Optics and the Lens which won an Oscar:
http://www.cookeoptics.com/cooke.nsf/press/wsjeuro3232000
"Business life prospered in the city especially from the late 19th century to the early 20th century. As a result, in the 1930s Leicester – according to some per capita estimates – was one of the wealthiest cities in Europe."
http://users.utu.fi/ajnyga/icohtec2006/new/leicester.php
The old Leicestershire County Council, a high Tory authority, was one of the pioneers of comprehensive education in Britain. The first comprehensive upper high school in the Leicestershire Plan, Oadby Beauchamp, opened in 1958.
Queen Elizabeth I was a wise monarch. She never travelled further north in her kingdom than the city of Leicester.
Btw Malcolm Bradbury, the novelist, was a graduate of University College, Leicester. His novel: Eating People Is Wrong, is loosely based on the college. Alan Walters, Mrs Thatcher's personal economic adviser, was also a graduate of the University College, as was Prof Brian Tew who was one of the three economists who worked in the Ministry of Aircraft Production during WW2 - Beaverbrook was the minister.
Posted by: Bob B | December 08, 2008 at 10:16 PM
More illustrious sons of Leicestershire:
William Cooper (Harry Hoff) - novelist: Scenes from Provincial Life, Scenes from Married Life
Joe Orton - playwright: Entertaining Mr Sloane, Loot . .
Posted by: Bob B | December 08, 2008 at 10:45 PM
Ruaridh Nicoll may be the world's biggest ponce, I'm not qualified to say. But I do know that he is the Comment Editor of the Observer. Recently he said to me, 'I think Chris Dillow's brilliant, do you know how to reach him so I can get to write for us for money.'
The deal is this. I don't draw this post to his attention.
You buy me four pints of bitter and a bag of nuts.
I'll pass on the oral relief if it's all the same to you.
Posted by: Nick Cohen | December 09, 2008 at 12:27 AM
“what good has ever come from Leicestershire?”
He probably wasn't thinking further than Patricia Hewitt and Keith Vaz.
Posted by: Bob B | December 09, 2008 at 12:37 AM
Don't you live in Rutland?
Posted by: Jackart | December 09, 2008 at 08:48 AM
Isaac Newton was born just over the border with Lincolnshire, a handicap he managed to overcome.
Posted by: Chunter | December 09, 2008 at 10:44 AM
Have they yet mounted a Blue Plaque in Leicestershire at the place where Alastair Campbell used to live or is there just a black mark with the number: 666 ?
Posted by: Bob B | December 09, 2008 at 11:28 AM
Not all Stilton comes from Leicestershire. The two best ones, IMHO, come from Nottinghamshire; Cropwell Bishop and Colston Bassett.
Posted by: Account Deleted | December 09, 2008 at 01:54 PM
Btw Alan Walters, Mrs Thatcher's personal economic adviser, was one of the early pioneers of the theory underpinning road pricing and charging for traffic congestion:
Track Costs and Motor Taxation, Journal of Industrial Economics (1954), The Theory and Measurement of Private and Social Cost of Highway Congestion, Econometrica (1961), and The Economics of Road User Charges (John Hopkins University Press, 1969)
Posted by: Bob B | December 09, 2008 at 02:49 PM
I spent 2 years doing an MA at Leicester Poly before it turned it into ane o' they pretendy universities. There's absolutely nothing wrong with Leicester, it's just a bit... average. The main things I remember, apart from The Human League playing everywhere I went (guess the period!), was being called "ducks", and being handed a badge outside the local tourist office which had possibly the worst slogan in the history of tourism promotion: "Leicester is bester". Awright ducks!
Posted by: grimble | December 09, 2008 at 07:07 PM
After 2 or 3 years of refraining from comment, may I break silence and say simply: Amen.
Posted by: Blimpish | December 09, 2008 at 09:45 PM
Nick,
given that Chris's email address is in the right hand top corner and is easily visible to the naked eye, that Ruaridh Nicoll qualifies as a bit the wrong side of literate.
Posted by: Peter Briffa | December 10, 2008 at 12:36 PM
Ah, Blimpish, so you are still alive.
Isn't it about time you started blogging again?
Posted by: Account Deleted | December 10, 2008 at 04:36 PM
Peter,
Of course he's on the wrong side, he's the comment editor of a national newspaper, what do you expect him to be? Henry James?
Posted by: Nick Cohen | December 10, 2008 at 09:51 PM
Alison King alone would be enough.
Posted by: gordon | December 12, 2008 at 10:06 AM
Hewitt doesn't come from Leicestershire - she comes from Australia.
Don't forget Heskey. Or FJ Gould, come to that.
If Nicoll really said that about getting hold of Chris D (and I'd need confirmation from a reliable source), he's even stupider than I thought.
Posted by: Chris Williams | December 12, 2008 at 11:15 AM
God, you fess up to a childhood prejudice, you travel to some Godforsaken backwater of Englandshire and you write NICE THINGS ABOUT IT and look what happens.
Did William Cooper really come from Leicestershire? Okay, I take it all back.
Ruaridh
Posted by: Ruaridh Nicoll | January 12, 2009 at 02:29 PM
feel free to ask questions or offer suggestions
Posted by: natural world mombasa safaris | January 19, 2009 at 12:24 PM
mombasa and Kenya coast beach holiday safaris to Tsavo ,Amboseli,Masai mara,lake Nakuru,samburu,Ngorongoro,Kilimanjaro,Lamu,Zanzibar.
Posted by: Humphrey Ndara | June 04, 2009 at 10:45 AM
Welcome to Natural World Mombasa Safaris
....…join our list of satisfied safari participants.
Our mission
To provide affordable wildlife safaris, tours and adventures to individuals, couples, families, seniors, students and small groups on beach holidays at the Mombasa and Kenya coast beach hotels.
Our vision
To make a name as a value for money economy safari operator by consistently providing safari services, adventures and excursions to our clients on Kenya & Tanzania safaris.
Established in 2002 and backed by over 40 years of combined professional safari experience, Natural World Mombasa safaris has rightfully staked a claim in the Mombasa & Kenya coast tourism market.
Natural World Mombasa Safaris is a mid-level economy tour operator with a strong bias on the traditional and tested safari routes, circuits and destinations.
Families, individuals, couples, seniors and small groups of same shared interests make the bulk of our visitors. This is in harmony with our modest size which enables us provide visitors with that personal interaction that is essential when in a foreign destination.
Where special interests require more or less than offered on our regular safari packages, Natural World Mombasa Safaris custom designs family, individual, couples and small groups safaris. We include your interests, duration of safari and budget. We advice on the logistics, routing and schedule to your complete satisfaction.
Our safari transport fleet consists of customized safari minibuses, 8 seater's with open roof hatches for all round views. Each safari utility minibus has a cool box on board.
4 wheel drive land cruisers are utilized on request at a supplementary cost. We maintain a dedicated team of professional driver guides who form a pool of knowledge on routes, destinations, wildlife, history, scenery and local cultures.
It is the driver/guides that you spend your most exciting safari days with.
Natural World Mombasa safaris utilizes varied accommodation styles as reflected on units mentioned in our itineraries.
Luxury bush camps and lodges, economy lodges and camps, eco-lodges and camps together with fly camp accommodation on budget camping safaris are utilized on request.
At the Kenya coast, beach hotels in different class ratings, beach apartments and self catering cottages are utilized.
Where chosen itineraries have far flung interest destinations, local and regional connections are either by road, air/flight or the historical Mombasa-Nairobi overnight train.
In whatever style or budget, your holiday safari in both Kenya and Tanzania will be adequately catered for.
Posted by: Natural World Mombasa safaris. | June 04, 2009 at 10:50 AM
2 Days Tsavo East - By Road
On Safari remember...
"..Respect the privacy of the
wildlife...This is their habitat"
Departs and terminates in Mombasa, Kenya
From our Mombasa Kenya Safari directory, our 2 days, 1 overnight Mombasa Tsavo East National Park Kenyan safari.
An opportunity to spend a quality and quantity 24 hours within the Tsavo East, Kenya’s’ Largest national park with game viewing drives for wildlife and scenery viewing.
An ideal 2 days 1 overnight safari raster for all visitor categories including families and students.
This safari journey is by road.
Popular with visitors on Kenya Coast charter vacation holidays from Europe, cruise passengers and crew on Mombasa Port calls, and independent tourists at the Kenyan Coast.
Departs from Mombasa city, Mombasa Port, Nyali Beach, Bamburi Beach, Shanzu beach, Kikambala beach, Kilifi beach, Watamu Beach, Diani Beach, Tiwi beach hotels, cottages and villas Kenya.
Book in advance or as a last minute Mombasa Kenya Natural World Safaris, safari deal.
Highlights:
African Homesteads & lifestyles en-route.
Maybe your first in life encounter with Africa’s limitless expanses of the wild.
Herds of elephants, Buffalo, Antelopes, Zebra, Warthog, Giraffe, Lions, or maybe Cheetah
The hospitable Kenyan culture, together with the sense of jungle comfort and culinary variety in our accommodation bases.
Departure Times : South Coast Hotels Appr. 0600Hrs.
: North Coast Hotels Appr. 0730Hrs.
GROUP DEPARTURE DAYS : Mondays & Wednesdays & Fridays
DAY 1: MOMBASA – TSAVO EAST. (120 KMS - Appx 2½ hours)
Our 2 days 1 overnight Mombasa Tsavo East National park road safari begins with a pick up from Mombasa and the Kenyan Coast beach hotels.
Pick up from your hotel for the inland journey via the Mombasa - Nairobi highway. The 120km - 2hrs dawn journey to Tsavo East takes us to the southern entry point of the Bachuma gate where we stop briefly for refreshments.
We commence game viewing on entry in the direction of our choice accommodation base.
After check-in, we will freshen up and enjoy a buffet lunch. We relax as we adjust to the jungle environment brazing ourselves for the late afternoon game viewing drive when wild activities resume after the day’s heat lull. We later return to our accommodation bases for meals and overnight.
DAY 2. TSAVO EAST - MOMBASA (170 KMS - Appx 3 hours)
Arise with nature!!........................the 0630hrs game viewing drive allows us to have first hand that “natural experience.” We catch the African sunrise in its natural splendor as the early hunters and grazers emerge from their night hides. We will do a recap of last evening and cover more grounds in search of game before returning to our units for a welcome breakfast.
We check out of our rooms and head out for some more discoveries, sightseeing and game spotting. Lunch will be at an open plan rustic abode with overviews of the Tsavo East plains.
After lunch, we proceed to the coast to be dropped off at our respective hotels in the early evening.
Cost of arrangements per person
Red elephant, Impala lodge, Tsavo lodge, Someni lion hill : € 160
Voi Safari lodge | Voi wildlife Lodge | Aruba lodge : € 180
Budget camping (Two person tent) : € 135
NB: Indicated prices are group rates with minimum 4 persons and maximum 7 persons sharing in a safari van and 2 persons sharing in a double/twin room. Booked on a seat in a car basis.
Request for quote on a private safari option, children’s rate and low season rates.
Cost includes:-
Transport in our customized Safari mini-vans
Services of a professional driver guide.
Accommodation in your choice accommodation base
Park entrance fees
All meals on safari
Pick up and drop off at respective hotel, residence or ship.
Not included:
All bottled drinks
Items and services of a personal nature
Tips & gratuities
Natural World Mombasa Safaris
Jeneby House, Opposite Housing Finance, Moi Avenue
P. O. Box 89946, Mombasa, Kenya
Tel: +254 41 2226715
Mobile: +254 720 894 288
Skype: mombasasafaris
E-mail: [email protected]
Member:
Kenya Association of Local Tour Operators
Member:
Mombasa & Coast Tourism Association
Posted by: Natural World Mombasa safaris. | June 04, 2009 at 10:53 AM
3 Days Tsavo East / Amboseli - By Road
On Safari remember...
"..Don't drive off road...This severely damages the habitat."
Departs and terminates in Mombasa, Kenya
A popular safari offer from our Mombasa-Kenya safari directory.
The 3 days, 2 overnights Kenya coast, Tsavo East/Amboseli National park safari.
This is a road safari package that takes us for an exploratory journey to the plains of the tsavo east and the elephants and peaks of the Mount Kilimanjaro at the Amboseli National Park.
A popular class A national parks safari combining breathtaking scenery, wildlife and people.
The Mombasa, Tsavo east, amboseli is a beach to bush safari adventure departing regularly from Mombasa and the Kenya coast.
Offered with luxury lodge accommodation, luxury camp accommodation, economy lodges and camp accommodation and budget camping accommodation.
Ideal as a couples safari, friends safari, small group safari, family safari, students safari.
Popular with nationals of European countries on Kenyan coast charter package holiday vacations.
Departs from Mombasa city, Mombasa port, Nyali Beach, Bamburi beach, Shanzu beach, Kikambala beach, Tiwi beach, Diani beach, Galu beach, Msambweni beach, Kilifi beach, Watamu beach, Malindi beach hotels and cottages Kenya coast.
Book in advance or as a last minute Mombasa Kenya safari offer.
Highlights:
African homesteads &lifestyle views en-route.
1st in life encounter with Africa’s limitless expanses of the wild.
Lion, elephant, cheetah, giraffe, buffalo, antelope, warthog, monkeys, birds e.t.c.
African hospitality, innovative jungle comfort and culinary variety in our accommodation bases.
The roof of Africa, “Mt. Kilimanjaro”. The highest mountain in Africa.
DEPARTURE TIMES : South Coast hotels Appr. 0500Hrs.
North Coast hotels Appr. 0600Hrs.
GROUP DEPARTURE DAYS:
: Mondays & Fridays
DAY 1: MOMBASA - TSAVO EAST (120 kms, Appx 2½ hrs)
Our 3 days, 2 nights Kenya coast Tsavo west and amboseli safari begins from our coast beaches and Mombasa Island hotels.......
We depart from the Coast for our inland journey via the Mombasa – Nairobi highway. The 120km, 2hr safari journey takes us to the Southern entry point of the Bachuma gate where we stop briefly for refreshments. We commence game viewing drives on entry in the direction of our accommodation base. After check-in, we will freshen up and enjoy a buffet lunch. We relax and adjust to the “jungle environment” while brazing for the afternoon game viewing drive when the wild comes alive after the midday heat lull. We transverse the park, looking out for game, enjoying the scenery and taking in the splendor that the African sunset immerses the jungle in. Our expert Safari driver guides us through the tracks returning us to our bases for our evening meals and overnight.
DAY 2: TSAVO EAST - AMBOSELI (300 kms, Appx 5½ hrs)
An early date with nature!!............we will start the day with an early breakfast before setting off for Amboseli with an exit game viewing drive. The final half of the journey is dusty and bumpy…...this is an African Safari with practical adventure thrown in!
Lunch will be at our accommodation base. We freshen up and relax before venturing out for a short game viewing drive. Game is easily visible here with the domineering Mt. Kilimanjaro offering the ultimate scenic background for amateur and professional photography…… what you didn’t see at the Tsavo will definitely be found here!
Dinner and overnight will be at our base with vantage views of the roof of Africa.
DAY 3: AMBOSELI - MOMBASA (430 kms, Appx. 8½ hrs with lunch stop-over)
We will be early again! – The sunrise and emergence of the mountain peak from the clouds is dramatic. We will marvel at this scenario as we enjoy our breakfast.
We will depart the park with an en-route game viewing drive, bump it out to re-join the Nairobi – Mombasa highway and proceed to the Coast with a stopover for lunch. We will arrive in the early evening. Drop off at our respective hotels.
Cost of arrangements per person:
Oltukai Lodge / Voi Safari Lodge : € 345
Voi Safari lodge / Kibo Luxury camp / Sentrim Amboseli camp : € 310
Request for quote on private safari, children’s rate and low season rates here.......
Cost includes:-
Transport by customized safari minivan
Services of a professional driver – cum - guide
Accommodation in choice accommodation bases
Park entrance fees
All meals on safari
Pick up and drop off at respective hotels.
Natural World Mombasa Safaris
Jeneby House, Opposite Housing Finance, Moi Avenue
P. O. Box 89946, Mombasa, Kenya
Tel: +254 41 2226715
Mobile: +254 720 894 288
Skype: mombasasafaris
E-mail: [email protected]
Member:
Kenya Association of Local Tour Operators
Member:
Mombasa & Coast Tourism Association
Posted by: Natural World Mombasa safaris. | June 04, 2009 at 10:55 AM
6 Days Tsavo East, Amboseli, L. Nakuru, Masai Mara - By Road + Air or Train
Departs and terminates in Mombasa, Kenya
A 6 days, 5 overnights Mombasa Kenya, Tsavo East, amboseli, lake Nakuru, Masai Mara road and train safari package.
This is a safari adventure journey through class A national parks and game reserves by road with the overnight train experience connecting us back to Mombasa and the coast after our safari.
From the plains of the tsavo east, the peaks of the Mt. Kilimanjaro at the Amboseli, the Great rift valley escarpment, the flamingoes and rhinos of lake nakuru to the wonders of the Masai Mara, this is a perfect safari package that let’s us see Africa evolve into more scenic and wildlife wonders each day.
Accommodation is in well chosen luxury lodges, luxury camps or economy lodges and economy camps.
A popular all encompassing mid length safari, themed on wild life, scenery, people and experiences.
Chosen by middle aged European visitors on Mombasa Kenya charter holiday/vacation packages, it is an ultimate all round safari package choice.
Ideal as a family safari, couples safari, friends safari, small group bonding safari.
Best booked in advance and in groups of 4-6 persons.
Departs from Mombasa Island, Mombasa port, Bamburi beach, Nyali beach, Shanzu beach, Kikambala beach, Tiwi beach, Diani beach, Galu beach, Msambweni beach hotels, cottages, villas, private homes Kenya coast.
Highlights:
Range of tribal life styles and economic activities en-route
A cross section of Kenya’s rich diversity
Kenyan people, ranging from the Masai pastoralist's to the cosmopolitan urbanites
Mt. Kilimanjaro in all its splendor.
The Great Rift Valley.
A brief view of the capital city - Nairobi
Flamingos, Pelicans and numerous bird species at Lake Nakuru
The big five plus a complete representation of many animal species found in the region.
80% of Africa in 6 days
DEPARTURE TIMES : South Coast hotels – 0500hrs
: North Coast hotels – 0600hrs
Safari departure days
: Wednesdays & Fridays
Day 1: MOMBASA - TSAVO EAST (120 kms, Appx 2½ hrs)
Our 6 days, 5 nights Mombasa Kenya-Tsavo east, amboseli, Lake Nakuru, Masai Mara road and train safari package begins with an early pick up from Mombasa and the Kenya coastal beaches.......
We depart our hotel on the inland journey via the Mombasa - Nairobi highway. The 120km - 2hrs dawn journey takes us to the southern entry point of the Bachuma gate where we stop briefly for refreshments. We commence game viewing drives on entry in the direction of our accommodation base.
After check-in, we will freshen up and enjoy a buffet lunch. We relax and adjust to the “jungle environment” awaiting the afternoon drive when the wild game comes alive after the mid-day heat lull. We transverse the park looking out for game, drinking at the scenery and marveling at the splendor that the African sunset immerses the jungle in. Our expert safari driver guide takes us through the tracks, returning us to our bases for our evening meals and overnight.
Day 2: TSAVO EAST - AMBOSELI (300 kms, Appx 5½ hrs)
An early date with nature! We start the day with an early breakfast later setting off for Amboseli with an exit game viewing drive en-route. The later part of the days journey is bumpy and dusty but the scenic drama more than compensates for the ride. “This is an Africa safari with adventure thrown in”
Mid-day finds us at the floors of the Kilimanjaro. Check-in, freshen up and relax before venturing out on a short, concentrated game viewing drive. Game at Amboseli is easily visible with the majestic Mt. Kilimanjaro offering the ultimate backdrop for both amateur and professional photographers. What you missed at the Tsavo will definitely be found here!
Dinner and overnight will be at our base with vantage views of the roof of Africa.
Day 3: AMBOSELI - LAKE NAKURU (420 kms, Appx 7 hrs)
Today we start with an early breakfast. The drive will be long but most of it on tarmac. We shall follow the Mombasa – Nairobi highway stopping for lunch en-route. The drive is scenic with a glimpse of the capital city, a real contrast to the “safari wild”. Coffee and tea plantations and local subsistence farms canopy the red volcanic soils of the central highlands. We stop to marvel at the sheer drop of the Rift Valley and the change in climatic zones, via the Lakes Naivasha and Elmenteita to arrive at our accommodation base in the late afternoon. Time permitting; an induction drive around the lake. Meals and overnight at our accommodation base.
Day 4: LAKE NAKURU - MASAI MARA (280 kms, Appx 5½ hrs)
Great moments will be spent around Lake Nakuru National Park with its millions of flamingoes, pelicans and a great variety of bird species. The Lake Nakuru National Park is host to a Rhino Sanctuary and other animal species. We will break for lunch before proceeding to the Masai Mara game reserve. Arrival at Masai Mara will be in the early evening with an en-route game viewing towards the direction of our accommodation base. Meals and overnight at our base.
Day 5: MASAI MARA
Wake up at dawn. Its pure wildlife and scenery indulgence today. The Mara eco-system hosts the highest concentration of game per sq. km. than any other park in the region. We will choose to take picnic lunches or return to our base for lunch. Whichever way, the Mara will satiate everyone’s game viewing appetite. Dinner and overnight at the Mara.
Day 6: MASAI MARA – NAIROBI - MOMBASA
(Masai Mara to Nairobi 265 kms, Appx. 5hrs)
Our last day on safari! We start with a pre-breakfast game viewing drive returning to our base for breakfast. Check out will be followed by an extra mid-day farewell wrap up of this magnificent wildlife abode. We will enjoy our lunch and later proceed to Nairobi to arrive in the late afternoon.
For those returning to the Coast by air – transfer to the Nairobi airport for departure on Kenya Airways for the 1 hour flight.
1900hrs: Depart Nairobi for Mombasa.
2000hrs: Arrive Mombasa Airport. Met and transferred to your hotel.
For those returning to the Coast on the overnight train – transfer to the Nairobi Railway station.
1900hrs: Depart for Mombasa. Dinner, bedding's and breakfast on board.
Day 7: MOMBASA (On the overnight train option)
0830hrs: Arrive Mombasa Railway station. Met and transferred to your hotel.
Cost of arrangements Per Person:
Up market lodges and camps - per person:
: € 895
Economy lodges and camps - per person : € 825
NB: Prices quoted are based on 4-6 persons sharing in a safari van and per person sharing in a double room. Prices are subject to change without notice.
Luxury Lodges used include: Keekorok Lodge, Mara Sopa, Mara Simba, and Fig Tree Camp. Mid-level lodges include Mara Hippo, David Livingstone Lodge and Olare Safari Camp.
Arrangement includes:-
Transport in safari designed mini van with pop-up roof
Park entrance fees and campsite fees for campers.
Accommodation at your choice accommodation bases.
Services of a professional driver guide
All meals on safari
Tickets Nairobi – Mombasa by train or air
Transfers: Hotel – Airport/Railway station - Hotel
Cost does not include:
Items and services of a personal nature.
All bottled drinks
Sleeping bags for those on Masai Mara budget camping option.
Tips & gratuities to driver guide.
Posted by: Natural World Mombasa safaris. | June 04, 2009 at 10:57 AM
3 Days Masai Mara - By Air
Departs and terminates in Mombasa, Kenya
From our Mombasa Kenya safari directory.
A 3 days 2 nights direct Mombasa Masai Mara air/flight safari.
This is a regular coastal direct Masai Mara air/flight 3days, 2 nights safari package with overviews of a cross section of Kenya.
Luxury bush lodges and luxury bush camps at the Masai Mara game reserve conduct game viewing drives in 4 wheel cruisers on a seat in car basis.
Ideal for seniors, couples, individuals, family friends and small groups.
Departs from Mombasa coastal city, Nyali Beach, Bamburi beach, Shanzu beach, Kilifi beach hotels Kenya.
Best booked well in advance or as a last minute Natural World Safaris Mombasa Kenya Masai Mara direct air safari.
Highlights:
Views of the Kilimanjaro on board flight to Nairobi
Over views of the varied landscapes of Kenya including the Great Rift Valley.
Wildlife extravaganza at the Masai Mara on game viewing drives.
4 wheel drive game viewing on a sit in car basis.
6 Game viewing drives plus a short en-route game drive from airstrip
Elephants, Lions, Cheetah, Giraffe, Warthog, Buffalo, Antelopes, Monkeys, Birds and many more.
Departure Times : South Coast hotels Appr. 0700 Hrs.
: North Coast hotels Appr. 0630 Hrs.
Departure Days : Upon request
Minimum number of persons : No minimum
DAY1: MOMBASA - NAIROBI - MASAI MARA (Nairobi to Masai Mara 265kms)
Our 3 days 2 nights Kenya Coast Masai Mara direct air/flight safari begins with an early pick up transfer to the Moi airport, Ukunda airstrip or Mailindi airport for the air/flight to the Masai Mara game reserve……
We will be collected from our hotels and transferred to our respective airports. Moi Airport for those staying at the North Coast and Ukunda Airstrip for those staying at Diani/Tiwi.
Appr. 0800hrs. Depart the coast for the Masai Mara game reserve on the regular charter flights.
En-route views of the Mt. Kilimanjaro and Kenyan Landscapes on board.
Appr. 1030hrs. Arrive Masai Mara airstrip. Met by your camp or lodge hosts for a transfer to your overnight base. A short game viewing drive en-route, Lunch at the base. Afternoon game viewing drive. Meals and overnight at your accommodation base.
DAY 2: AT THE MASAI MARA
Day spent at the Masai Mara with game viewing drives; 3 game drives have been scheduled for today. The Masai Mara eco-system hosts the highest concentration of wild game than any other park in the region. It’s tree studded typical African savannah layout, the cool and ideal climate together with the profusion of game makes it a one stop wildlife viewing destination: All meals and overnight will be at your accommodation base.
DAY 3: MASAI MARA - NAIROBI - MOMBASA (Masai Mara - Nairobi 265 kms)
Early pre-breakfast game drive. Breakfast at base. Extra game viewing drive after breakfast. Lunch at your base. Later transfer to the respective airstrip.
Appr. 1400hrs. Depart Masai Mara for the Coast
Appr. 1630hrs. Arrive Moi or Ukunda airstrips.
Met and transferred to your respective hotels.
Cost of safari per person (in Euro) staying at:
Livingstone Lodge
€ 655
Mara Serena Lodge
€ 805
Olare Samba Camp
€ 610
Mara Safari Club € 840
Governers Camp
€ 975
Kichwa Tembo Camp
€ 820
NB: request for low season and children’s rate.
Cost includes:-
Transfers: Hotel – Airport – Airstrip – Hotel
Game viewing drives.
Accommodation on chosen bases: lodges or camps.
Park entrance fees
Pick up and drop off at the Masai Mara airstrips
All meals on safari
Cost does not include:
Items and services of a personal nature
Tips & gratuities
Bottled drinks
Posted by: Natural World Mombasa safaris. | June 04, 2009 at 10:58 AM
4 Days Masai Mara & Lake Nakuru - Budget Camping (By Air, Road & Train)
Departs and terminates in Mombasa, Kenya
The 4 days, 3 overnights, Mombasa Kenya, Masai Mara, Lake Nakuru, air, road and train budget camping safari package.
This is an economy/budget camping safari adventure from the coastal beaches of Kenya covering the great Masai Mara game reserve and the lake nakuru national park, world famous for it’s hundreds of thousands of flamingoes and other bird species.
Accommodation is in budget walk in tents at permanent camps at the Masai Mara and at a budget modest hotel in Nakuru next to the lake.
An easy paced 3 nights 4 days road safari with air and train connections from Mombasa and the coastal beaches to Nairobi.
This is a popular budget friendly safari package with European visitors on charter holiday/vacation packages to the Kenya coast.
Ideal as a student safari, small group safari, family safari, couples safari.
Departs from, Mombasa Island, Mombasa port, Bamburi beach, Nyali beach, shanzu beach, kikambala beach, tiwi beach, diani beach, galu beach, msambweni beach hotels, cottages, villas, private homes Kenya coast.
Highlights:
Morning views of Kilimanjaro peaks on board flight to Nairobi
The “lunatic express” experience overnight train
A glimpse of the capital city, Nairobi
The Great Rift Valley
Rift Valley Lakes – Naivasha, Elmenteita, and Lake Nakuru
Flamingos, pelicans and hundreds of other bird species
Tea, coffee, and subsistence farms en-route
The “big five” and a great number of other animal species
DEPARTURE TIMES : South Coast hotels – 0330hrs
: North Coast hotels – 0415hrs
Safari departure days
: Tuesdays & Fridays
Day 1: MOMBASA - NAIROBI - MASAI MARA (Nairobi to Masai Mara 265 kms, Appx. 5½ hrs with stop-overs)
Our 4 days, 3 nights Mombasa Kenya, Masai Mara, lake nakuru air, road and train budget camping safari package begins with an early pick up transfer to Moi airport Mombasa where we catch the dawn flight to Nairobi to connect with our driver guide and transport to the Masai Mara or Lake nakuru.......
We will be collected from our respective Coastal hotels and transferred to the Moi Airport Mombasa.
0600hrs: We depart on Kenya Airways for the 1-hour flight to Nairobi.
0700hrs: Arrival in Nairobi to be met by our safari driver guide and safari mini-van. A brief stopover for breakfast is allowed. The drive to the Masai Mara takes us through the Central highlands of the country with views of coffee, tea and subsistence crop plantations. There will be stopovers to marvel at the Great Rift Valley escarpment and other scenic attractions. We will proceed through Masai country with lunch en-route to arrive at our Masai Mara camp in the late afternoon. Game viewing will be en-route camp. Meals and overnight at our camp.
Day 2: AT THE MASAI MARA
Game viewing extravaganza! Whatever pundits say, Masai Mara remains the most exciting wildlife eco-system in the world. The reserve hosts the highest concentration of wild animals per sq. km than any other park in the region. The scenic appeal of this tree studded savannah, its’ modest temperatures and diversity of wild game species makes the reserve a one stop shop for game viewing. We shall transverse the reserve on unlimited game viewing drives in search of the big five and more species of the lesser games. Our mid-day meals will either be picnic or at camp. Dinner and overnight at your camp.
Day 3: MASAI MARA - LAKE NAKURU (280 kms, Appx. 5 hrs)
Last day at Masai Mara. We will start at dawn to catch the sunrise and early hunters and grazers. We return to our camp for breakfast. A mid-morning wrap-up drive will bring us back for an early lunch. We depart Masai Mara for the Lake Nakuru. We will stop for views of Lake Naivasha and Elmenteita. Arrival at Lake Nakuru in the late afternoon. Time permitting; a short drive around the lake will be conducted.
Meals and overnight at a budget lake side hotel.
Day 4: LAKE NAKURU – NAIROBI (170 kms, Appx. 3 hrs)
Today we start with an early breakfast. It’s an ornithologists and game watchers day. Hundreds of thousands of flamingos canopy the shallow edges of the lake. Pelicans and hundreds of other bird species will be seen. The adjacent park hosts both the black and white rhino, lions, warthogs, antelopes, baboons and many other animals. Lunch at our hotel.
We depart after lunch for Nairobi on a leisurely scenic viewing drive to arrive at the city in the late afternoon. We will then transfer to the railway station.
1900hrs: Depart Nairobi on the overnight train, 1st class. Dinner, bedding's and breakfast on board.
DAY 5: MOMBASA
0830hrs : Arrival Mombasa railway station, met and transferred to our respective hotels.
Cost of arrangements per person:
Budget camping
: € 460
Prices quoted are group rates in a seat in car basis and are subject to change without notice.
Request for a private safari quote.......
Cost includes:-
Air ticket Mombasa-Nairobi: Train ticket 1st class Nairobi - Mombasa
Transfers. Hotel – Airport –Railway Station - Hotel
Safari transport in custom designed minivan with pop-up-roof
Services of a professional driver guide
All meals on safari
Park entrance fees and campsite fees.
Accommodation in our 2 person tent.
Cost does not include:
Items and services of a personal nature.
All bottled drinks & Sleeping bags.
Tips & gratuities to driver guide.
Posted by: Natural World Mombasa safaris. | June 04, 2009 at 11:02 AM