6 Day Horseback Riding Safari In Kenya s Masai Mara

Transcription

1 6 6 Day Horseback Riding Safari In Kenya s Masai Mara

2 KENYA Area 583,000 sq. km. ~ Population 45 million LAKE VICTORIA KENYA LAKE NAKURU LAKE NAIVASHA MATHEWS RANGE LAIKIPIA * MT. KENYA ABERDARES NAIROBI MERU MASAI MARA TSAVO EAST LAMU SERENGETI TSAVO WEST MOMBASA INDIAN OCEAN Straddling the equator across East Africa, Kenya is undeniably beautiful. The country has an almost unparalleled physical diversity - tropical rain forests, golden deserts of epic expanse, sandy beaches, the Great Rift Valley, lakes, mountains of snow and ice and, of course, the undulating savanna's of safari legend. Few destinations in the world can evoke such powerful imagery as Kenya, one of Africa's premier safari destinations. The Acacia-dotted plains are inhabited by classic African animals, from towering elephant and giraffe, prancing gazelles, wallowing hippo to prides of lion and high-speed cheetah. The country also plays host to the annual wildebeest migration, the largest single movement of herd animals on the planet. But to simply focus on Kenya's wildlife and nature is to ignore the people that make the country so dynamic. Kenya is a thriving multi-cultural country (over forty tribal groups), with a wide cross-section of everything that is classic and contemporary Africa. Everyday life brings together traditional tribes and urban families, ancient customs and modern sensibilities. Kenya is a legendary safari destination. With so much on offer, the country became the birthplace of the real safari, with the likes of Roosevelt, Hemingway and Finch-Hatton, setting the trend. Today, Kenya still offers the finest safari holidays in Africa.

3 GREATER MARA CONSERVANCIES (Ol Kinyei, Naboisho, Olare Motorogi, Mara North & Mara Triangle) Altitude 5,000 6,500 ft. ~ Area 5,000 sq. km. The beauty of the greater Mara Conservancies has come to represent the epitome of East Africa. The landscape is one of rolling savannah and acacia woodland, intersected by dark green veins of riverine forest on the banks of the Mara and Olare Orok rivers. This wilderness is an extension of the Serengeti (Tanzania) ecosystem and is considered to be Kenya's best wildlife sanctuary, where animals can still be seen in vast numbers. Carnivores, antelopes, primates and rodents are some of the mammals to be found. The annual migration of up to one million wildebeest is most dramatic and considered to be one of the greatest wildlife spectacles in the world. The flora, fauna and birdlife are phenomenal. The Mara is also home to the colorful and handsome Masai people who, with their herds of livestock, are synonymous with the region. Wildlife includes: aardvark, baboon, buffalo, bushbuck, cheetah, crocodile, dik-dik, eland, elephant, gazelle, giraffe, genet, hippo, hyena, impala, jackal, kongoni, leopard, lion, mongoose, reedbuck, rhino, serval, topi, warthog, waterbuck, wildebeest and zebra.

4 A A six-night safari on horseback in the Masai Mara wilderness. SAMPLE ITINERARY On arrival in Nairobi at Jomo Kenyatta International Airport, you will be met by a representative of Safaris Unlimited and transferred to your hotel. Day 1 ~ You will be met and transferred from your hotel to to Wilson airport for for a safari a safari briefing. Our Your morning morning flight flight departs departs at a.m. a.m. and arrives and arrives in the in the Mara Mara at at approximately a.m. a.m. Your Your professional safari riding guide will meet you there for a game drive to our private-canvas mobile camp arriving in time for lunch. This area is a favorite for elephant, leopard and cheetah. The afternoon is spent settling-in, followed by a short ride or game drive. Riding distance: 3 6 miles. Meal Plan : Lunch and dinner in camp. Overnight : Eneskiria, Naboisho Conservancy. Day 2 ~ Morning and afternoon rides and game drives exploring the Talek, Ololmorijoi streams and the surrounding game country of Naboisho. Topi, hartebeest, baboons and buffalo frequent this area. Bloody Mary's in the morning and Pink Gin's for 'sundowners' in the evening. All-in-all, a heavenly day on safari. Riding distance: miles Meal Plan : All meals in camp. Overnight : Eneskiria, Naboisho Conservancy Day 3 ~ A pre-dawn wake-up call prepares us for the longest ride of the safari. Heading due west, we traverse the vast rolling plains of Koiyaki. Ostrich, gazelle, wildebeest, eland and hyena may be encountered. We descend the Motorogi escarpment, cross the Ntiakitiak stream, before finally reaching the Enkoyanai spring for a picnic lunch. Long siesta followed by a beautiful ride up the Olare Orok stream and its' mighty fig tress. Riding distance: miles. Meal Plan: Breakfast and dinner in camp. Picnic lunch in the bush. Overnight: KO8, Mara North Conservancy. at

5 Day 4 ~ A well deserved morning of rest for the horses, we set off in our private 4x4 safari vehicles to photograph the wildlife at close quarters. Two large prides of lion make this area their home, allowing for a sensational big-cat experience. Afternoon ride, drive or walk in this magical corner of the Mara. We may go out by vehicle with a spotlight to discover the nocturnal creatures. Riding distance: 3-6 miles. Meal Plan : All meals in camp. Overnight : KO8, Mara North Conservancy. Day 5 ~ After a 'full-monty' breakfast we ride in a northerly direction, through a little gorge and out over the Ololituroto plain, scattered with the occasional balanities tree. Exceptional views in every direction on excellent going for the horses. Picnic lunch in the Olomai forest, siesta and a glorious ride down to the Mara river, with many large pods of hippo and the odd monster crocodile. Riding distance: miles. Meal Plan : Breakfast and dinner in camp. Picnic lunch in the bush. Overnight : Mara River, Mara North Conservancy. Day 6 ~ A stunning area to explore by horse or vehicle. We may ford the river and ride under the iconic Siria escarpment. The concentration of game is breathtaking with plenty of opportunity to jump fallen trees created by the resident elephant. Waterbuck, jackal and lion occur, as do many other wildlife species. Riding distance: miles. Meal Plan : All meals in camp. Overnight : Mara River, Mara North Conservancy. Day 7 ~ Our last morning ride or drive following the banks of the river. Wonderful opportunities for long canters over the Serian and Maternity plains. After a hearty brunch we say our "goodbyes" to the horses and camp crew. Our afternoon flight to Nairobi departs at 4.15 p.m. Upon arrival at approximately 5.30 p.m., you will be transferred to JKIA for your international flight home. Riding distance: 6-10 miles. Meal Plan : Brunch in camp

6 2018 PRICE GUIDE TOTAL = From US $ 7, per person sharing RATES INCLUDE: - Full board accommodation - Professional Riding Guide - Support vehicles & trucks - 4x4 game viewing vehicles - Game drives - Activities with the exception of optional extras - Flying Doctors membership - Return flight Nairobi-Mara-Nairobi - Airport transfers - Laundry in camp - Government taxes - Camp & safari equipment - Horses & tack - Full compliment of safari crew - All drinks in camp, including bottled drinking water - Kenya Professional Safari Guide in each vehicle RATES EXCLUDE: - International fights and visas - Champagne, premium spirits and liqueurs - Accommodations and meals outside the Itinerary - Insurances - Gratuities

7 PRIVATE CANVAS MOBILE CAMP Safaris Unlimited specializes in traditional mobile safaris under canvas. Your private camps are positioned in the most beautiful areas usually under a canopy of trees or overlooking a stream. The mosquito-proof tents are simply furnished in traditional safari camping style with double or single beds, carpets and bedside tables. Egyptian cotton sheets, warm feather duvets adorn the beds and hot water bottles are provided for the cool nights. Separate canvas shower and loo units are placed behind each tent. The dining tent is furnished with tables and chairs for elegant meals in camp, which include a variety of fresh fruits, vegetables, meats, fish and fowl. These meals are prepared over open fires by our camp chefs and served by waiters. Every effort is made to accommodate special requests. All food is locally sourced with full-monty breakfasts, alfresco lunches and candlelight dinners. Bread is baked daily and ice is made in our safari freezer. The bush-bar is stocked with imported wines and spirits along with a selection of local beers, sodas and bottled water. Mosquito-proof canvas tents Eco friendly Exclusive use in private locations Traditional bucket showers and short drop loos Solar lights Hurricane lanterns

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9 HORSEBACK SAFARI INFORMATION WEATHER ~ Seasonal rains govern Kenya s weather. Typically the long rains fall between the months of April and May, with the short rains in November. However we can expect occasional rain showers throughout the year. Our rides are at approximately 4,500 ft. 7,500 ft. above sea level and makes for idyllic riding weather. Temperatures range from 10 o C 30 o C. (50 F 86F) SAFETY ~ A professional riding guide leads every safari. A safety briefing is given at the beginning of the safari with detailed information about how to handle a big game situation. Full medical insurance is required and policy details must be submitted prior to arrival. The mobile camps, vehicles and guides have radio communication, mobile phones or a satellite phone in case of an emergency. MEDICAL ~ A small medical kit is carried on horseback and a more comprehensive kit is kept in camp. This is however limited, so therefore we ask guests to bring any required medication with them as well as any malarial prophylaxis. This should be packed in your hand luggage. RIDING ABILITY ~ The minimum riding level must be of an intermediate standard (comfortable at all paces) with the ability to post to the trot for stretches of 10 minutes at a time and be able to gallop out of trouble. The guide will assess the capability of each participant and should he feel that any rider is not competent and therefore imposes a risk to themselves and others, he will ask them to continue the safari in a vehicle rather than on horseback. We are unable to accept beginners. It is beneficial if you are fit and a proficient rider. HORSES ~ Our horses are a mixture of Somali-Arab crossbreds and thoroughbreds and range between 14hh - 17hh. They are well schooled, responsive and even-tempered. There is a wide range of horses to suit each individual and every effort is made to match horse and rider. The horses are sure footed in their terrain and comfortable in their environment. WEIGHT LIMIT ~ The maximum weight limit is 90 kgs. (200 lbs.). A special program can be offered for heavier riders that includes shorter rides, game drives, walks and cultural visits. TACK ~ We ride English-style, using extremely comfortable English general-purpose and French cavalry saddles. Most horses are tacked-up in a snaffle bridle and double-sided saddlebags are provided for each member to carry water bottles, cameras and rain gear. GROUP SIZE ~ Safari groups may be arranged from 2 to 12 riding guests. LENGTH OF RIDES ~ We ride between 4-8 hours a day, covering miles. This includes refreshment breaks. Full day rides feature picnic lunches with siesta time during the heat of the day.

10 NON-RIDERS ~ Non-riding spouses/friends/family are welcome. They will spend their day s game viewing in our customized safari vehicle with their own professional safari guide. CLOTHING ~ Laundry is done daily except on camp move days. Light aircraft transfers mean there is a weight limit of 15 kgs (33 lbs.) per person on luggage and bags must be of a soft hold all type. Riding clothes should be of a neutral color khaki or bush colors. We strongly recommend that you wear a riding helmet, and as we do not provide these, you are required to bring your own.

11 PRE-SAFARI PLANNING For visitors coming to Africa for the first time, there are many unanswered questions. Please take the time to read these guidelines, as they will help you to be well prepared for your safari. AIRLINES ~ Most safaris start and finish in Nairobi using Jomo Kenyatta International Airport (JKIA). There are daily flights on Air France, British Airways, Emirates, KLM, Kenya Airways, Qatar Airways and Swissair. Airport taxes on international and domestic flights are included in the ticket cost. PASSPORT & VISA ~ Visa requirements and fees may be subject to change at any time. Please check (with your travel agent) to make sure all formalities are completed in good time. You must purchase a visa before arrival in Nairobi. Make sure you have two full blank pages in your passport for your Kenyan visa. A single entry visa costs US$ 50 per person (or the equivalent in UK Sterling). You will need a return airline ticket and please ensure that your passport is valid for 6 months after your stay. On-line visa : INSURANCE ~ It is one of our conditions that all guests must have adequate medical and comprehensive travel insurance before your departure for cancellation, curtailment and other emergencies should they arise. Details of which must be submitted prior to travel. & INDEMNITY ~ All guests are required to complete and sign an indemnity prior to proceeding on any safari arrangement. FINANCE ~ There is no restriction on the amount of foreign currency that may be brought into Kenya. It is also useful to carry some US Dollars in small denomination notes (USD$ ). Most shops will take credit cards and US$. All US$ notes must be dated post the year 2006, as earlier notes are not accepted. Currency can be converted at the international airports at any time of day or night. CURRENCY ~ At present US$ 1 is equivalent to KES 103 and GBP 1 is equivalent to KES 133, but this fluctuates. FLYING DOCTOR ~ We provide all our clients with membership to the Flying Doctors Society of Kenya. This service covers emergency medical evacuation to a hospital in Nairobi, at which point your personal medical insurance will take effect. HEALTH & VACCINATIONS ~ All guests should take malaria tablets. Malarone and Doxycyclin are recommended by Kenyan Doctors. World Health Organization : & Centers For Disease Control & Prevention : 1. Strongly recommended Typhoid, Hepatitis A & B

12 2. Booster doses of regular vaccines Diphtheria, Tetanus & Polio Please advise us in advance if you have a medical condition or allergy that we should know about. Make sure you bring a sufficient supply of any special medication your doctor may think is necessary. COMMUNICATION ~ There is good mobile phone coverage in many parts of Kenya. You will probably be able to use your roaming facility. Do check with your service provider before you leave. Some boutique lodges have wireless Internet access. ELECTRICITY ~ In Kenya the power system is 240 volts AC with British square-pin plugs. We do not have a generator in our mobile camp, however items may be charged in the car using either a cigarette lighter socket or the car inverter system. The boutique lodges have generators and solar inverter systems for charging. TIME DIFFERENCE ~ The local time is GMT +3 hours and Eastern Standard Time +8 hours. Due to our proximity to the Equator, there is very little difference between sunrise and sunset year round. Sunrise is between 5.45 a.m. and 6.15 a.m. and sunset is between 6.30 p.m. and 7.00 p.m. PHOTOGRAPHY ~ Please bring sufficient image storage space and extra batteries for digital cameras and video recorders. A telephoto lens (300 mm +) with a UV filter is recommended. To charge batteries, please bring the appropriate leads to plug into a vehicle 12V cigarette lighter socket. Binoculars are essential (8 x 42 are ideal). Etiquette requires that you ask permission before photographing local people and their livestock. LAUNDRY ~ Laundry is done daily whilst in the boutique lodges and daily in our mobile camp except on move days. TIPPING ~ Tipping is not compulsory, nor is there any fixed amount. In camp, we suggest a tip of US$ 30 per guest per day that is divided between the staff, although if the service has been exceptional, guests may wish to consider giving something more. Guides are usually tipped separately. Finally, please note that all the information contained in these pages is intended for guidance only and is believed to be correct at the time of publishing. As circumstances may change at any time, you are strongly recommended to check with us or the appropriate authority prior to travel, for up-to-date information especially your passport/visa, health and insurance requirements.

13 YOUR PROFESSIONAL RIDING GUIDE ~ GORDIE CHURCH ~ Gordie was initiated into the safari world as a youngster. Born in Kenya and raised with the promise of adventure during every school holiday, he mastered the idiosyncratic skills of safari as a boy helping the camp crew put up tents, pack trucks and saddle horses. He guided his first safari aged eighteen and now has over twenty-five years experience in the bush. His untamed love of all things wild and his passion and respect for Africa's people and wildlife, makes Gordie a fascinating and inspiring character. He is completely immersed in Africa. MANAGER OF THE SAFARI HORSES ~ FELICIA CHURCH ~ Felicia's talents encompass all aspects of safari she is an inventive chef, a talented equestrian, a qualified Bowen therapist and engaging company. Everything equine interests Felicia. Her extensive knowledge of horses makes her the perfect wife for Gordie. Each safari horse is carefully selected and loved for the sole purpose of carrying our guests safely through the Africa bush.

14 Contacts Charles Williams Safari Adventures Worldwide 2003 Braeburn Ct. - Longmont - CO Tel: Mob: charles@safariadventuresworldwide.com Web: Sarah Fernandes Tel: (9 hours ahead of MST) sarah@saw.co.ke Web: Representing Safari Outfitters in Botswana, Kenya, Mozambique, Namibia, Rwanda, Seychelles, South Africa, Tanzania, Zambia and Zimbabwe