9 nights 10 days
Ultimate Egypt
This package entails 2 nights in Cairo, 3 nights on the cruise, 1 night on the sleeper train and 3 nights at the Red Sea Riviera.
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Cairo
Arrive at Cairo International Airport. You will be met our representative who will assist you through the immigration, then transferred to your hotel. Check-in and rest of the day at leisure. Overnight: Cairo
Meal Plan :Nil -
Cairo/Train
Breakfast at the hotel. Check out of the hotel and proceed to enjoy the Captivating city of Cairo.
Highlights Of The Day:-
The Pyramids Of Giza, The great Pyramids of Choeps, Chepren and Mysterious are the only ones surviving of the seven wonders of the ancient world. They are Egypt’s most visited monuments and among the worlds greatest tourist attractions.
The Sphinx is carved from a single piece of stone. It is a lion with the head of a pharaoh thought to be the portrait of Chepren.
Church Of St.Sergius (Abu Serga) –
A 5th century basilica built over crypt where the Holy Family is believed to have stayed during their flight into Egypt.
Church Of St.Mercurius (Abu Sefein)
Boasts a unique collection of Coptic art including 175 icons that depict scenes from the old and new testaments, wall paintings, etching and stained glass.
Ben Ezra Synagogue
Modest in appearance, delightful in interior and boasting of legends, the Ben Ezra synagogue is the supreme Jewish monument in Cairo. Legends claim that the synagogue is built on the spot where pharaoh's daughter found Moses in the bulrushes and where Jeremiah spoke to survivors after the destruction of Jerusalem by Nebuchadnezzar.
The most important recent event is the finding of medieval manuscripts in 1894. The collection, called Geniza, , counted more than 250,000 pages, dating to the period between 1002 and 1266.
Al Azhar University And Mosque
Al-Azhar is today the most important religious university in the Muslim world, with as much as 90,000 students. It is perhaps the oldest university in the whole world. The heart of Al-Azhar is the mosque quarters. Unlike so many mosques around the Muslim world, it is fully open for visitors. The architecture is stunning, the size of the roofed hall is quite impressive.
The Khan El Khalili
The most famous of oriental bazaars it is a treasure of trove of medieval craftsmanship. Shop to your total hearts content- for the Egyptian artifacts…or order yourself a sheesha, indulge and watch the world go by…both very enjoyable pass times!!
Transfer to the Ramses Train Station to board your sleeper train for Aswan. Dinner on the train.
Overnight:Sleeper train
Meal plan: breakfast/ lunch/dinner -
Nile Cruise
Breakfast in the train. Arrive Aswan in the morning. Transfer to the Nile cruise. Embarkation before lunch.
Highlights of the day
High dam
The high dam is the largest rock-filled dam in the world and one of the most important engineering feats of the 20TH century an artificial lake-Lake Nasser, with a surface of 4000 sq km lies behind the dam.
Felucca sailing
Felucca is a traditional Egyptian sailing boat. We shall sail by the felucca around the Elephantine Island to view the Aga Khan Mausoleum and the Kitcheners botanical garden.
Overnight in the cruise
Meal plan: breakfast/lunch/dinner. -
Nile Cruise
Breakfast in the cruise. Today we sail to Luxor via Kom Ombo and Esna.
Highlights of the day
Temples of kom ombo
Kom ombo temple is exquisitely situated on a dune above a bend in the Nile. Alone among Egypt’s temple it is shared equally by two gods-Sobek, the crocodile god of Nile fertility and haroeis, the elder Horus.
Temple of edfu
The town of Edfu boasts Egypt's most best preserved temple dedicated to Horus, the god of sun and planets .The falcon –his symbol-is a prominent decoration.
A very delightful hantour (horse carriage) ride takes you from the Nile to the temple grounds.
Overnight in the cruise
Meal plan: breakfast/lunch/dinner. -
Nile Cruise
Breakfast in the cruise
Highlights Of The Day
Valley Of The Kings
The Valley of the Kings shelters the fabled tombs of the pharaohs. More than 40 pharaohs were laid to rest here in ornate subterranean palaces penetrating sometimes under 100 m into the face of the rock.
Colossi Of Memnon
Dominating the desert to the east stand the huge colossi of Memnon, sole relics of the funerary temple of Amenhotep 111.Overnight in the Nile cruiser.
Meal plan breakfast /lunch/dinner.
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Luxor//Red Sea
Breakfast in the cruise. Disembark from the cruise.
Highlights Of The Day:-
Great Temples Of Karnak
"Here are works in whose presence it is a task for the imagination to overtake the eyesight'
The impressive and awesome Karnak temples, are for many - pharonic Egypts grandest monument of all.The temple complex covers a hundred acres:its history spans throughout thirteen centuries.
Transfer to Red Sea by private van. Arrive and check-in to your Red Sea resort. Rest of day at leisure to enjoy the many facilities at the resort
Overnight:Red Sea
Meal plan: All Inclusive -
Red Sea
Breakfast at the resort.Day at leisure
Overnight:Red Sea
Meal plan: All Inclusive -
Red Sea
Breakfast at the resort. Day at leisure.
Overnight:Red Sea
Meal plan: All Inclusive -
Red Sea/ Cairo
Breakfast at the resort. Transfer to Cairo by road
On arrival transfer to your hotel and rest of day at leisure.
Overnight: Cairo
Meal plan :Breakfast -
Cairo//Departure
Breakfast at the hotel, rest of day at leisure to enjoy the vibrating city of Cairo. Late evening transfer to the airport for your final departure for Nairobi.
Meal plan : Breakfast -
02 night’s accommodation at Cairo on Bed & Breakfast
03 nights on board of 5* Nile Cruise
01 night’s accommodation on board of the sleeper train
03 nights accommodation at Red Sea on all inclusive basis
Return flights on Egypt Air Nairobi—Cairo—Nairobi
Meal plan as per the program
Transfer to Cairo from Hurghada by Super Jet coach service.
All transfers in Cairo, Luxor, Aswan & Hurghada in Modern A/C Coach with an English speaking Guide.
comprehensive sightseeing
All entrance fees, service charge, current taxes, and vat.
Meet and Assist by our local representative -
Visa Fees
Fuel surcharge, airport taxes and service fees (approx $125.00)
Personal expenditure of any kind
Entrance fee to the Pyramids/ Mummy’s room in the Museum
Tips, drinks, extra meals, and any personal expenses -
HIGH SEASON—01APR--20APR, 01JUL--31AUG, 20DEC--10JAN 2011
LOW SEASON—11JAN--31MAR , 21APR--30JUN, 01SEP--19DEC
*Important --packages are based on minimum 2 persons
Local Rates
Bushara, Bwindi, Queen Elizabeth and Kibale Forest Safari
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Arrive Entebbe Airport. Met and greeted by one of our representatives. Transfer to the Windsor Lake Victoria Hotel in Entebbe. BB
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Depart Kampala early heading southwest to Kabale. Stop at the Equator for lunch and taking photographs. Overnight at Bushara Island Camp.
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Bwindi Impenetrable Forest is the next destination. Overnight at the Gorilla Forest Camp, FB.
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GORILLA TREKKING, this is it, this is the day you have been waiting for. Get up for an early breakfast and off you go on your adventure, after the gorillas. Imagine coming less than 5 metres close to these primates. It won’t be easy but it certainly will be worth it. Overnight at Buhoma Community Centre, FB. Gorilla Tracking: This is the major activity in Bwindi, with four gorilla groups currently available daily for tourists. Mubare group (10 gorillas, 1 silverback) was opened for tourism in 1993, Habinyanja group (18 gorillas, 1 silverback) opened in July 1998, Rushegura group (10 gorillas, 1 silverback) was opened in July 2002, while Nkuringo group (19 gorillas, 2 silverbacks) was opened for tourism in April 2004. Book at least 3 months (but not more than two years) in advance to ensure that requested dates are available.Gorilla tracking in Bwindi can be challenging, therefore ensure fitness. Gorilla tracking experience starts at 8.30 am local time and can last from a few hours to a whole day! Registration at the gate commences at 7.45 am. What to bring: Wear jungle shoes suitable for steep muddy slopes and carry a rain jacket because the park is often wet. Put on ear plugs for those who feel uncomfortable with jungle sounds. Carry rain gear, sunscreen lotion, a hat (as the weather is unpredictable) and insect repellant. Carry a packed lunch.
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After breakfast, drive to Queen Elizabeth National Park. Dinner and overnight at Mweya Safari Lodge, FB.
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Wake up very early to be the first ones with the animals in the morning. Back to the camp for breakfast. Afternoon boat trip on Kazinga Channel, where you will marvel at the animals coming for their afternoon drink and the hundreds of birds. Overnight at Mweya Safari Lodge, FB.
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Kibale Forest is our next destination. We will stay at Ndali Lodge, FB
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Early morning wake up to be ready for your chimp tracking experience today. Back to Ndali Lodge to overnight, FB. Primate Walk: This starts from Kanyanchu River Camp at 8:00am or 3:00pm. It lasts for 2-4 hours and is the most popular walk, highlighting the diversity of different animals and plant species within the forest. This walk is restricted to four groups of four persons each, in the morning and the same number in the afternoon.
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Back to Kampala with overnight at the Legendary Speke Hotel, BB.
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After breakfast, Kampala City tour. Airport transfer to catch your flight.
| Rates | Group | Valid From | Valid Until | Rate | |||
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| Per person | 6 | 1 Jan 2012 | 31 Dec 2012 | US$ | 3615 | ||
| Per person | 4 | 1 Jan 2012 | 31 Dec 2012 | US$ | 3860 | ||
| Per person | 2 | 1 Jan 2012 | 31 Dec 2012 | US$ | 4595 | ||
| Per person | 1 | 1 Jan 2012 | 31 Dec 2012 | US$ | 6870 |
Local Rates
Rift Valley, Laikipia and the Masai Mara
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Met at airport and drive to Malewa River Lodge. This lodge is situated within the Kigio Wildlife Conservancy on the banks of the Malewa River between Naivasha and Gilgil. Endangered Rothschild giffare were moved into this sanctuary a short while ago. Activities here include walking, birdwatching, trout fishing and horse riding.
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Day at Malewa with visit to Lake Nakuru National Park if wished. Nakuru is a famous for its fantastic bird life, especially the flamingo, and is also a rhino sanctuary with both Black and white rhino.
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Leaving Gilgil after breakfast you travel around the northern tip of the Aberdares and through the rich farming areas and continue across the equator to Nanyuki in the foothills of Mount Kenya. Shortly after passing through Nanyuki you begin to lose altitude and the immense deserts of the north roll out far below you. After passing through the frontier town of Isiolo you continue to Samburu Game Reserve. Arrival at Samburu Intrepids Club in time for lunch, with an afternoon game drive provided.
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Full day in Park with game drives. The Club is a luxury tented camp which lies under a canopy of shady giant fig and acacia trees on the northern banks of the Ewaso Nyiro River in Samburu Game Reserve. The spacious public areas are on wooden decks built on stilts and overlooking the river. The large and airy tents are also built on raised wooden platforms each with it's own private verandah with reclining chairs and footstools. The tents are cooled, not only by the luxuriant vegetation but by a roof of palm thatch overhead and the interiors by an overhead fan. Facilities include a sparkling swimming pool to enjoy during the heat of the day.
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Early morning game drive and after breakfast transfer to the Airstrip for flight to Lewa. Upon arrival transfer to Il Ngwesi Lodge which lies on Il Ngwesi Ranch, some 20,000 acres of unspoilt dry country bush, hills and riverine woodland. The lodge consists of 6 large double accommodation bandas with the capacity to sleep 14, a large open lounge/dining banda, kitchen banda and swimming pool. Bookings are taken only for exclusive use of the complex. Activities possible are bush walks with knowledgeable Ndorobo guides, game viewing by day and night and bird watching. The afternoon will be at leisure with dinner and overnight at the Lodge.
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Full day at Il Ngwesi ranch with activities.
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Morning transfer to Airstrip for charter flight to Nanyuki where you will connect the scheduled flight to Masai Mara and upon arrival, transfer to Mara Intrepids Club for lunch. An afternoon game drive will be provided.
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Full day in park with game drives. The Mara Intrepids Club is a luxury tented camp set in riverine forest on the banks of the Talek River, deep in the Masai Mara Reserve. There are 30 spacious tents each with ensuite bathroom, arranged in groups of two, three and four units so making a number of mini-camps within the Club grounds, allowing for greater privacy. The dining room and lounge bar are also tented but breakfast and lunch are usually served on a shady terrace 'al-fresco'. There is an elevated terrace over the river which is a prime viewing area for the baited leopards which visit the Camp most evenings. Another viewing platform is situated at the other end of the Camp with a panoramic view over the plains. There is a small, sparkling swimming pool with a shady terrace supplied with sunbeds. The best times for game viewing are the early morning and late afternoon as the animals tend to rest in the shade during the heat of the day. We recommend early morning game drives leaving Camp at about 6.30 a.m. and returning at 8.30 a.m. for a late breakfast and late afternoon game drives from 3.30 p.m. until dusk. Or a full morning's game drive leaving Camp at approximately 8.00 a.m. after an early breakfast and returning in time for lunch, followed by a late afternoon game drive at 3.30 p.m.
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After breakfast return to Nairobi.
Local Rates
Turkana Truck
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Depart Nairobi in the morning and proceed to Mt Kenya region. Afternoon gamedrive at Sweetwaters game ranch to see the wildlife including chimps. This private ranch is the only sanctuary for rehabilitation in Kenya of these widely abused primates with two groups living in an environment as close to their natural habitat as possible. It is something interesting to see besides rhino, lion and other attractions. We spend night at Mountain Rock Campsite.
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Depart in the morning for Samburu game reserve to arrive there in time for the afternoon gamedrive in the park. Elephants abound; you may see lion, reticulated giraffe, gerenuk, grevy’s zebra and oryx. Dinner and overnight in our semi-permanent campsite beautifully set under a canopy of trees or pitch tents on the edge of Uaso Nyiro River.
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We head north again along the African highway to Marsabit, which is an extinct volcano heavily forested on its upper slopes. After setting up camp, we will visit the lodge inside the National Park if not too wet. You may see elephant, buffalo and kudu as the lodge is situated on the edge of a water-filled crater. As long as the park is dry we drive through thick forest to the famous Lake Paradise. There are some very steep hills which are impassable if wet.
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We visit Marsabit town and another volcanic crater before making our way back into the desert and lava flows. We camp at Kalacha, a small settlement on the edge of the Chalbi Desert.
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We depart early crossing the Chalbi Desert. The desert cannot be crossed if wet but there are alternative roads around the North and South. We arrive at our semi-permanent beach campsite just outside Loiyangalani soon after lunch. Here we have traditional Turkana Huts or pitch tents with a cool breeze blowing from the lake for use if available otherwise we pitch tents in an alternative campsite. Indeed a perfect place to relax protected from the scorching sun and heat characteristic of the harsh climate of this remote area.
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We spend the day relaxing and bathing only interrupted by a short boat excursion to visit the surrounding areas. In addition, we visit Loiyangalani and the community settled there while in the evening we may visit one of the Turkana Manyattas [optional] for traditional dances under a star studded sky at an extra cost if clients wish. Unforgettable experience.
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Rift Valley we head south to Tuum, situated on the west of Mt. Nyiro. This is a very scenic but rough drive. From Tuum You have the chance to walk with camels and Samburu guides for a couple of hours to the foothills of Mt. Nyiro where you will fly camp together with the guides and camels.
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Early morning walk for a couple of hours to meet with your driver guide and vehicle then continue on the rough journey to Maralal for Dinner and overnight.
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Heading south we visit Lake Baringo where we overnight in a campsite and enjoy the lake atmosphere with birds, crocodiles and hippos.
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Have early morning boat ride. After Breakfast drive back to Nairobi late afternoon. Departs on Wednesdays.
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The Local Payment also know as the Park fees are divided into 2 seasons; High season and Normal season. High season is in January,February,March,July,August,September and October while Normal season is April,May,June,November and December.
| Rates | Group | Valid From | Valid Until | Rate | |||
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| Per person | 1 | 3 Jan 2012 | 20 Dec 2012 | US$ | 930 | ||
| Local payment (Park fees) per person for both High and Normal seasons | 1 | 3 Jan 2012 | 20 Dec 2012 | US$ | 240 |
Local Rates
Rwenzori Mountain Climbing 10 Days
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Arrival, early morning, Entebbe Airport where you are met and greeted by our representative. Drive to Kasese, heading for Rwenzori Mountains National Park, the setting for your adventure. Overnight at Hotel Margherita, HB.
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Plan to arrive at Rwenzori Mountains National Park and the Rwenzori Mountaineering Services (RMS) offices at Nyakalengija in the morning so as to have ample time to rent equipment and be availed with guides and porters. Begin your hike by leaving the park headquarters (5,400 ft/1,646m), walking past typical mud and wattle daub Bakonzo homes and gradually moving upward through elephant grass and garden plots. It takes approximately 40 minutes to reach the park boundary (which can be a pleasant half or one-day trip for someone not going further). The trail then follows the Mubuku River, crossing recent landslide areas (to be negotiated carefully) and involves climbing over rocks and bluffs, before reaching the Mahoma River in about 2½ hours. After crossing the river there will be a steep climb through open bracken fern slopes and Podorcarpus Forest up to Nyabitaba hut (8,700 ft/2,652m) reached about an hour and a half past the Muhoma River crossing. During this part of the trip, you may be able to hear chimpanzees and sometimes you can see black and white colobus and blue monkeys behind the hut and catch glimpses of brilliantly coloured Rwenzori Turaco (a bird of the tree tops). Total time for an average hiker from Nyakalengija to Nyabitaba is about 5-7 hours and total elevation gained is 4,000 ft (1,200m). Slower hikers could take considerably longer, so insist on leaving park headquarters before noon to avoid being on the trail after dark (7pm all year around).
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Returning toward the road head from Bujuku is all downhill and you can reach John Matte camp in 4-5 hours. One will pass Bigo hut about an hour from John Matte where a track leads to Mt Gessi, Mt Emin and Lac de la Lune. The walk to John Matte hut (11,200ft/3,414m) is through a challenging bog, full of extraordinary plants and the slow pace can be a delightful chance to examine and photograph this unique environment. The typical time to reach John Matte from Nyabitaba is 7 hours so an early start is important.
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If you are going to climb Mt Stanley up to Margherita (16,763ft/5,109m), the 3 rd highest point in Africa, Elena hut is your staging point. It can easily be reached from either Kitandara or Bujuku in 3-4 hours. In snow or ice at these altitudes, your porters require proper clothing and foot covers. Irene Lakes hut is the staging point for a much more difficult and technical climbs and is located beyond Elena hut.
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Going downhill, you now turn north for the most interesting day of the trip, assuming the weather is clear. After passing the second Kitandara Lake, you cross over huge boulders at the foot of Mt Baker on one side and the glaciers of Savoia and Elena on the other. You then pass through Scott Elliot down to Bujuku. The trip down is extraordinary with Lake Bujuku on your right and Mt Speke rising on your front left. The walk takes only 4 hours, 4541m.
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From Guy Yeoman, you will pass Kabamba, a very pleasant place to spend the night with its large rock shelter, waterfall and bathing spot though the water is very cold. Continuing on, you will pass the Jujongolo rock shelter, the base camp of the Savoia 1906 expedition and cross Freshfield pass to Kitandara hut. It is one of the more picturesque areas with the hut resting quietly by a lake of the same name. The walk will take long, 6-7 hours. 3990m.
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Continue via the old route to the Guy Yeoman camp, 3450m, 5-6 hours.
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John Matte back to Nyabitaba is another 4-6 hours. The circle has been completed and you will cruise back to the road head, 2650m. Return to base station and your hotel warmth, good food and well earned rest. Overnight Hotel Margherita, HB.
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After breakfast, depart for Entebbe. Overnight at Sophie’s Motel, BB.
Sophie’s Motel is situated in the plush residential area of Bugonga in Entebbe overlooking Lake Victoria. With spacious self contained rooms with a rate that includes continental breakfast, it is ideal for those seeking a quiet and cool environment. While at Sophie’s Motel you will enjoy the ever cool and fresh breeze from the lake in the beautiful and colourful gardens.
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Airport transfer to take your flight back home.
| Rates | Group | Valid From | Valid Until | Rate | |||
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| Per person | 6 | 1 Jan 2012 | 31 Dec 2012 | US$ | 2260 | ||
| Per person | 4 | 1 Jan 2012 | 31 Dec 2012 | US$ | 2435 | ||
| Per person | 2 | 1 Jan 2012 | 31 Dec 2012 | US$ | 2900 | ||
| Per person | 1 | 1 Jan 2012 | 31 Dec 2012 | US$ | 4170 |
Local Rates
Culture and Wildlife Safari
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Kenya's largest tribe, enroute to Outspan Hotel, to arrive in time for lunch. Afternoon transfer to Treetops Hotel with a stop enroute at a clearing in the Aberdare National Park for a folk lore story on the Kikuyu culture. Spend the evening game viewing as the animals visit the illuminated waterhole and saltlick. Dinner and overnight at Treetops.
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District and drive on to Samburu Game Reserve with a stop enroute at Archer's Post to visit a Samburu (manyatta) village, seeing their colourful lifestyle and some dancing. This provides the opportunity to know more about the Samburu culture and way of life. Lunch and a late afternoon game viewing in the area. Return for dinner and overnight at Samburu Lodge.
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A full days game viewing with morning and afternoon game drives to look for the "big five" elephant, buffalo, rhino, leopard and in particular the lion, including the various species of game found only in the northern parks such as Beisa oryx, long necked gerenuk, Grevy's zebra, blue-shanked Somali ostrich and reticulated giraffe. All meals and overnight at Samburu Lodge.
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Early morning game viewing in Samburu Game Reserve. Drive down to Nanyuki town along the Equator before proceeding to Mt. Kenya Safari Club for lunch. Afternoon entertainment is provided for one hour from the Chukka Drummers, who originate from further north around Mount Kenya at Meru. Optional activities available such as bird walks, horseriding, etc. Dinner and overnight.
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Depart after breakfast, and continue to Lake Baringo a freshwater lake. Arrive for lunch, afternoon to relax enjoying the optional activities such as swimming, boat ride, bird and nature walk, etc. Lunch, dinner and overnight at Island Camp.
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The day is at leisure and can also be spend visiting the Njemps people of the lake shore villages. They fish and also keep livestock. They speak the dialect of the Maa - the Maasai language. These fishermen paddle out in submerged dinghies made from saplings of the fibrous ambatch tree that grows in profusion at the southern end of the lake. All meals and overnight at Island Camp.
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Depart after breakfast and proceed to the Kigio Wildlife Conservancy. Lunch and afternoon visit of the local Kikuyu community and Mweiga Primary School where over two hundred local children come every day. Dinner and overnight at Malewa River Lodge.
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After lunch, transfer to Naivasha airstrip for afternoon schedule flight departing at 1510hrs. Met on arrival at the Mara airstrip at 1550hrs and transfer to Governors Camp with game drive enroute for dinner and overnight.
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Morning and afternoon game drives in search of animals along the Mara River and the rolling plains. Optional visit to a Masai manyatta and other extras available include a morning's flying trip to Mfangano Island on Lake Victoria to see the rock paintings or fish for Nile Perch. All meals and overnight at Governor's Camp.
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After an early morning game drive and breakfast, transfer to Mara airstrip for the morning schedule flight departing at 1000hrs and arrive in Nairobi at midday.
Local Rates
Tanzania - Serengeti, Lengai, Lake Natron Trek
Northern Tanzania safari for the outdoors person who wants to get off the classic safari route and appreciate the beauty of landscape and wildlife as well as cultural interaction with different tribes in this area. Discovering the Ngorongoro and the Serengeti National Parks then walking the Gol mountains, the Salei plains, down the Rift Valley escarpment and up an active volcano makes this safari a complete African experience. An option to trek up Lengai, it’s very steep & strenuous, but an alternative walk to some spectacular waterfalls can be arranged for those not wanting to attempt it.
Safari Highlights
- Ngorongoro Crater
- Serengeti National Park (private special camp)
- Trek the Gol Mountains with traditional Masai guides
- Lake Natron’s flamingoes
- LengaiVolcano - the only active Volcano in the region
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Half an hours drive from Nairobi and we are already in the midst of Africa as it was known by Hemingway. This excellent tarmac road lined with acacias and termite mounds brings us quickly to the Namanga border post. The sacred mountain Oldonyo Orok dominates Namanga. There lies the grave of one of the most important Laibon or Masai sorcerers. It is not however the religious aspect that attracts people to this busy town but the trading opportunities offered by the border post. Whilst carrying out the formalities to enter Tanzania we will have proposals to purchase a wide variety of contraband goods. Once we have crossed into Tanzania we penetrate the heart of the greatest geological feature of this continent. The Rift Valley is 8000 km long and runs from the Dead Sea to Madagascar. The difference in altitude between the valley floor and the high plateau forming its escarpment creates dramatically contrasting climates. The valley floor receives very little rain and is the territory of the Nilotic Masai herdsmen. Up on the high plateau the higher precipitation levels allow the agriculturist Bantu to develop large plantations of coffee and tea. Late afternoon we arrive at Karatu in the Ngorongoro highlands and pass the night in a lodge.
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Half day game-drive in the crater. Ngorongoro Conservation Area was created with a separate entity from the Serengeti to protect the Masai herdsmen. The Masai had in fact found themselves thrown out of their traditional pasturelands. It was decided that to protect the ancestral rights of the Masai they should be given the right to graze their cattle in the Ngorongoro Conservation Area but not in the Serengeti. This compromise seems to be a success as we are able to observe an enormous variety of wildlife against the backdrop of some spectacular landscapes. The amateur photographer will appreciate the contrast of the cloudy skies and the brilliant golden sunlight illuminating the vegetation on the crater floor, and the white soda lake where pink flamingos search for food. Night spent in Lodge on crater rim.
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Ngorongoro Conservation Area is not only an animal reserve but also a very important location for research into the roots of mankind. At Olduvai and Laetoli, Louis Leakey discovered several Australopithecus as well as footprints that date back 3.5 million years. We visit the museum at Olduvai Gorge, before entering the Serengeti ecosystem with endless plains of game. Camping inside the park. Full day game driving in one of the most famous areas of the Serengeti, Seronera at the heart of the Serengeti. Camping inside the park. Full day game driving in the Lobo area, the northern section of the Serengeti which borders the Masai Mara Game Reserve in Kenya. Elephants, lions, and plains animals are plentiful. At certain times of the year, when the game moves away from this area, this day could be spent in Seronera. Camping inside the park.
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Morning game drive before crossing into Masai country. The Gol Mountains form the escarpment of the western wall of the Rift Valley. This higher altitude makes it a greener area where Masai herdsmen concentrate with their animals. It will be also the starting point of our trek. Camping.
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The Masai are of Nilotic origin and once these warriors frightened even the bravest explorers, but today they live a peaceful existence principally caring for their enormous herds of cattle. We meet them grazing their herds and perched on the top of the highest granite rock they can keep guard over the plains for any lion or other possible threat to their cattle. Accompanied by our Masai guides, with lunch and water for the day’s journey, we set off to cross this small chain of mountains. The large valleys that cut through the mountains are gathering points for wildlife in search of water and grazing. Even the large predators are attracted during February and March when the young wildebeest are born. The peaceful cohabitation between the Masai and this wildlife is spectacular, and it’s not unusual to find herds of zebra, wildebeest, giraffe and cattle grazing together. Passing Masai villages we frequently meet with the warrior herdsmen. A river has cut a deep gorge in the escarpment wall and in some places we walk in narrow canyons of basalt barely a few meters wide and towering a hundred meters above our heads. The river at this stage flows permanently and occasionally we have to walk waist deep in the clear water. It’s a refreshing and cool moment we enjoy to its fullest, knowing that quite soon we will reach one of the hottest places in Tanzania. Later strolling easily on the high plateau we appreciate the rock formations and views of the surrounding mountains. Our vehicles meet us in the evening to set up camp. Camping.
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We follow an important track used by the Masai from Lake Natron during the dry season when they herd their cattle up onto the highlands for grazing. In turn the Masai from the highlands herd their cattle down onto the salt plains of Natron. Descending the escarpment towards Lake Natron, the path is rough and the vegetation changes rapidly. Incessant meetings with the Masai slows our progression, as we must make way for their herds of goats and cattle to pass on this steep and rocky pathway. Even for the Masai of Natron the environment is inhospitable and tough. Deep down on the floor of the Rift Valley, the giant fault that cuts its way across the African continent, the world continues to evolve. Several other volcanoes rise from the plains and Gelai dominates at some 3000 metres over Lake Natron. This lake was discovered by English geologist named Gregory and is certainly the most spectacular in the Rift Valley. An enormous pan of pink soda stretches for over 30 kilometres. All around the edge of the lake there is hot salty water bubbling from the ground at temperatures exceeding 50° C. These springs produce a microscopic aquatic life that feeds a variety of local bird species, along with a number of migratory birds. A species of perch, "Tilapia Grahami" manages to survive in these extreme conditions, breeding in puddles of fresh water. Areas More...ncentrated in soda are favourable for the reproduction of algae that flamingos feed upon. It's not unusual for the flamingos to number into the hundreds of thousands. Camping.
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The active volcano Ol Donyo Lengai is the sacred mountain of the Masai. Lengai means God in Maa language and on the summit, protected from the vapour and heat of the volcano, resides 'Ngai'. We start our climb at 1am to the summit of Lengai at 2800 metres above sea level. The climb is a steep one that we attempt in the moonlight, so that we'll reach the summit in time to watch the sun rise on Kilimanjaro 200 km away. From the jagged crater rim we have a spectacular view over Natron and the surrounding volcanoes and escarpment. We follow our guide carefully down into the caldera where the volcano is active and lava flows regularly from small eruptive cones. We make a weary descent back to our vehicles and after some brunch to regain our energy head cross the Rift Valley towards Longido. Lengai is one of the most difficult mountains to climb in the area, not because of the technical difficulty but due to the steepness, hot climate and loose volcanic gravel.
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After the dusty track of Longido we meet a good tarmac road that takes us to Namanga and the border post once again. Once the formalities to cross the border are completed we head to Nairobi. After a last glance over Hemmingway's Africa we find ourselves once again amongst the hustle and bustle of city life. After saying our farewells to the group with whom we have shared so many memorable experiences you will be dropped at your hotel.
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2012 - 8 Jan / 5 Feb / 11 March / 1 April / 10 June / 8 July / 19 Aug / 9 Sept / 7 Oct / 2 & 16 Dec. Private departures welcome.
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10 days Safari/3 days walking/7 nights camping/ 2 nights in lodges . FITNESS LEVEL - moderate (except Lengai Climb - advanced). Travel in Style - Upgrade to comfort option. A larger tent will be set up for you, with camp bed and bedding.
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Low season: March/April(except Easter week end)*/May*/June*/Nov*/1 to 20 December
Mid season : Jan/Feb/1 to 7 July/27 August to end September/October/Easter week end
High season :February/ 8 July to 26 August/20 Dec to 4 January
* means beware of rain
| Rates | Group | Valid From | Valid Until | Rate | |||
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Per person (Mid Season) | 2 | 1 Jan 2012 | 31 Oct 2012 | US$ | 3495 | ||
| Per person (Low Season) | 2 | 1 Mar 2012 | 20 Dec 2012 | US$ | 3370 | ||
| Per person (High Season) | 2 | 1 Feb 2012 | 4 Jan 2013 | US$ | 3745 | ||
| Single supplement | 1 | 1 Jan 2012 | 4 Jan 2013 | US$ | 227 |
Local Rates
Lake Nakuru, Masai Mara, Serengeti and Ngorongoro Crater
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Departing our office in the morning we drive down the Escarpment via the floor of the Great Rift Valley, to Lake Nakuru. Afternoon gamedrive to see birds and other game followed by dinner and overnight in a private campsite.
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Early morning departure for Maasai Mara. View game as you proceed to our campsite at Talek. Here we have stand-up tents with beds for use if not occupied otherwise we pitch tents.
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Day spent exploring the park's amazingly high concentration of game with morning and afternoon gamedrives. Being at Maasai Mara is "as if you found yourself in the New York of the natural world" according to some authorities. Maasai cultural dancers will be at hand to entertain you this last evening
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Depart Camp and drive through the northern part of the reserve viewing game as you proceed to the Tanzanian border at Isebania/Sirari. Overnight at a campsite in the Musoma area of Lake Victoria.
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Departing in the morning you drive south and west to the western corridor of the Serengeti via Ndabaka Gate. Afternoon gamedrive and overnight at Ndabaka gate.
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Departing in the morning you drive west through the western corridor of the Serengeti to the Central Serengeti region of the Seronera. Overnight at one of the campsites at Seronera.
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A full days game viewing in the central Serengeti. Overnight at one of the campsites at Seronera
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Game viewing as you drive Southeast up into the Ngorongoro Conservation Area. Overnight at the Simba campsite on the crater rim.
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A full mornings crater tour. After lunch you transfer back to Arusha town. Overnight in a campsite.
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After a leisurely breakfast and a walk around Arusha town you transfer back to Nairobi.
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Departs on Tuesdays.
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The Local Payment also know as the Park fees are divided into 2 seasons; High season and Normal season. High season is in January,February,March,July,August,September and October while Normal season is April,May,June,November and December.
| Rates | Group | Valid From | Valid Until | Rate | |||
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Per person | 1 | 3 Jan 2012 | 20 Dec 2012 | US$ | 960 | ||
| Local payment (Park fees) per person Normal Season | 1 | 3 Jan 2012 | 20 Dec 2012 | US$ | 805 | ||
| Local payment (Park fees) per person High Season | 1 | 3 Jan 2012 | 20 Dec 2012 | US$ | 820 |
Local Rates
Kenya People and Wildlife
10 days Safari.
Visit a diversity of Kenya’s wildlife reserves & national parks where the different ecosystems attract a wide variety of animals and birds. Crossing the Rift Valley the scenery is spectacular, and each of the areas you visit offers landscapes of breathtaking beauty. At Lake Bogoria you will have the opportunity to walk the lakes edge and observe the flamingos at the hot geysers. You will travel through Samburu and Masai country, and in the Loita Hills experience cultural contact with the Masai.
Itinerary Highlights.
Samburu Game Reserve
Cultural contact with different tribes
Flamingos of Lake Bogoria National Reserve
Lake Naivasha
Masai Mara Game Reserve
Walk with Masai in the Loita hills.
(Family departures suitable for children 8 years & above)
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Departing Nairobi and heading north towards Samburu, we travel on 300 kms of good tarmac road that takes us through some spectacular scenery. We pass pineapple plantations, tea and coffee plantations, and of course the mountain forest of Mt. Kenya, before reaching 3000 metres altitude at Timau. The immense deserts of the north spread out far below us, a spectacular landscape punctuated by the mountains of Shaba and Matthews Ranges. We soon arrive back on the plains at Samburu. Samburu Game Reserve has a remarkably rich variety of fauna. It's a very picturesque reserve of semi desert savanna surrounded by the foothills of Mt. Kenya to the south and the Matthews Ranges to the north, and separated in two by the river `Uaso Nyiro'. The animal life is both varied and prolific, and includes a number of species that are not found in other areas, gerenuks, Grevy's zebra and the reticulated giraffe. The river bank is an excellent observation point. We camp this evening on Champagne Ridge.
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Game driving in Samburu Game Reserve. Camping
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Leaving the game reserve we drive through a sandy semi desert region with outcrops of giant granite boulders and sandy riverbeds lined with huge acacia trees and doum palms. We meet the Samburu herdsmen leading goats and camels to a watering hole and the women carrying water containers to their village. The Samburu populate a region of about 28500 square kilometres. Like other pastoralists of northern Kenya their lifestyle has changed very little over the past 100 years. They live in low huts carefully woven with branches and then covered with manure and mud. Their lifestyle evolves entirely around the herding of their goats, camels and cows that represent a symbol of wealth. Climbing up onto the Laikipia plateau with far reaching views over the spectacular landscapes we have just crossed, we find herds of zebra and cattle grazing together under the watchful eyes of the Samburu warriors. We visit the colourful town of Maralal where the Samburu people come to purchase their essentials. Maralal Game Sanctuary is a dense forest and is home to herds of elephant, buffalo, eland and many other animals.
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Descending into the Rift Valley we arrive at the very beautiful Lake Bogoria, a small game reserve of only 100 square kms. The Laikipia escarpment drops sharply into the lake on the eastern side, and along the shore we find geysers spurting steam high in the air and pools of hot water bubbling from the ground. Millions of flamingos line the lakeshore and are particularly concentrated around the hot springs. The lake is highly concentrated in soda and is ideal for the growth of algae upon which feed the flamingos. The reserve is birdwatchers paradise with flamingos, pelicans, avocets, ducks, cranes and hornbills just to mention a few.
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Heading south we stop at the busy town of Nakuru to do our shopping in the market. Nakuru is the 4th largest town in Kenya and is a rich agricultural region. The large variety of fresh fruit and vegetables is ideal for us, as we won't have the opportunity to re-supply for the rest of our journey. After shopping and a quick lunch we continue on to Lake Naivasha where we spend the night in camping under huge acacia trees on a private farm where giraffe & gazelle roam amongst the horses. As well clients can take a walk on Crescent Island amongst the wildlife & birds with fantastic views across the Lake. Lake Naivasha is one of the few freshwater lakes of the Rift Valley and as well as being home to huge herds of buffalo and hippos - not to mention the birdlife - there are large exploitations of flowers and vegetables grown for exportation and of great economic importance to the economy. Overnight in lodge.
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We leave the Rift Valley lakes and head for Masai land and the Loita Hills. Even outside national park boundaries the wildlife is abundant. The Masai are not hunters, as they don't appreciate the taste of game meat. So it's not unusual to pass a herd of Thompson's gazelle or wildebeest close to the Masai dwellings. The next day after breakfast we go walking with some local Masai guides. The surrounding landscape is magnificent and walking through the forest with green grassy clearings reminds us somehow of the English countryside - but not for long as we are brought back to reality and Africa by the sight of a Masai armed with his spear. We pass villages and stop to speak with the friendly inhabitants.
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We drive from the rolling hills onto the open plains of Masai Mara Game Reserve. Although these people of Nilotic origin were feared by the first explorers to the region, the proud warriors of today spend most of their time herding cattle in search of fresh pasturage. Masai Mara Game Reserve was established in 1961 and covers a surface of 1812 square km that is divided into 2 zones. The Masai are permitted to graze their cattle in the exterior section which is land controlled by the Masai group ranches, but the interior park of 518 square km is reserved strictly for the fauna. Masai Mara is a succession of undulating plains and rivers lined with acacia trees, where we can observe an exceptionally rich variety of wildlife. Here we find the largest lion population in Kenya, but even more spectacular is the enormous concentration of antelopes, zebras, and wildebeest. During the migration period the number of animals can reach the millions. In 1982 when the last survey was taken, there were recorded to be 1,200,000 wildebeest, 700,000 zebra, 400,000 gazelle, and of course all the hyenas, lions, cheetah and other predators that follow these herds and hunt the more feeble.
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After a last morning game drive we head back to Nairobi passing through Narok the capital of Masai territory and crossing once more the Rift Valley from west to east. Finally climbing the steep eastern escarpment back into Nairobi we are immediately confronted with the hustle and bustle of city life. After saying farewell to the rest of the group you will be dropped at your hotel.
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Travel in Style - Upgrade to comfort option. A larger tent will be set up for you, with camp bed and bedding.Private group safari can be arranged. Rates below exclude Easter Weekend. Rates DO NOT include park & conservation fees.
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8 Jan / 5 Feb / 11 March / 1 April / 10 June / 8 July / 19 Aug / 9 Sept / 7 Oct / 2 & 16 Dec 2012 Private departures and special interest groups are welcome.
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Low season: March/April(except Easter week end)*/May*/June*/Nov*/1 to 20 December
Mid season : Jan/Feb/1 to 7 July/27 August to end September/October/Easter week end
High season : 8 July to 26 August/20 Dec to 4 January
* means beware of rain
| Rates | Group | Valid From | Valid Until | Rate | |||
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Per person (Mid Season) | 2 | 1 Jan 2012 | 31 Oct 2012 | US$ | 2940 | ||
| Per person (Low Season) | 2 | 1 Mar 2012 | 20 Dec 2012 | US$ | 2806 | ||
| Per person (High Season) | 2 | 8 Jul 2012 | 4 Jan 2013 | US$ | 3208 | ||
| Single supplement | 1 | 1 Jan 2012 | 4 Jan 2013 | US$ | 140 |
Local Rates