EAST AFRICAN EXPLORER: 2015-2016
Tour Code: CS 4801 A
Number of Days: 13 Days
Days of Operation: Sundays
Safari Departure and Arrival timings:
Safari Briefing: Day 02 at 0700hrs approximately
Arrival on Day 01 Check-in from 1400 hours without prior early arrival arrangements
Departs on Day 02 0730hrs approx.
Returns on Day 13 1900hrs approx. (onward flights to be booked 2300hrs onwards)
Pick up point: Eka Hotel
Drop off point: Intercontinental Hotel or JKI Airport
An Africa safari touches something deep within all of us, for it is an experience that will never be forgotten. The following safari combines intriguing cultures, beautiful landscapes and an excellent opportunity for spotting the Big-5. The driver-guides are all very experienced and will certainly make this safari feel special.
PLEASE NOTE CHANGES IN ACCOMMODATION IN KENYA
Day 1 Nairobi
Upon arrival into Nairobi, you will be met and transferred to the Eka Hotel. Afternoon at leisure.
Overnight at the Eka Hotel in superior room on a bed and breakfast basis
Eka Hotel
Superior Room
Eka Hotel is ideally located along Mombasa Road in Nairobi the capital city of Kenya. It is situated minutes away from the Jomo Kenyatta International Airport, 5 km from Wilson Airport and 5 km from the bustling central business district.
The hotel rooms offer the very best in comfort, convenience and efficiency. Each air-conditioned room is equipped with flat-screen TV with satellite connection, plug-and-play panels, direct-dial international telephone, complimentary high-speed internet access, mini bar, electronic personal safety deposit box, and complimentary tea and coffee-making facilities.
Day 2 Nairobi – Masai Mara National Reserve
Leaving Nairobi after breakfast, you’ll travel towards Kenya’s fertile highlands and head down the Rift Escarpment on a road built by Italian prisoners of war during World War II. Look for the charming chapel they built at the foot of the escarpment. You’ll pass the impressive Longonot earth satellite station as you head across the Valley to Narok, and then travel across acres of wheat and barley, before you reach the Masai Mara and your lodge in time for lunch. There will be an afternoon game drive.
Overnight at Keekorok Lodge on a full board basis
Keekorok Lodge
Standard Rooms
Keekorok Game Lodge was opened in 1965 and lies at the southern end of Masai Mara National Reserve, approximately 280 kilometres from Nairobi. It is sited in the direct path of the annual migration and was the first lodge to be built in the Mara. At the height of the migration, Keekorok is surrounded by a swarming mass of animals and there is hardly a need to go on a game drive. Keekorok’s charm lies in the liberal use of local building materials. Sand stone, cedar wood and other indigenous materials are used in all rooms and public areas.
In front of the lodge there is a 300m elevated walkway that meanders through a small reverie forest to a small bar at one end. This overlooks a dam where resident hippo and other game are regularly seen. There are no fences around Keekorok and it is not uncommon to see elephant and buffalo on the perimeter of the grounds or even strolling in. Though there are watchmen on the constant look out! There are 10 single rooms, 74 twin rooms and 1 junior suite. Rooms are all en suite and in bungalows, single storey blocks and comfortable shaded chalets. The liberal use of cedar, pink and grey sand river stone and other indigenous building materials off set the green lawns and colourful bougainvillaea. The Lodge has been refurbished and some areas rebuilt after a fire in 2005.
Day 3 Masai Mara National Reserve
After an early breakfast, clients will depart for a visit to a Masai village and a morning game drive, returning to the lodge for lunch and perhaps a siesta before setting off for an afternoon game drive, returning to the lodge as the sun sets.
Overnight at Keekorok Lodge on a full board basis
Day 4 Masai Mara – Lake Nakuru
Leaving the Masai Mara after breakfast, you’ll travel across the ‘breadbasket’ of Kenya, where acres of wheat and barley litter the landscape as you head north to Narok, the district headquarters of this part of Maasailand. Now travel across the vast plains on the floor of the Rift Valley, keeping an eye out for herds of giraffe and gazelle as you head up the Mau Escarpment, before arriving at LakeNakuru around midday. The waters here are often coloured shimmering flamingo pink, from thousands of the beautiful birds lining its shores. After lunch, depart for an afternoon game drive in NakuruNational Park.
Overnight at Lake Nakuru Lodge on a full board basis
Lake Nakuru Lodge
Lake Nakuru Lodge is situated in the heart of one of Kenya’s most densely populated wetland National Parks, (Ramsar site) only two leisurely hours’ drive from Nairobi, through beautiful forested uplands and passing a series of lakes. On the outskirts of the bustling market town of Nakuru lies a truly remarkable national park which has achieved international fame. Both black and white rhino are being given a new lease of life in this 188 sq km, fully-fenced park – and they are carefully protected. The present rhino population is over 50 and continuing to multiply. The Rothschilds giraffe is another rarity and the park has its fair share of buffalo, leopard, zebra, eland, waterbuck and lion. Lake Nakuru Lodge is in the south-east ecological niche of the park, with commanding views of the lake and the flamingos for which it is justly famous. Lush gardens surround the lodge and cottages. There is a good programme of activities and evening entertainment.
Day 5 LakeNakuru – AmboseliNational Park
After an early breakfast continue to Lake Naivasha for a boat ride. Later, leaving the Rift Valley behind, proceed to Nairobi, collect a picnic lunch and then head south towards Amboseli arriving at your lodge by late afternoon.
Overnight at Ol Tukai Lodge on a full board basis
Ol Tukai Lodge
Ol Tukai Lodge was opened in June 1996 and lies at the heart of AmboseliNational Park approximately 266kms due south of Nairobi. The lodge is set at the foot of Mt.Kilimanjaro, the highest mountain in Africa and is probably the best wildlife arenas to view elephants at close range. Most of the park consists of a partially dry, lake bed of evaporated salts and fragile grassland with patches of acacia woodland. Around the swamps the vegetation is lush with yellow barked acacia and phoenix palms. You can see most types of game in the park including rhino, giraffe, gazelle, lion, cheetah and leopards. Birdlife is prolific too, especially around the swamp areas. Cottage style accommodation spreads out on either side of the main lodge. The architecture is unobtrusive with lots of wood, local stone and slate. There are two double rooms especially designed for the disabled and ramps for wheelchairs are the norm. Each room has an uninterrupted view of either the wetlands or Mt.Kilimanjaro, with the occasional dust trail of safari vehicles viewing game in this most beautiful of Kenya’s game parks. The crystal clear figure of eight swimming pool, shaded by the occasional acacia tree, has ample sun beds and mattresses available for guest use.
Day 6 AmboseliNational Park
Morning and afternoon game drives in Amboseli, returning to the lodge as the sun sets.
Overnight at Ol Tukai Lodge on a full board basis
Day 7 Amboseli – Lake Manyara
After breakfast, you continue the journey to the Tanzania border post and then on to Arusha for lunch. Afternoon (approx 1400 hrs) pick up from Arusha Town Centre and join seat in vehicle safari (using Serena Lodges). You depart Arusha and pass through the Masai Steppe filled with many picturesque African villages as well as maize, coffee and banana plantations. At the town of Makuyuni you turn North West and continue the journey up through a scenic escarpment that brings you to your lodge, perched on the edge of the Rift Valley with stunning views over the distant LakeManyara.
Overnight at Lake Manyara Serena on full board basis
Lake Manyara Serena Lodge
Grouped around a central ‘vanishing horizon’ pool, this highly unusual lodge features a simple timbered reception area, built in traditional African style, which is accessed via a bridge over a small stream. Beyond reception, lies the central dining room, bar and veranda, below which lies the pool. Perched on the very edge of the cliffs, with stunning views over the lake is the pool bar and observation point. Dotted around the grounds, all with views over the lake, are a series of circular two-storey ‘rondavels’, which house the rooms.
Day 8 Lake Manyara – Serengeti National Park
After breakfast there is a game drive in LakeManyaraNational Park that returns to the lodge for lunch. Leaving LakeManyara behind, the journey continues North West across the stunning hilly countryside of the highlands which is filled with wheat and coffee plantations, and then into the Ngorongoro Conservation Area. From here lie the vast plains of the Serengeti, where you’ll hopefully start spotting game well before you get into the park.
Overnight at Serengeti Serena Lodge on a full board basis
Serengeti Serena Lodge
Centrally located adjacent to the famous Western Corridor and GrumetiRiver, the lodge has been designed to blend completely into the living landscape. A series of traditional domed ‘rondavels’ are widely spaced throughout the grounds, which are cooled by groves of acacia trees and watered by sparkling streams. On the very edge of the ridge is a ‘vanishing horizon’ pool, which looks out over the ‘endless plains’ after which the Serengeti is named.
Day 9 SerengetiNational Park
Morning and afternoon game drives in SerengetiNational Park.
Overnight at Serengeti Serena Lodge on a full board basis
Day 10 SerengetiNational Park – Ngorongoro Crater
After breakfast you depart for Ngorongoro with a picnic lunch viewing game across the vast Serengeti plains, after a picnic lunch you continue to your lodge, set high on the rim of Ngorongoro Crater.
Overnight at Ngorongoro Serena Lodge on a full board basis
Ngorongoro Serena Lodge
Hugging the contours of the jagged Crater rim, the lodge takes its inspiration from the so-called ‘Cradle of Mankind’, the prehistoric site of Olduvai Gorge, which lies close by. Linked by arched stone passages and timbered decks, its walls are decorated with stylized prehistoric cave paintings and lit by flaring torches. At the stone heart of the lodge burns a glowing fire, which is kept constantly alight. Decorated with cave paintings, the rooms are strung around the Crater rim. Each has its own rock- enclosed balcony, and all enjoy completely uninterrupted views of the volcanic amphitheatre far below.
Day 11 Ngorongoro Crater
A highlight awaits you this morning as you depart to explore what is commonly referred to as the World’s largest wildlife zoo. After breakfast, you descend with a picnic lunch through the early morning mists and 2,000 feet into the crater. Ngorongoro Crater is the World’s largest intact volcanic caldera. Due to its size and diversity, the crater floor is comprised of several distinct areas, ranging from forest, swamps, lakes and springs, to open grassland and some sandy dunes. It’s an awesome wildlife experience. You return to the lodge in the late afternoon.
Overnight at Ngorongoro Serena Lodge on a full board basis
Day 12 Ngorongoro Crater – Tarangire National Park
Departing Ngorongoro Crater after breakfast and head south east en route to LakeManyara, Mto wa Mbu village and Tarangire beyond. Through the highlands and the Karatu district, you’ll view the scenic wheat plains and coffee plantations here before journeying down the spectacular escarpment where you turn south on to the main Arusha – Dodoma road and into the park. From here to the lodge, you’ll enjoy a game drive en route. After lunch and perhaps a swim, the remainder of the afternoon will be spent on a game drive.
Overnight at Tarangire Sopa Lodge on a full board basis
Tarangire Sopa Lodge
Hidden among the kopjes of Tarangire National Park lies Tarangire Sopa Lodge. The lodge is surrounded by ancient baobab trees. TarangireNational Park is the home of one of the greatest concentration of elephants in Africa, and other game including the elusive leopard. Over 400 bird species can be spotted here as well. With water constantly available in the area, the greenery is lush providing a wonderful contrast to the burnt ground.
Day 13 TarangireNational Park – Nairobi
Depart Tarangire after breakfast and drive back to Arusha arriving in time for lunch. After lunch you continue the journey by road to Nairobi and onto a Nairobi City Centre Restaurant for dinner before drop off at JKIA airport or City centre Hotel.
EAST AFRICAN EXPLORER: 2015-2016
Tour Code: CS 4801 A
Number of Days: 13 Days
Days of Operation: Sundays
Minimum 2 passengers to operate.Maximum 7 pax in each vehicle. Price for sole participant supplements will apply as per information below. We can only accept a single traveller when at least 2 other travellers are confirmed.
| Nett | 16 Dec 15
to 27 Dec 15 |
28 Dec 15 to
29 Feb 16 |
01 Mar 16 to
31 Mar 16 |
01 Apr 16 to
23 May 16 |
24 May 16 to
27 Jun 16 |
28 Jun 16 to
31 Oct 16 |
01 Nov 16
to 15 Dec 16* |
| Currency | US$ | US$ | US$ | US$ | US$ | US$ | US$ |
| Per Person Sharing | 4,415.00 | 4,319.00 | 3,691.00 | 3,236.00 | 4,153.00 | 4,388.00 | 3,577.00 |
| Single Room Supplement | 745.00 | 716.00 | 625.00 | 60.00 | 365.00 | 732.00 | 483.00 |
| Christmas Supplement : US$ 45.00 per person per night from 24 Dec to 01 Janinclusive | |||||||
| Easter Supplement : US$ 45.00 per person per night from 25Marchto 28March 2016 inclusive | |||||||
Notes
*Travel must end by 15 December 2016 to qualify for this rate.
Sole Travellers
Participants travelling alone must pay an additional $66.00 (in addition to the single room supplement) to cover the cost of arrival and departure transfers). Sole travellers will only be confirmed when at least two people have confirmed on a departure.
Child Rates – Third Adult Discount
- One child aged 7-11 years sharing with 2 adults pays 60% of safari cost*
- Children aged 7 – 11 years pay 50% of holiday supplements
- Third adult pays full adult rate
*Children younger than seven are discouraged from joining seat-in-vehicle safaris however; we would be pleased to provide a private safari for families with young children.
Hot Air Balloon Safaris
We recommend travellers book an optional hot air balloon safari either in Masai Mara or Serengeti National Park in advance. The excursion may be booked for DAY 03 or DAY 09.
Rates are
- Masai Mara – $335.00 per person 16 December 2015 to 30 June 2016 and 01 November 2016 to 15 December 2016
- Masai Mara – $375.00 per person 01 July 2016 to 31 October 2016
- Serengeti National Park – $445.00 per person 16 December 2015 to 15 December 2016
Cost Includes
- Meet and greet services with assistance
- All transport and game drives on road safaris will be in a 4x4in Kenya and 4×4 vehicle in Tanzania (with seven window seats) with an English speaking driver-guide on shared basis
- Transfers may be in a two wheel drive 7 passenger minibus or 24 passenger coach.
- Maximum of 7 passengers per vehicle
- Meals and accommodation as specified
- All park fees and government taxes
- ½ litre bottle mineral water per person per day on game drives
Cost Excludes
- Visas and international flights
- Airport taxes (clients pay direct)
- Driver-guide gratuities, drinks, dining rooms tips and porterage
- Personal travel, baggage and medical insurance
- Telephone bill, laundry and any items of a personal nature
- Balloon Safaris (sold separately)
Additional remarks
- Cancellation policy as per agent’s agreement or as per our printed Price Guide if no fixed contract is in place. Please request any further information on this if required.
- We may have to re-route the itinerary or accommodate in similar lodges in case of non-availability.
- Prices for domestic flights, airport taxes or park fees may be changed without prior notice. This is beyond our control and any increase levied will be passed to you.
- This safari combines other programmes.
Passenger Information
- Passengers should bring only soft sided bags on safaris.
- Passengers arriving to Kenya or Tanzania may be asked to present a valid Yellow Fever Vaccination Certificate
- Travellers’cheques generally are not accepted in East Africa. US bank notes cannot be older than 2004 and must have the most current security markings (large portrait of the presidents).
