With long-haul travel paused for much of 2020, there is no doubt that wildlife has been blossoming in the Naibosho Conservancy, and in the waters off the Kenyan coast. While wildlife enthusiasts have missed out on witnessing the dramatic wildebeest and whale migrations in 2020, this is the perfect time to get ahead and secure your spot for 2021. The Hemingways Collection has put together the perfect holiday to experience two dramatic wildlife experiences in Kenya between July to September, viewing both the wildebeest crossings in the Mara and humpback whale migration on the coast at Watamu, all in one week. First for the wildebeest – head out from Ol Seki Hemingways Mara after an early breakfast to await the dramatic crossing of hundreds of wildebeest at the Mara River. On the way, enjoy the chance to see cheetah, lion, giraffe and elephant before arriving at the river with the hope of witnessing nature at its most dramatic. The danger of crossing the river means that the wildebeest wait on the banks until the pressure of animals behind force the crossing. Here come hundreds to thousands of wildebeest leaping through the river on a bid to get to the other side as fast as possible. Lunch can be taken at the river, or the Hemingways team will set up a shaded lunch spot so that guests can stretch their legs. After an unforgettable day enjoying the wildebeest and wildlife, head back to stay in one of Ol Seki’s ten luxury safari tents, each with 270º views over the Mara plains, and enjoy the warmest Kenyan hospitality with breathtaking views and a sundowner on the fire deck before dinner. Next, fly down to the Kenyan coast to stay at Hemingways Watamu. Here, humpback whales migrate in large numbers just beyond the reef. The most majestic animals in the ocean, the whales make their annual migration north from Antarctica to the warm tropical inner reefs for protection, making the return 4,000km journey in October. Head out to sea on Hemingways’ own deep-sea fishing boats for a private experience and watch as the whales make their journey. Pilot whales and orca can occasionally be seen, whilst dolphins, turtles and a host of sea birds are resident all year round. Returning to the hotel late in the morning, guests will be able to throw a line or two over the side to see if they can catch their lunch. Fingers crossed for a dorado, or a wahoo… The humpback whales can sometimes be seen from the land in Watamu as you sip a cold beer at Hemingways legendary bar. The hotel is on a 7km stretch of tropical beach, shaded by lazy palms – a wonderful spot for romantic strolls along the sand, or just to kick back and slow down with the family. The hotel is set within the Watamu Marine National Park – home to turtles, barracuda, whale shark and wonderful coral reefs. Spend days snorkelling on the reef, learning to dive, paddle board, or on dhow boat trips. Offered exclusively by Hemingways Collection, the combination of the hump back whale migration and the wildebeest migration brings together two of nature’s most spectacular events in one week. Book now for summer 2021!
Hemingways Collection (hemingways-collection.com) can arrange a Double Migration trip from $3,360 per person, based on two sharing. This 7 night / 8 day trip includes three nights at Hemingways Ol Seki Mara (full board including house drinks plus one shared vehicle with one full day in the park), four nights at Hemingways Watamu in an Ocean View room (B&B basis including two whale watching trips and one snorkeling trip), domestic flights (via Nairobi) and airport transfers. Subject to availability.
Bookings are fully cancellable up to 30 day prior to travel, should the trip be disrupted due to Covid-19.