7 Days 4 Nights Kenya Safari Adventure
TOUR HIGHLIGHTS ACCOMODATION
Aberdare National Park Aberdare National Park : The Ark * North of Kenya * Waters of the great Ewaso Nyiro river Lake Naivasha : Lake Naivasha Sopa Lodge * Elephants, Giraffe, Zebra, Lions, Cheetah * Home to many birds & local species Masai Mara : Mara Sopa Lodge * Mountain Ol Olokwe
Lake Naivasha * North of Kenya LAND ROUTE * Waters of the great Ewaso Nyiro river * Elephants, Giraffe, Zebra, Lions, Cheetah * Home to many birds & local species * Mountain Ol Olokwe
Masai Mara
* Annual migration happens in the Masai Mara
* Exceptional game viewing: all predators
* Tremendous views across the plains * Mara River Hippo Pools * Traditional Masai culture
Nairobi * Capital City of Kenya * Highest urban population in East Africa * It was named after a water hole known in Maasai as Ewaso Nairobi, meaning “cool waters” * Cosmopolitan and multicultural religious city with many immigrants from former British colonies, including India, Somalia and Sudan
DAY 01 : SINGAPORE – NAIROBI (MEAL ON BOARD)
Depart Singapore to the capital of Kenya, Nairobi, on Kenya Airways, The Pride of Africa.
DAY 02 : NAIROBI – ABERDARE NATIONAL PARK (B/L/D)
Jambo! Karibu!
It is ‘touch down’ at the Jomo Kenyatta International Airport. Your hosts in Kenya eagerly await your arrival in traditional African style - wet towels and champagne. It is a tradition in Africa to present a gift as an expression of our joy and happiness - what better gift than an authentic (branded) safari hat and other safari souvenirs! Thereafter drive north through the rich agricultural and hilly mosaic of small farms, pineapple and coffee plantations to the Aberdare National Park. Arrive in` time for lunch at the ground serving hotel - The Aberdares Country Club. Afternoon transfer to your overnight Tree lodge built deep in the Aberdare Forest. Enjoy game viewing at the floodlit water hole and salt lick from the comfortable lounge areas or from your room at any time of night such as the savannah elephant, rhino, Cape buffalo, bush bucks, giant forest hogs, Sykes monkey, leopard, and the rare bongo. A ground level bunker provides excellent photographic opportunities and takes you closer than you would believe possible to the wildlife. Dinner and overnight at your hotel.
Please note: Pack an overnight bag, the rest of the baggage to be left at the Aberdare Country Club in safe deposit. It is also advisable to carry a light, warm jacket/sweater.
Overnight in Aberdare National Park - The Ark or similar
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DAY 03 : ABERDARE NATIONAL PARK - LAKE NAIVASHA (B/L/D)
After breakfast depart for Lake Naivasha with a brief stop at the Thompson's Falls named after Joseph Thompson who was the first European to walk from Mombasa to Lake Victoria in the early 1880's. Proceed to Lake Naivasha with its commanding setting at the foot of the Rift Valley Escarpment. The lake is an important horticultural area of Kenya. Arrive for lunch at your preferred choice of accommodation. Afternoon at leisure by the lake side with dinner and overnight at the lodge.
OPTIONAL ACTIVITY: A boat ride on the lake and disembark on Crescent Island a private sanctuary, for a walk amongst Zebra, Wildebeests, Gazelle, Vervet Monkey, Genet and Giraffe
Overnight in Lake Naivasha - Lake Naivasha Sopa Lodge or similar
DAY 04 : LAKE NAIVASHA - MASAI MARA GAME RESERVE (B/L/D)
Enjoy a sumptuous breakfast depart for the Masai Mara National Reserve offering wonderful scenery and plenty of game. It is perhaps the only region left in Kenya where the visitor may see animals in the same super-abundance as existed a century ago. Arrive in time for lunch at your preferred choice of accommodation and some leisure time, later in the afternoon head out for an exciting game-viewing drive in this vast and expansive reserve teeming with game. Thereafter return for diner and overnight.
Overnight in Masai Mara - Mara Sopa Lodge LDBB or similar
DAY 05 : MASAI MARA GAME RESERVE (B/L/D)
Full day in Masai Mara with morning and afternoon game viewing drives in search of the 'big five'. Masai Mara is the northern most extension of the Serengeti Plains and one of the richest wildlife Game Reserves. It is home to the awesome black-manned lion, the elusive leopard, stately giraffes, vast bulk of elephants, rhino, thundering herds of zebra, migrating wildebeest and numerous other plains game. Return to your lodge/camp for dinner and overnight.
OPTIONAL ACTIVITY: Balloon Safari over the Mara plains followed by a champagne breakfast or visit a traditional Masai Manyatta (off the beaten track) and experience the culture of this world famous community. The Masai still live as they did for centuries -interact with these nomadic people and experience their way of life as you learn about their customs and traditions.
Overnight in Masai Mara - Mara Sopa Lodge LDBB or similar
DAY 06 : NAIROBI (B/L/D)
Amka! After a sumptuous breakfast check out, all good experiences must come to an end and sadly you must say kwaheri to your wonderful lodge Manager and his team as you drive back to Kenya’s colorful capital city, Nairobi, upon arrival transfer to the airport for your onward flight.
DAY 07 : BANGKOK – SINGAPORE (MEAL ON BOARD)
Home Sweet Home…. with sweet memories of a wonderful Kenyan safari !!!
Asante Sana Na Safari Njema!
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Rates in SGD - Per Person (min. 2 persons to go) Travel Dates 2014 Adult Sharing (per pax) Single Supplement Each of 2 Each of 4 Each of 6
05Jan - 15Mar 2014 5060 4455 4260 288 16Mar - 31Mar 2014 5050 4440 4245 235 01Apr - 15Jun2014 4880 4280 4085 40 16Jun - 30Jun 2014 5050 4450 4245 235 01Jul - 31Oct 2014 5175 4575 4370 325 01Nov - 15Dec 2014 5045 4450 4245 235 *Rates quoted are subject to change without prior notice.
Optional Extras & Activities USD per Person
Balloon Safari over the Masai Mara plains 425.00 Visit to a Maasai Village 40.00
Easter Supplement
Prices in US Dollar (USD) Adult: 2 Child sharing with adult: 0 Young sharing with adult: 0 Tour leader: 0 Infant: 0 Child in own room: 0 Young in own room: 0 Local guide: 0
18/04/2014- 21/04/2014 USD Per Pax per night
Easter supplement – per pax per night 40.00
*********************************************************** Kenya Holidays Terms & Conditions:
Child policy: . Child with extra bed: 85% of twin sharing rate . Child half twin: same rate as adult twin . Child rates not applicable to children below TEN.
These rates are based on the services as detailed in the enclosed itinerary.
Package Includes:- . Return air tickets on Kenya Airways Economy class Please book TG ‘S’, SQ ‘K’ class and KQ ‘Q’ class. . Private meet and greet in Nairobi with our traditional Kenya welcome! . Accommodation and meals as specified in the itinerary - Food & Bev while on Safari . Private use of specially designed 4x4wd safari land cruiser whilst on Safari . Services of a Professional English Speaking guide-driver . All game drives as specified in the itinerary . Park Entry Tickets to Aberdares National Park & the Masai Mara Game Reserve. . Unlimited bottled water supplied in your safari vehicle during your game drives, transfers etc
Package Excludes:- . Airport taxes & surcharges . Visa Fees . Travel Insurance - we strongly recommend that comprehensive travel insurance be purchased for the duration of your journey to protect against any missed or delayed flights, illnesses etc that may cause cancellation of your travel plans. . Tips to hotel staff, gratuities to Driver/Guide etc - 3 - 7D4N Kenya Safari Adventure Recommended at USD5 to USD10 per person per day, porterage at USD2 . All Personal Expenses such as Drinks, Laundry, Telephone . Any services not mentioned above.
Booking Terms and Conditions:
50% deposit is required at the time of booking. The balance should be sent at least 40 days prior to tour commencement.
Cancellation and No show charges:
Reservations that are cancelled, reduced in length of stay or reduced in numbers (hereinafter collectively called a CANCELLATION) are subject to Cancellation and No Show fees if cancelled within 30 days of the arrival date:
30 days to 22 days prior to arrival: 25% 21 days to 15 days prior to arrival: 30% 14 days to 07 days prior to arrival: 50% 06 days to 03 days prior to arrival: 65% 02 days to 01 days prior to arrival: 80% No Show: 100%
Accommodation Information
The Ark Opened in November 1969 The Ark overlooks the Yasabara waterhole, perhaps the largest salt-lick in the Aberdare Mountains and the haunt of a variety of forest game unequalled in Africa. This tree-lodge is uniquely shaped to resemble the actual Ark, designed with decks from which numerous balconies and lounges provide superb vantage points for viewing the animals visiting the salt-lick and waterhole. A ground-level bunker provides excellent photographic opportunities, and the Yasabara waterhole is floodlit by night to enable all-night viewing of game. A "Resident Hunter" is always on hand to elucidate on the wildlife and landscape.
Access to vehicles is limited to conserve and protect the environment which hosts wildlife such as elephant, rhino, buffalo, bush bucks, giant forest hogs, Sykes monkey, leopard, and bongo. After lunch at The Aberdare Country Club guests take a 45-minute game drive within the National Park arriving at The Ark in time for afternoon tea.
Lake Naivasha Sopa Lodge On the southern shores of Lake Naivasha is Lake Naivasha Sopa Lodge. The lake is the only freshwater lake within Africa's Great Rift Valley. The lake teems with freshwater fish and bathing hippo. This is the safari traveller’s place of relaxation and rejuvenation; a perfect blend of luxury and safari spirit. Here the avid bird watcher sees paradise in a vast array of exotic bird life. The lake region is host to distinctive herds of plains game and the elusive black faced colobus monkey.
Lake Naivasha Sopa Lodge has panoramic views of the environs and the lake. Luxuriously appointed rooms feature spacious sunken lounges, while upper floor rooms have their own private balcony on which to relax, sunbathe or view game. The main restaurant serves a multi-ethnic combination of European, African and Asian dishes, all made with fresh produce. The lodge is guarded 24 hours a day by Masai warriors who will also escort guests to their rooms, particularly after dark.
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Mara Sopa Lodge Set in the Oloolaimutia valley the lodge blends in perfectly with its surrounding hillside landscape. The accent here is on the Masai people and the fabulous wealth of wildlife, birdlife, and natural flora to be found in the fabled Masai Mara Game Reserve We have earned a well-deserved reputation for the friendliness and care offered to our guests by our management and staff. This is one of the most important aspects of the style and service offered by each and every SOPA destination
The lodge has 200 beds by way of 77 rooms, 12 suites and 1 Presidential suite, all of which are 'rondavel' style and have en-suite bathroom facilities which provide shaving sockets and hairdryers. Every room and suite has a private, elevated verandah with splendid views across the valley and on which guests can relax, sunbathe and watch resident birds and wildlife. Mini-bars are also available in each room
The lodge has direct-dial telephone facilities as well as satellite television and video options. Lodge generators provide 240volts, 50 cycles 24 hours a day. Our water supply comes from nearby springs but guests are advised not to drink from the taps. Instead, filtered water is provided in flasks in every room and bottled water is available for sale. We welcome kids of all ages and can provide both special meals at convenient times and baby sitters on request. Our Guest Shop stocks a wide selection of curios, gift items, clothing, film and toiletries. The lodge has a freeform, fresh-water pool which offers spectacular views over the valley. We can supply both petrol and diesel fuels and can carry out most minor repairs.
Location and park information
Aberdare National Park The Aberdares is the established name of a mountain range which thrusts directly north from Nairobi for more than 160 kms. The range was named after then President of the Royal Geographical Society by the intrepid Scot, Joseph Thomson, who explored the region in 1883. The Kikuyu name Nyandarua is slowly gaining prominence.
The Aberdare National Park encompasses all land over 3200m together with a projection due east, known as the Salient, which reaches down to 2130m near Nyeri town. The park is a fairyland, awesome in its majesty and beauty. But crossing these mountains is an unpredictable event since rain is both frequent and heavy. The highest point of the range is Ol Doinyo Satima (the mountain of the young bull in Maa language of the Masai), which reaches 3998m. At an elevation of about 3350m along the Naivasha to Nyeri road, strange six metre tall mutants of alpine plants - groundsel, erica, hypericum, lobelia and sennecio - grow in profusion. Icy rivers plunge in glorious cascades and spectacular waterfalls.
The salient which thrusts a dense forest through rich farmland is where both Tree Tops and the Ark are situated. The salient's origin lies in an elephant migration route between the two mountains, now sadly no longer. But the forest is rich in wildlife; elephant and rhino, warthog, bush pig and giant forest hog, waterbuck, duiker, suni, dikdik, bongo and reebuck are all to be seen. In the canopy the black and white colobus monkey performs its aerial acrobatics and Sykes' monkey and black faced vervet can also be found.
The carnivores are represented by lion, usually more hairy and spotted than on the plains, leopard and serval, the latter often seen on the moorlands and sometimes in its melanistic state.
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The number of visitors to Aberdare National Park is high, mainly due to the popularity of Tree Tops and The Ark. The park itself is still very much under-visited despite its grandeur and its powerful vistas.
Lake Naivasha Lake Naivasha, which means ‘rippling water’ in a local dialect, is the largest freshwater lake along the Kenyan section of the Rift Valley. Dominated by huge umbrella-like acacia trees that surround the terracotta waters of the lake, much of Naivasha’s shores is taken up by huge farms growing cut flowers (mainly carnations and roses) for the international market.
There is plenty to do at the lake and it’s environs. Fishing is good and there are a number of watersports available, but the main attraction is the bird life, which is best observed on a boat trip on the lake. The nearby Hells Gate National Park is also good for bird watching, especially for large raptors such as Verreaux’s eagle, secretary birds, kori bustards and the rare lammergeyer or bearded vulture.
Located about 1¼ hours drive from Nairobi over the stunning Rift Valley escarpment, a couple of nights during a holiday spent by the tranquil waters of Lake Naivasha provide an ideal introduction to Kenya or, alternatively, an excellent place to relax for a night or two at the end of a safari.
Masai Mara Game Reserve Probably the most famous of the reserves, the Masai Mara, in Kenya's south western corner, boasts an astonishing amount of game. Unfenced, the Mara is bounded in the east by the Ngama Hills and in the west by the Oloololo or Siria Escarpment. Gazelle, wildebeest and zebra graze in large numbers and where prey is found so are predators. Not only is this a great place in which to find game, but the wide greeny-gold savannahs spotted with thorn trees make it ideal for photography. The Mara, as it is known in Kenya, is ravishingly beautiful and also offers long, undisturbed views and utterly dramatic panoramas. The weather really means something here. The sun may beat down unforgivingly, huge clouds in fabulous shapes may sweep across the widest of skies, the wind ripples the grasses as though they are stroked by a giant hand. The landscape is stunning.
The famously black-manned Mara lions are possibly the stars of the Mara show, but cheetah, elephant, kongoni, topi, Thompson's gazelle, waterbuck, hyena, and primates are all here too. As with the rest of Kenya, the birding is good. There is no settlement within the reserve however; the Mara is in theory owned by the Maasai, pastoralists and, in earlier times, renowned lion-killers. Lodges and hotels offer the opportunity to buy their beadwork, checked cloths and copies of their spears. It is said that if lions scent approaching Maasai on the breeze they move swiftly in the opposite direction.
Famously, the Mara is the northerly end of the Great Migration, that great primeval surge of wildebeest, zebra and antelope that sweeps in from Tanzania's Serengeti to Kenya's Masai Mara as the Tanzanian grass starts to fail. They are tracked by the large predators who pick off the weak, the stragglers and the young. The great herds, nearing their destination by July, mass along the Mara River, pushing, shoving and fantastically noisy, just waiting for the first animal to cross so that they can all follow, lemming-like, on the final leg of the journey. However, crocodiles lie in wait, sluggishly cruising the waters, fully prepared for their best meal of the year. Many fail in the life-and-death struggle - drowned, eaten by the crocodiles or, made careless or weak by their stressful swim, brought down by lions. The Masai Mara is terrible yet wonderful, and not to be missed.
Nairobi It is impossible to believe that just over 100 years ago the only visitors to the area which is now Nairobi were the Maasai tribe, who used to water their cattle at a "boggy waterhole". They called it Enkare Nyarobi – literally 'the place of cold water'. In the dying years of the 19th century as the Uganga railway forged its way through Kenya, the area became a railhead for the assault on the eastern wall of the escarpment. Because of the swampy surroundings, the railway workers camps rapidly turned into a shanty town, inhabited by rats which brought the plague, and it is doubtful if anyone could envisage that one day this would become the 'City in the Sun'
Between the 1903 and 1908 potential settlers arrived in Kenya responding to the promise of cheap agricultural land (which did not strictly belong to the government to give away) and many wealthy sportsmen arrived to hunt the game. Hotels sprang up to cater for the visitors and the base for the valuable tourist industry was laid during those early years.
In 1950 Nairobi became a City by Royal Charter, the streets ablaze with flowering trees and shrubs and to this day the flowering jacaranda trees in the later months of the year are one of Nairobi's great attractions.
Nairobi is now a city of around 3 million people and the heart of the commerce and industry for the whole of East Africa. Over the years the city has developed with modern infrastructure, the expected high rise buildings, tourist hotels and many places of entertainment. Additionally Nairobi has a near perfect climate, lying 144 km south of the equator at an altitude of 5451ft (1662m) and 494 km from the shores of the Indian Ocean. The city has maintained its cosmopolitan ambience which is apparent, not only in the different races and communities who work in and around the city, but also in the architecture and variety of religious buildings, churches, temples, mosques, synagogues. - 6 - 7D4N Kenya Safari Adventure
The range of attractions and places to visit are amazing. A typical day could perhaps start with a tour of the city, including visits to the excellent Railway Museum with its records of the history of the railway (which is also the history of the country). Here visitors may see the carriage from which an unfortunate Superintendent for the Railway was dragged by a man-eating lion in the year 1900.
The National Museum of Kenya has fine exhibits of East African fauna, birds, fish and reptiles as well as collection of cultural merit. An organised tour may also include visits to the City Hall and Law Courts, the bazaars and the markets with their colourful displays of locally grown fruit and flowers as well as handicrafts and many different centres of worship, including the spectacular Jamia Mosque. A visit should be paid to the Memorial Park, created in memory of the many victims of the inhumane bombing of the American Embassy and nearby buildings on 7 August 1998. This is the only city in the world which has a National Park on its doorstep, and within a short drive visitors enter completely a different world – the Nairobi National Park. Lion, cheetah, buffalo and rhino as well as more common plains game like gazelles, zebra, ostrich and giraffe live within the park.
Many will have heard of the film 'Out of Africa' which starred Meryl Streep as Karen Blixen and Robert Redford as her lover, Denys Finch Hatton. The well developed suburb of Karen takes its name from the author, and any visit to this area should include a visit to her old home set ‘in Africa, at the foot of the Ngong Hills'.
A short distance away, the Giraffe Centre, where the history of the endangered Rothschild Giraffe (which include the famous "Daisy Rothschild") can be studied and the descendants of the family can be fed, will also appeal.
A morning visit can be paid to the famous Daphne Sheldrake orphans, tiny elephant, rhino and occasionally a kudu which have been rescued from the wilds and are brought up until they are capable of returning to the bush.
Within the environs of Nairobi there are several excellent golf courses (one running alongside the main highway opposite the city centre); a proliferation of social clubs offering facilities for cricket, tennis, field hockey, squash, rugby and swimming and a popular race course set alongside the indigenous forest. The unique and popular Carnivore spit roast complex on the edge of the game park offers game meat as a speciality, in addition to the more normal roasts expected by dedicated meat-eaters.
As a 'Safari capital' of East Africa, Nairobi has more than enough to entertain any visitor for several days, either before of after their planned safari.
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