Travel As A Force For Good!

Transcription

1 Travel As A Force For Good! August 2016 Kenyan Service Trip and Safari Adventure Summarized Itinerary 24 Aug Aug 2016 Nairobi Transfers - JKIA to Karen Country Lodge Standard room (Full Board) 26 Aug Aug 2016 Fish Eagle Lodge, Naivasha - Standard room (Full Board) 31 Aug 2016 Karen Country Lodge Standard room (Full Board) 01 Sept Sept 2016 Kasigau Bandas, Rukanga Standard room (Full Board) 04 Sept Sept 2016 Ndololo Lodge, Tsavo East NP Standard room (Full Board) 06 Sept 2016 Kifaru House (or equivalent), Nairobi 07 Sept 2016 Depart JKIA for return to U.S. or from Wilson Airport to Maasai Mara for safari Detailed Itinerary Day 1 Wednesday, 24 August 2016 On arrival at the Jomo Kenyata International Airport in Nairobi, you will be met by our ANAW representatives and transferred to your hotel for overnight. Nairobi Nairobi is the capital city of Kenya and the starting point for many Kenyan tours and safaris. Nairobi, which means cool water in the language of the Masai is now the hub for all of East Africa s business. Today the city s skyline bristles with skyscrapers; its modernity and spaciousness surprising many first time visitors. Since it was founded a little over a century ago the city has grown at an unimaginable rate into one of the continent s largest cities. As a result of this the city does have its problems, traffic being one of them. Don t be surprised to see camels in amongst the throngs of cars on Nairobi s busy streets and they often move faster than the cars! Accommodation at Karen Country Lodge - Standard room (Full Board) Set in green and tranquil avenues, Karen Country Lodge was previously a country bungalow which has retained its essential character despite a contemporary decor. Accommodation is in 12 beautifully themed cottages. The individual balconies in each cottage open up to secret walkways that lead to the fresh water spring amidst an herb garden, providing a secluded retreat that is perfect for sun-downers or cocktails. Each boutique cottage is graced with a king sized bed; an en-suite bathroom with twin showers as well as a large stand alone, claw-foot tub. The spacious, open plan lounge area in each cottage is furnished with tastefully designed décor and a fireplace.

2 Day 2 Thursday, 25 August 2016 Wake up to your first beautiful day in Kenya and enjoy breakfast at Karen Country Lodge. After breakfast, we will meet ANAW principals to learn more about this amazing group and all they are doing for the animals and communities of Kenya. We will visit the David Sheldrick Wildlife Trust Elephant Orphanage a must for any visitor to Nairobi! After lunch at Karen Country Lodge we will gather for orientation and discussion about our rabies vaccine and spay/neuter campaigns in Naivasha. Dinner and a restful evening at the Lodge Overnight at Karen Country Lodge - Standard room (Full Board) Day 3 Friday, 26 August 2016 Enjoy another fine breakfast at Karen Country Lodge. Visit the Nairobi Giraffe Centre and get to know the residents up close! Tour the Karen Blixen Home Museum of Out of Africa fame. Lunch at the Blixen Coffee Gardens. Visit to the Nairobi KSPCA. Depart Nairobi for an afternoon drive to Naivasha. We will drive through the Great Rift Valley, where Lucy first walked upright. The Rift Valley region is the setting for several lakes which attract safarigoers and bird enthusiasts alike. Our stop for the night is Fish Eagle Inn, located on the Southern shores of Lake Naivasha. It has manicured gardens and rooms with a rustic look yet affording the comforts of modern living. After settling in you could explore the grounds before dinner. Naivasha Naivasha is a very popular town as it is only about an hour and a half s drive from Nairobi. Lake Naivasha and its yellow fever trees are so attractive that it lured a group of settlers to build their homes on the lake shore. Known collectively as White Mischief these settlers were internationally famous for their decadent, hedonistic lifestyle. A 1987 movie by the same name was based on a notorious society murder set during this time. Naivasha continues to draw investors and settlers today, with a burgeoning cut flower industry thriving and bringing new challenges to the region. Aside from its colourful history, the lake has many attractions for the modern day visitor including boat trips to Crescent Island. Like many of its Rift valley sisters, the lake is alive with birdlife. Accommodation at Naivasha Fish Eagle Inn - Standard Room (Full Board)

3 Day 4 Saturday, 27 August 2016 After an early breakfast at the Inn, we ll divide into small groups to convene the Rabies vaccination clinics around Naivasha. Bag lunches will be our mid-day fare so that we don t lose momentum, and we ll enjoy a wonderful dinner back at the Inn. Overnight at Naivasha Fish Eagle Inn - Standard Room (Full Board) Day 5 Sunday, 28 August 2016 Early breakfast at the Inn and another day of Rabies vaccination clinics. We ll stop early enough to enjoy the boat ride on Lake Naivasha and a visit to Crescent Island. The lake is home to large pods of hippos and other wildlife, making the boat trip the perfect way to round off the day. Bag lunches again today and dinner at Fish Eagle Inn. Overnight at Naivasha Fish Eagle Inn - Standard Room (Full Board) Day 6 Monday, 29 August 2016 After an early breakfast at the Inn, we ll go to the Naivasha KSPCA Shelter to get set up for day one of our spay/neuter campaign. A quick, simple lunch at the shelter will allow us to keep up a good pace and sterilize as many animals as possible. Dinner at the Fish Eagle Inn. Overnight at Naivasha Fish Eagle Inn - Standard Room (Full Board) Day 7 Tuesday, 30 August 2016 Breakfast at the Inn and day two of our sterilization campaign at the KSPCA Shelter.. Lunch at the shelter, dinner at the Inn. Overnight at Naivasha Fish Eagle Inn - Standard Room (Full Board) Day 8 Wednesday, 31 August 2016 Breakfast at the Fish Eagle Inn. Visit the Soysambu Conservancy.

4 Meet with Kenyan Wildlife Service (KWS) officers and members of ANAW s desnaring team and take a walk with them to search for and remove poacher s snares. Should there be the need to rescue a snared animal during our visit, we may be allowed to accompany the KWS team to the rescue site. Return to Nairobi; lunch on the road. Return to the Sheldrick orphanage for elephant bedtime visit the rescued babies in their stalls and meet their wonderful, dedicated keepers. NOTE: this visit is open only to adopters of resident orphanage elephants, so please be sure to adopt and donate generously before your trip: ( - navigate to the adoption page). The Soysambu Conservancy, a non-profit organization, works to conserve the Soysambu Estate as a traditional wildlife area, which supports the integrity of the greater Rift Valley eco-system, while promoting sustainable coexistence of wildlife with livestock. The Conservancy is bordered by Lake Nakuru National Park on the west, volcanoes Ol Doinyo and Eburru to the south and Menengai to the north. Consisting of 48,000 acres of diverse ecological significance, Soysambu Conservancy is home to more than 450 bird species (28% of the world's population of Lesser Flamingo) and 10,000 mammals of over 50 species including 90+ Rothschild's Giraffe (10% of the world's population of this endangered species). Overnight at Karen Country Lodge (or equivalent) Standard room (Full Board) Day 9 Thursday, 01 September 2016 Breakfast at Karen Country Lodge. Depart for Rukanga this is an all day road trip; we will have lunch along the way. Dinner in Rukanga. Rukanga and the greater Tsavo ecosystem Rukanga, located in the Southeastern corner of Kenya, is one of several communities clustered around the base of Mt. Kasigau. This region lies geographically between Tsavo East and Tsavo West National Parks and is an important elephant dispersal area. Much work is being done in this area to mitigate the impacts of deforestation, poaching and the impact of human-wildlife conflict. The Kasigau Bandas (a banda is a type of rustic hut) where we will be staying are an example of these efforts. Income from the Bandas is used to offset community losses from conservation and allow the communities to share in the profits of tourism. Rukanga is also the home of the Women Basket Weaver s Guild, a project aimed at providing income for community members and thus decreasing human pressure on wildlife and the sensitive ecosystem. ANAW generously supports this group. Accommodation at Kasigau Bandas, Rukanga

5 Day 10 Friday, 02 September 2016 Todays activities: Breakfast at Kasigau Bandas. Morning Rabies vaccination clinics at several locations in Rukanga. Lunch at the Bandas. Afternoon visit to Bungule primary school. This is our chance to have some fun and visit with local kids. We will give some short lectures about animal care and bring gifts to share. Dinner at the Bandas. Overnight at Kasigau Bandas Day 11 Saturday, 03 September 2016 Breakfast at Kasigau Bandas. Continue Rabies vaccination clinics around Rukanga, bag lunches. Dinner at the Bandas. Overnight at Kasigau Bandas Day 12 Sunday, 04 September 2016 Today s Activities: Breakfast at Kasigau Bandas. Travel to Tsavo East National Park Morning visit to the David Shedrick Wildlife Trust Tsavo release site. This is a rare opportunity not open to the general public. You will meet the managers and observe young elephants in the process of being reintroduced to the wild. A life changing experience! Afternoon game drive in the park. Accommodation at Ndololo Lodge, Tsavo East Tent Camp Standard accommodation (Full board) Day 13 Monday, 05 September 2016 Today s Activities: Breakfast at Ndololo Lodge. Morning and afternoon game drives in the park. Mid-day visit to the Waatha Tribe village complex. This is the site of another ANAW supported project the tribe uses wire from removed snare traps to create beautiful artwork. Overnight at Ndololo Lodge - Standard accommodation (Full board)

6 Day 14 Tuesday, 06 September 2016 Today s Activities: Breakfast at Ndololo Lodge Return to Nairobi Accomodation at ANAW s Kifaru House (or equivalent), Full board Day 15 Wednesday, 07 September 2016 Enjoy free time on your own in Nairobi, or relax at Kifaru House prior to your departure home to the U.S., or to the Maasai Mara for a safari adventure. End of services COST: Double occupancy, per person: $ Single occupancy, per person: $ [Cash discount available please inquire] Optional Travel Extension: 5 day/4 night safari on the Maasai Mara, provided by ANAW. Please request additional information. The Tour Price Includes: Full board accommodation as noted in itinerary Ground transfers as stated in the itinerary All excursions, game drives, costs of attractions per the itinerary Park entrance fees throughout Current government taxes and levies The Tour Price Excludes: International Airfares International and domestic departure tax Laundry services All alcoholic & non-alcoholic beverages Meals and excursions not described in the itinerary above Entry visas to the country (required for entry to Kenya, currently $50 and may be purchased on arrival) Travel, evacuation and/or health insurance The Maasai Mara safari trip extension, or any additional offering thereof Any optional tours or excursions not mentioned in the itinerary

7 Gratuities (tips) to your guides, hotel staff and porters Any other items of a personal nature, such as personal purchases, laundry, telephone and postage VET TREKS/VET TREKS FOUNDATION TRAVEL TERMS & CONDITIONS 1. ROLE OF VET TREKS/VET TREKS FOUNDATION The role of Vet Treks/Vet Treks Foundation is to manufacture tours and itineraries to fit the requirements of our customers and our partners internationally. In doing so, Vet Treks/Vet Treks Foundation may use independent suppliers for the provision of selected services. However, Vet Treks/Vet Treks Foundation accepts responsibility for the proper performance of your contract with us, subject to the following booking conditions. 2. BOOKING To make your booking, please make sure you supply us with your full legal name, nationality and date of birth as per your passport. If our service or a tour is booked less than 7 days prior to the first day of offered services (i.e. date that the tour commences), cancellation rules (see below, item 5) will apply immediately. 3. PRICES All prices are based on costs at the time of publication. Vet Treks/Vet Treks Foundation reserves the right to change the prices at any time before your booking is made. Vet Treks/Vet Treks Foundation will confirm price changes, if any, together with our confirmation of your booking. 4. PAYMENTS Payment may be made by check, money order, direct bank transfer, or credit card (Visa, MasterCard). A deposit of 50% of the total quoted cost of trip is required within 7 days of Vet Trek s confirmation of your booking. The remaining 50% must be paid no later than 45 days from the trip start date (July 10, 2016). If payments have not been received in time, Vet Treks/Vet Treks Foundation reserves the right to cancel the booking. 5. CANCELLATION Cancellation fees: Between booking and 90 days before trip start date (before May 26, 2016 ): 20 % of total cost of trip days before trip start date (from May 27 to June 25, 2016): 50 % of total cost of trip 59 days before, to trip start date (from June 26 to August 24, 2016): 100% of total costs Cancellations must be made in writing received no later than the due dates noted above. In the unlikely event that Vet Treks/Vet Treks Foundation has to cancel a tour, we will do our utmost to inform you about any cancellations at the earliest date possible date. 6. CHANGES Vet Treks/Vet Treks Foundation reserves the right to make changes to the itinerary and arrangements both before and after the booking has been made. No changes are expected; should any occur, they should be minor. However, if Vet Treks/Vet Treks Foundation has to make significant changes you will be notified at the earliest possible opportunity. In such cases you will have the opportunity to accept the changes or to receive a full refund. During the time in Kenya, and due to uncertainties related to the job functions of our ANAW hosts, modifications to the stated itinerary are possible, though unlikely. Some service prices, such as (but not limited to) park fees, government levies and airport taxes are not in the control of Vet Treks/Vet Treks Foundation. In the event of these prices being changed at any date, Vet Treks/Vet Treks Foundation will charge the supplement to the client at cost. 7. FORCE MAJEURE Force Majeure means those circumstances where the performance of our contract with you is prevented or affected by reasons beyond our control, such as but not limited to: war, threat of war, civil strife, industrial dispute, terrorist activity, natural or nuclear disaster, fire, adverse weather conditions, government actions and all similar events beyond our control. In these circumstances, Vet Treks/Vet Treks Foundation, its directors, employees, affiliates, agents, contractors and subcontractors shall not be liable for any compensation or otherwise responsible for any expenses or losses the client might incur. 8. LIABILITY The tour package comprises one or more service components: the organization of ground transport, meals, entrance fees, accommodation and/or other facilities or services. Vet Treks/Vet Treks Foundation has no direct day to day control over its suppliers or subcontractors. Accordingly Vet Treks/Vet Treks Foundation accepts no responsibility for any injury, damage, loss, accident, delay, irregularity and/or inconvenience which may be occasioned by any defect in any object (including a vehicle) utilized by any supplier for the supply of any service or by an act or omission of any supplier or its servants or agents.

8 Vet Treks/Vet Treks Foundation, its directors, employees, affiliates, agents, contractors and subcontractors shall not be liable for any loss or expense arising from the loss of property, cancellation or curtailment of the tour. If sickness or accident interrupts a tour, Vet Treks/Vet Treks Foundation shall not be liable for any cost or expense arising there from. Vet Treks/Vet Treks Foundation shall not be liable for any refund, either total or partial, of passage money paid. It is strongly recommended that all participants purchase necessary insurance to protect against such eventualities. All participants acknowledge their intent to relieve and indemnify both Vet Treks/Vet Treks Foundation as well as the Africa Network for Animal Welfare and the Africa Network for Animal Welfare-USA, or their directors, employees, affiliates, agents, contractors and subcontractors from any liability for personal injury, property damage or wrongful death which may occur during participation in the scheduled trip. Carriers etc: In respect of air, sea and rail carriers, land vehicles and hotel owners Vet Trek s liability is in all cases limited as if Vet Treks/Vet Treks Foundation were carrier/hotelier within the relevant and appropriate international conventions. Furthermore, all transport is provided subject to the relevant carrier's conditions of carriage, some of which may limit or exclude their liability to you, often in accordance with international conventions. General: Please note our responsibilities and obligations apply only in respect of those services which Vet Treks/Vet Treks Foundation agrees to arrange or provide on your behalf. Vet Treks/Vet Treks Foundation does not accept liability for any services arranged by you, including safari or other packages arranged directly with ANAW or any other providers of such services.

9 September 2016 Masai Mara Safari Adventure OVERVIEW: TRAVEL PERIOD 7 th to 11 th September, 2016 TOUR COST - Double occupancy, per person: $2188 & Single occupancy, per person: $2440 DURATION 5 days/4 nights EXPERIENCE THE MIGRATION SEASON! Visiting Basecamp Explorer Kenya during the Migration Season is the ultimate way of experiencing the last multi-species migration on the planet. From mid-june to November/December, more than a million wildebeest, zebras and antelopes scatter across the vast plains of the Mara, making this natural wonder even more wondrous! Day 1 Wednesday, 07 September 2016 ITINERARY - Your Safari Begins Here: Depart from Wilson Airport in Nairobi on Air Kenya early this morning for your flight to Ol Kiombo Airstrip in the Masai Mara. You will be met by your friendly and knowledgeable Maasai guide and embark onto a specialized, open, 4x4 Safari Land Cruiser. Then you are off for your very first game drive! Before long, you ll no doubt encounter your first view of migrating wildebeest, the star species of the largest get together of large mammals on the planet. After having a first taste of the Great Migration, your guide will bring you to Basecamp Masai Mara where you will check into your spacious safari tent, comfortably fitted with bio-modern flush toilet, safari shower and a private veranda. Enjoy dinner, freshly and lovingly prepared by an expert team of Maasai chefs. Overnight accommodation at Basecamp Masai Mara Day 2 Thursday, 08 September 2016 Wake up to the magnificent symphony of Basecamp s incredible birdlife. Since its opening in 1998, more than 70,000 trees have been planted in and around camp, drawing more than 286 different bird species to populate the surroundings. At 6:30 am depart for an early morning game drive, returning to camp at 9:00 am to enjoy a hearty breakfast. Following breakfast, the camp s Naturalist Maasai guide will take you on a camp walk to show you the operational elements that have made Basecamp one of the leading pioneers in the Responsible Tourism Industry. You can also visit the Masai Brand Handicraft Workshop and the Tree Plantation, where you re invited to offset your flight by planting a tree. After lunch meet your guide for your afternoon game drive. You ll learn more about the ecosystem and see more amazing wildlife.

10 This is a good afternoon to follow the Mara river and look for a Wildebeest crossing a phenomenon not to be missed and it only happens during migration season. All manner of predator wait for the Wildebeest to cross and this is your best chance to witness the thrilling spectacle of lions hunting! Top off your afternoon game drive with a sundowner under an Acacia tree. Overnight accommodation at Basecamp Masai Mara Day 3 Friday, 09 September 2016 Rise with the sun for an early morning game drive and return to camp for breakfast. Then pack your things to continue your journey through the Basecamp circuit. Your next destination is Eagle View Camp. In 2013, Eagle View made the National Geographic Travellers Magazine list of 25 top eco-lodges in the world and the only one in Kenya. Eagle view is renowned for its incomparable view. Enjoy lunch overlooking the natural waterhole just below you, where animals such as elephant, giraffe and several species of antelope can be spotted throughout the day. After lunch, retire to your new tent home on the Mara and get settled in for your stay. Eagle View tents offer both inside and outside shower, as well as private balconies. At 4:00pm meet your Maasai guide for your afternoon game drive. Eagle View is situated inside the Naboisho Wildlife Conservancy, a 20,000-hectare nature conservancy leased directly from more than 500 Maasai families. Inside Naboisho the number of vehicles permitted is strictly limited. This has the double advantage of attracting a vast array of species as well as creating a more exclusive viewing experience for visitors. Naboisho currently boasts the highest density of lions on earth! Return to Eagle View at sunset to enjoy a mouth-watering three-course dinner prepared by expert chefs.

11 Overnight accommodation at Eagle View Day 4 Saturday, 10 September 2016 Start your day with a morning game drive followed by a picnic breakfast on the savannah there is no better way to enjoy the magnificence of this unique ecosystem! Explore Naboisho together with your guide, who will teach you more about the importance of private conservancies for the protection of the Greater Mara Ecosystem and the Maasai people. After your morning game drive, visit the Koiyaki Guiding School, a Safari Guide Training Institution situated next to Eagle View Camp. The school is one way that the Basecamp system works to empower the Maasai community by supporting local capacity building schemes. After lunch, you have the option (at a cost of $25 per person) to join your Maasai guide on a visit to Oliseri Basecamp s Green Village. In Oliseri, the Basecamp organization has supported the local community by building a health clinic, upgrading the primary school and drilling a solar-powered borehole. In Oliseri, you will experience authentic village life and witness how the Maasai live in complete harmony with wildlife. Round off your afternoon game drive with a Basecamp Sundowner under a suitable Acacia Tree. On your drive back to Eagle View your guide will equip the car with infrared lights to allow you to spot the nocturnal animals of Naboisho. Night safari is an exhilarating experience! Arrive at the camp in time for dinner. Overnight accommodation at Eagle View Day 5 Sunday, 11 September 2016 Wake at dawn in time for a final morning Walking Safari. Witness how the savannah comes alive as the sun rises. Walking along side a Maasai is a phenomenal eperience that perfectly echoes the wanderings of the wildebeest. During the walk your guide will show you the finer details of the savannah, including wildlife footprints and dung. Return to camp by 9:00 a.m. in time for breakfast. After breakfast, its time to pack and bid farewell to your Maasai hosts. Depart Naboisho Airstrip for Nairobi, and your return flight home. Your safari ends here

12 COST: Double occupancy, per person: $ Single occupancy, per person: $ [Cash discount available please inquire] The Tour Price Includes: Full board accommodation Air transfers Nairobi to Mara and return All ground transfers in the Masai Mara All game drives in 4x4 safari land cruisers All walking safaris Park entrance fees Current government taxes and levies The Tour Price Excludes: International Airfares International and domestic departure tax Laundry services Non-alcoholic and alcoholic beverages Entry visas to the country (required for entry to Kenya, currently $50 and may be purchased on arrival) Travel, evacuation and/or health insurance Any optional tours or excursions not mentioned in the itinerary (both Basecamp and Eagle View offer add-on options, such as Masai village visit at $25US per person) Gratuities (tips) to your guides, camp staff and porters Any other items of a personal nature, such as personal purchases, laundry, telephone and postage BOOKING Note that a minimum party of two is required to book this safari (the Basecamp system is not able to accommodate a party of one single traveller, though single accommodations within a larger group are available). To make your booking, please make sure you supply us with your full legal name, nationality and date of birth as per your passport. If our service or a tour is booked less than 7 days prior to the first day of offered services (i.e. date that the tour commences), cancellation rules (see below) will apply immediately. PAYMENTS Payment may be made by check, money order, direct bank transfer, or credit card (Visa, MasterCard). A deposit of 50% of the total quoted cost of trip is required within 7 days of ANAW s confirmation of your booking. The remaining 50% must be paid no later than 45 days from the trip start date (July 10, 2016). If payments have not been received in time, ANAW reserves the right to cancel the booking. CANCELLATION Cancellation fees: Between booking and 90 days before trip start date (before May 26, 2016 ): 20 % of total cost of trip days before trip start date (from May 27 to June 25, 2016): 50 % of total cost of trip 59 days before, to trip start date (from June 26 to August 24, 2016): 100% of total costs Cancellations must be made in writing In the unlikely event that ANAW has to cancel a tour, we will do our utmost to inform you about any cancellations earliest date possible and latest 14 days before commencement of our services, and a full refund will be made. LIABILITY The safari offering is organized by ANAW on behalf of participants via subcontractors in Kenya (the Basecamp Group of Masai Mara Camps). Neither Vet Treks/Vet Treks Foundation nor the Africa Network for Animal Welfare and the Africa Network for Animal Welfare-USA, their directors, employees, affiliates, agents, contractors and subcontractors shall not be liable for any loss or expense arising from the loss of property, cancellation or curtailment of the safari tour. Nor shall these entities be liable for sickness or accident, or any cost or expense arising there from, which interrupts a safari. Participants are advised to purchase necessary insurance to protect against such eventualities. All participants acknowledge their intent to relieve and indemnify both Vet Treks/Vet Treks Foundation and the Africa Network for Animal Welfare and the Africa Network for Animal Welfare-USA, their directors, employees, affiliates, agents, contractors

13 and subcontractors from any liability for personal injury, property damage or wrongful death which may occur during participation in the scheduled safari. PRACTICAL INFORMATION: Soft bags are easier than solid suitcases in safari vehicles and small airplanes. For flying to the Mara, the weight limit is 15 kg (33lbs) per person. SAFTEY: Your safety is our highest priority and upon arrival at our camps, you will be briefed about dos and don ts by our experienced safari guides. Kenya is safe for travel; however, you should use the same travel precautions as you would in other parts of the world. It is advisable not to carry large sums of cash or wear expensive-looking jewellery. RETURN TRAVEL TO THE U.S.: Please note that you will return to Nairobi late in the afternoon to be delivered directly to Jomo Kenyata Airport for your return flight. This usually works well since most flights connecting through European locations leave in the late evening (10:00 or 11:00pm). However, should you need to make return reservations that depart the following day, you will be on your own for the overnight stay in Nairobi. Please let us know if you require this last night s accommodation and we will make every effort to guide you in best hotel choices.