KENYA 21 DAYS KENYA ACTIVE SAFARI IN A NUTSHELL

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1 KENYA 21 DAYS KENYA ACTIVE SAFARI IN A NUTSHELL The last book written by Ernest Hemingway and published posthumously by his son, True at First Light is set in his beloved Kenya. With the exception of American actor William Holden who founded the famous Mount Kenya Safari Club and the sometimes controversial anthropologist Richard Leakey, no other western personality has contributed to the public perception of Kenya over the years as Ernest Hemingway. One of the more famous quotes on his love for Africa and Kenya in particular captures the essence of his emotions: I never knew of a morning in Africa when I woke up that I was not happy. If one had to mention just one more person in this context, it would have to be the adventurer turned entrepreneur Ewart Grogan, whose lasting legacy includes the first Cape Town to Cairo crossing of the entire continent, the construction of the first deep water port in Mombasa, his never ceasing and finally victorious efforts of convincing the British Empire to built a railway, popularly known as The Lunatic Express, from Mombasa to Nairobi and beyond. And last but not least, his own magnificent private home to his dying day: Grogan s Castle, built into the hill side overlooking the Sisal plantations of Taveta near the Tsavo West National Park, with a view of the rolling countryside that goes on forever... or at least all the way to Mount Kilimanjaro on a clear day! One can travel all across Kenya and never fail to find a reference to one or another of the now forgotten early Kenyan explorers, hunters and adventurers. Today, Kenya is primarily known for its amazing variety of natural attractions, the quintessential Africa of dramatic extremes and classic contrasts, deserts and alpine snows, forests and open plains as well as colourful tribal cultures. To those with an affinity for historic detail, raw nature and exotic wildlife adventures, Kenya will always and forever be True at First Light! Your first stop on this exciting safari will be the highlands of the Mount Kenya National Park and the nearby Laikipia Plateau with its breathtaking game viewing opportunities and thereafter the safari continues Samburu National Reserve and its serene vistas of rolling green hills and wood lands, alive with game and birds and on to Lake Nakuru National Park and Lake Naivasha, with flocks of flamingos gliding over its tranquil waters and Hell s Gate National Park and the opportunity for trekking and climbing adventures. One of the major highlights of your safari will be a visit to the hot savannahs and open plains of the famous Masai Mara National Reserve, teaming with wildlife and home to the world famous Zebra and Wildebeest Migration, with a seemingly endless stream of animals crossing the Mara river. Next on your safari route is the Amboseli National Park with its abundant wildlife and magnificent views of Mount Kilimanjaro. Another major attraction is the sprawling Tsavo National Park, one of the largest wildlife reserves in Africa if not worldwide. Kenya is the Out of Africa adventure every enterprising mind has dreamt of since the days when Denys Finch Hatton crisscrossed the country in his biplane, in search of True Love! 1

2 SHORT SUMMARY Day 1 Arrival in Nairobi to Mount Kenya and Laikipia Plateau. Airport pick-up and drive to Mount Kenya and Laikipia Plateau. Day 2 Mount Kenya National Park and Laikipia Plateau. Scenic drive to Mount Kenya National Park and Laikipia Plateau. Day 3 Mount Kenya National Park to Samburu National Park. Scenic drive to Samburu National Park and game drive in the park. Day 4 Samburu National Park. Game drives in the Samburu National Park. Day 5 Samburu National Park to Nanyuki. Scenic drive to Nanyuki. Day 6 Nanyuki to Lake Nakuru National Park. Scenic drive to Nakuru National Park. Day 7 Lake Nakuru National Park. Game drives in the Nakuru National Park. Day 8 Lake Nakuru National Park to Masai Mara National Reserve. Scenic drive to Masai Mara National Reserve. Day 9 Masai Mara National Reserve. Game drives in the Masai Mara National Reserve. Day 10 Masai Mara National Reserve to Lake Naivasha. Scenic drive to Lake Naivasha. Day 11 Lake Naivasha and Hell s Gate National Park. Hiking or cycling in the Hell s Gate National Park. Day 12 Lake Naivasha to Amboseli National Park. Scenic drive to Amboseli National Park. Day 13 Amboseli National Park to Tsavo West National Park. Game drives in the park. Day 14 Tsavo West National Park. All day game drives in the park. Day 15 Tsavo West National Park to Mombasa. Scenic drive from Tsavo West to Mombasa. Day Mombasa North Coast. Mombasa beach holiday. Day 21 Mombasa North Coast to Mombasa departure. Airport transfer and departure from Mombasa. DETAILED ITINERARY Day 1 - Arrival in Nairobi On day one of your safari, our experienced driver/ guide will collect you at the airport and take you straight on to your very active safari with a drive out of Nairobi to the Mount Kenya National Park and nearby Laikipia Plateau. You will be given a short briefing and answers to any questions you might have regarding your upcoming safari. Accommodation Options: Bronze Beisa Hotel (BB) Silver Sweetwaters Serena Camp (FB) Gold Ol Pejeta House (FB) BB=Bed & Breakfast DBB=Dinner, Bed & Breakfast FB=Full Board Day 2 - Mount Kenya National Park and Laikipia Plateau At feet high, Mount Kenya is surrounded by thick forested foothills, and provides a new world of wildlife experiences and a feast for the senses. Spotting game is not so easy in such a dense forest. So, rather than battle through the trees, you just need to sit back and wait for the 2

3 wildlife to come to you. Each of Kenya's reserves is different, meaning that every day brings new experiences. The Laikipia Plateau is situated near Mount Kenya and comprises mostly privately owned game reserves and lodges, surrounded by vibrant plains and savannahs. Rigorous conservation efforts have made this area one of the most successful in East Africa, abundant with wildlife and game viewing opportunities. Watch the animal kingdom unfold while driving through the reserve in your safari vehicle. The reserve has both a chimpanzee and rhino sanctuary, and is justifiably proud of how it has been able to rebuild the populations of these animals. The reserve is also home to a smaller population of white rhinos and your two days will provide first hand experience of the difference between the two species. Accommodation Options: Bronze Beisa Hotel (BB) Silver Sweetwaters Serena Camp (FB) Gold Ol Pejeta House (FB) BB=Bed & Breakfast DBB=Dinner, Bed & Breakfast FB=Full Board Day 3 - Mount Kenya National Park to Samburu National Park The next stop of your active safari is the remote and remarkable Samburu National Park, situated north of the Laikipia Plateau in the hot, dry and relatively low country that borders Kenya s vast northern deserts. The area is also home to the Samburu people, who were drawn to this region by the reliability of the Ewaso Nyiro, northern Kenya s biggest seasonal river. Its amazing variety of wildlife prevails here for the same reason - dozens of species of predators, plains grazers and 3

4 browsers gathering in the open bush country, along the river fringed with acacia forest. Game drives often follow the winding, meandering river where almost anything - from a pride of lions to a herd of elephants or a flight of leaping impalas - appear at any moment. Since your game drive in the park will focus on the river banks and a few kilometres of dry bush on either side, your exploits in this park will discover all species of big cats, with a good number of leopards always present in the wooded riverbank areas and several lion prides at home both north and south of the river. Accommodation Options: Bronze N/A Silver Samburu Sopa Lodge (FB) Gold Elephant Bedroom (FB) BB=Bed & Breakfast DBB=Dinner, Bed & Breakfast FB=Full Board Day 4 - Samburu National Park A full day of further extensive game drives in Samburu National Park gives you the chance to discover all that this extraordinary landscape has to offer. Accommodation Options: Bronze N/A Silver Samburu Sopa Lodge (FB) Gold Elephant Bedroom (FB) BB=Bed & Breakfast DBB=Dinner, Bed & Breakfast FB=Full Board Day 5 - Samburu National Park to Nanyuki Scenic drive back to Nanyuki and there the opportunity for a guided tour through the forested lower slopes of Mount Kenya and a visit to the Mau-Mau caves. Accommodation Options: Bronze Beisa Hotel (BB) Silver Sweetwaters Serena Camp (FB) Gold Ol Pejeta House (FB) BB=Bed & Breakfast DBB=Dinner, Bed & Breakfast FB=Full Board Day 6 - Nanyuki to Lake Nakuru National Park Next stop on your exciting safari in Kenya is the Lake Nakuru National Park. A slow drive across forested hills allows for a stop at the Equator, the Thomson s Falls at Nyahururu and up the steep ridges of the famous Great Rift Valley, with endless views over the low lying rolling landscapes to the south. 4

5 Accommodation Options: Bronze N/A Silver Lake Nakuru Lodge (FB) Gold Sarova Lion Hill Game Lodge (FB) BB=Bed & Breakfast DBB=Dinner, Bed & Breakfast FB=Full Board. Day 7 - Lake Nakuru National Park A fringe border of pink separating Lake Nakuru from its grassy shore lines is created by a million flamingos wading through the shallow waters and providing a vivid contrast of color. Flamingos are not the only birds to call this lake home, as you can also see African Fish Eagles and Verreaux's eagles, effortlessly gliding in the thermal vortex over the lake s glistening surface, scanning for prey. Lake Nakuru is one of Kenya s more beautiful national parks and its rugged landscape provides the perfect backdrop for panoramic landscape photography. The Big Five can also be found on the verdant green floodplains, where White Rhinos march and leopards hide in the trees scanning the landscape for prey as elephants crash through acacia forests. Accommodation Options: Bronze N/A Silver Lake Nakuru Lodge (FB) Gold Sarova Lion Hill Game Lodge (FB) BB=Bed & Breakfast DBB=Dinner, Bed & Breakfast FB=Full Board. 5

6 Day 8 - Lake Nakuru to Masai Mara National Reserve Heading south out of Nakuru, your safari adventure continues with two full days of exciting game drives in one of the world's most famous game reserve. Accommodation Options: Bronze Fisi Camp (FB) Silver Mara Eden Safari Camp (FB) Gold Sarova Mara Game Lodge (FB) BB=Bed & Breakfast DBB=Dinner, Bed & Breakfast FB=Full Board. Day 9 - Masai Mara National Reserve The Masai Mara National Reserve is an otherworldly experience with its sheer abundance of wildlife roaming the savannah plains not numbered by thousands of animals; there are literally millions of mammals roaming the rolling landscapes. Wildebeest gather in enormous herds, with Thompson's gazelles and zebras dwelling nearby, eventually forming an army of animals converging on a common migration pattern that can only be described as biblical in its magnitude. The Masai Mara also offers unrivalled opportunities to spot the big cats out hunting. Not every hunt is successful. Sometimes a long careful approach is spotted just in time, and a leopard or cheetah must wait for another opportunity. The Masai Mara is not an experience to be rushed and you will 6

7 enjoy the long morning and late afternoon game drives, when the savannah plains are at their most active. In the early afternoon, you can relax at the lodge as everyone takes a break from the scorching heat and before heading out again into a new sector of the vast reserve. These two days will showcase a surreal world of wildlife with every game drive revealing a new facet of the natural wonders the Masai mara has to offer. Perhaps a group of elephants searching for water, or perhaps a leopard emerges from his hiding spot in the trees trying to approach a wildebeest herd. Beside the rutted game trail, a lion pride lazes in the sun while buffalos stand single or in groups with that unmistakable stare - which is due to the fact that they are extremely short sighted and practically have to bump right into something to figure out what it is - their curled horns and great bushy hair often dividing opinion, yet everyone agrees that they're not to be messed with. In the Masai Mara, the magic of Africa comes alive in its uncontrived natural wonders and spectacular vistas; an experience that is bound to be cherished and remembered forever. Accommodation Options: Bronze Fisi Camp (FB) Silver Mara Eden Safari Camp (FB) Gold Sarova Mara Game Lodge (FB) BB=Bed & Breakfast DBB=Dinner, Bed & Breakfast FB=Full Board. Day 10 - Masai Mara National Reserve to Lake Naivasha Lake Naivasha is a prominent freshwater lake located at the highest point of the Great Rift Valley, with complex geological features of volcanic rock as represented by the nearby Njorwa Gorge and the Hell s Gate National Park which contains some spectacular examples of water and weather-worn rock formations as well as an abundance of flora and fauna. Lake Naivasha is home to a large variety of wildlife including sizeable populations of hippos as well as a healthy fish population that includes Black Bass, Tilapia and Crayfish which in turn attract a variety of predator birds such as Cormorants, Fish Eagles, Pelicans and Kingfishers. Besides the impressive 150 bird species recorded around the greater lake game sanctuary such as buffalo, giraffe, zebra and other plains wildlife are also residents. There are no predators in the area so this is one of the few places in Kenya offering the opportunity to walk and hike among the animals. 7

8 Accommodation Options: Bronze Msada Hotel (BB) Silver Naivasha Kongoni Lodge (BB) Gold Kongoni Lodge (FB) BB=Bed & Breakfast DBB=Dinner, Bed & Breakfast FB=Full Board Day 11 - Lake Naivasha and Hell s Gate National Park Nearby, Hell s Gate National Park - named for its pair of red tinged cliffs - is home to a variety of game and bird life and since walking is permitted, makes it ideal for hiking, biking, and rock climbing. Located between Lake Naivasha and the Longonot and Suswa volcanoes, the park is famous for its geothermal station and spectacular gorges and rock formations. Walking in the gorge through water eroded walls so narrow that they almost block out the sky, several hot and cold waterfalls, hot water springs and colorful strata and rock formations is an experience not to be missed. And on the wildlife side, giraffe, eland, hartebeest, buffalo and other small gazelles and antelopes are a common sight on the grassy plains. Lion, leopard and cheetah also occur but rarely. The area accounts for 103 species of birds with the cliffs home and nesting grounds as well and as of 2010, the park has also been recognised by UNESCO as a World Heritage Site. Accommodation Options: Bronze Msada Hotel (BB) Silver Naivasha Kongoni Lodge (BB) Gold Kongoni Lodge (FB) BB=Bed & Breakfast DBB=Dinner, Bed & Breakfast FB=Full Board 8

9 Day 12 - Lake Naivasha to Amboseli National Park Today your safari continues to the Amboseli National Park below the majestic Mount Kilimanjaro, with its snow-capped Uhuru Peak gazing down onto the grassy plains below. Here, Africa's highest mountain rises dramatically from the lowlands, where elephants roam the serene and undulating plains. You will drive to Amboseli National Park and arrive there in time for lunch and a long afternoon game drive. Accommodation Options: Bronze N/A Silver Kibo Safari Camp (FB) Gold Ol Tukai Lodge (FB) BB=Bed & Breakfast DBB=Dinner, Bed & Breakfast FB=Full Board Day 13 - Amboseli National Park to Tsavo West National Park A half day game drive through the fairy tale landscapes of the Amboseli National Park awaits you today, over flat rolling grassy plains, where elephants roam freely everywhere with buffalos heading towards the frequent water holes, kicking up swirling dust as they plod along the dusty ground. At the dry salt lake of Ol Tukai, a variety of mammals such as giraffe, gazelle, wildebeest and zebra provide memorable safari impressions. Predators roam, hippos emerge from the water with elephants and black rhinos silently grassing on the plains. You also have the opportunity to visit a local Masai village and learn about their unique cultures and traditions. Thereafter, your journey continues to the Tsavo West National Park. Accommodation Options: Bronze Rhino Valley Lodge (FB) Silver Severin Safari Camp (FB) Gold Finch Hattons Camp (FB) BB=Bed & Breakfast DBB=Dinner, Bed & Breakfast FB=Full Board Day 14 - Tsavo West National Park In the morning, you proceed to Tsavo West National Park, which is one of the largest game reserves in Africa. Here, you can re-live the true story of the Ghost and the Darkness as recorded by Col. J.H. Patterson in 1907, when two man-hunting lions disrupted the construction of the railway bridge over the Tsavo river. Or enjoy a stay at Finch Hatton s, a lodge dedicated to and 9

10 named after Denys Finch Hatton, the aristocratic big-game hunter and lover of Baroness Karen Blixen, who wrote about him in her autobiographical book Out of Africa in The hilly landscapes and woodland of Tsavo West mean that spotting wildlife can sometimes be tricky. There s plenty of it, including large numbers of elephants and good lion prides. There s also the opportunity of seeing black rhinos in the secure sanctuary, yet Tsavo West safaris are more about unexpected sights as you turn a bend on a wooded track to come across giraffes, impalas, buffalos and Burchell s zebra. The most iconic attraction of the park is Mzima Springs, a string of small crystal clear lakes that are fed by springs filtering through the volcanic rocks of the Chyulu Hills. Shaded by majestic fig and acacia trees, the lakes swarm with fish, large crocodiles and hippos. Leave your vehicle behind to follow a pretty nature trail to the underwater viewing chamber which provides a unique photo opportunity of gliding crocodiles, or the delicate swimming-walking style of the hippos. Accommodation Options: Bronze Rhino Valley Lodge (FB) Silver Severin Safari Camp (FB) Gold Finch Hattons Camp (FB) BB=Bed & Breakfast DBB=Dinner, Bed & Breakfast FB=Full Board 10

11 Day 15 - Tsavo West National Park to Mombasa Enjoy a final morning waking up surrounded by Kenya's amazing wildernesses. An early morning game drive gives you a last chance to discover more of the charms this untamed wonder world has to offer. Return to the lodge for a delicious breakfast before departing to Mombasa. This itinerary is easy to combine with a few days on the glorious Indian Ocean beaches of Mombasa. Accommodation Options: Bronze Pa Pweza Adamsville (BB) Silver Severin Sea Lodge (BB) Gold Saraova White Sands Hotel (BB) BB=Bed & Breakfast DBB=Dinner, Bed & Breakfast FB=Full Board Day 16 to 20 - Mombasa North Coast Mombasa presents - by any benchmark applied - the distinguished traveller with the perfect honeymoon hideout, scuba diving adventure or beach holiday. Time to relax for a few days on the pristine white beaches of Mombasa s North Coast, or if you prefer to continue the active part of this safari, here you have the opportunity to venture into water based sports such as deep sea fishing, scuba diving, sailing, wind surfing, jet skiing and snorkelling. There are also cultural activities to consider such as dhow adventures, visit to the Old Town, Bombolulu Cultural Centre, Mamba Village to mention but a few opportunities here. 11

12 Accommodation Options: Bronze Pa Pweza Adamsville (BB) Silver Severin Sea Lodge (BB) Gold Saraova White Sands Hotel (BB) BB=Bed & Breakfast DBB=Dinner, Bed & Breakfast FB=Full Board Day 21 - Mombasa Departure Time to say goodbye. Airport transfer and departure from Mombasa. Customised Itineraries & Options This itinerary can be customised to include additional options and locations in East Africa: Tanzania - Expand this package to include a trip to Tanzania s Tarangire, Lake Manyara, Ngorongoro or Serengeti National Parks. MAP OF SAFARI ROUTE UGANDA LAKE TURKANA ETHIOPIA SAMBURU KENYA MOUNT KENYA ENTEBBE KAMPALA LAKE NAKURU HEL S GATE LAKE NAIVASHA NAIROBI MASAI MARA INDIAN OCEAN SERENGETI LAKE VICTORIA NGORONGORO CRATER MOUNT KILIMANJARO AMBOSELI TSAVO TANZANIA MOMBASA 12

13 SAFARI PRICE AND SERVICES The price here presented is for mid range accommodation provided for the duration of the safari described in this document. The price options for budget and luxury accommodation are available on request: Price per person sharing in a double/ twin room: 1 people travelling from US $ 6.028,00 2 people travelling from US $ 4.686,00 3 people travelling from US $ 4.235,00 4 people travelling from US $ 4.026,00 5 people travelling from US $ 3.872,00 6 people travelling from US $ 3.773,00 Single supplement: from US $ 748,00 Features Included in Safari Price All airport transfers, ground transportation and fuel as per the itinerary Transport in a 4x4 minibus with safari roof (other options on request) Charter or scheduled local flights where applicable and listed in the itinerary All park and conservation fees including for the vehicle, driver/ tour guide and clients English speaking Ugandan driver/ tour guide (other languages on request) Accommodation and meal plan as specified Activities as per itinerary Features Excluded in Safari Price All international flights, all flights not specifically listed in the itinerary A 4x4 wheel drive vehicle such as a Land Cruiser Cost of visas Travel, medical and personal insurances Gratuities and personal requirements All other Optional Activities listed in the itinerary (prices on request) Our passion for Africa and efforts to furnish you with the very best Creative Destination Management are defined by the objective to provide exceptional quality, intensive and unforgettable experiences as well as pleasurable moments, that in every detail and attention to superior services are a dream come true and a feast for the senses. Our passion, commitment and dedication to provide you with memorable adventures is as limitless as the magical vistas of the African continent... Your Across Africa Creative Destination Management Team 13

14 Additional Notes This is a proposal only and subject to availability. If components of this itinerary are not available at the time of booking, we shall endeavour to offer suitable alternatives. The appointed driver/ tour guide will accompany clients throughout the safari, assist them with check-in at accommodation and share his knowledge of flora and fauna. A language specific tour guide is available against a surcharge. A 4 x 4 wheel drive vehicle such as a Land Cruiser is available against a surcharge. Where applicable for charter or scheduled local flights, the following baggage restrictions apply: 15 kgs on all flights in small, soft-sided bags. Abbreviations for the meal plan are as follows: BB=Bed & Breakfast DBB=Dinner, Bed & Breakfast FB=Full Board. Terms and Conditions of our Services Payments Deposit: 25% of the total safari price within 7 days of confirmation. Balance: full balance due 45 days (6 weeks) prior to arrival. Reservations: made within 45 days or less prior to arrival: Immediate full prepayment due. Cancellations Cancellations received within 30 days before safari date 20% 29 to 23 days before safari date 25% 22 to 15 days before safari date 40% 14 to 08 days before safari date 55% 07 to 03 days before safari date 65% 02 days before safari date 95% No Show 100 % Changes Without Prior Notice Tariffs quoted are valid for 2015 wherever possible. Not all service providers release or guarantee their rates well in advance and therefore the itinerary price may be subject to changes without prior notice. Factors that can not be anticipated and may influence this cost calculation include, but are not limited to, supplier increases (including gorilla permits and park/conservation fees), government tax increases, fuel price increases, unforeseeable itinerary amendments due to circumstances beyond our control, availability restrictions, etc. Across Africa - Creative Destination Management manager@across-africa.de 14

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