Safari Holidays

Activities : Cultural interaction for the family with Maasai and Samburu people ,Cultural lectures for the Children, fire lighting, Optional balloon safaris , Traditional dances /Scenery, Game Watching, Ethnic, Culture, Traditional Dances (Optional), Photography among others

DAY 1: ARRIVAL

Meet you at Jommo Kenyatta international airport and transfer you to The Hilton Hotel for overnight stay.

DAY 2– AMBOSELI NATIONAL PARK

Pick up from the Hilton hotel soon after break fast and drive south through Maasai country to the plains below Mt. Kilimanjaro where Amboseli is situated. After a stopover lunch at the lodge we proceed into the scenic Amboseli National Park for a game drive returning to the lodge in the evening for a sun downer.

DAY 3 – AMBOSELI NATIONAL PARK

After a leisurely breakfast, we explore the park through morning and afternoon game drives. We have sufficient time for relaxation at the lodge, complete with the majestic Mt. Kilimanjaro in the background.

Amboseli means ‘the place of water’ in Maasai language. The park has an endless supply of water which is filtered through thousands of meters of volcanic rock from Mount Kilimanjaro. Animal species seen include elephant, zebra, wildebeest, giraffe, impala and leopard. The birdlife seen here includes pelican, bee eater, kingfisher, African fish eagle and pygmy falcon. Amboseli is one of the most popular parks and offers excellent accommodation facilities.

DAY 4 – ABERDARE RANGES

We leave Amboseli, viewing game as we drive via Nairobi to the Aberdares to enjoy the experience of staying in a Tree Hotel or lodge overlooking floodlit waterholes where wildlife and birds regularly visit. Dinner and a well deserved sleep thereafter.

Over 40 species of wildlife inhabit the Aberdare mountain ranges, hiding in the heavily forested slopes and in the upper moor lands. The Aberdares is noted as a rhino sanctuary but keep an eye out for the elusive rare bongo, which is best, spotted in the upper bamboo zone and hypericum scrub.

DAY 5 – SAMBURU NATIONAL RESERVE

After breakfast we proceed further north across the Equator to the edge of the Northern Frontier. Arrival will be in time for lunch and an afternoon game drive returning in time for a sun downer and dinner at the lodge.

Samburu is part of a lava plain that includes a diverse landscape of thorn scrub, red dirt, dried river beds, broken volcanic rock, steep hills, and rocky outcroppings. This reserve is becoming one of Kenya’s most admired stops after the Mara. Sights of the peculiarly branched doum palms and thorn trees give an unusual look to the region.

DAY 6 – SAMBURU NATIONAL RESERVE

The whole day will be spent relaxing and leisurely exploring the Samburu National Reserve through morning and afternoon game drives. You may opt to do some of the activities offered at the lodges and a visit to Samburu Villages at an extra cost.

The light and vast openness creates a lonesome panoramic beauty and the permanent water supply acts like a lure for the abundant species found here. The region is home to the uncommon Grevy’s zebra with huge fury ears, gerenuk antelope standing on hind legs to feed, Somali ostriches with distinct blue legs and the shy Oryx. Elephant and crocodile are guaranteed sightings, excellent bird watching with numerous varieties of weaverbirds and the martial eagle. Leopard sighting is also a special feature here.

DAY 7- MOUNT KENYA/SWEET WATERS.

We enjoy a final early morning game drive in the Samburu reserve then depart for the Mt. Kenya region. Arrival at the lodge in time for you to enjoy the facilities of the lodge, explore the Mount Kenya National Park or take an optional tour to the nearby Sweetwaters Reserve which is home to Chimpanzees.

Mount Kenya was shaped by volcanic action linked with the creation of the Rift Valley and is thought to be older than Mount Kilimanjaro; geologists believe it previously stretched at least 1500m above its present height of 5199m (17,057ft). The Kikuyu people settled in the central highlands some 300 years ago called the mountain “Ngai” (God) who they believed lived on the top of Mount Kenya.

Sweetwater’s is the o¬nly sanctuary for rehabilitation in Kenya of these widely abused chimpanzees with two groups living in an environment as close to their natural habitat as possible. The site is also a dedicated black rhino breeding area.

DAY 8 – LAKE BARINGO VIA LAKE BOGORIA

Morning drive via the Nyahururu Falls down to the shallow soda Lake Bogoria and later to the beautiful lake Baringo where you may enjoy the pleasure of an evening bird walk. Dinner and overnight at the lodge.

The Nyahururu Falls also known as Thomson Falls was named after Joseph Thomson who walked from Mombasa to Lake Victoria in the early 1880s; these falls are shaped by the waters of the Ewaso Narok River and plunge over 72m into a rift, spraying the dark forest below.

In the spectacular Lake Bogoria; hot springs and geysers are the main attractions. The lake has been called ‘the new home of the flamingo’ with a nomad population of up to two million birds. For the bird enthusiasts, Kesubo swamp located north of the park is home to more than 200 species of birds.

Lake Baringo is the most Northerly of Kenya’s small Rift Valley lakes; creased with papyrus and well developed acacia forest. Hippos, crocodiles and monitor lizards are effortlessly seen from the shore, as is a magnificent display of water birds. This is Kenya’s bird watching centre with over 1200 different species native to the country and more than 450 sighted here. A bird watcher’s haven but beware, this is malaria land so it is best to come prepared with plenty of mosquito repellent.

DAY 9 – NAKURU NATIONAL PARK

We enjoy a morning boat ride in search of hippo, crocodile, and fish eagle. After a sumptuous lunch, we then proceed to Lake Nakuru and the Nakuru National Park for an afternoon game drive.

The park covers 180 sq km and is home to warthogs, waterbuck, buffaloes, reedbucks, and the occasional leopard. White and black rhinos were introduced to the park some years ago and you will find white rhino at the southern end. The park has also retained its reputation as an ornithologists’ delight with more than 400 species of bird found here. We spend the night at Kembu campsite just outside of town.

DAY 10 – MASAI MARA NATIONAL RESERVE

After an early breakfast, we depart for Masai Mara National Reserve via the Great Rift Valley arriving in time for lunch at the lodge. We then proceed on an afternoon game drive returning to the lodge for a delicious sundowner, and dinner at the lodge or luxury tented camp.

The Mara reserve is 1510 sq km of incredible wide-open landscapes and fertile riverine woodland and one glimpse is enough to explain its appeal; it is typical savannah, with a mass of amazing wildlife. Wherever you go in the Mara you will see a frequent amount of wildlife such as Masai giraffe, baboons, warthogs, bat eared foxes, grey jackals, spotted hyena, topis, impala, hartebeests, wildebeest. Elephants, buffaloes, zebras and hippos also exist in great numbers. It is also common to see lions either basking after a heavy meal, or surveying the plains for their next meal. Cheetahs and leopards are harder to spot but are still reasonably common.

DAY 11 & 12 – MASAI MARA NATIONAL RESERVE

The next two days shall be spent viewing game, in the early morning hours and in the evenings as this is when we have the best chances of seeing wildlife. The ultimate action here is without doubt the annual wildebeest exodus in July and August when millions of these grass eaters move north from the Serengeti in search of lusher grass before turning south again in October. Hot air balloon safari can be arranged and a cultural visit to Maasai villages for the children to the Maasai culture and for a traditional dances.

You may also opt to do some of the activities offered by the lodge. On clear days, the Masai Mara offers fantastic orange tinted sunsets and you will definitely want to capture this moment while sipping on a sun downer back at the lodge.

Balloon trips are an entirely outstanding way of seeing the savannah plains and the wildlife after which you come back down for a beautiful champagne breakfast. These trips can be arranged at our office upon booking.

DAY 13 - NAIROBI

After a final early morning game drive we depart for Nairobi arriving in the afternoon hours. Drop off at Nairobi Hilton hotel to freshen up before going to the Carnivore Restaurant for dinner at 1900 hrs. Overnight stay at the Hilton Hotel

DAY 14: DEPARTURE

Transfer to the airport to catch your flight back home.

By: purity mwangi

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Posted by http://www.traveltheworld360.com

Jomo Kenyatta International airport-The airport is about half –an –hour drive from Nairobi city center. taxis are readily available , but establish the fare before getting in.

Moi international airport -The airport is about 10 minutes from the city center allow an extra half –an-hour for your journey to the south coast because of the ferry crossing.

Visas: most visitors to Kenya require a visa .multiple and singe entry visas are available .Applications can be made at any Kenya high commission or embassy prior to traveling. The single entry visa (obtainable upon arrival) is USD50 (correct at the time of printing

) or the equivalent in local currency.

Lost Luggage: Visit the lost luggage desk in the baggage hall before going though customs.

Getting around

Self drive-in Kenya most international car hire companies operate in Kenya. Vehicles travel on the left-hand side of the road and most cars are right hand drive .A current driving license with photograph is accepted for up to three month’s stay

Public transport: City buses operate at reasonably low rates fare are paid to the conductor. Matatus –private minibuses are abundant but usually crowded

Keeping in touch

Post offices: Open 8am-5pm weekdays, 9am-2pm on Saturdays.

Telephone services: Public pay phones (card and Coin) are automated .phone cards may be bought from post offices or international call offices. International calls can be dialed direct (Code 000) or operator assisted (dial 0195/6)

Mobile phones. Use either Safaricom or Celt. All major urban areas or many coastal regions have reception. Pay as you go SIM cards are readily available.

Internet

Internet cafes are increasingly common. Emails can also be sent from hotels, as can faxes and telexes.

Money matters

Currency Kenyan shilling (KSH) currently around Ksh67 per USD

Currency Regulations There are no restrictions on the movement of currency into Kenya for currency transactions

Banking: foreign currency can be changed at banks, foreign currency bureau or hotels .Banks are open from 9am-3pm Monday to Friday and 9am-11:30am Saturday of each month. Banks in coastal towns open half an hour earlier. Some airport banks stay open 24/7

ATMS 24hour access can be found at most ATMs countrywide. Most accept international VISA cards

Credit cards- All major international cards are accepted.

Traveler’s choques Tcs are accepted at most banks, bureau and hotels.

Hotel bill payments- This can be usually be paid in shillings or convertible foreign currency.

Your being well

Emergency services dial 911

Hospital: Nairobi and Mombasa have good hospitals offering a casualty service.

Medical expenses Even with insurance cover, consultations and treatment will have to be paid for and the cost claimed back later.

General information

Voltage: All regions in Kenya are supplied with 240 volts AC.The plug in use thought-out Kenya is of the three square pi ,13 amp type.

Security it is a sensible precaution not to walk alone in the isolated towns or beach areas particularly after dark. Use common sense to prevent opportunistic

Tipping is appreciated. Most hotels and restaurants include a 10% service charge

The water in most city hotels is usually safe for drinking However, if in doubt, bottled water is available. Most Safari lodges provide filtered water. Water is precious; your help in using it sparingly is appreciated.

Public holidays in Kenya

January 1st new years Day

May 1 Labour day

June 1Makadara (self rule)Day

October 10th Moi Day

October 20th Kenyatta Day

December 12th Jamhuri Day (Independence/republic)

December 25th Christmas Day

December 26th Boxing Day

Movable dates Good Friday, Easter Monday, Eid –ul-fitr

By: Joe Mwangi

About the Author:

Posted by http://www.traveltheworld360.com

Many visits later I’m no less enthralled by this region of dramatic contrasts, and remarkable wildlife amid stunningly beautiful and varied landscapes that are still unencumbered by the trappings of man. And little compares to nights filled with the primal sounds of the bush - the hoots and laughs of hyenas, the grumble of distant lions and the snorts of a hippo.

Kenya, the land where safari was born, is also known as the cradle of mankind - evidence of some of the earliest human settlements has been found here, suggesting that it was the birthplace of humanity from which descendents moved out to populate the world. However, it’s the boundless wilderness and big game of this region that has long attracted adventure seekers from all over the globe. No other African country can boast such an incredible range of scenery, unique geographical features and species.

A safari in Kenya is an extraordinary holiday for any wildlife lover, no matter your budget or the level of adventure you’re looking for. There’s no end of things to explore; from the highlands of central Kenya to the great Rift valley; from the elephants of Amboseli wallowing in a small watering hole, to the vast shores of Lake Victoria, the second largest lake in the world; and from the spectacular views of Africa’s highest point, Mount Kilimanjaro, down to a coast of shimmering white sands along the Indian Ocean.

Soak up the wonders of nature while camping under the stars out in the bush, hundreds of miles away from civilization, or relax in luxury at one of the lodges scattered throughout the many game reserves and national parks of this magical country.

Whether you’re walking, driving, or even bobbing your way across the plains atop a camel, you’ll discover the scents, sounds, and footprints of the bush, as you enjoy the sight of a hyena at full gallop, weaving behind the adrenaline-powered run of a gazelle, or a mighty battle as buffalo bulls fight over territory.

If you venture on a Kenyan safari during July or August, perhaps the best way to check out the wildlife is by hot air balloon. Few places offer a better vantage point from which to witness the amazing phenomenon that is the annual wildebeest migration across the plains of the Maasai Mara, when millions of hooves thunder northwards in search of sweeter grazing during the drier months in the south.

The Maasai Mara Reserve, 200 sq miles of rolling hills, woods and acacia trees watered by the Mara and Talek rivers, opens onto the Serengeti plains of Tanzania. Home to the famously independent and traditional herdsmen, no trip to Kenya would be complete without a visit to Masai Mara. They regard themselves not just as residents of this area but as much a part of the life of the land, as the land is part of their lives.

A visit to Kenya is a veritable life-changing experience filled with an abundance of wildlife, including elephants, zebras, black rhino, lions, leopards and various antelope. One visit alone will be enough to make you understand Earnest Hemmingway’s words, “unknowable, unimaginable, unbelievable… and completely unforgettable.”

By: Carlos Cuzme

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0600 hrs - You will be picked from your Hotel and transferred to the Wilson Airport. Flight to Maasai Mara takes off at 0745 hrs. You arrive at Samburu airstrip 0845 hrs. You are met at the airstrip and enjoy a game drive en-route to Samburu Serena Lodge or its equivallent. After lunch at the lodge, you have an early afternoon free, before going for an afternoon game drive, from 1530 hrs till dusk.

Samburu National Reserve is a wildlife heaven. Here you will spot Africa’s big cats - lions, cheetahs and the elusive leopard. Some animals are unique to this northern Kenya park: Grevy’s zebra, reticulated giraffe, kudu and gerenuk. The Ewaso Nyiro River neighboring Buffalo Springs National Reserve, is where the elephants, buffalo and other animal species gather for a drink. You will find the scenic semiarid landscape quite dramatic. The reserve is located within the lands of the colourful semi-nomadic Samburu tribesmen. Dinner and overnight at Samburu Serena Lodge.

DAY 2: SAMBURU

After breakfast, take a morning game drive starting at 0900 hrs. Return to the lodge for lunch. You spend early afternoon at leisure, until 1530 hrs when you go for your afternoon game-drive till dusk. Dinner and overnight at Samburu Serena Lodge or its equivallent.

DAY 3: SAMBURU - MAASAI MARA

After breakfast at 0730 hrs, prepare for transfer to airstrip from where you depart to Maasai Mara Game Reserve at 0915 hrs. You arrive at 1045 hrs and en-route to Mara Serena Lodge you enjoy a game drive. After lunch at the lodge you relax at leisure until 1530 hrs when you set off for a game drive till dusk.

The Mara offers wildlife in such variety and abundance that it is difficult to believe: over 450 species of animals have been recorded here. You will easily see lions, rhinos, hippos, crocodiles, giraffe, wildebeests, zebras, buffalo, warthogs, hyenas, jackals, wild dogs, buffalo, leopard, many kinds of antelopes and elephant. It is in the Mara that perhaps the most spectacular event of the natural world takes place. This is the annual migration of millions of wildebeest and zebra from the Serengeti (Tanzania) in search of water and pasture. Following on their heels are the predators of the savanna- lion, cheetah, wild dog, jackal, hyena and vultures.Dinner and overnight at Mara Serena Lodge, or its equivallent.

DAY 4: MAASAI MARA

On this day, you will enjoy a morning game drive at 0930 hrs and an afternoon game drive at 1530 hrs in the Maasai Mara. The game viewing activity will be broken by lunch at the lodge at 1300 hrs. Dinner and overnight at Mara Serena Lodge or its equivallent.

DAY 5: MAASAI MARA-LAMU

0600 hrs - early morning game drive later Return to the lodge for breakfast. You can also chose to fly over the Mara in a Hot air Balloon provided at extra cost. The balloon package includes a champagne breakfast in the wild, viewing abundant game afloat a balloon is an unforgettable experience. You will at 1015 hrs be transferred with a game drive en-route to the airstrip for your flight to Nairobi departing at 1100 hrs. You arrive at Wilson Airport Nairobi 1215 hrs. Here our driver will meet you ready to transfer you to the famous game meat eatery, Carnivore Restaurant where you will enjoy lunch.Later you will be transffered back to Wilson to catch your flight to Kenyan coast Lamu at 1530 hrs arriving in Lamu at approximately 1615hrs.You will then be transffered to Kipunguni explorer beach hotel.Dinner and overnight at Kipunguni beach hotel.

DAY 6: LAMU

Today you will have optional Lamu island orientation tour day encompassing visits to the old Lamu town-an old city believed to have been built in the 10th century.Later in the afternoon you will have time to relax at the beach.Dinner and overnight at your beach hotel

DAY 7: LAMU

After breakfast you may chose to stay at the hotel optional visits may include visits to Lamu museum.After noon is spend relaxing at the beach.Dinner and overnight at your beach hotel.

DAY 8: LAMU NAIROBI

After breakfast relax at the hotel and beach you will later in the evening be transffered to the airport for your flight to Mombasa.Arrive Mombasa and transffered to Voyager beach resort.Dinner and overnight at Voyager beach resort.

DAY 9: MOMBASA

After break fast optional visits may include a Mombasa city orientation tour, Mombasa is among the three main Kenyan cities visits may includes Fort Jesus,Haller park and the Ngomongo cultural center.Activities in the beach resort includes windsurfing,sailing ,snorkeling,beach volleyball and lawn tennis.Dinner and overnight at Voyager beach hotel.

DAY 10: MOMBASA

Today you will have a full day relaxation at the hotel and beach enjoying various beach sports.

DAY 11: MOMBASA

After breakfast you will have time to relax at the beach waiting to be transffered to Moi international airport Mombasa at 1530hrs for your flight to Nairobi.Arrive in Nairobi and connect to your out bound flight.

By: purity mwangi

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Posted by http://www.traveltheworld360.com

One thing that can really add to your safari decor is jungle and safari themed accessories and luckily there are many to be found on the market today. Include paintings and knick knacks in your home that reflect an African safari. Zebra print lamps, wall art that reflects lush jungle scenes, potted plants and animal knick knacks will all add to the aura of your safari home.

Getting the right window treatments for your home is a fundamental undertaking since the wrong type can undermine your design style. You should try to purchase curtains, drapes or shutters that are natural. For this style, it could work great to use some jungle print curtains or blinds.

Balance your design with furniture which compliment the general decorating approach. You want to look at acquiring items that are wood and upholstery to enhance Safari decorating. Think about using overstuffed furniture that uses a floral, fern like or animal print fabric. For non upholstered items, try using bamboo or rattan items.

Terrific lights can truly complete the safari decorating so you will need to give some thought to this area. With this kind of decor, you’ll need your lighting to be animal or natural themed. There are many lamps out there that are animal themed as well as plant themed.

There are many great rugs that match well with the safari decorating theme. When picking out colors, stick to animal prints or solids and for type contemplate purchasing shag rugs or even rugs that are shaped and colored like an animal skin. If you want a less busy look on the floor, natural sisal mats could look great.

Updating your home with a safari decorating theme doesn’t need to be hard if you pay attention to detail. Simply buy your pieces with care and you are sure to get a designer look without having to hire a designer.

By: Lee Dobbins

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