CANVAS SAFARI ( 10 Days / 9 Nights)

Visit: Nairobi, Sweetwaters, Mount Kenya, Samburu and Shaba Reserves, and Masai Mara

Highlights: all inclusive, exclusive tented camps and lodges, transfers by road and air, visit to the area where Survivor 3 was filmed, day and night wildlife viewing from open sided 4x4 vehicles, professionally guided hikes and walks, horseback and camel riding (at extra cost), excellent wildlife and brilliant birding, village visits (at extra cost), optional hot air balloon safari over Masai Mara (at extra cost)

 

DAY 1 Nairobi Arrival
Upon arrival at Nairobi's Jomo Kenyatta Airport you will be met and transferred to the Norfolk Hotel. No other hotel in Kenya has as rich a history as the Norfolk. When it first opened it's doors in 1904 it spearheaded traditions of hospitality in East Africa which are still unmatched today. The Lord Delamere Dining Room, Bar and Terrace have always been center of Nairobi's social life. In 1914 the sportsman / writer Stuart Edward White wrote: "more absorbing conversation can be listened to here than in any other place in the world." Many were the good stories heard - and improved upon - by Hemingway, Ruark and others. Overnight at the Norfolk Hotel, Meal Plan {bed and breakfast}.

 

Days 2/3 Nairobi-Sweetwaters
On the morning of day 2 you will depart by road to Sweetwaters Tented Camp. Sweetwaters Tented Camp lies in the heart of the privately owned 24,000 acre Sweetwaters Game Reserve, with magnificent views across the wildlife studded plains to the snowcapped peaks of Mount Kenya. Accommodation is provided in nicely appointed tents, set under thatch, with en-suite facilities (shower and toilet) and private verandah. 25 of the 30 tents overlook the waterhole. Within the quaint, original farmhouse is the dining room, bar and reception with its personal service and first class cuisine. Activities include day and night ‘Spice’ wildlife viewing drives, walking safaris escorted by a knowledgeable ranger, bird walks, and camel and horseback safaris (at extra cost).

A visit to Sweetwaters would not be complete without a visit to see Morani, a tame black rhinoceros on the property. There is also a 200-acre chimpanzee sanctuary. The aim of the project, initiated by Lonrho East Africa, Kenya Wildlife Services and the Jane Goodall Institute, was to set up a colony where chimps could be introduced, rehabilitated and taught to fend for themselves in an area similar to their natural living conditions. Priority is given to orphaned and abused chimps. Overnight at Sweetwater's Tented Camp. Meal Plan {B, L, D}

 

DAY 4 Sweetwaters – Mount Kenya Safari Club
Today you will depart by road to the world renowned Mount Kenya Safari Club. Set high on the slopes of Africa's second highest mountain, The Mount Kenya Safari Club straddles the equator in a glory of luxurious cottages and elegant buildings set amid manicured lawns and decorative ponds. Ever since the Club was founded in 1959 by the late film star William Holden, eccentric American Ray Ryan, and Swiss financier Carl Hirschmann, it has been a Spice for the international jet set - its list of members reads like a Who's Who of royalty, aristocracy, and the rich and famous.

The Club's history is as colorful and exciting as its members and visitors - from the pioneers who made the homestead and the farm their own, through its conversion into an upcountry hotel, to the uproarious narrative of the three-hell raisers who bought it on a whim and launched a legend. The Mount Kenya Safari Club offers several types of accommodations - we recommend the Riverview suites each with log fireplace and en suite facilities. Dinners are an elegant affair at the Safari Club. There is a choice of two restaurants; the Mawingo and the Kirinyaga. There are also two bars; the Mountain View Bar and Lounge, and the Trophy Lounge which has a relaxed and friendly atmosphere and is the ideal setting for cocktail parties. There is a pool, tennis court, putting green, 9 hole golf course, bowls, croquet, trout fishing, horse riding, an art gallery, labyrinth and health and beauty center! Overnight at Mount Kenya Safari Club. Meal Plan
{B, L, D}

 

Days 5/6 Mount Kenya-Samburu and Shaba Reserves
Today you will be transferred to the Nanyuki Airport in time to board your charter flight (included) to Samburu. Upon arrival you will be met and transferred to Samburu Intrepids Tented Camp. Samburu Intrepids tented camp is set in the midst of the rugged and savagely beautiful semi arid desert of northern Kenya.

 

Located in the Samburu National Reserve on the banks of the Uaso Nyiro River, guests are accommodated in 25 tastefully furnished, spacious tents which are elevated on individual decks under the shade of huge acacia trees. Rooms have en-suite facilities including hot and cold running water and flush toilets. Rooms also have electricity. The lodge is subtly constructed to enhance its closeness with nature. The occasional visits from the elephants and crocodiles below the decks make Nights here most memorable! Activities include wildlife viewing drives, short walks, and camel back excursions.

While here you may visit the Shaba Reserve - the site where Survivor Africa was filmed. This remote reserve was also the site where the Mountain Dew cheetah/mountain biker’s commercial was filmed. This semi-desert oasis supports reticulated giraffe, Grevy’s zebra, gerenuk, beisa Oryx and the Somali ostrich. The area is also home to lion, cheetah, elephant, buffalo and leopard, and over 100 species of birds. Overnight at Samburu Intrepids. Meal Plan {B, L, D}

 

Days 7/ 8/ 9 Samburu –Masai Mara
After your morning ‘Spice’ Game drive you will transfer by scheduled flight (included) to the Masai Mara and Governor's Camp. The Masai Mara is without doubt one of Africa’s finest wildlife sanctuaries. The Mara supports the largest diversity of species in Africa and, because of its incredible array of predators and their prey, is the one of the best places to witness the tense and dramatic interactions between these hunters and the hunted. The sight of a predator in action can never be forgotten.

Governor's Camp's setting is magical. So much so that almost a century ago it was reserved, exclusively, for Kenya’s colonial Governors and their royal visitors. Now Governors’ Camp nestles in the forest along the winding banks of the Mara River, its waters teeming with hippo and crocodile.

Some of the 38 tents line the riverbank, with uninterrupted views over the Mara River; others have views across the sweeping plains. Created in 1972 Governors’ Camp set new standards in luxury for a tented camp. Today it’s still one of Africa’s best. Everything is under canvas; all tents have en-suite bathrooms with hot and cold running water and flushing toilets.

Activities include unlimited ‘Spice’ game drives, nature walks, cultural immersion with local Masai (at extra cost) and optional hot air ballooning (at extra cost). Governor's Camp. Meal Plan {B, L, D}

 

DAY 10 Departure to Nairobi
This morning you will enjoy a ‘Spice’ game drive or walk before being transferred to the airstrip for your scheduled flight (included) to Nairobi where you may refresh yourself in a reserved dayroom at the Norfolk Hotel. In the evening you will be transferred to Kenya's Jomo Kenyatta Airport for your onward flight or elsewhere according to your plans. Norfolk day room, Meal Plan {B}.

Trip includes

Internal flights as noted

Road transport in safari cruisers with pop up roofs.

Airport meet and greets

Transfers to from hotels / lodges/ camps / airports

Accommodations and guided wildlife viewing activities as stated

Park's fees

Flying Doctor coverage

Government taxes and service charges.

Note
excludes international airfare, includes internal scheduled flights.
Recommended Extensions
Masai Mara Hot Air Balloon Safari

For the experience of a lifetime, drift the dawn over the magnificent plains of the Masai Mara in a hot air balloon. Then enjoy on a champagne breakfast in the bush at the landing site, before returning to camp on a game drive. (US $385/- per person including champagne breakfast)

Trip excludes

International airfare

Airport departure taxes

Entry visas if required

Extra activities such as hot air ballooning

All items of a personal nature i.e. trip insurance, tips and gratuities to bar staff or

Driver/guides, drinks, telephone calls