When one hears the word safari, Kenya comes to mind. The word alone conjures up visions of acacia-dotted landscapes stretching as far as the eye can see, covered with vast herds of elephants, zebra, and wildebeest. And there are tribal people who have called this part of Africa home for thousands of years and whose very survival has depended on their ability to life in harmony with nature. It is this part of Africa that most paleanathropologist believe that approximately 35,000 years ago the first Home sapiens walked north (probably because of a change in the climate) and began a journey that has resulted in close to seven billion of us inhabiting one small planet, of which few live in harmony with nature. During our two weeks in Kenya, we will have an opportunity to observe and photograph the large numbers and veriety of wildlife in the four most popular game parks and reserves set aside for wildlife conservation. We will also see hundreds of birds as Kenya has over 1,200 different species. We will spend time visiting and photographing the indiginous cultures such as the colorful Maasai and Samburu. We will explore what customs and beliefs they might hold that are different then those held in the western world and create was that we might benefit from their knowledge and wisdom. We will travel in custom built 9-passenger minivans with photographic viewing hatches with a maximum of five people in each vehicle. Our deluxe accommodation will be some of the best lodges and tented camps in East Africa. The following itinerary is based on flying Northwest-KLM through Amsterdam. Those on the west coast might want to consider an overnight in Amsterdam on the way to East Africa to break the journey. British Airways also serves Nairobi. We will assist you with your air arrangements.
Our Itinerary
Friday, 6 April 2007
USA
We depart this morning for Amsterdam.
Saturday, 7 April 2007
Amsterdam - Nairobi
We arrive in Amsterdam where we connect with our flight to Nairobi. Upon arrival in Nairobi, we will be met and transferred to our hotel. The Stanley
Sunday, 8 April 2007
Nairobi
There is a time difference between the continents and the mind and body need time to adjust. A David Anderson Safaris representative will suggest optional tours in and around Nairobi. The Hindu Temple and Museum is very worth a visit as it has a display that shows the history of the world’s religions. Giraffe Center, the Karen Blixen Home and Museum, and Daphne Sheldrick’s Elephant Orphanage are also interesting. The Stanley
Monday – Tuesday, 9 – 10 April 2007
Nairobi - Amboseli National Park
This morning we leave Nairobi and drive south to Amboseli National Park. This park is famous for its elephants and views of Mount Kilimanjaro. Our afternoon is spent game viewing. We have a full day of game viewing with Kilimanjaro dominating the landscape and providing a superb backdrop for our photographs. We watch for elephant, zebra, wildebeest and lion. We will also meet the colorful Maasai. Amboseli is justly famous for its big game and views of Mt. Kilimanjaro. This park is one of the best places in Kenya to view large herds of elephant and buffalo as well as lion, giraffe and plains game. The scenic landscape is dominated by the sparkling, majestic snowcap of Mt. Kilimanjaro, Africa's highest peak at 19,340 feet. Within Amboseli National Park, you will find the Cynthia Moss Elephant Research Center which has been instrumental in our ability to understand and, ultimately, to help save these magnificent beasts. A wild region where the pastoral Maasai and their cattle can be seen living in harmony with nature, Amboseli is a rich introduction to Kenya. Amboseli Serena
Wednesday –Thursday, 11 – 12 April 2007
Amboseli - Samburu Game Reserve
This morning we fly to Samburu, the semi-desert bush country of the northern frontier district. Here we meet the nomads of the desert and the Samburu tribe. On our game drives in the reserve we will photograph the wildlife unique to this area of Kenya such as the reticulated giraffe, Grevy’s zebra, warthog, gerenuk, oryx and, if we are lucky, a leopard. We will have an opportunity to hear a talk about the Samburu, followed by traditional African dances. Samburu Serena Lodge
Friday – Saturday, 13 – 14 April 2007
Samburu - Lake Nakuru
We continue our safari with a drive into the Rift Valley. We will spend two days photographing in Lake Nakuru National Park. Lake Nakuru is known for its stunning pink vision as millions of flamingos congregate to feed in the alkaline waters. Visitors to this area will be taken with the beauty of the fever trees and the richness of the wildlife, which includes a rhino sanctuary that includes both white and black rhino. In recent years, Lake Nakuru National Park has also been a good place to see leopard. Sarova Lion Hill
Sunday – Monday, 15 – 16 April 2007
Lake Nakuru - Masai Mara Game Reserve
This morning we drive into Africa’s best wildlife viewing area, the Masai Mara. During our six days, we will stay at two different deluxe safari camps, which will give us the opportunity to explore this great reserve in depth. We see elephant, giraffe, prides of lion and thousands of impala, topi, Grant’s and Thomson’s gazelle. While in the Mara, you will have the opportunity to float above the Mara-Serengeti ecosystem on board a hot air balloon followed by a gourmet champagne breakfast. There is also an optional day trip to Lake Victoria where we can visit a village and fish for giant Nile perch. We can visit a Maasai village and photograph the proud Maasai. Mara Sarova Camp
Tuesday - Thursday, 19 - 21 April 2007
Masai Mara Game Reserve
We depart after breakfast with a picnic lunch and embark on a full day game drive ending at our final safari lodge. Mara Serena Lodge
Friday, 21 April
Masai Mara Game Reserve - Nairobi
We depart this morning for Nairobi. If you want to avoid an eight hour drive over some of the roughest roads in Africa, you can also fly to Nairobi. Those that fly will be able to enjoy one final game drive in the Masai Mara. Those that fly to Nairobi will arrive around noon. Those that drive will arrive mid-afternoon. A day room will be provided so that we can prepare for our evening flight home.The Stanley
Saturday, 22 April
USA
We connect in Amsterdam with our flight home.
The Price of Adventure
(
Per Person Double Occupancy)
Transportation in a chauffeur driven vehicle with pop-up roof for easy game viewing & photography.
Services of an English speaking driver-guide.
Game viewing drives and parks entrance fees as indicated in the itinerary.
All government taxes and levies.
Free safari hat.
Free mineral water during game drives only.
Scheduled flight Amboseli / Nairobi / Samburu.
Dayroom at The Stanley Hotel on last day
Maasai village tour in Amboseli (small fee for taking pictures.)
All meet and greet services.
All arrival and departure transfers.
24 hours stand-by contact number.
All meals as indicated in the itinerary.
Guaranteed window seat in each vehicle.
Two-way long range high frequency radio communication in each vehicle.
On safari accessories in each vehicle: - First-aid kit, wildlife books, beanbags for easy photography, a pair of binoculars, cool box and fire extinguisher.
Comprehensive pre-departure preparation.
Your Safari Excludes:
All items of personal nature e.g. telephone call bills, fax/email bills etc.
Tips and gratuities to hotel, lodges, camp staff and driver-guide(s)
Alcoholic and non-alcoholic drinks.
Any local or international flight and departure taxes.