Excursion Overland experience: masai maara world - "mara bushtops” exclusive safari tour at Mahe Island
Cruise line: SilverseaDifficulty:
The Masai Mara is the jewel in Kenya's wildlife crown. The reserve features wide open grassland, gently rolling hills and is bisected by numerous rivers. The diversity, and density, of the wildlife is second to none. The Masai Mara got its name from the Masai people who call this stunning corner of Kenya home. Whilst here you will encounter a vast array of wildlife the likes of which you will not see elsewhere. The jewel in Africa's safari crown, Maasai Mara is host to the most spectacular array of wildlife. Her 1510 square kilometers of open savannah, woodlands and tree-lined rivers creates an eco-system that supports huge numbers of bird and mammal species. Lion are found in abundance throughout the park, as are elephant, giraffe, a variety of gazelle species and zebra. Cheetah and leopard are also regularly seen and, if lucky, you may also find rhino.
04MIDSEZ-S Masai Maara World – “Mara Bushtops” Exclusive Safari
Duration: 5 Days/4 Nights
Departs from: Mahe April 17, 2026 at approximately 4.30pm
Re-join ship: Port Louis April 21, 2026 at approximately 5.00pm (IMPORTANT NOTE: EARLY WAKE UP AT APPROXIMATELY 4.00AM FOR RETURNING FLIGHT TO PORT LOUIS - Kenya Airways or similar)
Reserve: At least 90 days prior to sailing
The Overland Experience is available only for guests in transit in Mahe on the 17th April.The overland is not available for embarking and/or debarking guests on that day.
IMPORTANT NOTE
This Silver Shore Overland Experience requires advance booking through Silversea Reservations at earliest convenience. Requests may be accommodated on a space-available basis. Tickets are available in limited quantities, and participation cannot be guaranteed for those guests not booking well in advance. A minimum number of participants is required to operate this programme. If this minimum number is not met, Silversea reserves the right to offer the programme at a different rate based on private arrangements, or to cancel the specific departure. All Overland Experience fares are subject to change, and not guaranteed until payment is received in full by Silversea. Due to strict cancellation terms and conditions, this Land Adventure is non-transferable, and NON-REFUNDABLE. Minors under the age of 18 must be accompanied by someone 18 years of age or older. All Overland Experiences are owned by independent contractors, and Silversea makes no representations and assumes no responsibility for the services provided by these operators. Overland Experiences may be modified by the operators at their sole discretion.
VISA INFORMATION:
Please check with your travel professional for details regarding visa requirements for Kenya.
Visa Requirements: available online only
Passport: Passport must be valid for six months before you depart for international travel.
Visa Link: https://www.etakenya.go.ke/en
Visa Type: Electronic Travel Authorisation (ETA)
Visa Fees: $30 per person
Visa Process time: 3 Days
Below is the ETA application process and the requirements
Steps to apply:
- Visit https://www.etakenya.go.ke/en
- Click Apply Now and follow the instructions
- Make sure that all the data has been entered correctly
- Submit the application
- An email confirming receipt of your application will be sent to you
- An email confirming receipt of payment, if applicable, will be sent to you
- Upon decision by Immigration officer, an email confirming Approval / Refusal will be sent to you
- If your application has been approved, please either print the PDF document that has been attached to the email, OR download the document to your mobile device OR save it in the Kenya Travel Authorisation mobile app. This is your electronic travel authorisation that needs to be shown at all departure and arrival points.
- You can check the status of your application at any time by visiting URL: http://www.etakenya.go.ke
Documents Required:
- Valid passport
- Recent passport picture OR a selfie picture taken during application process
- Contact details (home address, telephone, email)
- Travel information and flight itinerary (arrival flight number, date of departure of initial flight in case of connecting
flights)
- Proof of booking
- Yellow fever vaccination certificate if coming from endemic countries
VACCINATION:
Please check with your doctor for details regarding vaccination requirements for Kenya and Seychelles. Yellow fever certificate is mandatory for travel to Kenya. It is also recommended to take malaria precautions as East Africa is a high risk malaria area.
Further information:
Yellow fever Requirement: Valid Yellow fever vaccination certificate required for passengers travelling from Yellow Fever Endemic Countries
Yellow Fever Endemic Countries List: Angola, Benin, Burkina Faso, Burundi, Bolivia, Brazil, Cameroon, Central African Republic, Chad, Colombia, Congo, Cote d'Ivoire, Democratic Republic of Congo, Ethiopia, Ecuador, Equatorial
Guinea, French Guiana, Gabon, Gambia, Ghana, Guinea Bissau, Guyana, Kenya, Liberia, Mali, Niger, Nigeria,
Panama, Peru, Rwanda, Sao Tome and Principe, Senegal, Sierra Leone, Somali, Sudan, Suriname, Togo, Uganda, Venezuela, Zambia.
LOCAL CURRENCY:
The local currency is the Kenyan Shilling in Kenya,however USD and EUR are also accepted; local ATMs are available in some locations visited. (There is no shopping stop planned during the program.)
Discover the renowned as one of the Wonders of the Natural World Masai Maara Safari Reserve during this unforgettable, four-night conservation and wildlife experience.
DAY ONE - Friday, April 17, 2026 - Mahe/Nairobi
Trasfer and Flight to from Mahe to Nairobi
After disembarking the ship, meet your guide and transfer to the Mahe Airport for check-in and your scheduled, approximately three-hour, ten-minute evening flight, departing at approximately 5.35 p.m and arriving in Nairobi at approximately 8:00p.m.
Transfer to your hotel for check-in
Upon arrival at Jomo Kenyatta International Airport in Nairobi and after passport and visa formalities, that unfortunately may be slow, meet your guide and transfer to the Hemingways Nairobi Hotel for check-in.
Experience one of the finest, 5-star boutique hotels in Nairobi at the Hemingway’s Nairobi
One of the finest, 5-star boutique hotels in Nairobi, the Hemingway’s Nairobi is nestled amidst a serene, green suburb of Karen. The hotel bears plantation-style dimensions, huge verandas, and enormous windows that provide ample natural light and spectacular views across the knuckles of the Ngong Hills. Inside, the hotel boasts a graciously-winding 'Gone with the Wind'-type staircase leads from the lobby to the top floor, and 45 beautifully furnished rooms with high ceilings and king-sized beds. Despite an elegant retro feel, with punkahs gently paddling the air to keep it cool, and potted palms dotting the interior, the hotel offers every modern convenience, including express check-in, WiFi, a spa and gym. Hemingway’s prides itself on a uniquely individual service which includes a personal butler who assists with unpacking as necessary, pressing anything that's creased in transit, delivering morning tea, and generally anticipating your every whim.
Dinner is at the hotel.
Overnight accommodations in a Deluxe Room at the Hemingways Nairobi Hotel - Nairobi
DAY TWO - Saturay, April 18, 2026 - Nairobi/Masai Maara
Early morning breakfast. Transfer to Nairobi's Wilson Airport and proceed by chartered flight to the famous Masai Mara Game Reserve, renowned as one of the Wonders of the Natural World.
The jewel in Africa's safari crown, Masai Mara is host to the most spectacular array of wildlife. Her 1510 square kilometres of open savannah, woodlands and tree-lined rivers creates an eco-system that supports huge numbers of bird and mammal species. Lion are found in abundance throughout the park, as are elephant, giraffe, a variety of gazelle species and zebra. Cheetah and leopard are also regularly seen and, if lucky, you may also find rhino.
Check-in at the Mara Bushtops Camp, Lunch & Afternoon Tea
Upon arrival at the Mara Bushtops, proceed for check-in, then gather for lunch before departing in open-air, 4WD safari vehicles for a game-drive in search of Africa's Big Five (lion, leopard, elephant, rhinos, and buffalo), along with many other wildlife and bird species.
There is nowhere quite like Mara Bushtops. From the comfort and privacy of vast decked tents, our guests gaze out over a private conservancy and constant procession of wildlife. Fully reconnected, relax in perfect contentment, looking forward to glorious safaris, fine dining and world-class pampering
Sundowners and Cocktails
Following your game-drive, sundowners and cocktails are served, before returning to the lodge to freshen up before dinner.
Overnight accommodations in a Luxury Tent at Mara Bushtops Camp
A message from Mara Bushtops
Bushtops tents are simply extraordinary. We have spared no expense in creating them, making each a destination in its own right. Opening on three sides, our 12 fabulously appointed tents are named after the wildlife which can be seen wandering past the Camp (or sometimes through it).
Bounded by more than a hundred square metres of private wooden decking, these tents are places to rest, enjoy a private meal, dream in a hot tub or simply relax under a canvas canopy – with views no hotel could hope to match
DAY THREE - Sunday, April 19, 2026 - Masai Mara – Mara Bushtops
Early-morning game-drive
After enjoying some coffee and biscuits, depart the lodge with skilled rangers aboard custom-built safari vehicles for an early-morning game-drive. Along the way, the rangers guide your search for awe-inspiring encounters with Africa's Big Five (lions, leopards, elephants, rhinos, and buffaloes), along with many other wildlife and bird species. You may opt for the opportunity to go hot air ballooning - an unforgettable experience! (Please note: This activity is at guests' discretion and comes at an additional cost - reservation in advance is needed).
You will enjoy a picnic breakfast today during the game drive
Following your game-drive, return to the lodge with the remainder of the afternoon at your leisure to relax and enjoy your surrounds and camp facilities.
Lunch and afternoon tea
Dinner in the Bush and Night Game Drive
Today a special bush dinner has been arranged around the campfire (weather permitting), followed by a thrilling night game drive!
Overnight accommodations at the Mara Bushtops
DAY FOUR - Monday, April 20, 2026 - Masai Mara – Mara Bushtops
Final game-drive & Breakfast in the Bush (weather permitting)
Enjoy some hot drinks and biscuits, before you embark on a final, early-morning game-drive followed by a breakfast in the bush (weather permitting).
Check Out (Please note check out time from the room is 10am), Lunch, Masai Village Visit & Transfer to Airstrip in Masai Maara / Charter Flight to Nairobi Wilson Airport
Following your early - morning game drive return to the Lodge to check-out and enjoy some time at leisure before lunch.
After lunch, visit to a local Masai Village (Boma) for a cultural experience.
A village visit opens the door on a unique way of life and set of traditions. Your ranger will drive you to the village where Masai warriors and women ceremoniously receive you as a respected visitor. Having been introduced, a Masai host will give you a tour of the manyatta, explaining the lifestyle and what lies inside one of the huts. Your ranger and spotter remain with you throughout the experience to help with communications. This is a wonderful way to reconnect with a living culture – one that links all of us to our shared African past.
Next, transfer to the Airstrip for your charter flight back to Nairobi Wilson Aiport.
On Arrival in Nairobi, transfer to your hotel.
Check In, Dinner & Overnight Accomodation in a Deluxe Room at Hemingway's Hotel
Overnight accommodations in a Deluxe Room at the Hemingways Nairobi Hotel - Nairobi
DAY FIVE - Tuesday, April 21, 2026 - Nairobi / Port Louis - Scheduled EARLY Morning Flight
Scheduled Early Morning Flight Nairobi / Port Louis
Last day of your safari adventure, wakeup call at approximately 4.00am for coffee/tea/buiscuits and an early check out. Next, transfer to Jomo Kenyatta International Airport in Nairobi for your early approximately 4-hour, 20-minute flight to Port Louis, Mauritius. Upon arrival at the airport, you are met by your local representative and transferred to the harbor.
Please note: This Overland Experience involves an extensive amount of off-road driving and a moderate amount of walking for approximately 547 yards to 1000 (about 500 meters - 1000meters), at times over uneven, bumpy, gravel, cobblestone, and natural surfaces and inclines, with a few steps to negotiate to get on/off the coach and enclosed, 4WD safari vehicles, and several steps at the sites visited. Walking at the Hemingway Hotel and the Mara Bushtops is at the discretion of each guest. This tour is recommended for active guests in good physical condition. This tour is not suitable for pregnant guests, guests with neck and/or back problems, guests with heart and/or respiratory conditions, guests prone to motion sickness, guests with limited mobility, and guests who utilize a wheelchair. Guests are advised to wear smart-casual attire and lightweight, cotton safari wear (long-and-short-sleeved shirts and pants) with flat, closed-toe walking shoes and hiking shoes, and bring sun protection, insect repellent, raingear, a camera, any necessary medication, and local currency or credit cards for purchases from the ship; a light jacket is recommended for early-morning and evening game-drives. Guests must be at least 16 years old to participate on this tour; minors under the age of 18 must be accompanied by a parent. Guests must carry their passports and ship's ID at all times. Guests must be at least 18 years old to be served alcoholic beverages. Guests are not permitted to use cellular phones during the game drives. Guests are not permitted to speak loudly, or stand up on the game drive vehicles, as this disturbs the animals. Smoking is not permitted during the game drives. This is a malaria-risk area; please make sure the necessary medication has been taken. Guests must carry their passports. Although frequently encountered on this type of tour, wildlife sightings are not guaranteed. Due to the prevailing weather conditions and movement of dangerous wildlife on the game drives, the tour sequence, timings, and itinerary are subject to change by the lodge management without prior notice. A signed waiver is required to participate on this tour. The description provided is just a sample of the program that may be subject to change without any notice. Space on this tour is very limited; we suggest you book in advance to avoid disappointment.
Programme Includes:
Two-night stay in a Deluxe Suite at the Hemingways Hotel - Nairobi
Two-night stay in a Luxury Tent at Mara Bushtops, Masai Maara
Scheduled flights: Mahe/Nairobi, Nairobi/Port Louis Kenya Airways or similar (Economy-Class). Business-Class is available upon request at an additional charge and subject to availability, as most aircraft do not offer business seating
Charter Flight Grand Caravan Nairobi / Masai Maara / Nairobi
Luggage Allowance: 15kg per person checked-in luggage and 5kg hand luggage.
Must be in soft bags; if hardshell must not exceed the following measurments: 76cm x 48cm x 29cm (30” x 19” x 11”)
All meals during the safari starting with dinner on arrival day and ending with in-flight meal;
Non-alcoholic and alcoholic beverages (exceptions on premium alcohol);
One Bush Breakfast & One Bush Dinner (weather permitting)
Early Morning and Afternoon Game-drives
Night Game drive and Masai Village Visit
All sightseeing and transfers as per itinerary
Laundry service in Masai Mara (24 hour turn around)
Not Included:
Any meals and drinks not specified above, gratuities to drivers and tour guides, laundry at the Hemingways Hotel Nairobi, telephone calls, cancellation insurance, Visa and other personal items.