PRIVATE SAFARIS (E.A) LTD
PARTNERING WITH THE BEST
SAMPLE ITINERARY BEST OF KENYA – OPTION 3
ITINERARY AT A GLANCE Day/Date Location Accommodation Meal Plan 1. Nairobi Nairobi Serena Hotel Bed and Breakfast 2. Nairobi Nairobi Serena Hotel Bed and Breakfast 3. Amboseli Amboseli Serena Safari Lodge Game Package 4. Amboseli Amboseli Serena Safari Lodge Game Package 5. Ol Pejeta Conservancy Serena Sweetwaters Tented Camp Game Package 6. Ol Pejeta Conservancy Serena Sweetwaters Tented Camp Game Package 7. Masai Mara Mara Serena Safari Lodge Game Package 8. Masai Mara Mara Serena Safari Lodge Game Package 9. Masai Mara Mara Serena Safari Lodge Game Package 10. Nairobi Nairobi Serena Hotel Day Room Use
DETAILED ITINERARY Day 01: Nairobi, Kenya - Arrival On arrival at Jomo Kenyatta International Airport, you will be met by a Private Safaris representative and thereafter board your buses and transferred to Nairobi Serena Hotel.
Accommodation: Nairobi Serena Hotel Meals: Bed and Breakfast http://www.serenahotels.com/serenanairobi/default-en.html
Day 02 : Nairobi Kenya Breakfast at the hotel. At 0930hrs, you will be picked from your hotel for a mid-morning excursion to Daphne Sheldricks’ orphanage, the Giraffe Centre and Karen Blixen Museum . Pick up from your hotel and drive to the David Sheldrick Wildlife Trust which is today the most successful orphan- elephant rescue and rehabilitation program and one of the pioneering conservation organizations for wildlife and habitat protection in East Africa. You will then proceed to the Giraffe Centre where you can feed the rare Rothschild giraffe. Lunch at the Karen Blixen Coffee Garden Restaurant. After lunch, visit Karen Blixen Museum. Karen Blixen Museum was once the centre piece of a farm at the foot of the Ngong Hills owned by Danish Author Karen and her Swedish Husband, Baron Bror von Blixen Fincke. Located 10km from the city centre, the Museum belongs to a different time period in the history of Kenya. The farm house gained international fame with the release of the movie ‘Out of Africa’ an Oscar winning film based on Karen’s an autobiography by the same title
Accommodation: Nairobi Serena Hotel Meals: Bed and Breakfast
Day 03 & 04: Nairobi – Amboseli After breakfast, check out of the room and transfer to Nairobi Wilson Airport for a scheduled flight to Amboseli departing at 0730hrs to arrive at 0900hrs. On arrival, you will be met by lodge driver guide and transfer to the lodge on a shared basis. Spent 2 days at the lodge on game package basis This park covers only 150 square miles but despite its small size and its fragile ecosystem, it supports a wide range of mammals (well over 50 of the larger species) and birds (over 400 species). Years ago this was the locale around which such famous writers as Ernest Hemingway and Robert Ruark spun their stories of big-game hunting in the wilds of Africa. This too, is part of Maasai land, and it’s not unusual to see the proud Maasai warrior or small children tending their cattle as you traverse their territory. In this land, animal and man have learned to coexist and thrive together. This is also the park that has been made famous by Cynthia Moss, the noted American naturalist
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and author who has one of the longest-running studies on elephants. You might even see some of the elephants that Cynthia has immortalized in her many books and award-winning film Echo of the Elephants.
Accommodation: Amboseli Serena Safari Lodge Meals: Game Package http://www.serenahotels.com/serenaamboseli/default-en.html
Day 05 & 06 : Amboseli – Ol Pejeta Conservancy Transfer to the airstrip after breakfast for a scheduled flight to Nairobi departing at 0830hrs to arrive at 0950hrs. on arrival, connect to a scheduled flight to Nanyuki departing at 1020hrs to arrive at 1100hrs. you will be met by camp driver guide and shared transfer to the camp for check in and lunch. Spend 2 days at the camp on game package basis. One of only four private wildlife reserves in Kenya, your under canvas experience includes a day wildlife drives in search of the ‘Big Five’. Watch a parade of elephant, giraffe, zebra and impala come to drink at the camp’s floodlit waterhole and saltlick. Optional activities abound, you may choose to go on a night drive in search of nocturnal species or go on a nature walk (at an extra cost). During your stay here, you will also visit the 200-acre Chimpanzee sanctuary that has been set up here. Although chimps are not indigenous to Kenya, the aim of the project, initiated by 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. The Sanctuary currently has over 40 chimps, including two babies born in the Sanctuary.
Accommodation: Serena Sweetwaters Tented Camp Meals: Game Package http://www.serenahotels.com/serenasweetwaters/default-en.html
Day 07, 08 & 09: Ol Pejeta – Masai Mara After breakfast, check – out and transfer back to the airstrip for scheduled flight to Masai Mara departing at 0935hrs to arrive at 1100hrs. Met by lodge Driver Guide on a shared basis for check in and lunch. Spend 3 days at the lodge on game package basis. Known as the “Jewel of Africa” and setting for the film Out of Africa, it covers an area of 700 square miles and forms part of the Serengeti ecosystem. The reserve is a classic savannah landscape of rolling grasslands with free roaming animals and spectacular vista. Wildlife shares the land with minimal conflict with local, cattle tending Maasai tribes. Spend three days of exciting wildlife-viewing in the Maasai Mara, site of one of the world’s largest and the most spectacular animal migrations. Up to two million wildebeest and thousands of zebra move from the Serengeti plains, surrounded by an escort of carnivores, following the rains and subsequent presence of succulent new grass. It is a costly trek. Many of the lame, laggard and sick animals fall prey to ravening packs of predators while many more die in the swirling flood waters of the Mara River which crosses the reserve from north to south. The Mara has its own resident herds and shelters many of Africa's most popular wild animals including lion, elephant, leopard, black rhino and hippo. The Mara has one of Africa’s highest concentrations of cheetahs, as well as magnificent black-maned lions. Over 500 species of birds live in the park including ostrich, larks, sunbirds and the lovely Lilac- breasted Roller. Optional activities abound while you’re in the Maasai Mara. You can try a balloon safari for an exhilarating experience over the savannah as the early sun rises and the animals are more active. Duties permitting, a Maasai warden will discuss current conservation issues faced in the Mara. If you wish, for a nominal fee, you can also visit a Maasai Village to experience this nomadic tribe’s way of life and see their colorful culture.
Accommodation: Mara Serena Safari Lodge Meals: Game Package http://www.serenahotels.com/serenamara/default-en.html
Day 10: Masai Mara – Nairobi - Departure Breakfast and checkout of the lodge. You will then be picked up for transfer back to the airstrip on a shared basis for a scheduled flight to Nairobi departing at 1100hrs to arrive at 1215hrs. On arrival, you will be met and road transfer to Nairobi Serena Hotel for Day use of room. You will then be picked later in the evening for home bound departure flight on own arrangements.
***END OF OUR SERVICES, ENJOY YOUR SAFARI***
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Prices include: Arrival & Departure airport transfers with services of Private Safaris Accommodation in Standard Rooms and meals as per the itinerary Ground transportation in a 8 seater 4x4 safari vehicle with English speaking Driver guide:- 8 Seater Safari Vehicle has 6 window seats (in the passenger cabin) and 1 window seat next to the driver (in front) Game drives as indicated in the program All park /reserve entrance fees as per the itinerary above – Subject to change without Notice Local flights:- Nairobi/Amboseli/Nairobi – Nairobi/Nanyuki/Mara/Nairobi COMPLEMENTARY FLYING DOCTORS: All clients who book Kenya and Tanzania safaris with Private Safaris are covered by AMREF Flying Doctor Service Kenya. This coverage is subject to getting client’s travel insurance details (i.e. Name of insurer and insurance policy number) prior to travelling. It covers the client for a period of 30 days for air medical evacuation services. Terms and conditions apply.
Prices do not include: Airport or departure taxes and Visas. Inoculations and personal insurance International flights Optional activities and excursions Drinks, bottled drinking water, laundry and other personal expenses Tips to hotel / lodges dining room staff, Porterage & Gratuity to Tour Drivers Medical, Travel and Baggage Insurance Holiday Surcharge
OPTIONAL POST-EXTENSION TO ZANZIBAR
NAIROBI/ZANZIBAR
Last chance to photograph that awesome sunrise before flying back to Nairobi, where on arrival, you will connect with your flight to Zanzibar, the best kept secret in the Indian Ocean, with its fascinating history and magnificent beaches. The Assyrians, Sumerians, Egyptians, Phoenicians, Indians, Chinese, Persians, Portuguese, Omani Arabs, Dutch and English have all been here at one time or another. Some, particularly the Shirazi Persians and Omani Arabs, stayed to settle and rule. With this influence, Zanzibar has become predominantly Islamic, with the remaining population made up of Christians, Hindus and Sikhs. The earliest visitors to Zanzibar were Arab traders who are said to have arrived in the 8th century. For centuries they sailed with the monsoon winds from Oman to trade primarily in ivory, slaves and spices. The earliest building that remains on Zanzibar is the mosque at Kizimkazi which dates from 1107, and is a present-day tourist attraction. Zanzibar has two main islands, Unguja (normally known as Zanzibar Island) and Pemba. Stone Town, located on Zanzibar Island, is the old city and cultural heart of Zanzibar, where little has changed in the last 200 years. It is a place of winding alleys, bustling bazaars, mosques and grand Arab houses whose original owners vied with each other over the extravagance of their dwellings. This one-upmanship is particularly reflected in the brass-studded, carved, wooden doors – there are more than 500 different examples of this handiwork. Stone Town was recently and deservedly declared a World Heritage Site by UNESCO. Schedules, accommodations and prices are accurate at the time of writing. They are subject to change. Begin to experience Zanzibar’s fascinating history and vibrant culture with a tour of fabled Stone Town. Visit the House of Wonders, the Palace Museum (People's Palace), Dr. Livingstone's House, the Arab Fort, and the National Museum of Zanzibar, which houses relics from the times of the Sultans and early explorers. See Zanzibar's bustling market, winding alleyways, ornately carved and studded doors, two cathedrals and countless mosques. Visit the Anglican Church, built in 1874 on the site of the old slave market, and see the chambers beneath it where slaves were held before they were sold. You will see the site of Sultan Barghash's harem at Marahubi, with its colorful history. Stone Town also has many excellent gifts shops with plenty of souvenirs and handicrafts to choose from. Your home for the next three nights, Zanzibar Serena Inn, has joined the ranks of the world's finest resorts as a member of Small Luxury Hotels of the World. This stunning property is set in two historic seafront buildings that have been masterfully restored to their previous grandeur, when Zanzibar was a crossroads visited by travellers and merchants from all corners of the globe. Interiors echo Zanzibar's rich Arabic influence – or ustaarabu – as well as the island's indigenous East African roots. The rooms are elegant and romantic, each overlooking the azure waters of the Indian Ocean. There is a restaurant and bar as well as an outdoor swimming pool with poolside cafe bar and shop. An extensive selection of recreation and water sport activities are available to guests.
Accommodation: Zanzibar Serena Inn Meals: Half Board
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ZANZIBAR~SPICE/JOZANI FOREST The history of Zanzibar would be incomplete without the cloves, nutmeg, cinnamon, pepper and many other spices which brought the Sultans of Oman and the beginnings of the infamous slave trade. This morning, you will visit a plantation and have your senses dazzled with fresh spices. A detailed description will be given about these spices and their uses in cooking and cosmetics. You will be fascinated by the sheer number of spices produced and their incredible value for many ailments. This is an excellent opportunity to purchase spices and spice oils at the best prices. After lunch, drive to the Jozani Natural Forest Reserve, located in the central east region of Zanzibar Island and home to the rare red colobus monkey, endemic to Zanzibar (so named for a red spot on its head). These habituated monkeys are full of character and, although completely free, tend to feed just outside the reserve's perimeter. They are extraordinarily photogenic as they leap from tree to tree just above you. Jozani is home to other species including Syke's monkeys, small buck and bushpigs. The elusive Zanzibar leopard, last sited many years ago, is said to feed here at night. (Perhaps this is why the reserve is only open during the day?) Jozani has an excellent nature trail and the guides are well-trained and informative.
Accommodation: Zanzibar Serena Inn Meals: Half Board
ZANZIBAR Your day is at leisure to explore your fabulous resort and bask in the sunshine of the Indian Ocean.
Accommodation: Zanzibar Serena Inn Meals: Bed and Breakfast
ZANZIBAR/NAIROBI EN ROUTE This morning check out of the hotel and transfer to the airport for your flight to Nairobi, where you connect with your flight back to the USA.
OPTIONAL BALLOON SAFARI IN MASAI MARA Experience an exhilarating balloon safari for the most incredible way of viewing wildlife. It begins in the early morning and you have an hour of uninterrupted views of wildlife from the air – the best way to see the incessant movement of animals and the fabulous vistas of Masai Mara. During the flight, you will ascend to a high altitude to take in an amazing panoramic view and then descend to treetop level and silently glide above the wildlife below. Upon landing, enjoy a “bubbly” brunch, set especially for you in the middle of the plains. Zebra and wildebeest may be your dining guests, and Africa’s colourful birds may vie for a crumb of your bread. You then meet with your driver and continue your safari. Many consider this one of the most memorable experiences of their safari. We suggest booking in advance to avoid disappointment. Children aged 7 & above, as well as above 4 foot 6 inches, may also participate.
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