Wedding Packages - HOMEPAGE





Jambo, Karibuni, hello and welcome, 2 words that you will hear many times during your special time in Kenya. As your operator in Kenya we would like to let you know how we can make your visit the experience of a lifetime. Kenya is a magical country, there are few places in the world that can better the memorable and varied attractions of this vast unspoilt land.
Marriage is one of the greatest adventures you and your partner can undertake, we will ensure that your special day is one to remember, forever. We arrange everything for you, quality hotels, wedding ceremony, flowers, photography and Safaris.

We have great options for your prefect wedding in Kenya:










The Tamarind Dhow sailed between Lamu, Mombasa, Zanzibar, Saudi Arabia, Oman and the Persian Gulf, carrying cargos of spices mangrove poles, tea, carpets and coffee until 1986. The same crew who sailed to these exotic places still work onboard the Dhow under Nakhoda Mohammed Shalle, as they have done since the Dhow was first Launched.

In 1986 The Tamarind Dhow was converted to its present interior structure by the same sixty year old Master Dhow Builder Fundi Bini who originally built her. The renovations took six months to complete due to the fact that he disdained any use of modern/electrical tools and insisted on utilizing only his own traditional tools.

The Dhow measures 7.5 meters by 23 meters. She used to carry 100 tons of cargo and weighs 100 tons. Under full sail she travels at 4 to 5 knots. When the sail is not being used she runs with a Ford six cylinder diesel 110 horsepower engine.



Welcome to the Tamarind Dhow, the “Magical Experience”


Many happy couples have exchanged vows on the Tamarind Dhow, a beautifully built Arab Dhow.The Tamarind Dhow is a magical experience for everyone.We look forward to welcoming you to Kenya as our Special Guest.


Satao Camp
“The Eden Of East Africa”

Satao Camp is an exclusive tented wonder. Nestling amongst the Tamarind trees, overlooking the busy watering hole.

All Tamarind Dhow newlyweds get an automatic upgrade to the tented wedding suite
With a bottle of complimentary champagne

The camp provides tranquility and relaxation in the true “Eden Of East Africa”. Satao allows you, our guests to get close to Africa in true Safari Style, being a part of the surroundings and at one with nature sleeping under canvas in the “African Bush”
It is an enchanting, mystical place, the home to a variety of animals and birdlife. Resident impalas graze confidently only a few feet away from your tent, the watering hole is a buzz with the “Locals” coming in for some refreshment. Elephant, Zebra, Lion Gazelle the list is endless.


Leopard Beach Hotel

This spacious resort has been completely renovated during the past two years. Now it is one of the most beautiful and best hotels on Kenya's coast. Southern Cross Safaris is the general sales agent for Leopard Beach Hotel and has a full time office based within the hotel. The hotel is most idyllically located: right on the white, sandy beach, surrounded by coral coves nestling in between cliffs covered in flowering vegetation. While walking down the two flights of stairs to the beach, a grand, panoramic view of the ocean unfolds.  Your transfer from Mombasa Airport to Kenya's best beach will take about one and a half hours. The hotel consists of 160 rooms in double-story blocks situated in a vast, magnificent tropical garden. Forty of these are suites and superior rooms with breathtaking views of the ocean and amenities offering supplementary service. Booked on half- or full board, guests enjoy sumptuous breakfast buffets, while for dinner guests are offered either a buffet or a choice of menu, often accompanied by entertainment at the pool or on the beach. Counting amongst the hotel's restaurants are the 'Horizon Restaurant' with its well-known, excellent cuisine and stunning views, the 'Chui Grill room' for dining a la carte in the midst of tropical ponds, a pizzeria on the beach, bistro with ice-cream and fruit juice bar beside the large pool which has an integrated children's pool.

Diani's meeting point is the hotel's air-conditioned bar 'Mario's' while more hotel bars can be found on the beach and near the pool. 'Leopard's Lovables' shop, a business center and a cyber café, a massage and beauty parlour as well as a hairdresser all are at the hotel guests' disposal

All renovated and attractively decorated rooms have a bath, shower, toilet, bidet, air-condition, telephone, minibar, satellite television and balcony or terrace.  The hotel has one of the best watersportcentres offering (at extra charges) a S.S.I. diving school, diving excursions, windsurf school, deep-sea fishing and glass bottom boat trips.

The hotel's tennis courts are floodlit. An 18-hole golf course is situated within a five-minute walk from Leopard Beach Hotel. Included are volleyball- and table tennis matches organized by the hotel's animators as well as walks through a nature trail within the hotel's extensive compound.  For their evening entertainment guests are offered a choice of dance and folklore performances, shows and the 'Waves' disco at the pool. A casino is situated very closely to the hotel.

Pinewood Village

PINEWOOD VILLAGE is a multi award-winning boutique hotel, where natural beauty and inspired design are merged to create the perfect romantic destination. Situated on the unspoiled shores of the wonderfully warm Indian Ocean, this intimate and stylish beach resort prides itself on exceptional personal service and attention.

Savour fine food prepared using fresh local ingredients from our very own vegetable garden or straight from the bountiful ocean. Indulge your appetite during our daily changing delectable evening theme dinner feasts, or be pampered in our Suites with your very own personal chef who caters to your every whim.

Classy colorful cocktails in the cool ocean breeze ... Pinewood Village's peace and serenity let your mind escape whilst in a true paradise. Once in a lifetime memories, happen at Pinewood Village ... every time.

Kenya … white beaches … white weddings … all three known throughout the world and when combined, one of the most romantic ways to wed. A wedding at Pinewood is exclusive and personal – no queue of several weddings on the same day and in the same hotel. No hidden costs.

Picture the Indian Ocean lapping onto a stunning white beach, a canopy of swaying palm trees and the gentle breeze setting the tone for the holy matrimony. Chanting Maasai warriors escort the bride through floral archways to the wedding dais on the beach. Wedding performed by official registrar.

Package includes:
• For Her – ½ hour massage, manicure and pedicure. For him – ½ hour massage
• Pinhole and bridal bouquet (local flowers)
• One tier non-fruit cake
• Decorated beach area including bridal archway
• Escort by Maasai warriors. Presence of Maasai warriors with photo opportunity.
• Cocktail for guests and sparkling wine for bridal couple
• Optional reception in Peponi Beach Restaurant
• Sparkling wine on ice in room
• All expenses for registration fees, registrar and Wedding Certificate

The wedding couple must be at Pinewood for at least 4 working days prior to the wedding day in order to comply with the Kenyan authority requirements. Please note weddings on
weekdays only.

Documents required 4 weeks prior to wedding. Fax or scanned. Originals to be produced on arrival at Pinewood.
• Full names, address, occupation and religion/belief
• Certified copy of valid passports
• Certified copies of birth certificates
• A letter from legal organization (such as church, doctor or civil registrar from your country) confirming that both parties are not married.
• If divorced, certified copy of original proof of decree absolute
• Certified copy of original proof if name changed by deed poll
• If under 18 years, evidence of consent of parents is required in the form of affidavit by a notary public.


Blessing Ceremony

performed by Registrar. Package same as above except…
• no certificate
• not all documents required as above.


 

LEGAL REQUIREMENTS FOR WEDDINGS IN KENYA (GETTING MARRIED)

- Entry visa required by all visitors. Obtained from Kenyan High Commission in London
- (Tel: 0171 636 2371) or on arrival.
- Original Birth Certificates.
- Valid 10 year passports.
- Full names of both sets of parents (if not on Birth Certificates).
- Statutory declaration stating that both parties are single and free to marry.
- This must be stamped and sealed and state the words "solicitor", "notary public" or "Commissioner of Oaths". Hand written documents not accepted. If adopted - the adoption certificate.
- If divorced - Decree Absolute with a court stamp.
- If widowed - Death Certificate of former spouse.
- If name has been changed by Deed Poll - legal proof stamped and signed by a solicitor.
- This also applies if a married woman has reverted back to her maiden name.
- If aged under 21 years - parental consent in the form of Statutory Declaration stamped and signed by a solicitor. Minimum residency before wedding - 4 working days.

A sample of a possible wedding itinerary

Day 1 - Pick up from Moi International Airport Mombasa and transfer to the beautiful Leopard Beach Hotel. Dinner and overnight Leopard Beach Hotel (HB).

Day 2 - You will be met by a Southern Cross Safaris representative who will brief you on all procedures and requirements for the week. Dinner and overnight Leopard Beach Hotel (HB).

Day 3 - Optional tour available to Wasini Island for snorkeling and seafood lunch. Dinner and overnight Leopard Beach Hotel (HB)

Day 4 - Day at leisure to prepare for your wedding. Dinner and overnight Leopard beach hotel (HB)

Day 5 - Day at leisure to prepare for your wedding. 16:00 pick up from Leopard Beach Hotel and enjoy a VIP transfer to the Tamarind Dhow. Arrive at 17:30 to meet with your Southern Cross Safaris representative and the pastor. Marriage ceremony on the top deck of the traditional Arab sailing vessel, known as the Tamarind Dhow, as the sun sets over Mombasa old town. At 18:30 have a seat at your private allocated table and enjoy the Tamarind Dhow evening cruise. 10:30 the cruise ends when you will enjoy a private transfer back to Leopard beach hotel. Overnight Leopard Beach Hotel (HB)

Day 6 - 07:00 pick up to depart for your honeymoon safari. You will arrive at the park gates of Tsavo East National Park at 10:30. Enjoy a game drive on route to ‘The Eden Of East Africa”, Satao Camp. Enjoy lunch before embarking on an afternoon game drive. After dinner retire to your honeymoon suite. Dinner and overnight Satao Camp (FB)

Day 7 - Early morning game drive before breakfast. A day at leisure in the African Bush to enjoy the sights and sounds of Africa. After lunch enjoy an afternoon game drive which ends with a romantic bush sundowner including sparkling wine and bittings around a camp fire in the middle of the bush. After dinner retire to your honeymoon suite. Dinner and overnight Satao Camp (FB)

Day 8 - Early morning game drive before breakfast. After breakfast return to Mombasa to connect your flight home or alternatively return to Leopard Beach for another week of relaxing on the beautiful Diani Beach

For more Information on wedding packages or interests: Email - sales@southerncrosssafaris.com or operations@southerncrosssafaris.com