KENYA MARVELOUS & EXCEPTIONAL WILDLIFE November 30 – December 18, 2021 ©2021

Kenya is well known for its significant concentrations of wildlife protected in an excellent system of parks and reserves. What many people don't realize is that it is also one of the great countries of the world for birdwatching. Over 1100 , representing nearly all of the African families, have been recorded! Nowhere else on the continent can one see such a wide variety of birds in a small, friendly country. The emphasis of this tour will be on observing the birds, and the itinerary includes all major habitats. Limited to only four participants per vehicle, everyone has a window seat. The African birding trip of a lifetime!

Birdwatching in Kenya can only be described as a delight. As different as and weavers, Hammerkops and , the birds are often surprisingly abundant, tame and easy to see. In many areas it is not unusual to record over 100 species in a day, even in the semi-arid bush. Good habitat is extensive and made easily accessible by an extensive road system. Comfortable facilities for touring, good food and lodging, and a choice of good field guides add to the pleasure. Each region that we visit has its specialties, and by the end of the trip we will have seen well over 500 species and gained an understanding of the complex bird communities of Africa, so completely different from our own.

Prominent geographic features dominate bird distribution in Kenya. Extensive highlands culminating in Mount Kenya are split down the middle by the Great Rift Valley in its narrowest stretch. Volcanic masses rise like islands from the vast arid plains of the north and east. These extremes are mellowed by sparkling lakes and the verdant Kakamega rainforest in the Lake Victoria basin. This is birding in spectacular surroundings!

Game-watching will not be forgotten as we visit some of Kenya's top reserves -- Samburu/Buffalo Springs Reserves, Nairobi National Park, and the Masai Mara. Each has a wonderful variety of interesting mammals, from large to small. A stay at a treetop lodge offers a unique opportunity to observe some of the shy forest dwellers as they come to drink. Three full days in the best big-game country in Kenya, the Masai Mara region. Ecologically this is the northern extension of the famed Serengeti ecosystem, and the Mara is simply spectacular for both its wildlife and scenery. It is often the only site on the route at which we find lion and cheetah.

The following pages will give a brief sketch of the areas we visit and mention over 100 examples of birds we should see. What we cannot possibly do is list everything we will see and experience, nor can we predict the wonderful surprises that highlight any African safari.

November 30 & December 1, Days 1-2: USA to Europe with connections to Nairobi. Flights depart the USA on the evening of November 30 and arrive in Europe early the following morning, connecting with flights to Nairobi arriving that evening. Upon arrival in Nairobi and clearing customs and immigration, we will transfer to our hotel, a comfortable facility not far from the international airport.

NIGHTS: Day 1 on Aircraft; Day 2 Ole Sereni Hotel, Nairobi

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December 2, Day 3: Nairobi National Park. Today we will have a full day to explore the varied habitats of Nairobi National Park, just a short distance from our hotel. This day should be an exciting way to get over the jet lag and onto the proper schedule. Much of the park is open grassland (the "classic" Africa), and large birds are conspicuous. Here we may find our first chef-d'oeuvre with displaying Common Ostrich and superb Secretary- birds. Two top birds associated with true Africa! Overhead we will be surprised by the spectacular wing-shape of Augur Buzzard and the mythical Bateleur while Gray-crowned Cranes feed along the road. We find familiar but gorgeous Blacksmith Lapwings, Three-banded Plovers, and patrolling African Fish-Eagles near some marshes. "Bush" birds are numerous in the strips of acacia woodland along the Athi River. While learning some of the more common species, we may find some elusive species such as Spot-flanked Barbet, Black -Shrike, Red- throated Tit, Singing Cisticola, Moustached Grass-Warbler, Crimson-rumped Waxbill, and Holub's Golden- Weaver. All-in-all some of the most spectacular birds of the continent live in the park.

White Rhino’s with Nairobi city in the background by Machiel Valkenburg

A final drive across the plains may produce a , White-browed Coucal, Little Bee-eater, larks, Hildebrandt's Starling, Long-tailed Fiscal or Yellow-throated Longclaw. We will also get an introduction to the mammals of East Africa here, for the park is home to a good variety of game , including White Rhino, giraffe, and many antelope. Most probably, it is the best area to find the Black Rhino during our tour in Kenya.

NIGHT: Ole Sereni Hotel, Nairobi

December 3, Day 4: Drive to Masai Mara. Our "safari" (meaning "journey" in Kiswahili) begins by traveling to Masai Mara with Keekorok Lodge as our final destination, located in central Masai Mara. After leaving the hustling city, we find ourselves driving through wheat fields, bush-clad hills, and short-grass plains of the northern part of the ecosystem, on Masai tribal lands. After lunch and settling in at our lovely lodge, we will make our first game drive in the Mara. The grasslands are right in front of the lodge and often have numerous animals scattered around them. Innumerable amounts of African Buffalo, Common Zebra, Giraffe, or the splendid Greater Kudu are possible within our centrally located lodge's vicinity. November is an excellent time of year for migrant raptors and other birds from Eurasia; we will keep an eye open for gorgeous Pallid Harriers patrolling the fields.

In the evening, we enjoy an excursion on our hotel's grounds and search for the magnificent Verreaux's Eagle- ; close views will reveal its distinct pink eyelids. While searching for the owl, we will be accompanied by guards of the lodge as Hippopotamus are feeding on the lush grasslands near the lodge.

NIGHT: Keekorok Lodge, Masai Mara

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December 4-6, Days 5-7: Masai Mara. We will have two full days of birding and game-viewing in the Mara, a place where we can expect the unexpected. It may be wildebeest racing madly across the plains; or lions at a kill; or hyena’s and cleaning up; or displaying on the open plains; a lone cheetah resting in the shade; or Bat-eared Foxes sunbathing by their den. Maybe it will be a gorging on prey, or the wild nocturnal scream of the harmless three hyrax, or hippos splashing in the river while a Ross's flies past. Almost anything is possible here and our visit is sure to be exciting. With three full days we will have the time to seek out and watch most of the larger mammals, often within close enough range for photography, and still stop to enjoy the diverse birdlife. We have an excellent chance of finding the large cats here.

An athletic Cheetah searching for its next prey by Machiel Valkenburg

The Mara terrain is varied, and during our time here, we will visit such habitats as short and long-grass plains, open wooded savannah, riverine forest, and dense croton bush. A typical morning in the Mara might look like this; we drive out at dawn after an early breakfast and pick up a perched Martial Eagle while on the other side of the vehicle Little Bee-eaters are foraging heavily. Suddenly we come across a small cackle of Hyenas running along the horizon, we follow in pursuit. They bring us to a Zebra kill, we witness the skirmishes and study the social hierarchy of the Hyenas while hundreds of vultures surround the spectacle, waiting for their turn to finish the job. In the grassland plains we find several Southern Ground-Hornbills strutting along, a Saddle-billed swallows a small frog while a Stout Cisticola is singing loudly. We enjoy some cooling refreshments while a Black-bellied Bustard displays. We drive back for lunch, but suddenly a quick stop shows us a pair of fabulous Cinnamon-breasted Bunting creeping through the grasses, wow, they join a single Rosy-breasted Longclaw! We end the morning visiting the pond near our lodge where forty Hippos are resting!

All big cats possible in Kenya are represented and we will be on the lookout for all. We have outstanding chances on coming across Lion, Leopard and Cheetah. While Serval and Caracal will need some luck to find these smaller cats.

NIGHTS: Keekorok Lodge, Masai Mara

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December 7, Day 8: Masai Mara to Kakamega. Western Kenya, with its wide altitudinal range and high rainfall, is home to many species of birds not found elsewhere in the country. As we travel across this region we will make select birding stops at tall acacia woodland, marshy streams, and rich farmlands. Our destination is the Kakamega Forest region. This superb mid-elevation rainforest is unique in Kenya, home to a varied and colorful avifauna more typical of Central Africa. We will have two full days to bird this region, with our headquarters at a wonderfully peaceful retreat center located near some of the best remaining forest. Many of the special birds of the area can be found amidst the beautiful grounds.

NIGHT: Rondo Retreat Center, Kakamega

The resident Crowned Eagle in the Kakamega hotel garden by Machiel Valkenburg December 8-9, Days 9-10: Kakamega region. Kakamega is a true rainforest and exhibits many characteristics that make forest birding both exciting and challenging the world over. Sometimes we must endure long lapses when almost no birds are seen, before suddenly encountering a mixed-flock frantically foraging at all levels, and seemingly containing every bird in the vicinity. Beautiful voices ring from the dense undergrowth. Bird diversity is high here, but this also means discouragingly similar species present in the same area (take the eleven species of greenbuls here). We always hope to find a fruiting or flowering tree luring the well-hidden canopy species out into the open; or a driver ant swarm with attendant birds pursuing the fleeing insects.

In our two days here, we should observe the above phenomena, and we will do our best to show you the top birds of the forest. The birding starts already in the excellent (and probably best run lodge of Africa!) garden of our accommodation. Right in the centre in a single tree, we find the massive nest of one of Africa’s bes rt raptors, a female Crowned Eagle is on . Hopefully, we will witness the male bring prey (Blue Monkey) for its hungry partner; the females only periodically leave the nest for a short period. Near the hotel pond, we may calmly wait for the superb White-spotted Flufftail to walk by in the early daybreak, a gorgeous with white-spotted black upperparts and diagnostic red tail. Overhead we enjoy some loud Black-and-white Casqued Hornbill while a Mackinnon’s Shrike is perched. One of the forest's top records is the Blue-headed Bee-eater, which we search for

Kenya Birds and Wildlife, Page 5 within the forest interior. The species is regularly seen in Kakamega while other records are from Cameroon or Gabon. Large flocks of foraging birds might include intriguing White-headed Wood-Hoopoe, Gray-throated, Yellow-spotted, Double-toothed and Yellow-billed barbets; Least Honeyguide, Petit's Cuckoo-Shrike, Black- collared and Buff-throated Apalis, Pink-footed Puffback and four species of Wattle-eyes. Other top birds are the superb Great Blue Turaco (spectacular), fantastic African Emerald Cuckoo, spectacular Red-headed Bluebill (secretive); difficult Vieillot's, Forest, Brown-capped and Black-billed Weavers; outlandish Red-headed Malimbe; and several Sunbird gems like Green, Western Olive, Green-headed and Green-throated.

Mammals are scarce here, except for squirrels and three entertaining species of monkeys, including the striking Black-and-white Colobus.

NIGHTS: Rondo Retreat Center, Kakamega

December 10, Day 11: To Lake Baringo National Park. We depart early from Kakamega and set sails for Lake Baringo to arrive in the late afternoon. In the final hours of light, we will bird the famous Baringo cliffs. Here we will focus our expertise on finding a few enigmatic goodies such as Verreaux’s Eagle; here, we also find the eagle's main prey, some cute Rock Hyrax. Bristle-crowned Starlings are seen from a distance while the very distinctive D’Arnauds and Red-and-yellow Barbets call loudly while cocking their tails from nearby perches. The Brown-tailed Chat will demand some extra time before we can locate this little beauty so will the uncommon Hunter’s Sunbird and rare Magpie Starling.

Northern Carmine Bee-eater is one of the most attractive birds of Lake Baringo by Machiel Valkenburg Furthermore, Northern White-faced Owl, Grayish Eagle-Owl, and Three-banded Courser are hopefully found resting and offer us excellent photographic opportunities. The latter is an exquisite plover found in open sandy clearings in dry Acacia scrub in East Africa. Its underparts are white with an elaborate pattern of black and chestnut stripes and bands. The beautiful Spotted Morning-Thrush is a fine songster with a loud, clear series of powerful variable whistled phrases and seen all around our lodge. More common birds here include White-headed Buffalo- Weavers, Brubru, some small flocks of Blue-naped Moosebird, Golden-backed Weavers, Hemprich's and Jackson’s Hornbills, Lesser Honeyguide, -billed Sparrow and Red-faced Crombec. We end the day with a

Kenya Birds and Wildlife, Page 6 search for Slender-tailed Nightjars.

NIGHT: Sandai Resort, Ol Kokwe

December 11, Day 12: Birding Lake Baringo National Park. At dawn, we plan an excellent boat trip along the lake's shores to get close to many birds new for the tour. The first thing we notice is the loud chattering of the Weavers. We need to search some to find the rare and cute Little Weaver. The lake's water level is rising yearly, and as such, many trees because of it have died. Here we find Rufous-crowned Roller perched in the top of the trees making foraging flights for insects. It gives us excellent opportunities to take fantastic imagery of the outstanding African Fish-Eagle. Moreover, in November, a common species is the Blue-cheeked Bee-eater coming from Central Asia. If we are lucky, we will find the dazzling Northern Carmine Bee-eater amongst the migrant bee-eaters. This amazing bee-eater has a carmine-pink body with contrasting beryl-green cheeks, a real beauty! Spectacular Goliath Heron’s and the tiny Malachite Kingfishers are uncommon and mostly seen in small numbers. Good numbers of herons are seen, with Dwarf Bittern being the most attractive.

In the hotel garden White-bellied Go-Away-Bird, Eastern Violet-backed Sunbird, and Purple Grenadier will get our attention. We will spend the second half of the day with a return visit to the Baringo cliffs.

NIGHTS: Sandai Resort, Ol Kokwe

The lavish Silverbird by Machiel Valkenburg

December 12, Day 13: Lake Baringo to Samburu. From the exciting Lake Baringo, our path leads past rolling wheat fields to the north flank of Mount Kenya, where suddenly the vast Northern Frontier Province unfolds. The road quickly descends to the semi-arid plains and frontier guard post at Isiolo, beyond which lies the famous Buffalo Springs/Samburu Game Reserves. The lodge at Samburu is built amidst riverine woodland and has a wealth of birds and small mammals around the grounds.

During this primary transfer day, we make a few interesting stops. The most intriguing visit will be at the Equator Monument. Our main goal in these semi-arid bushlands is to find the elegant Silverbird, a pale bluish-grey bird

Kenya Birds and Wildlife, Page 7 with uniformly bright rufous underparts, a very striking bird! Other colorful and spectacular possibilities include White-fronted Bee-eater and Fischer’s Lovebirds.

NIGHT: Ashnil Samburu Camp

December 13-14, Days 14-15: Samburu-Buffalo Springs Reserves. We will have two full days to explore the Samburu/Buffalo Springs Reserves, the most accessible part of the rugged Northern Frontier. This land of adventure is populated by nomadic herdsmen, various animals, large and small, and a surprising number of birds. Little-known species of the Somali sub-region nest along the dry watercourses, while the mysterious mountain ranges that rise above the arid plains are barely explored. The Uaso Nyiro River and its fringing vegetation assure a continual supply of life-giving water for those creatures that need it. Near-desert conditions prevail away from the river, and the organisms existing here survive long periods without water. Doum palms, contorted acacias, rocky hills, and termite mounds add relief to the open landscape. Samburu is indeed a land of enchantment, reminiscent of the American Southwest.

The abundance of birds in the semi-arid bush is a phenomenon of African birding, and Samburu amply demonstrates this. Typical acacia-bush species are common here and easy to see. There is an excellent opportunity to check over a hundred species of birds in a day. Some of our sightings might include Eastern Chanting-Goshawk; Crested Francolin; Buff-crested Bustard; Black-faced ; Abyssinian Scimitarbill; Eastern Yellow-billed and Von der Decken's hornbills. Furthermore, Nubian Woodpecker; Taita Fiscal; Slate-colored Boubou; Northern Crombec; Rufous Chatterer; Foxy (Fawn-colored) Lark; Parrot-billed and Chestnut sparrows; Red-billed and White-headed buffalo-weavers and many others get our focus. Less widespread birds usually include the magnificent Secretary-bird, a species known to patrol the open grass savannah in search of prey, killing them with fast kicks with the long legs and stout toes; prey includes poisonous snakes or birds. A definite contender for bird- of-the-trip is the stunning Vulturine . The largest guineafowl in the family has a long slender neck with bare skin on the head; the rich blue underparts and well-developed white and black hackles are outstanding. Another highlight is the gigantic Kori Bustard, the largest flying bird of Africa, regularly seen displaying, a genuinely wonderful experience. The list of rarities and gems is long in these beautiful lands. We hope to find amongst others Red-bellied Parrot; White-headed ; Somali Bee-eater; Rosy-patched Bushshrike; Golden-breasted, Fischer’s and Magpie starlings; Pink-breasted Lark; the elegant Golden Pipit; Donaldson- Smith's Sparrow-Weaver; Black-capped Social-Weaver; and Somali Bunting.

Many of these species have ranges restricted to the dry bush country of the Horn of Africa. Raptors ranging in size from the minute Pygmy Falcon to the massive Martial Eagle hunt the area, while flocks of Vulturine and Helmeted guineafowl, sandgrouse, doves, and finches make their way to water daily. The dry Somali region's unique mammals are found here: the endangered Gravy’s zebra (largest of the wild horses), reticulated giraffe, Beisa oryx, the strange gerenuk (giraffe-antelope), and the diminutive dik-dik. Elephants are a frequent sight, and this is one of the best places in Kenya to see a leopard, the most secretive of the large predators.

NIGHTS: Ashnil Samburu Camp

December 15-16, Day 16-17: Mountain Kenya. We leave the arid lowlands, and we will climb 5500 feet in elevation and traverse an incredible range of habitats during the day before reaching our base near Mount Kenya. We have chosen to stay in the lavish and attractive Aberdare Country Club. The alluring grounds are where the birding starts with turacos, hornbills, and robin-chats. Our stay here should be an exciting one with many new species for the tour. We have two nights near Mount Kenya, a must for any Kenya tour.

After awakening, we will concentrate on spotting the birds of the surrounding montane rainforest and scrub. Many are limited to higher elevations. Here we may see Black Sparrowhawk, Mountain Buzzard, attractive Delegorgue's and Rameron pigeons, striking Hartlaub's Turaco, flashy Cinnamon-chested Bee-eater, Silvery- cheeked Hornbill (big and noisy) and vibrant Rüppell's Robin-Chat. Our activities during the day consist of fruitful walks through the forest (accompanied by an armed guard due to elephants and buffaloes). Here our

Kenya Birds and Wildlife, Page 8 checklist will increase with gorgeous Tullberg’s Woodpecker, Eastern Mountain-Greenbul, Hunter's Cisticola, Black-throated Apalis, Cape Wagtail, Golden-winged Sunbird, and Yellow-crowned Canary, among others.

Our excellent local guide will have staked out the secretive Narina . At the same time, the endemic but locally common Kikuyu White-eye will receive extra focus, a tiny white-eye with a rich green crown and upperparts and a well-defined golden-yellow forehead. Other highlights of the day and new birds for the trip include possible Eastern Bronze-naped Pigeon, Crowned Hornbill, Moustached Tinkerbird, localized Mountain Oriole, White-browed Crombec, responsive Mountain Yellow Warbler, the nominate Waller’s Kenrick’s and Sharpe’s Starlings. We finish with lovely White-starred Robin, Green-headed and Northern Double-collared Sunbird, Brown-capped Weaver, and Red-backed Mannikin. Birding the Mount Kenya ecosystem will prove to award, and we will enjoy our time thoroughly.

NIGHTS: Aberdare Country Club

December 17, Day 18: Return to Nairobi. After a final morning birding in the vicinity of our excellent hotel grounds we head back for Nairobi. We arrive back in time for lunch and with time on our hands to prepare for the return flight to the USA. We end the tour with a spectacular final dinner in one of the best restaurants of Nairobi, for an authentic final feel of Kenya.

NIGHT: Ole Sereni Hotel, Nairobi

December 18, Day 19: Departure for home. Dayrooms will be provided at an airport area hotel prior to your flight to Europe, which arrives early the next morning in time for connecting flights onward.

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The prehistoric looking Vulturine Guineafowl by Machiel Valkenburg

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EXTRA ARRANGEMENTS: Should you wish to decide to arrive early or extend your stay, please contact the VENT office at least two months prior to your departure date. We can very easily make hotel arrangements, often at our group rate, if we receive your request with enough advance time.

TOUR SIZE: This tour will be limited to 8 tour participants.

TOUR LEADERS: Machiel Valkenburg & local guides

Machiel Valkenburg was born in 1982 in a southern province in the Netherlands where, encouraged by his parents, he began birding at an early age. During his teens he studied landscape ecology and began performing bird surveys with the Dutch Centre for Field . During this period he started traveling outside of Holland, first to Greece, Hungary, Romania, Scotland, and Morocco. Later, his birding travels took him extensively outside of Europe into Western Africa and further east to Russia and Kazakhstan. The nature and birds of Central Asia fascinated him so much that he stayed, resulting in the founding of his own bird tour company, Rubythroat Birding Tours. He lived in Kazakhstan for over 10 years, but moved back to Europe several years ago with his wife, Bonny. They now reside in Valencia on the coast of the Mediterranean Sea. From Central Asia he ventured further, with Southeast Asia and India becoming favorite destinations. Machiel has developed an expertise in the natural history of Asia. Along with birds, a good part of his attention is also given to butterflies, dragonflies, and mammals. Machiel speaks four languages, has good people and logistical skills, and is a natural-born bird guide. He loves to explore new destinations and show birds to his fellow birders. He has a keen eye and an excellent ear for bird sounds. Machiel is noted for his calm and respectful social approach, providing a good atmosphere during time in the field.

FINANCIAL ARRANGEMENTS: The fee for the tour is $12,945 per person in double occupancy from Nairobi, Kenya. This includes all meals beginning with breakfast on Day 3 and ending with lunch on Day 19, accommodations as stated in the itinerary, ground transportation during the tour, gratuities, and guide services provided by the tour leaders. It does not include airfare from your home to Nairobi and return, airport departure taxes, alcoholic beverages, special gratuities, phone calls, laundry, or items of a personal nature. Rates are based upon group tariffs; if the tour does not have sufficient registration, a small-party supplement may have to be charged.

The single supplement for this tour is $1,200. You will be charged a single supplement if you desire single accommodations, or if you prefer to share but have no roommate and we cannot provide one for you.

REGISTRATION & DEPOSIT: To register for this tour, please contact the VENT office. The initial deposit for this tour is $1,000 per person. If you prefer to pay your deposits using a credit card, the deposits must be made with MasterCard or Visa at the time of registration. If you would like to pay your initial deposit by check, money order, or bank transfer, your tour space will be held for 10 days to allow time for the VENT office to receive your deposit and completed registration form. The VENT registration form (available from the VENT office or by download at www.ventbird.com) should be completed, signed, and returned to the VENT office.

PAYMENTS: All tour payments may be made by credit card (MasterCard or Visa), check, money order, or bank transfer (contact the VENT office for bank transfer information). These include initial deposits, second deposits, interim payments, final balances, special arrangements, etc. Full payment of the tour fee is due 150 days (July 3, 2021) prior to the tour departure date.

EXCHANGE RATE SURCHARGES: In the erratic global financial markets of today, it is difficult to predict foreign currency exchange rates over the long term or at the time of operation of a tour or cruise departure. Tour prices are based upon the rate of exchange at the time of itinerary publication. If exchange rates change drastically, it may be necessary to implement a surcharge. If a surcharge is necessary, every effort will be made to minimize

Kenya Birds and Wildlife, Page 11 the amount. In many cases, these additional foreign exchange rate surcharges are passed to VENT by its vendors and suppliers.

CANCELLATION & REFUNDS:

Cancellation by Participant: Refunds, if any, for any cancellation by a participant are made according to the following schedule: If participant cancels 210 days or more before the tour departure date, a cancellation fee of $500 per person will be charged unless the deposit is transferred to a new registration for another VENT tour that will operate within the next 12 months, in which case the cancellation fee will be $100 per person. If cancellation is made between 209 and 151 days before departure date, the deposit is not refundable, but any payments covering the balance of the tour fee will be refunded. If cancellation is made fewer than 150 days before departure date, no refund is available. For participants’ protection, we strongly recommend the purchase of travel insurance that covers trip cancellation/interruption.

If participant cancels: Participant’s refund will be: 210 days or more before departure date Your deposit(s) minus $500* 209 to 151 days before departure date No refund of the deposits, but any payments on the balance will be refunded 150 days or less before departure date No refund available

*Unless the deposit is transferred to a new registration for another VENT tour that will operate within the next 12 months, in which case the cancellation fee will be $100 per person. To qualify, cancellation must occur 180 days or more before departure date; deposit transfers must be made at the time of cancellation; and one transfer per deposit.

Cancellation by VENT: If VENT cancels a tour prior to departure without cause or good reason, VENT will provide the participant a full refund, which will constitute full settlement to the participant.

If VENT cancels or delays a tour or any portion of a tour as a result of any Force Majeure event, VENT will use its reasonable best efforts to refund any payments on the balance of the tour fee to participant; provided that, VENT will have no obligation to provide a participant with a refund and will not be liable or responsible to a participant, nor be deemed to have defaulted under or breached any applicable agreement, for any failure or delay in fulfilling or performing any term of such agreement. A “Force Majeure” event means any act beyond VENT’s control, including, without limitation, the following: (a) acts of God; (b) flood, fire, earthquake, hurricane, epidemic, pandemic or explosion; (c) war, invasion, hostilities (whether war is declared or not), terrorist threats or acts, riot or other civil unrest; (d) government order, law or actions; (e) embargoes or blockades; (f) national or regional emergency; (g) strikes, labor stoppages, labor slowdowns or other industrial disturbances; (h) shortage of adequate power or transportation facilities; and (i) any other similar events or circumstances beyond the control of VENT.

This VENT Cancellation & Refunds policy does not apply to air tickets purchased through VENT or to any special arrangements, such as additional hotel nights, that fall outside of the services described in the tour itinerary.

Victor Emanuel Nature Tours is not a participant in the California Travel Consumer Restitution Fund. California law requires certain sellers of travel to have a trust account or bond. This business has a bond issued by Travelers in the amount of $50,000. CST #2014998-50.

FUEL AND FUEL SURCHARGES: In the uncertain, often volatile oil market of late, it is difficult – if not impossible – to predict fuel costs over the long term, and more specifically, at the time of operation of this departure. Our prices are based upon the prevailing fuel rates at the time of itinerary publication. While we will do everything possible to maintain our prices, if the fuel rates increase significantly, it may be necessary to institute a fuel surcharge.

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TRAVEL INSURANCE: To safeguard against losses due to illness, accident, or other unforeseen circumstances, we strongly recommend the purchase of travel insurance as soon as possible after making a deposit. VENT has partnered with Redpoint Travel Protection as our preferred travel insurance provider. Through Redpoint, we recommend their Ripcord plan. Designed for all types of travelers, Ripcord is among the most comprehensive travel protection programs available.

Critical benefits of Ripcord include a completely integrated program with a single contact for emergency services, travel assistance, and insurance claims; medical evacuation and rescue services from your point of injury or illness to your hospital of choice; comprehensive travel insurance for trip cancellation/interruption, primary medical expense coverage, and much more. Optional expanded insurance coverage is available and includes items such as security evacuation coverage in case of a natural disaster or other security events, waiver for pre-existing medical conditions exclusion, and a “Cancel for Any Reason” benefit. Ripcord is available to U.S. and non- U.S. residents.*

For a price quote, or to purchase travel insurance, please visit: ripcordtravelprotection.com/ventbird; or click the Ripcord logo on our website (click Help and Trip Insurance); or call +1-415-481-0600. Pricing is based on age, trip cost, trip length, and level of coverage.

*To be eligible for the pre-existing medical condition exclusion waiver and the optional Cancel for Any Reason (CFAR) upgrade, you must purchase your policy within 14 days of making your tour deposit. The CFAR benefit provides reimbursement for 75% of covered costs, and increases the policy premium by approximately 50%. Policies may be purchased either for the full value of the tour fee at the time of deposit or in segments as individual tour payments are made (deposit, mid-payment, final balance, additional arrangements, etc.). The “pay as you go” approach reduces up-front expense and ensures that the amount paid toward your full policy premium is in proportion to the amount paid toward the full tour fee. If you choose to “pay as you go,” you must cover each deposit or payment within 14 days in order to maintain the CFAR benefit. Please refer to the policy for a full description of coverage.

Coronavirus (COVID-19): The coronavirus pandemic has brought uncertainty for many people currently holding travel insurance policies or who are considering future travel and purchasing such insurance. Redpoint has added a Coronavirus FAQ page to its website that addresses questions and concerns regarding its travel insurance and the impact of COVID-19. We strongly recommend that you visit the page for an overview of topics such as policy coverage and limitations, policy modifications, cancellation, refunds, and more. Among the most important points: 1) Trip cancellation solely for concern or fear of travel associated with COVID-19 is not covered; 2) Should you request cancellation of your policy, a full refund of your premium is available only under a limited set of conditions; and 3) Should you request cancellation, you may be eligible to receive a pro-rated refund of the unused portion of your premium or a travel insurance credit. Travel insurance credit (“Premium Credit”) is for the value of the policy purchased and may be applied to future policies. Premium Credits have no expiration dates. Rules and regulations apply.

Please visit the Coronavirus FAQ page here. (https://redpointtravelprotection.com/covid_19_faq/)

Additionally, as countries begin opening up for travel, many are instituting an array of COVID-19 entry requirements, including mandates to purchase travel insurance covering medical expenses due to COVID-19 Illness and accommodation in case of quarantine. Ripcord’s comprehensive travel insurance plans are designed to satisfy the various country-specific travel insurance entry requirements. Those who purchase a Ripcord policy will receive a “letter of confirmation” that affirms that the policy satisfies such requirements.

AIR INFORMATION: Victor Emanuel Travel is a full-service travel agency and wholly owned subsidiary of Victor Emanuel Nature Tours (VENT). Victor Emanuel Travel will be happy to make any domestic or international air travel arrangements from your home and return. Please feel free to call the VENT office to confirm your air arrangements. Please be sure to check with the VENT office prior to purchasing your

Kenya Birds and Wildlife, Page 13 air ticket to confirm that the tour is sufficiently subscribed to operate. VENT cannot be responsible for any air ticket penalties.

BAGGAGE: While on this tour, you will be in the vehicle much of the time. To ensure your comfort and that of your traveling companions, it is extremely important that you limit yourself to one small or medium-sized duffel bag or a small soft-sided suitcase, and one carry-on bag (camera, daypack, tote, etc). Good laundry services at a reasonable cost are available everywhere that we spend more than one night, so you only need a few changes of clothing. Most people find that they have brought far more "stuff" than they need. Please use the VENT luggage tags sent to you, as they help immensely in identifying our group's baggage. Extra/excess baggage can be stored in Nairobi, as vehicle space is very limited.

The airlines now strictly enforce baggage regulations. Excess baggage charges, which can be substantial, are the personal responsibility of each participant. Please consult your airline to find out specific weight restrictions. Due to ever-changing circumstances in the government’s attempts to improve airport security we recommend that you check the website of the Transportation Security Administration (TSA) for the most updated information: http://www.tsa.gov/.

CLIMATE: Upland Kenya has a pleasant climate, and generally temperatures will be warm during the day and cool at night. Night temperatures are cooler at a few places, reaching the low fifties, while daytime temperatures may reach into the nineties at Samburu and Masai Mara. We can expect some showers and misty weather at a few locations.

CLOTHING: Long-sleeved and light-weight blouses or shirts and slacks are appropriate, with a sweater or light jacket for the evening, and a thermal top for "layering” or sleeping in on cool nights. Neutral colors such as gray, khaki and tan are best for field wear (bright colors and patterns, including white, can spook the birds and animals). Clothing that can be easily rinsed out and that dries quickly is helpful. Dress will be casual throughout the tour. There is no need to bring formal dinner attire. The hotels are not heated, so bring something warm to sleep in like a light sleeping bag. You can get by with light footgear, but may want to have hiking boots for the few places that are muddy or where we do more walking like Kakamega Forest. On some days, shorts will be appropriate, and a most of the hotels have swimming pools. Please remember that luggage space in the vehicles is very limited, and laundry can be done at every lodge.

CURRENCY: Kenyan Shilling (KSh); Currency can be exchanged at the airport banks and major hotels. MasterCard and Visa are widely accepted, while American Express has limited acceptance. Please note that traveller’s checks are no longer widely accepted (and we suggest that you do NOT use them). ATM machines are available at a few select stops if you need additional cash (but are not guaranteed to work).

DOCUMENTS: A passport valid for at least six months beyond your planned departure and a visa IS required for United States and Canadian citizens to enter Kenya. A yellow Fever vaccination certificate is required if entering from an infected area. Non U.S./Canadian citizens should check with their consulate/embassy for instructions. It is very important to have your passport and money with you at all times. Suggestions for doing so are a money belt or a pouch with a shoulder strap to be worn on your side or around your neck. We caution against carrying these in a purse or daypack. It is also wise to carry a copy of your passport information pages in a separate piece of luggage. EQUIPMENT: You should have a pair of binoculars that are in good repair, along with a day pack for carrying books, sunscreen, extra data storage, etc. Your tour leaders will have a spotting scope; however, you are welcome to bring your own if you so desire. You should bring all the camera equipment and spare batteries that you will need, as they will be difficult to obtain once we leave Nairobi. And yes, do bring a small folding umbrella or rain jacket, as we may encounter mist or rain on a few occasions.

Other items that will be useful are a hat and sunscreen for sun protection, small flashlight, alarm clock, and a small amount of non-spray insect repellant (insects are remarkably few, but the best way to avoid any chance of disease is not to get bitten). You may also want to have a small supply of snacks. Moist towelettes are also refreshing to

Kenya Birds and Wildlife, Page 14 have. Pepto-Bismol is recommended in case of mild stomach upset. Bottled water is available throughout Kenya, bit preferred is to bring a canteen to limit plastic waste. All participants should bring a good supply of all their medical/pharmaceutical supplies, as they would be very difficult to obtain anywhere on the tour.

HEALTH: If you are taking prescription medication or over-the-counter medicine, be sure to bring an ample supply that will allow you to get through the tour safely. Please consult your physician as necessary. Remember to pack all medication in your carry-on baggage, preferably in original containers or packaging. As airline baggage restrictions can change without warning, please check with your airline for procedures for packing medication.

As standard travel precautions, you should always be up to date with tetanus shots, and strongly consider inoculations against hepatitis types A and B.

In addition to your physician, a good source of general health information for travelers is the U.S. Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) in Atlanta, which operates a 24-hour recorded Travelers’ Information Line (800) CDC-INFO (800-232-4636). You can check the CDC website at wwwnc.cdc.gov/travel. Canadian citizens should check the website of the Public Health Agency of Canada: www.canada.ca/en/public-health.html (click on Travel Health).

MISC: Departure Tax – usually included in intl. airline tickets Electricity – 240 volts, 50 cycles, "Type G" British BS-1363 type Language – Kiswahili is the national language and English is the official language Time – 8 hours ahead of EST WiFi Internet Service is available at most locations, but may not always be reliable.

SUGGESTED READING: Our website, www.ventbird.com offers an affiliated online store that carries a wide variety of items for birding and nature lovers, including over 6,000 books. A portion of the sales from this store benefits the Cornell Lab of Ornithology. You may also visit such other online stores such as www.amazon.com, and for those out-of-print or hard-to-find titles, www.abebooks.com or www.buteobooks.com which specializes in ornithology books.

Birds (Field Guides): Stephenson, Terry, and John Fanshawe; Illustrated by Brian Small, Norman Arlott, and John Gale. Field Guide to the Birds of East Africa, second edition. T & A D Poyser Ltd. London. 2020. A comprehensive field guide to all the birds of Kenya, Tanzania, Uganda, and Rwanda. It includes concise text on identification and illustrations from three of the best bird illustrators working today. Please note that this is an update from the earlier published 2002 version. Van Perlo, Ber. Collins Illustrated Checklist: Birds of East Africa. Collins London, 1997. Compact but only marginally adequate as primary field guide. Zimmerman, Dale A, Donald Turner, and David Pearson. Birds of Kenya and Northern Tanzania. Princeton University Press, 1999. A comprehensive field guide to Kenya alone; very complete. The field guide edition (paperback) is more manageable in size than hardback volume. Field Guides (other topics): Blundell, Michael. Wild Flowers of East Africa. HarperCollins, 1994. Good field guide with high-quality photos. Dorst, Jean and Pierre Dandelot. Collins Field Guide to Larger Mammals of Africa. HarperCollins, London, 1998. Adequate alternative to Jonathan Kingdon's guide. Kingdon, Jonathan. The Kingdon Field Guide to African Mammals. Academic Press Inc., 1998. A complete and informative guide to all of the mammals. All the known species of African land mammal are covered in a concise text providing full information on identification, distribution, ecology, evolutionary relationships, and conservation status. Estes, Richard, Otte, Daniel and EO Wilson. The Behavior Guide to African Mammals (20th Anniversary Edition). University of California Press, 2012. To complete the Kingdon Field Guide this Behavior Guide to African Mammals is an absolute must. The book describes the behavior of four groups of mammals, all

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possible in Kenya. Williams, John George and R. Fennessy. Collins Field Guide to the National Parks of East Africa. HarperCollins Inc., 1998. Very useful guide with background information and simple maps for each park and reserve, plus a section on mammal identification and the more conspicuous birds.

There is a wealth of reading material available for this region, and the following are just a few selections from various topics. A personal favorite is The Tree Where Man Was Born/The African Experience by Peter Matthiessen and Eliot Porter. The results of several long-term studies of the mammals have been published as popular books. The best include Among the Elephants by Iain Douglas-Hamilton, The Serengeti Lion by George Schaller, and Portraits in the Wild by Cynthia Moss. Especially if you have never been to East Africa, you may enjoy some of these "light" books about the region, history and wildlife: Out of Africa by Isak Dinesen, Flame Trees of Thika by Elspeth Huxley, I Dreamed of Africa by Kuki Gulman, and A Bird Watcher in Kenya by C. van Someren. Nine Faces of Kenya, compiled by Elspeth Huxley, is a good introductory primer to East African history and settlement.

Any reading list should include something on the peoples of Kenya and there are many books available. Among the most interesting are The Peoples of Kenya by Joy Adamson (which has superb portraits painted by the author), and Vanishing Africa by Mirella Ricciardi (an extravaganza of photos). For those with a political bent, Facing Mt. Kenya by Jomo Kenyatta is a classic written by the man who led Kenya to independence and was its first president. There have also been numerable articles in the natural history magazines and special films on television; enjoy them as they come along and they will help you prepare for your visit to East Africa.

TIPPING: Tipping (restaurant staff, porters, drivers, local guides) is included on VENT tours. However, if you feel one or both of your VENT leaders or any local guides have given you exceptional service, it is entirely appropriate to tip. We emphasize that tips are not expected and are entirely optional. Tips should be given directly to your tour leader; they should not be sent to the VENT office.

RESPONSIBILITY STATEMENT: Victor Emanuel Nature Tours, Inc., a Texas corporation, and/or its agents (together, “VENT”) act only as agents for the participant in regard to travel, whether by railroad, motorcar, motorcoach, boat, or airplane and assume no liability for injury, damage, loss, accident, delay, or irregularity which may be occasioned either by reason of defect in any vehicle or for any reason whatsoever, or through the acts or default of any company or person engaged in conveying the participant or in carrying out the arrangements of the tour. VENT accepts no responsibility for losses or additional expenses due to delay or changes in airfare or other services, sickness, weather, strike, war, quarantine, terrorism, or other causes. All such losses or expenses will be borne by the participant, as tour rates only provide for arrangements for the time stated.

VENT reserves the right (i) to substitute hotels of similar category, or the best reasonable substitution available under the circumstances, for those indicated and (ii) to make any changes in the itinerary that are deemed necessary by VENT or which are caused by third party transportation schedules (i.e. railroad, motorcar, motorcoach, boat, airplane, etc.).

VENT reserves the right to substitute leaders or guides on any tour. Where VENT, in its sole discretion, determines such substitution is necessary, it will notify tour participants.

VENT reserves the right to cancel any tour prior to departure with or without cause or good reason. See the VENT Cancellation & Refunds policy set forth above.

Tour prices are based on tariffs and exchange rates in effect on February 25, 2021, and are subject to adjustment in the event of any change thereto.

VENT reserves the right to decline any participant’s Registration Form and/or refuse to allow any participant to participate in a tour as VENT deems reasonably necessary, in its sole discretion. VENT also reserves the right to remove any tour participant from any portion of a tour as VENT deems necessary, in its sole discretion, reasons for such removal include but are not limited to, medical needs, injury, illness, inability to meet physical demands

Kenya Birds and Wildlife, Page 16 of a tour, personality conflict or situations in which such removal is otherwise in the best interest of the tour, the tour group and/or such participant. A participant may also voluntarily depart from a tour. If a participant is removed from a tour or voluntarily departs from a tour, such participant will be responsible for any expenses associated with such removal or departure, including but not limited to, transportation, lodging, airfare and meals, and VENT will have no obligation to refund or reimburse any such removed or departed participant for any tour payments or deposits previously paid by such participant.

Baggage is carried at the participant’s risk entirely. No airline company, its employees, agents and/or affiliates (the “Airline”) is to be held responsible for any act, omission, or event during the time participants are not on board the Airline’s aircraft. The participant ticket in use by any Airline, when issued, will constitute the sole contract between the Airline and the purchaser of the tickets and/or the participant. The services of any I.A.T.A.N. carrier may be used for VENT tours, and transportation within the United States may be provided by any member carrier of the Airlines Reporting Corporation.

KN:20211030 P: 1/12/2021 - MV Rev: 02/26/2021-PS Rev 6/16/2021-PS