The Passion of Africa

Transcription

1 Africa is the heart of the world an empire of space, sounds, light, life, people, cultures, magnificence not found elsewhere in the world, Africa is magical, it captivates you with is sights, sounds, scents that are so different from any other part of the world. Many have a limited, often a view of Africa that is focused on the negatives instead of Authentic Africa, the Wildest Continent on Earth. You either love or hate it Leonardo DiCaprio s statement TIA This is Africa with a sarcastic undertone is one thing but Africa is much more than that Mama Africa is like a magnet for people far and wide enjoy the wildest Continent on Earth. ********************************************* Code: 07 Days Migration Safari. Day Destination Accommodation Day activity 1 Nairobi Golden Tulip Transfer and time at leisure 2 Masai Mara Game Reserve Sentrim Mara Camp Afternoon game drive 3 Masai Mara Game Reserve Sentrim Mara Camp Full day game drive 4 Masai Mara Game Reserve Sentrim Mara Camp Full day game drive 5 Masai Mara Game Reserve Sentrim Mara Camp Full day game drive 6 Masai Mara Game Reserve Sentrim Mara Camp Full day game drive 7 Masai Mara Game Reserve Sentrim Mara Camp Full day game drive 8 Departure **************** Drop off to connect homebound flight Day 1 Nairobi Today arrive into Nairobi and met upon by our representative and warm welcome and receive our Safari Hat as a gift to welcome you into Safari mood and as well begin your story for a long awaited Safari. After loading your luggage onto your vehicle you shall then set off for

2 your hotel 25 minutes away from the airport depending on traffic. Arrive and helped to check in at Golden Tulip Hotel and have your time at leisure enjoying the hotel facilities and strategize for your next adventure. Overnight: Golden Tulip Meal plan: Bed and Breakfast Day 2 Masai Mara Game Reserve After your breakfast you are met upon by your driver guide and start off your exciting drive down to Masai Mara passing through some exciting and scenic route with stops along the way to stretch your legs, visit washrooms and enjoy some majestic views. 1300hrs- arrive in the Mara and check in at your camp for lunch and thereafter have some short time to relax before setting out for an afternoon adventure. Sentrim Mara Lodge is located adjacent to the Maasai Mara Game reserve, 3 km from Sekenani gate. 1600hrs - After enjoying your afternoon Kenyan tea and coffee- Head out this afternoon, for an exciting game viewing adventure. Search some of the area`s wildlife hot-spots determined by your driver guide, as they`ve learned and now understand the games daily routines through tracking. Some wildlife is more difficult than others to spot, for instance the Leopard. These spotted cats blends almost seamlessly into the tall grass and shrubbery, and are even more challenging to spot up in their favorite hangout, the trees. Your guide will take you to nearby watering holes, where on a hot day, you might spot many bird and wildlife species, including the elusive cats.

3 1830hrs- After game drive head back to your camp. Overnight: Sentrim Mara Meal Plan: Full board - lunch /dinner. Day 3 /4/5 /6 /7 Masai Mara Game Reserve Sunrise game drives. After breakfast, leave with picnic lunch boxes for a full day exploration of the Wilderness. You will return to the lodge in the late afternoon on time for a refreshing shower, followed by time round the fire exchanging stories of the day with the other guests. Candlelit dinner completes the day; after which you will be escorted to your room. Overnight: Sentrim Mara Meals: Breakfast, Lunch and Dinner Day 8 Departure 0700hrs breakfast at the camp After breakfast depart for Nairobi and upon arrival into Nairobi for lunch on your own account. After lunch transfer to Jomo Kenyatta Airport Nairobi and connect End of Our Services--- Thank You for choosing us, Welcome Again!!!

4 Above main tour costs include; Pick up Nairobi drop off Jomo Kenyatta International Airport. Bed and Breakfast in Nairobi Full board on safari

5 All transport in designed Safari vehicle (Non A/C private usage) with a pop up roof for maximum game viewing comfort with a professional English speaking driver/guide. All park entrance fees. Value Add advantage!! Complimentary: - Mineral Water 500 ml each day during safari. Complimentary: - Safari hat. Our price does not include; The cost of obtaining visas; Kenya visa can be got at ease at JKI Airport for USD 50 no photos required Expenses like laundry, beverages, bar bill, telephone, mineral water, tips, porterage etc. International flights. Travel and medical insurance. All other expenses that are purely of a personal nature. All other items that are not mentioned in 'our price includes'. USEFUL SAFARI INFORMATION Kenya is the most popular destination for safaris in the world. It lies across the equator on the east of the African continent. Safari is said to have originated here with its outstanding game viewing, picturesque landscapes and cultured tribes and people. Population: Approximately 43 million forty two ethnic groups. Total land area: sq. km (including area covered by water). Language: Official: English and Kiswahili with 75 different dialects within Kenya. Capital city: Nairobi. Nairobi Population: Approx. 4.5 million HISTORY Kenya has known the presence of humankind since the very earliest development of our species. There are sites that have documented remnants of pre-historic man through bones, tools and Carbon dating verified through international anthropological associations. Moreover, the region has long been a migratory path, passed through by wave upon wave of peoples from all over Africa and, later, from the Middle East as well. By the 10th century or so, the region

6 had developed its own lingua Franca, Swahili, which is a Bantu language heavily overlaid with Arabic. Among other familiar words, safari is Swahili, meaning simply travel. With the arrival of the Portuguese at the end of the 15th century, the East African coastal region was for a time dominated by the Europeans. However, in 1729 the Portuguese were expelled, to be replaced by two Arab dynasties. Arab rule lasted until the end of the 18th century, when Kenya passed into the British sphere of influence. The country became independent in CLIMATE Kenya enjoys a tropical climate. It is hot and humid at the coast, temperate inland and very dry in the north and northeastern parts of the country. PASSPORT REQUIREMENTS Please note that passports must be valid for travel and have at-least minimum 3 blank pages and must also be valid for at least six months from date of departure from origin country. VISA REQUIREMENTS Presentation of a valid passport at the entry airport for those who don t require a referred visa. Cost is USD $50 per adult. Children 16yrs and below are free. BAGGAGE RESTRICTIONS Local flights baggage allowance is strictly 15 Kgs per person in soft bags including hand luggage. Hard cases do not fit in safari vehicles and aircrafts so it is best to travel with soft bags. SPEED LIMIT Kenya transport authorities have imposed a speed limit of 80km/hr to promote road safety. All vehicles are fitted with speed limiters which may sometimes result in journeys feeling long, but our drivers adhere to all road and traffic rules and security policies in the interest of our guests. SAFARI VEHICLE Zizou Kenya Safaris has 7-seater safari mini-vans with English speaking driver guides. The vehicle has a pop-up roof for game viewing/photography, seat belts, first aid kits and radios for driver guide communication. Upgrade to a 7-seater Land Cruiser can be arranged.

7 PHOTOGRAPHY The morning and afternoon light is perfect for photographing wildlife and your safari guide is an expert at positioning the vehicle for the best results. Wildlife photos must be taken from the vehicle and clients are never allowed to get out of the vehicle for a closer shot. Occasionally, where it is safe, you will be able to get out of the vehicle to take a picture of scenery. DO NOT photograph people without first asking permission, as many Kenyan's take great offense to this, particularly the Maasai, because of social, tribal and religious beliefs. However you will have opportunities to photograph local people on many of your drives, and at some villages, though you may be asked to pay for the privilege. It is also a good idea to bring a small tripod for filming sunsets and scenery. On safari vehicles it is best to use a bean bag to get a steady shot. And try shooting from the lower windows, as the lessened angle will give a more intimate affect. Some shops in the cities will sell memory cards / batteries / film. Shops in lodges may have a limited stock. WILDLIFE VIEWING TIPS Some of the best game viewing in all of Africa can be found in Kenya. In order to view the greatest amount and variety of wildlife, we provide highly skilled and knowledgeable driver guides that will tell you about their country, tribal cultures and wildlife behavior. They will also amaze you with their ability to spot animals that you will have trouble seeing with your binoculars. If you are patient and observe the interaction of the animals rather than rushing to check off the next animal on your list, you will have an extraordinary wildlife experience. Our Kenyan guides always put client safety first and on roads that are rough and bumpy, they do their best to avoid tire swallowing potholes. Main highways are paved but roads in the safari areas are dirt and usually the main park roads are only graded once a year. SAFARI ACCOMMODATIONS Accommodations on safari are usually a combination of lodges and permanent tented camps. "In the bush", and miles from civilization, these luxury camp's and lodges are all unique and in amazing settings. Lodge rooms have complete bathroom amenities as do most permanent tented camps. Unless you are in a major city, there will be no TV's or phones with outside lines. Electric lights, running on generators, are generally lit for a few hours in the early morning and from dark until 10 or 11 PM. If you require power for medical equipment please let us know in advance so we can request the lodge for this.

8 FOOD ON SAFARI The food on safari is delicious and ranges from simple to gourmet. You can expect lots of fresh fruits and vegetables and wonderful homemade soups. Chicken, lamb, beef or pork are usually served at lunch and dinner as well fish and vegetarian dishes. Breakfast is buffet with lots of tropical fruits, hot and cold cereals, bacon, sausages, mushrooms, breads and pastries and eggs to order. Lunch can be either buffet or served at the table and always starts with soup. Dinner is usually a 4 or 5 course sit-down affair depending upon booked property as some offer Buffet meals, although there is no need to dress up. Often your safari guide will join you at meals as you recall your day s events. It is recommended to drink bottled mineral water. BOTTLED AND ALCOHOLIC BEVERAGES Wine, beer, extra bottled water, sodas and alcoholic beverages are available at all camps and lodges and are usually not included in the trip price. Beer and sodas are inexpensive but premium spirits can be pricey so you may want to bring your favorite with you which cannot be consumed in the dining areas. CLOTHING ON SAFARI Comfortable, casual clothing that is lightweight and easy to care for is the best bet while on safari. It can be quite cool in the early mornings, so you'll want to dress warmly in layers, until the sun has a chance to warm up the air. "Kenya Convertibles", khaki pants with zipoff legs, are perfect for cool early morning game drives that turn warm before you're back in camp. Walking shorts, long pants, cotton shirts and tees are just right. A cotton bush jacket or wind-breaker will be useful along with a warm sweater or fleece jacket for the cool nights. And, a hat that ties on is a must. There is not a good deal of long walking or hiking on most safaris, so a comfortable pair of walking shoes or tennis shoes and a pair of sandals should be adequate. You will need thorn-proof soles. Sun screen is also recommended. EXERCISE Generally there are no places to jog and there will not be much time for exercise, although we do try to include some walking where it is safe and legal. It is possible to do some walking and exercising within the lodge or camp grounds but because the wildlife is "wild" it is not safe to venture away from the grounds. Also, walking in not allowed in the national parks without permission and is usually escorted by an armed guard.

9 MONEY AND CASH The local currency in Kenya is the shilling. Major credit cards are accepted at hotels and most lodges and camps "in the bush". However - don't even think about finding an ATM machine in the bush! US dollars, Euros and travelers checks are readily accepted, but small denominations are recommended for cashing at lodges and camps. Changing money at banks can be very time consuming and it is never wise to change money on the street. USD bills must be newer than year HEALTH REQUIREMENTS Food and sanitary conditions while on safari are of the highest standard, however some precautions are recommended. Polio vaccination now required for Indian nationals. This requirement is by the Indian authorities for re-entry in India after safari. Yellow Fever vaccination is only required for visitors coming from countries where the disease is endemic. Remember to bring supplies of prescription medicines (by your physician), spare glasses, contact lenses and sunscreen. MALARIA Malaria, while endemic, is not usually found at the higher altitudes of Kenya, but is more prevalent on the coast and in the south. Malaria is transmitted by some female Anopheles mosquitoes, which are active in the early evening and throughout the night. Malaria is not a serious problem if people are sensible and take basic precautions from being bitten by using mosquito repellents and wearing long-sleeved shirts and long pants in the evenings. Safari camps and lodges at not located in any densely populated areas, and many are at high altitude. This greatly reduces the risk of becoming infected. Consult your physician, for recommended malaria prophylactics. SHOPPING If you don't like to bargain, there are many nice shops and galleries in the main cities that carry nice crafts, including basketry, batiks, beadwork, masks and woodcarvings. Gift shops in hotels, safari lodges and some camps are also excellent places to buy quality souvenirs. If you like to bargain, you may want explore the local markets. However - do not ship goods home! Shipping rates are not guaranteed and can be exorbitant. Plan to carry your purchases home or pay the surcharge from the airline. WATER To keep from getting dehydrated, you will need to drink plenty of fluids. Bottled water is supplied daily in your room or tent depending on the properties booked, and also in the vehicles for game-drives.

10 LANGUAGE Kiswahili is the national language of Kenya. While on safari you will pick up such phrases as Habari gani (How are you?) and Twiga (Giraffe). However English is official and widely spoken but do not expect everyone to speak English. However all our guides are fluent. TIPPING AND GRATUITIES As a custom, tipping is not compulsory, but is usually expected as a sign of appreciation of good service in lodges, bars and restaurants and lodges/camps and your Safari driver/guides. The normal tipping guideline is 10% of your total bill to the waiters and USD 5.00 per person per day for your safari driver/guides though the client can pay as per their discretion. ELECTRICITY Kenya's past, has left it with several different international standards of delivering power. Electricity is delivered at 230 Volts using mainly 3 pin plugs, but varies on the connections, so be sure to bring a Universal Adapter. Also, if outlets are not available in your room, the main building or bar area will have outlets so you can recharge your camera. You can also bring a cigarette lighter adapter to charge your camera while traveling in your vehicle. GIFTS & DONATIONS Kenya, like most of the developing world, has many people who are in need. However, begging is not generally prevalent, though your safari vehicle may sometimes be surrounded by curious children. Kenyan's prefer that you not hand out money or sweets, as this encourages begging. However, like anywhere, gifts can be given as a true expression of friendship, appreciation or thanks. And trading T-shirts, hats, or offering magazines to locals is not uncommon. Tourism brings needed money to the local economy and as tour operators we also support local schools and other improvement projects. Zizou Kenya Safaris organizes visits to various children orphanages on the outskirts of Nairobi. Should you want to visit or support this initiative by offering supplies, money and your expertise we would be happy to facilitate this for you. Should you want to donate items to local schools or other charities we can assist you with details. Various parts of the country offer plant a tree opportunities with the largest one being in Nairobi at the Karura forest. Should you want to plant a tree while on safari do let us know. WHILE ON SAFARI Do look at Kenya s 400 species of birds when you can t spot lions Do visit the national and regional museums of Kenya if they happen to be along your route

11 Don t attempt to drive too close to any animal Don t interfere with any predator who is hunting. If the predator gives up in frustration its young may starve. Don t drive off the road you destroy valuable flora and aid erosion. Don t get out of the car except at designated areas Don t throw matches, lit cigarettes or trash out of the window Do obey instructions given by park staff or your driver guide Do try to stick to the program and timeframes, so as not to miss out on game viewing experiences Do visit the marine parks when you are at the Coast Don t collect shells or other marine life let them live! Don t damage living coral watch where you step. Don t litter the seashore or game parks. Do protect the environment and encourage ecotourism Do appreciate the amazing landscapes and scenery along your drives Do ask your driver guide for information if you would like to walk in the city or take a taxi Do not leave your valuables unattended. Zizou Kenya Safaris & hotels do not take responsibility for these. YOUR FIRST WORDS IN SWAHILI! ENGLISH Hello Welcome Thank you Yes No SWAHILI Jambo! Karibu! Asante! Ndio! Hapana!

12 OK Please Friend Good Goodbye I love you Car Excuse me Food Shop Hotel Good night Toilet No Problem One Two Ten Water My Name is. Animals Lion Elephant The Sun Bon voyage Money Wife Husband Child What time is it? Sawa! Tafadhali Rafiki Nzuri Kwaheri Ninakupenda Gari Samahani Chakula Duka Hoteli Lala Salama Choo Hakuna Matata Moja Mbili Kumi Maji Mimi Na itwa Wanyama Simba Tembo Jua Safari Njema Pesa Bibi Bwana Mtoto Saa ngapi?