ULTIMATE AFRICA SAFARIS
Introduction to
Africa Visit: Nairobi, Sweetwaters, Mount Kenya, Samburu and Shaba Reserves, and Masai Mara Highlights: all inclusive, exclusive tented camps and lodges, transfers by road and air, visit to the area where Survivor 3 was filmed, day and night wildlife viewing from open sided 4x4 vehicles, professionally guided hikes and walks, horseback and camel riding (at extra cost), excellent wildlife and brilliant birding, village visits (at extra cost), optional hot air balloon safari over Masai Mara (at extra cost) For many people the words Kenya and safari are synonymous. Kenya is a land filled with the richness of Africa. From the remote Shaba Reserve where Survivor 3 was filmed amongst the lion and elephant to the Masai Mara's migrating herds of wildebeest, guests will enjoy a well rounded, invigorating safari experience. This is balanced with periods of quiet contemplation where only the sound of a distant lion's roar breaks the night air. Exciting days and relaxing nights at comfortable, quality accommodations make this a great value African experience! Full itinerary and trip details below: DAY 1 NAIROBI Upon arrival at Nairobi's Jomo Kenyatta Airport you will be met and transferred to the Norfolk Hotel. No other hotel in Kenya has as rich a history as the Norfolk. When it first opened it's doors in 1904 it spearheaded traditions of hospitality in East Africa which are still unmatched today. The Lord Delamere Dining Room, Bar and Terrace have always been center of Nairobi's social life. In 1914 the sportsman / writer Stuart Edward White wrote: "more absorbing conversation can be listened to here than in any other place in the world." Many were the good stories heard - and improved upon - by Hemingway, Ruark and others. NAIROBI, Norfolk Hotel, bed and breakfast DAYS 2, 3 SWEETWATERS The morning of day 2 you will depart by road to Sweetwaters Tented Camp. Sweetwaters Tented Camp lies in the heart of the privately owned 24,000 acre Sweetwaters Game Reserve, with magnificent views across the wildlife studded plains to the snowcapped peaks of Mount Kenya. Accommodation is provided in nicely appointed tents, set under thatch, with en-suite facilities (shower and toilet) and private verandah. 25 of the 30 tents overlook the waterhole. Within the quaint, original farmhouse is the dining room, bar and reception with its personal service and first class cuisine. Activities include day and night wildlife viewing drives, walking safaris escorted by a knowledgeable ranger, bird walks, and camel and horseback safaris (at extra cost). A visit to Sweetwaters would not be complete without a visit to see Morani, a tame black rhinoceros on the property. There is also a 200-acre chimpanzee sanctuary. The aim of the project, initiated by Lonrho East Africa, Kenya Wildlife Services and the Jane Goodall Institute, was to set up a colony where chimps could be introduced, rehabilitated and taught to fend for themselves in an area similar to their natural living conditions. Priority is given to orphaned and abused chimps. MOUNT KENYA, Sweetwater's Tented Camp, all inclusive DAY 4 MOUNT KENYA This day you will depart by road to the world renowned Mount Kenya Safari Club. Set high on the slopes of Africa's second highest mountain, The Mount Kenya Safari Club straddles the equator in a glory of luxurious cottages and elegant buildings set amid manicured lawns and decorative ponds. Ever since the Club was founded in 1959 by the late film star William Holden, eccentric American Ray Ryan, and Swiss financier Carl Hirschmann, it has been a mecca for the international jet set - its list of members reads like a Who's Who of royalty, aristocracy, and the rich and famous. The Club's history is as colorful and exciting as its members and visitors - from the pioneers who made the homestead and the farm their own, through its conversion into an upcountry hotel, to the uproarious narrative of the three-hell raisers who bought it on a whim and launched a legend. The Mount Kenya Safari Club offers several types of accommodations - we recommend the Riverview suites each with log fireplace and en suite facilities. Dinners are an elegant affair at the Safari Club. There is a choice of two restaurants; the Mawingo and the Kirinyaga. There are also two bars; the Mountain View Bar and Lounge, and the Trophy Lounge which has a relaxed and friendly atmosphere and is the ideal setting for cocktail parties. There is a pool, tennis court, putting green, 9 hole golf course, bowls, croquet, trout fishing, horse riding, an art gallery, labyrinth and health and beauty center! MOUNT KENYA, Mount Kenya Safari Club, full board in superior accommodations (activities extra) DAYS 5, 6 SAMBURU AND SHABA RESERVES On day 5 you will be transferred to the Nanyuki Airport in time to board your charter flight (included) to Samburu. Upon arrival you will be met and transferred to Samburu Intrepids Tented Camp. Samburu Intrepids tented camp is set in the midst of the rugged and savagely beautiful semi arid desert of northern Kenya. Located in the Samburu National Reserve on the banks of the Uaso Nyiro River, guests are accommodated in 25 tastefully furnished, spacious tents which are elevated on individual decks under the shade of huge acacia trees. Rooms have ensuite facilities including hot and cold running water and flush toilets. Rooms also have electricity. The lodge is subtly constructed to enhance its closeness with nature. The occasional visits from the elephants and crocodiles below the decks make nights here most memorable! Activities include wildlife viewing drives, short walks, and camel back excursions. While here you may visit the Shaba Reserve - the site where Survivor Africa was filmed. This remote reserve was also the site where the Mountain Dew cheetah/mountain bikers commercial was filmed. This semi-desert oasis supports reticulated giraffe, Grevy’s zebra, gerenuk, beisa oryx and the Somali ostrich. The area is also home to lion, cheetah, elephant, buffalo and leopard, and over 100 species of birds. SAMBURU RESERVE, Samburu Intrepids, all inclusive DAYS 7, 8, 9 MASAI MARA After your morning activity on day 8 you will transfer by scheduled flight (included) to the Masai Mara and Governor's Camp. The Masai Mara is without doubt one of Africa’s finest wildlife sanctuaries. The Mara supports the largest diversity of species in Africa and, because of its incredible array of predators and their prey, is the one of the best places to witness the tense and dramatic interactions between these hunters and the hunted. The sight of a predator in action can never be forgotten. Governor's Camp's setting is magical. So much so that almost a century ago it was reserved, exclusively, for Kenya’s colonial Governors and their royal visitors. Now Governors’ Camp nestles in the forest along the winding banks of the Mara River, it’s waters teeming with hippo and crocodile. Some of the 38 tents line the riverbank, with uninterrupted views over the Mara River, others have views across the sweeping plains. Created in 1972 Governors’ Camp set new standards in luxury for a tented camp. Today it’s still one of Africa’s best. Everything is under canvas, all tents have en-suite bathrooms with hot and cold running water and flushing toilets. Travel and Leisure Magazine voted Governor's Camp #4 in "The Top 10 Hotels in the World" in 1998.Activities include unlimited game drives, nature walks, cultural immersion with local Maasai (at extra cost) and optional hot air ballooning (at extra cost). MASAI MARA, Governor's Camp, all inclusive DAY 10 EN ROUTE This morning you will enjoy a game drive or walk before being transferred to the airstrip for your scheduled flight (included) to Nairobi where you may refresh yourself in a reserved dayroom at the Norfolk Hotel. In the evening you will be transferred to Kenya's Jomo Kenyatta Airport for your onward flight or elsewhere according to your plans. EN ROUTE, Norfolk day room, breakfast . Trip name: Introduction to Africa Type of safari: Quality all inclusive lodge and tented camp safari with road and scheduled air transfers which departs upon request on any dates. This is not a group safari and accommodations, activities, and total number of days can be altered to suit your needs. Trip Length: 10 days Trip cost: US $3,275 per person based on 2 people January through March and July through December 2004. US $2,995 per person based on 4 people January through March and July through December 2004. US $900 single supplement. Price excludes international airfare, includes internal scheduled flights. We do not recommend this tour during April through May each year. Air tickets: Click here to view airfares to Africa. Extensions:
When to travel: This trip is best during the periods mid December through mid March and from July through October each year. Departures: This safari departs upon request for one or more travelers. This is not a group safari and accommodations, activities, and total number of days can be altered to suit your needs. Accommodations: The accommodations on this trip are all first class and very comfortable. From thatched bungalows to large walk in luxury tents, all of the rooms have proper beds with mattresses and duvets, en suite toilets, basins and showers with hot and cold running water. Other amenities include mosquito netting, lamps, purified water in carafes, insect repellent, flashlights, wardrobes, and ethnic furnishings. Guides: Guides are highly qualified, enthusiastic and well versed in local culture, flora and fauna. Luggage: As small aircraft are used for several of the transfers between lodges and camps baggage is strictly limited to 15 kilograms (30 pounds) packed in one soft sided bag per person. Suitcases will not be permitted. Trip price includes: internal flights as noted, road transport by 4x4 vehicle, all airport meet and greets and all transfers to from hotels / lodges/ camps / airports, all accommodations and guided wildlife viewing activities as stated, all park's fees, Flying Doctor coverage, government taxes and service charges Trip price excludes (unless stated): international airfare, airport departure taxes, entry visas if required, extra activities such as hot air ballooning, and all items of a personal nature i.e. trip insurance, tips and gratuities to bar staff or driver/guides, drinks, telephone calls Visas: American passport holders visiting Kenya as tourists DO require an entry visa. Please contact the Kenyan embassy at: Embassy of the Republic of
Kenya Reservations: Phone toll free 1 800 461 0682 within the United States and speak with one of our safari consultants or send us an email including the trip name, your full name, the number of people traveling, and proposed travel dates. Questions: If you would like to ask any questions send us an email or phone toll free within the United States on 1 800 461 0682 and speak with one of our safari consultants. Return to Ultimate Africa's Kenya Safari Collection Links to other pages: ULTIMATE AFRICA
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